This episode features Dr. Shirley Vargas sharing her experience with the High Leverage Practice of Connection. Her success in authentically connecting with others is grounded in her belief that truly being listened to and heard is a basic need for all people. She shares how practicing connection based on reciprocal respect can lead to amazing new opportunities. Shirley also unabashedly seeks connections with others, telling her story of “out -of-the-blue” reaching out to former Secretary of Education Dr. Melody Schopp, now Co-Owner of Influential She, to secure a summer internship in South Dakota!
Shirley Vargas, ED, L. D. is a social-justice minded educator of over 12 years who has focused on disrupting antiquated systems of education through immersive learning experiences, courageous leadership and strategic partnerships. Her passion is to reimagine an equitable education system designed for each learner to grow, thrive and lead. Shirley possesses a multitude of experiences leading and supporting positive change efforts within rural and urban schools and communities.
Presently Shirley is the Senior Administrator in the Office of Coordinated School and District Support for the Nebraska Department of Education in Lincoln, NE. She leads and coordinates school improvement providing technical assistance for teaching, learning, assessment and special education within identified schools. Along with many other education enhancement leadership roles, her experience includes being an Education Consultant within the Harvard Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, MA, along with being Director of School Renewal for the Office of School Superintendent, NYCDOE, in Brooklyn, NY. The genesis of her career trajectory, was being a Spanish and ESL teacher and coordinator for six years in New York.
Shirley Vargas has a Doctor of Educational Leadership (Ed,L.D.) from Harvard University. She achieved both a Masters of Science and Masters of Arts at Baruch College in New York. Her B.A in Spanish Language and Literature was from Hunter College, also in New York. From June through August 2017, Shirley gained state-level experience by working alongside Secretary Dr. Melody Schopp at the South Dakota Department of Education by being a Gordon Ambach Fellowship Recipient.
