The Your Story Matters Podcast Episode 36: Dr. Shana Matamala & Dr. Martin Yousef

Send us Fan MailOur brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. On this episode of The Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with Dr. Shana Matamala and Dr. Martin Yousef. Dr. Shana Matamala serves as the Chair of the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program and Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs at the LaFetra College of Education, University of La Verne. With 30 years of experience spanning P–12 education and higher education leadership, she brings a practitioner-informed perspective to doctoral studies. Her research focuses on inclusive leadership, fieldwork design, women leadership, and program development. Dr. Matamala is committed to preparing future leaders to navigate complex educational systems with innovation and purpose. Dr. Martin Yousef is the Associate Dean at the University of La Verne’s LaFetra College of Education. With more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, Dr. Yousef brings a unique blend of academic, operational, and human resources expertise to his work. His career spans key roles including professor, academic administrator, chief operating officer, and HR leader, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of how institutions function and thrive. Dr. Yousef has led major initiatives in academic operations, curriculum innovation, and program development, with a focus on designing high-quality, student-centered learning experiences across modalities. He is deeply committed to building and sustaining strategic partnerships, particularly with community colleges, K–12 districts, and regional organizations, to expand pathways, strengthen leadership pipelines, and advance educational equity. His research interests include online learning, generational preferences in education delivery, leadership styles, change management, and the role of HR in talent development and retention. I am so excited for you to get to know and learn from Dr. Shana Matamala and Dr. Martin Yousef today!Dr. Shana MatamalaDr. Martin YousefUniversity of La Verne Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Program