News & Announcements

ACSA-R invites all its members to celebrate the end of another school year.

We are excited to invite you to the ACSA Region 16 LA Dodgers Day on June 19, 2025, as the Dodgers take on the Padres. Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with great company, food, and fun!

The ACSA Region 16 Administrator of the Year Awards Banquet honors exceptional educational leaders for their service, vision, and impact.

Dr. John White, retired LAUSD principal and lifelong advocate for educational excellence, is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Retired Administrator of the Year. With 35 years of dedicated service in Los Angeles Unified and 25 years of ACSA membership, Dr. White’s leadership legacy is defined by collaboration, equity, and the belief that all children deserve a high-quality education—regardless of circumstance.

Ivania Holodnak, Principal of Valley Oaks Center for Enriched Studies, is recognized as a 2025 ACSA Region 16 Honoree for her extraordinary leadership and 30 years of unwavering service in LA Unified. As a proud ACSA member for the past three years, Ivania leads with a rare combination of vision, heart, and dedication to student empowerment.

Nerina Facio, Assistant Principal at Northridge Middle School, is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Secondary Co-Administrator of the Year. A proud LAUSD graduate and lifelong educator, Nerina’s 23-year journey—from paraprofessional to assistant principal—is rooted in resilience, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to student success.

Gabriel Ortega, Principal of Sepulveda Middle School, is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Middle School Administrator of the Year. With 28 years of service in LA Unified and over a decade of active membership in ACSA, Gabriel is celebrated for his impactful leadership, steady mentorship, and commitment to creating learning environments where all students are encouraged to rise and thrive.

Ritma Estupiñan, Assistant Principal at Canoga Park Elementary, is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Elementary Co-Administrator of the Year. A proud LAUSD alum and lifelong educator, Ritma’s 22-year journey—from teacher assistant to assistant principal—exemplifies what it means to lead with gratitude, heart, and deep community ties.

2025 ACSA Region 16 Student Services Administrator of the Year. With 30 years of service, over a decade in ACSA, and a legacy rooted in both cultural pride and districtwide advocacy, Brenda has dedicated her life to helping students become the best versions of themselves.

Dr. Simone R. Charles, Principal of Wonderful Whitman Continuation High School—a recently named Model Continuation School by the California Department of Education—is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Valuing Diversity Award honoree. A fierce advocate for equity, community, and transformation, Dr. Charles also serves as Chairperson of the ACSA Region 16 Equity Council.