Dr. Ariel Lajara & Dr. Renato Lajara, Assistant Superintendents, School District of Philadelphia

Our first two-fer episode! With roots in the Dominican Republic but very different paths through their student experience, cousins Dr. Ariel Lajara (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ariel-lajara-6b6a8421b/) and Dr. Renato M Lajara (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-renato-m-lajara-b3206487/) careers now run in parallel as Assistant Superintendents in The School District of Philadelphia (https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-district-of-philadelphia/). Though distinct and unique, their individual journeys are equally remarkable. Both battled through a language barrier. Both cite some special teachers as essential advocates. And both have a steadfast commitment to paying it forward, helping every educator they mentor and support, and every student in their care, especially the most vulnerable in their urban setting.