Gwinnett County Public Schools

Soraia Santos Felgenhauer

Soraia Santos Felgenhauer is an engagement leader with over two decades of experience in social work, counseling, local school administration, and district leadership. Felgenhauer is passionate about empowering students and families, promoting equity, fostering collaboration and ensuring that student welfare remains at the heart of every decision she makes. In an interview with Education Insider, Felgenhauer shared insights on her hands-on approach to leadership and fostering responsive spaces for underserved multilingual communities.

Advancing Student Welfare

Student welfare is inseparable from the well-being of families and communities. Early in my career, I witnessed the power of building authentic relationships, prioritizing listening and aligning needs with resources, shifting my focus from short-term solutions to long-term, systemic change.

Nurturing collective partnerships eliminates barriers for students, creating stronger pathways for success. The impact at the district level comes from creating a culture of collaboration where every voice matters.

Strategies Empowering Multilingual Communities

Youth engagement strategies prioritize voice and identity, fostering culturally responsive spaces for underserved multilingual communities. We prioritize listening and building trust with families and community leaders to enhance youth perspectives.

To ensure equitable participation, we collaborate across departments and provide translation and interpretation services. Our office works with the youth and families to design programs that meet their needs, focusing on intentional improvement and successes.

Elevating Engagement through Collaborative Coordination

Community school coordinators are at the heart of our engagement, and we support them with professional learning, both relational and practical. We focus on nurturing key skills that strengthen their ability to connect with students and families, empower their practices and foster innovative ideas for their clusters.

We collaborate across departments to address gaps and maintain trust. By utilizing insights from family engagement and data analysis teams, high school coordinators design targeted programs for families and community partners, amplifying extended learning opportunities and aligning with community needs. We foster environments where ideas and experiences are valued while enhancing family engagement, student participation and stakeholder partnerships.

Sustaining Cross-Sector Partnerships

We listen to the needs of students and families to connect them with potential partners. We evaluate each organization’s track record, cultural responsiveness and commitment to collaboration to identify those that share our values of equity and student-centered support.

To sustain partnerships, we emphasize ongoing communication and shared accountability through clear agreements that outline roles and success measures. Regular check-ins and data sharing help maintain role clarity, ensuring resources complement one another. When partners see themselves as part of a larger ecosystem, it builds synergy that multiplies impact for students and families.

Reimagining World-Class Engagement Leadership

World-class engagement leadership involves weaving innovation with humanity. Leaders must embrace technology to expand access while fostering authentic relationships.

The future of engagement lies with leaders who listen, co-create with communities and design inclusive and transparent systems. Balancing innovation with human connection means recognizing that behind every program is a student, a family and a story.

By grounding innovation in empathy, leaders can unite people around a shared vision that prioritizes children’s well-being. Celebrate diversity, embrace multilingual voices and ensure that every community feels valued.

Word of Advice for Peers

I envision our schools as community hubs where every child is at the center, families are valued and partners collaborate for success. Engagement is not just a program; it’s a culture built on relationships, equity and collaboration.

My advice to the next generation of engagement leaders is to lead with heart and forge connections that elevate and transform. Trust is built through consistency and integrity. Align stakeholders by uplifting unheard voices. Our success is measured by the lives we enrich and the communities we strengthen.