When Dr. Gina Acosta Potter began her education career in 1995, she had no idea that her first classroom would lay the foundation for nearly three decades of leadership.
She was one of only two graduates from U.C. Los Angeles’ teaching credential and Masters Degree program selected for a teaching role in the Santa Monica-Malibu School District. That early opportunity shaped the way she viewed students, teaching, and learning.
“I walked in on the first day of school knowing I had to earn my students’ trust,” she recalls. “Teaching showed me the importance of listening and seeking to understand before leading.”
Her early years gave her a close view of student needs. Many of her students came from diverse backgrounds, and she quickly learned that academic success was deeply connected to housing and food security, English language acquisition skills, along with emotional and social support. These insights stayed with her long after she left the classroom.
Moving Into School Leadership Roles
As Potter grew as an educator, she took on roles such as Associate Principal, Director of Preschool, and later Principal. Each step expanded her responsibilities and her understanding of how schools and educational programs operate.
“Becoming a Principal changed everything,” she says. “It showed me how every decision touches families, teachers, and students in ways you do not always see immediately.”
During these years, she focused on creating compassionate school environments where students felt supported and families felt seen. She also learned how to navigate budgets, staff development, and community expectations. These experiences became the building blocks of her leadership style.
Transitioning to District Leadership Positions
Potter eventually transitioned into district-level roles, including Assistant Superintendent of Business Services and Deputy Superintendent. At this level, she gained insight into navigating the complexities of a school district which included long-term planning, strategic finance, and system-wide equity work.
“When you step into district leadership, you realize that strategy matters as much as heart,” she explains. “You cannot improve outcomes without strong stable systems.”
Her work involved aligning budgets with student needs, guiding academic initiatives, and collaborating with county and state partners. She became known for a balanced approach that combined strategic leadership with compassion.
Leading as Superintendent Through Complex Challenges
Potter’s move into the Superintendent role represented the highest level of responsibility in her career. In the majority of districts that she has served, many students faced economic hardship, limited resources, and housing instability, she focused on building systems that addressed those challenges by leading teams of educators in the creation of robust comprehensive ecosystems of support
“We made equity the center of our work,” she says. “Students cannot learn if their basic needs are not met. It is our job to support the whole child and the whole family.”
Her leadership included expanding partnerships with local community groups and state legislative leaders, strengthening support for English learners, and building new pathways for team work. She understood that schools needed strong community ties and a compassionate team of educators focused on student success.
“Schools serve students better when their district focuses on lifting up the community,” Potter notes. “That became one of the guiding principles of our strategic vision and mission.”
Key Leadership Lessons From a 30-Year Career
1. Start by Understanding Students and Educators
Potter believes her career is shaped by her time in the classroom. “If you do not understand the students and educators you serve, you cannot teach and lead them,” she says. Her teaching years taught her that leadership starts with empathy and understanding.
2. Use Data to Support Student Needs
Throughout her district-level work, she learned to rely on data not as a barrier but as a tool. Sound academic strategy and wise financial planning help schools stay focused on aligning resources to targeted areas where students need the most support.
3. Build Partnerships Across Communities
Many of her most successful initiatives came from collaborating with state and federal legislative leaders, county and city agencies, and expanding community partnerships. “You cannot solve big problems alone as it takes a team of great minds and hearts across various levels of local, state, and federal leadership to come together to lift up whole communities and utilize education to open doors of opportunity for generational success,” she explains.
4. Stay Flexible and Keep Learning
Potter’s commitment to continuous improvement has been a throughline in her career. She understands that education evolves, and leaders must evolve with it.
A Professional Legacy Rooted in Equity and Connection
Across every role, Potter has remained committed to one core belief: all students deserve access to opportunity and success. Her work, from teaching to managing multimillion-dollar district budgets, reflects that mission.
“I never chased titles,” she says. “I focused on serving students and communities with purpose and integrity—and everything else followed.”
Her story offers a look into the mindset of a leader who has seen every level of the educational system. It is also a reminder that stability and success comes from a keen focus on student success, consistency, team work, community partnerships, and a clear vision for equity.
For readers who want to learn more about her work and insights, visit Dr. Gina Potter’s website at:
Looking Ahead
After nearly 30 years in education, Potter continues to inspire educators and leaders who want to strengthen public schools. Her career shows how thoughtful leadership, compassion, fiscal strategy, partnerships with legislative leaders, and community collaboration can elevate schools and communities.
“My own childhood and every step of my journey as an educator has taught me something important,” she says. “That is what keeps me committed to ensuring education provides students with pathways to life success and generational stability for their families..”
