Leaders Build Leaders

We’re kicking off a new season with George Mendoza, Superintendent of La Grande School District and the 2026 Oregon Superintendent of the Year. But this conversation goes beyond the title. Superintendent Mendoza takes us back to his early years and shares the journey from classroom teacher to superintendent—including the mentors, challenges and experiences that shaped how he leads today. We talk about rural education, student success, building strong communities and what it really takes to lea

In this episode of Leaders Build Leaders, Dr. Coakley sits down with Jarvez Hall, Director of the East Metro STEAM Partnership at the Multnomah Education Service District. Jarvez leads regional efforts that connect schools, industry partners, and communities to build meaningful, real-world learning experiences. His work focuses on ensuring students don’t just have exposure to STEAM—but have true access, belonging, and pathways into future careers. This conversation explores what it really takes

May is a month when we recognize the vital role of school nurses—professionals who form the backbone of student health and safety. With National School Nurse Day observed on the first Wednesday of May, this episode of Leaders Build Leaders couldn’t be more timely. I sat down with Jamie Smith, Senior Program Administrator for School Health Services at Multnomah Education Service District (MESD). Jamie leads coordinated school health efforts across multiple districts, work that mirrors the very p

This month on Leaders Build Leaders with Dr. Coakley, we are excited to welcome Natasha Jackson, Senior Climate & Culture Administrator at MESD. This episode focuses on how MESD’s Climate & Culture work advances Blueprint’28 by helping schools create environments where every student feels safe, valued, and supported. Through leadership coaching, professional learning, and equity-centered systems improvement, Natasha shares how districts can strengthen belonging, student well-being, and cultural

This month on Leaders Build Leaders with Dr. Coakley, we are excited to welcome David Cramblett, Senior Technology Services Administrator at MESD. With more than two decades in education technology, David shares how MESD’s Technology Services team supports schools across Multnomah County. In this episode, we talk about: Technology in service of student success Advancing the Blueprint’28 goals Equity-centered tech support and access The importance of data privacy and security in schools To

This special episode of the Leaders Build Leaders Podcast marks Black History Month with a unique and personal conversation featuring Dr. Coakley. With the roles reversed, Marifer Sager, Director of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs and executive producer of the podcast, steps into the interviewer’s seat. Dr. Coakley reflects on his journey to becoming a superintendent, recognizes the mentors and colleagues who shaped his path, and shares insights on leadership, purpose, and service.