Lisette Estrella-Henderson has served as an Educator in Solano County for over 36 years.

 

Lisette grew up in a military family and was raised in Solano County after her father was stationed at Travis Air Force Base. She attended Solano College and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Davis, and a Master’s in Education degree from the California State University, Sacramento, with focus on bilingual cross-cultural education. In addition to her California Teaching Credential, she also holds her Bilingual Specialist and Administrative Services Credentials and is a certified leadership coach.

 

In January of 2017, she became the first Latina Superintendent of Schools in Solano County’s history and only the second female to hold the position. She believes that a quality education is a vital priority for every student, and a strong public education system is critical to the social fabric and economic vitality of our community. In her role as an educator, and more recently as the County Superintendent of Schools, she has championed equity and culturally responsive and inclusive practices as foundational and essential as we strive to prepare students to learn, grow, thrive, and achieve lifelong success regardless of their gender, ethnicity, primary language, socio economic challenges, or approaches to learning.

 

Lisette proudly represents K-12 public education as an active member of several local, regional, statewide, and national organizations including the: California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA); Association of California School Administrators (ACSA); U.C. Davis Computing, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (C-STEM) Girls in Robotics Leadership (GIRL) Advisory Board; California Collaborative for Education Excellence Advisory Council; First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission; Solano Economic Development Corporation; Solano Partnership Against Violence; Solano Community Corrections Partnership; Solano Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council; Solano Coalition for Better Health; Solano Community College Educational Foundation Board of Directors; Vacaville Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors; Solano Kids Thrive; and local Chambers of Commerce.

 

Through her extensive knowledge, experience, and leadership abilities, Lisette has earned widespread respect and recognition from her community and up to the national level such as: 2021 Mosaic Award, Touro University California; 2020 Superintendent of the Year (Region 1), California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA); 2019 C-STEM Administrator of the Year (UC Davis); 2018 Woman of the Year from the 3rd Congressional District; Women in Educational Leadership Award, American Association of School Administrators (AASA); Outstanding Woman Leader Award, Woman of Distinction Award, Soroptimist International of Dixon; and Community Recognition Award, La Raza Lawyers Association of Solano. Additionally, her expertise has appeared in numerous publications, and she has presented at conferences locally as well as throughout California and across the United States.