Congratulations to Dr. Omar Escalera on being named the inaugural Executive Director of the Broetje Family Trust! A bilingual educator and community-centered leader with more than two decades of experience in public education, Dr. Escalera has dedicated his career to advancing equity, belonging and faith-driven service. 

In this month’s Alumni Spotlight, Dr. Escalera reflects on his journey, the values that guide his leadership, and his vision for transforming communities across Washington and beyond.

Read Dr. Escalera’s Q&A below.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to pursue a career in education? 

I was born and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua and began working at a young age. I would go work downtown in the mornings and would attend school in the afternoons. My early experiences taught me the value of hard work, purpose, community, and resilience. My father was a secondary school teacher, and I come from a long line of educators—people who believed deeply in the power of learning and service. When my family moved to the U.S., I found myself navigating new systems and languages, and it was the educators in my life who helped me feel seen and supported. That sense of belonging inspired me to pursue a career in education—to create spaces where every child feels valued and empowered.

You’ve served in many roles across education — from teacher and principal to executive director of equity, partnerships and family engagement. What have been some defining lessons or moments from those experiences? 

Each role has deepened my understanding of leadership as service, and they all have eventually led me to understand what it means to be a servant leader. As a teacher and principal, I learned the importance of listening—to students, families, and staff—and leading with empathy. In district-level roles, I saw how systems can either uplift or hinder equity. One defining moment was co-creating a family engagement network called Familias Unidas de Washington which is rooted in cultural humility and trust. It reminded me that transformation happens when we center relationships and community voice.

Your journey began in the orchards of Vista Hermosa and has come full circle with your new role as Executive Director of the Broetje Family Trust. How has that early experience shaped your leadership and sense of purpose? 

What are you most excited about as you step into this inaugural Executive Director role? Working in the orchards instilled in me a deep respect for labor, dignity, and the sacredness of place. Vista Hermosa wasn’t just a job site—it was a community rooted in faith, justice, and belonging. I always give testimony of how that very special place, saved my life and enabled me to lead. Vista Hermosa was my Sandlot. As I step into this new role, I’m excited to steward that legacy and build bridges across our initiatives in education, health, and community development. My purpose is to lead with purpose, love and accountability, ensuring our work reflects the values that shaped me.

Looking back at your time in the Leadership for Learning (Ed.D.) program at the UW College of Education, how did that experience influence or prepare you for your current work?

The L4L program was transformative. It challenged me to interrogate systems, embrace adaptive leadership, and center equity in every decision. The cohort model fostered deep relationships and collective learning, and the faculty pushed us to lead with both heart and rigor. That experience gave me the tools—and the courage—to lead complex changes while staying grounded in community. I will forever be indebted to all the faculty that shared their brilliance during my time in the L4L program, especially the initial and ongoing support of Dr. Anthony Craig and Dr. Ann Ishimaru. They believed in my leadership and allowed me to believe that I was capable and needed to reimagine educational systems.

What advice would you share with current students or emerging leaders who are passionate about equity, community and servant leadership? 

Stay rooted in your “why.” Leadership is not about titles—it’s about impact, humility, and service. Surround yourself with truth-tellers, listen deeply, and never lose sight of the communities you serve. Equity work is hard and often uncomfortable, but it’s also sacred. Lead with love and let that love guide your courage.

What brings you joy outside of work? 

Spending time with my family brings me the greatest joy. My wife and my two girls are my inspiration. They are my entire world. Moments of quiet reflection and laughter with loved ones keep me grounded and allow me to continue doing the work.