MEET WENDY
Early Life
Meet Wendy
Wendy was born and raised in New York City, growing up in Black Harlem and attending school in Spanish Harlem, known as El Barrio. She did not come from wealth, power, or influence. Her upbringing was shaped by resilience, cultural pride, and the determination of her family. Her mother migrated from Mexico and spent much of her life working in the fields alongside her father—Wendy’s grandfather—across Texas and Mexico. Her grandfather shared powerful stories of his past, including his experiences in conflicts involving Geronimo. To protect his family, he later went into hiding due to the dangers posed by Indian boarding schools, fearing that Wendy’s mother would be taken from him. Wendy’s father immigrated to New York from Peru after his sister secured a position as a secretary at the United Nations. Arriving without knowledge of English, he embraced the challenge of learning a third language, having grown up speaking Spanish and Quechua. His perseverance and commitment to opportunity became a strong influence in Wendy’s life.
Childhood & Education
Wendy’s childhood was marked by economic hardship. Her family experienced poverty, often relying on public assistance and food stamps, and at times facing food insecurity. Despite these challenges, Wendy remained deeply committed to her education and personal growth. A defining part of her early development was her involvement in music. Wendy studied violin under renowned instructor Roberta Guaspari and earned the opportunity to attend the Music Advancement Program at Juilliard. This experience not only nurtured her artistic talents but also instilled discipline, confidence, and a sense of possibility beyond her circumstances. Her early education in New York City, combined with her exposure to the arts and her family’s strong work ethic, helped shape her lifelong commitment to education and community empowerment.
Professional Journey
Wendy has dedicated her career to education and community development across the United States. She began her work in New York City as the Deputy Director of Educational Initiatives for the Native American Education Program within the New York City Public Schools. In this role, she also helped develop the nonprofit Red Hawk Native American Arts Council, which continues its work today. She later moved to Georgia, where she continued serving in the educational system in both the outskirts of Atlanta and the Savannah–Chatham County area. Her commitment to underserved communities then led her to South Dakota, where she worked on both the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Eventually, Wendy made California her home. There, she served as a school principal before advancing to Director of Whole Child Education for the Roseland School District. She currently serves as Superintendent of the Semitropic School District, continuing her mission to support students, families, and communities through equitable and holistic education.
Personal Connection
At the age of 12, Wendy was welcomed into another family who embraced her as their own. This transformative experience broadened her understanding of what family means—teaching her that family is not defined by one structure, but by love, support, and connection, and that it can take many different forms. During this time, Wendy’s path began to shift toward a deep passion for education, influenced in part by her new family’s matriarch, who was an educator. This mentorship helped shape Wendy’s commitment to serving students and communities through education. Today, Wendy values the time she spends with her two children, Scarlett and Alexander “Lex,” and takes pride in her role as a military spouse. Her personal experiences continue to inform her work, grounding her leadership in empathy, resilience, and a strong sense of community. She is deeply committed to empowering every student by ensuring access to meaningful opportunities and support, while also focusing on supporting the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. In all that she does, Wendy prioritizes preparing students for college and career readiness, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in life beyond the classroom.
From My Heart to Yours
My journey in education started with a simple belief: every child deserves a champion. As I look at the students in our community, I see my own story, and I am driven by the vision of a future where educational equity isn't just a goal, but a reality for everyone. Together, we can move 'adelante'—forward—to ensure that our schools support the whole child and foster true academic excellence.
Wendy Castaneda Leal
A Vision for Equity
Empowering Every Student
My vision is built on the fundamental belief that geographical boundaries or primary languages should never dictate a child's potential. We must dismantle systemic barriers to ensure that every student in California has the resources they need to thrive academically and personally.
ADELANTE
Supporting the Whole Child
Education goes beyond the classroom. To bridge the achievement gap, we must provide comprehensive support that includes mental health resources, nutritional security, and strong community partnerships. When we care for the whole child, we unlock their true capacity for excellence.
College and Career Readiness
Our schools must be launchpads for the future. By strengthening academic achievement through innovative curricula and vocational training, we prepare our youth to lead the next generation of social and economic progress. Let us move 'adelante' together.