Nella Garcia Urban

Latino Educators Advancing Leadership (LEAL)
Houston, TX

Nella Garcia Urban, originally from the Rio Grande Valley, joined YES Prep in 2004 as a founding teacher at the YES Prep North Central campus where she taught various subjects in the humanities for two years. She then became a founding teacher at YES Prep East End in 2006 and a founding Assistant School Director at YES Prep Lee, now YES Prep Gulfton. In 2007, Nella transitioned out of school leadership and into the Director of Teacher Development role where she led the Teaching Excellence Program for four years. After leading the Teaching Excellence Program, Nella began to explore alignment within talent initiatives and programs at YES Prep as the Vice President of Talent. Most recently, Nella served as Chief Program Officer.  

Nella graduated from Rice University in 2003 with degrees in English, Spanish, and Political Science. She received a master’s degree from Sam Houston State University in Education Leadership. In 2013, Nella was named a Pahara NextGen Fellow with the Aspen Institute, a program geared towards leaders in education reform with a diverse perspective.  Nella is married to Pierre Urban, and they have two children – Mikaela Jo and Pierre Juan.  

Overview

Latino Educators Advancing Leadership (LEAL) is an organization of Latino education leaders driven to increase the number, voice, and power of Latino leaders in charter schools. Despite Latino families investing their trust and commitment to charter schools at higher rates, Latino representation is lacking at all levels of the charter sector, from teachers to board members. LEAL is building a membership organization that fosters community and elevates Latino leaders to decision-making seats, ensuring representation for all. 

LEAL seeks the Boulder Fund to launch the Latino Leaders for Legacy Program, a leadership acceleration and sustainability program designed to address three pressing needs:  

  • Community: We will create healing spaces focused on impactful issues such as imposter syndrome, colorism, and identity building.  

  • Healing: We will offer strategic support (coaching, consulting, and tools) to sustain leadership in charter organizations.  

  • Strategy: We will shape the path so they are not leading alone, but with community and familia behind them in the Latino Leaders for Legacy Program.