Support Page Content
Equity Leader: Crystal Martinez-Alire
Get to Know Dr. Martinez-Alire
Quick Facts
- Ed.D. Graduation Year: 2013
- Position when you first started the Ed.D. program: Education Coordinator, Shingle Springs Tribal TANF
- Position that you currently hold: Faculty/Counselor, Los Rios Community College District; Board of Education Trustee, Elk Grove Unified School District, California School Board Association, Director-at-Large, American Indian
Get to know her work
- CSBA Director-at-Large, Native American reflects on teaching Native studies curriculum. 2020. In CSBA Blog. blog.csba.org
- Miwok Dancers - Native American Heritage (video). 2020. Consumnes River College.
- COVID-19: The impacts on the Native American community and students within the K-12th system. 2020. In CSBA Directors-at-Large Nov. 2020 Newsletter. CSBA.
Cosumnes River College Land Acknowledgement
Inspirational Quote
Never forget the community and struggles you encountered, it only makes you stronger and it is through our ancestors struggles that the Native American community was able to remain resilient.
—Native Elder
Interview
How did your doctorate prepare you for this particular career trajectory?
The doctorate program prepared me for a position of leadership as I learned leadership theories, about student services, and how to become a researcher. My dissertation topic was on the perceptions of tribal leadership, the impact of education and cultural knowledge. My current positions directly related to my dissertation topic which I am fortunate and blessed to be in the leadership roles of education while working within the Native American community.
Transformative Leadership means …
Transformational leadership means a leader that is authentic and uses data to drive decisions. A transformational leader is a change agent and someone not afraid to take risks. This type of leader also supports the organizational goals while developing skills within other individuals to help the entire institution make change. As a leader, it’s important to be aware of the community and stakeholders’ needs to help make the necessary changes to policies.
Advice for Prospective Ed.D. Students?
A word of advice for future students is to stay strong and remember you will get through the journey. It is with the help and support of others that I was able to succeed, and it was only by their encouragement. As a student, I encountered difficult times in which I couldn’t attend certain family functions as I had papers and exams to study for within deadlines. However, I stayed focused and achieved the goal of my degree and it was through commitment and perseverance, so please don’t give up on yourself or put too much pressure. During the time of this pandemic its important to reach out to colleagues and professors to achieve all your goals. I would encourage students to stay positive. When you enter the program, you will be a different person/student then when you exit and graduate. You will have a knowledge of theory and a specific skill set that separates you out from others with an entirely different perspective from walking in this journey of educational leadership.
Did any faculty really support you?
Yes, there were multiple faculty members that supported me as a student and helped me grow as a researcher. The focus on my research within the Native American community provided me the opportunity to work with key leaders and I would like to thank; Dr. Reed, Dr. Turner, Dr. Nevarez, Dr. Borunda, Dr. Travis, Dr. Rodriquez, and many others within the EDD program.
Become a Leader in Education
Are you inspired by Dr. Martinez-Alire? Ready to advance your career in Education and learn the skills necessary to Champion Change in Educational Leadership and Public Policy?
Without you, change doesn't happen.
If you're ready to make a difference as a school district superintendent, school principal, community college administrator, governmental analyst, community outreach program administrator, or other educational leader—the Sacramento State Educational Doctorate (Ed.D.) program can advance you on your path.
To find out if you have what it takes to be a Doctor of Education – a transformational leader who can make change happen in your organization – join us at an information session.