Earlier this month I had an opportunity to visit the Fresno Unified School District and observe the leadership work on the equity front of Superintendent Mao Misty Her and the senior leadership team. Fresno Unified has long been recognized for its resilience, innovation, and deep belief in the potential of every student. Over the past several years, the district has made a bold and inspiring shift: placing equity-centered leadership at the forefront of its strategy for student success. This work is more than a set of initiatives, it is a systemwide commitment to transforming how leaders learn, collaborate, engage communities, and remove barriers so every child experiences a path to opportunity.
At the heart of Fresno Unified’s approach is a shared understanding: equity must be lived, not laminated. The district has embraced leadership practices that prioritize examining root causes, challenging assumptions, and designing supports that reflect the lived experiences of students and families. Building on a robust principal pipeline and leadership development infrastructure, Fresno has invested in coaching, reflective practice, and cross-department collaboration to ensure leaders can act with both courage and clarity.
One of the district’s most powerful strategies is its commitment to collective leadership, grounded in the idea that equity flourishes when teams—not just individuals—take responsibility for outcomes. School and district teams regularly engage in structured learning walks, equity audits, and deep data inquiry cycles that surface disparities and generate actionable solutions. These practices help leaders move from intuition to evidence-based action, focusing not only on “what is happening” but on “for whom and why.” By aligning adult behaviors with student-centered goals, Fresno Unified continues to narrow opportunity gaps and elevate instructional quality across all schools.
The district’s approach also reflects a deep respect for community voice. Equity-centered leadership in Fresno is intentionally responsive to the cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity of its families. Leaders work alongside parents, caregivers, and community partners to co-design support that honors student identity and removes barriers to engagement. Whether expanding early literacy initiatives, strengthening multilingual learner support, or broadening college and career pathways, community partnership has become a defining feature of Fresno’s equity journey.
Fresno Unified’s work demonstrates that equity is not an add-on to leadership; it is leadership. This vision has helped cultivate a culture where leaders are expected to reflect, learn, and act collaboratively on behalf of students who have historically been underserved. As the district continues refining its systems and deepening its leadership capacity, it stands as a powerful model for districts nationwide.
Ultimately, Fresno Unified’s equity-centered leadership is rooted in a simple but profound belief: when adults learn, students thrive. Through intentional design, courageous conversations, and relentless focus on belonging and opportunity, Fresno is building a future where every student not only succeeds, but feels seen, valued, and empowered to lead.