We’re passionate about helping you grow and make an impact.

Our History

The Oregon Association of Latino Administrators was formed in April 2002 as an attempt to create a vehicle to support and mentor Latino Administrators as well Latino educators who aspire to become administrators in the State of Oregon. A small group of dedicated administrators from the Portland Metropolitan area met in Hillsboro and began the task of developing the Vision, Mission, goals and bylaws for the group.

It was at the National Middle School Conference in November 2002 and the National Migrant Conference in April 2003, both held in Portland, Oregon, that the group expanded from being a regional group into a statewide organization. With support from the Wallace Foundation, the Oregon State Action for Education Leadership Project (SAELP) and Lewis & Clark College, OALA held its first Winter Conference on February 12, 2005. The conference was well attended and established OALA as an organization with a voice in the educational circles of Oregon.

Our Goals

1. To promote Latino educators into leadership positions.

2. To ensure educational equity for all students especially those of Latino heritage.

3. To advocate at the federal, state, and local level for equitable educational policies impacting Latino students.

4. To disseminate data related to the changing demographics and their implications for schools in Oregon.

5. To develop strategic partnerships with organizations throughout the state that acknowledges and supports the accomplishments of Latino youth.

6. To provide opportunities to build the capacity in the organization and of its members.

** To view our complete By-Laws: OALA By-Laws **

Meet the OALA Board

Past Presidents

  • Dr. Karen Perez - Educator Advancement Council

  • Sarita Amaya – Beaverton School District

  • Dr. Victor Vergara – Edmonds School District (WA)

  • Gina Roletto – Portland Public Schools

  • Dr. Saideh Haghighi – Hillsboro School District

  • Mark Davalos – Centralia SD, WA (Retired)

  • Mario Alba – Retired

  • Dr. Gus Balderas –Beaverton SD

  • Carlos Perez – Hillsboro School District, (Retired)

** If you have questions about our organization, please feel free to contact us :

Gina Roletto
Gina.Roletto@oalaboard.org

Here’s what our members are saying…

OALA Protégé Cohort Member

“The OALA voices continue to affirm me on the journey to educational equity still today.”

OALA Protégé Cohort Member

“Being part of OALA's Protégé program was an absolute honor- it transformed my professional journey”

OALA Protégé Cohort Member

"I deeply benefited from hearing what leaders in Oregon had to say about the state of education.”