Belonging, Power & Community: Lessons from Ramona Esparza-Stoffregan

In this episode of The CFL Podcast, host Andy Lott sits down with his former eighth-grade English teacher, Ramona Esparza-Stoffregan, a longtime educator, principal, community advocate and current CCSD trustee. Their reunion is a reminder of the educators who shape us along the way, recognize our strengths early, nurture our curiosity and spark possibilities we carry with us long after leaving the classroom. 

Andy shares how Ramona was one of those educators, and their conversation reflects the kind of connection that can influence a young person’s entire learning journey.

Together, they explore what it means to redesign learning with young people at the center, how community and schools must work in partnership, and why belonging and purpose matter more than ever.

Below are three key takeaways from their conversation. 

1. Belonging isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s the foundation for meaningful learning.

Throughout the episode, Ramona returns to a theme she’s carried across her entire career: young people learn best when they feel a deep sense of belonging. Belonging, she explains, isn’t limited to relationships. It’s about helping young people find the place where they feel connected, where their passions, identities and interests are recognized and supported. 

From student-led organizations to project-based learning environments, Ramona explains how schools can become places where young people engage, lead and grow, not simply attend classes, whether that’s a club, team, or an interest that hasn’t been created yet. 

Ramona also shared how belonging extends beyond individual classrooms and into the leadership of our learning ecosystem. Through her work as president of the Nevada Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, she focuses on growing a pipeline of leaders who reflect and represent the young people they serve. With nearly half of CCSD’s learners identifying as Hispanic, Ramona emphasized the importance of young people seeing principals, teachers and system leaders who understand their lived experiences and can help them navigate the challenges they face.

2. Young people shouldn’t just have a voice; they should have power.

One of the most compelling stories Ramona shared was from her time as a high school principal, when a student asked to chair the school organizational team, a role traditionally held by adults. 

Some adults initially questioned it: “Is this permissible? What do the regulations say?” But Ramona trusted the student, reminded her of the responsibility, and ultimately said yes: “Do you want to lead adults in this space? Because if you do, I’ll support you.”

The student excelled in the role, and that single decision set a new norm. Today, many schools have young people serving as chairs. Her broader belief is simple: when young people are trusted with real responsibility, they rise. Leadership is something they can practice now, in community with adults who support and guide them.

3. Strong school-community partnerships make learning relevant to real life

Ramona spoke candidly about the need for schools and communities to be closer in partnership. As a CCSD trustee, she sees firsthand how every neighborhood has its own needs, strengths and identities, and why schools must reflect that. 

She emphasized: 

• Listening deeply to families

• Showing up in community spaces, not expecting families to always come to schools

• Building trust by following through on concerns and needs

When asked how learning could feel more connected to real life, she pushed for bold rethinking: flexible time models, work-based learning, internships, dual-credit opportunities, and pathways that allow young people to earn credentials and income while completing school.

These ideas, she believes, both prepare young people for the workforce and keep them engaged, motivated and connected to their futures.

Looking Ahead

Ramona leaves us with an important reminder: Young people already have the answers—we just need to listen. As Nevada explores new possibilities for learning, Ramona sees a unique moment to rethink structures, rebuild trust, and ensure that belonging, purpose and community remain at the center.

We hope you’ll join us for future episodes of The CFL Podcast as we continue highlighting the people imagining a thriving learning ecosystem for Nevada’s young people.