Leaders Build Leaders

Dr. Paul E. Coakley, MESD Superintendent
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Leaders Build Leaders is dedicated to exploring the experiences, insights, and strategies of exceptional leaders from the educational field. Our aim is to provide our listeners with practical advice, lessons learned, and actionable insights that they can apply to their own personal and professional development. We believe in the power of sharing inspiring stories and valuable knowledge to empower aspiring leaders and to make a positive impact in the community.

  1. FEB 27

    Season 3 Episode 6: Technology in Service of Student Success with David Cramblett

    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 successAdvancing the Blueprint’28 goalsEquity-centered tech support and accessThe importance of data privacy and security in schools

    33 min

  2. FEB 1

    Season 3 Episode 5: A Reason for Every Season with Dr. Coakley

    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. Join us for this inspiring episode highlighting leadership stories from MESD.

    1 hr

  3. 12/01/2025

    Season 3 Episode 4: Life Outdoors with Jennifer Basham

    Dr. Coakley talks with Jennifer Basham, Senior Program Administrator for MESD’s Outdoor School, about her journey from Outdoor School student to program leader, the power of experiential learning, and how her team is adapting to change while keeping the magic of the outdoors alive for thousands of students each year. Learn more about Outdoor School at outdoorschool.multnomahesd.org

    41 min

  4. 10/27/2025

    Season 3 Episode 3: Building Pathways to College with Geof Garner

    In this episode of Leaders Build Leaders, Dr. Coakley talks with Geof Garner, program manager for TRIO Programs, about his inspiring and unconventional journey. From his parents’ short-lived drag racing business and early school challenges to serving in the military and working overseas, Geof shares how each experience shaped his “guide on the side” leadership style. The conversation highlights the power of resilience, the importance of the word “yet,” and how programs like TRIO and Upward Bound open doors for first-generation and low-income students. If you'd like to learn more about alternative pathways at MESD, visit www.multnomahesd.org/programs/trio

    37 min

  5. 09/29/2025

    Season 3 Episode 2: Hispanic Heritage Month with Alejandra Nava

    As Hispanic Heritage Month continues, we highlight Alejandra Nava, who serves as the Program Administrator for Career Pathways at MESD. Alejandra shares her personal journey and participation in the Multnomah Grow Your Own program (MGYO), a joint endeavor focused on fostering pathways for future educators to enhance the local educational workforce. Gain insight into MGYO's accomplishments, the importance of this collaborative project, and Alejandra's efforts in supporting aspiring educators. Don't miss out on this discussion!

    33 min

  6. 08/27/2025

    Season 3 Episode 1: Recovery is For Everyone with Principal Todd Nicholson

    In episode 1 of the new season 3 of Leaders Build Leaders, Dr. Coakley interviews Principal Todd Nicholson, who gives us an inside look at recovery school Rivercrest Academy. Todd shares about his personal journey and about how Rivercrest came to be, what a day looks like, and why it's important. Learn more about the Rivercrest Academy at rivercrestacademy.multnomahesd.org

    34 min

  7. 04/01/2025

    Season 2 Episode 5: AI Empowered Education with Katy Tibbs

    In this episode of Leaders Build Leaders, Dr. Coakley interviews Katy Tibbs, who has been an educator, a teacher librarian, and currently Digital Learning & AI Integration Specialist at Multnomah Education Service District. Dr. Coakley and Katy discussed artificial intelligence - how to start using it, its potential impact on education, and resources to learn more, including MESD's upcoming collaboration for the 2025 AI Empowered Education conference.  Learn more about the conference at https://aiempowerededu2025.sched.com

    28 min

  8. 03/01/2025

    Season 2 Episode 4: Staying Curious with Michael Lopes Serrao

    In this episode of Leaders Build Leaders, Dr. Coakley interviews Michael Lopes Serrao, who has been Superintendent of Parkrose School District since 2018 after working for the district since 2002. Dr. Coakley and Superintendent Lopes Serrao speak about their influencers, about the power of curiosity, and about what the future of education might look like.

    29 min
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About

Leaders Build Leaders is dedicated to exploring the experiences, insights, and strategies of exceptional leaders from the educational field. Our aim is to provide our listeners with practical advice, lessons learned, and actionable insights that they can apply to their own personal and professional development. We believe in the power of sharing inspiring stories and valuable knowledge to empower aspiring leaders and to make a positive impact in the community.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Paul E. Coakley, MESD Superintendent
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 Leaders Build Leaders with Dr. Coakley
  • Show Website
    Leaders Build Leaders