Norwalk Superintendent Receives Humanitarian Award

Information via Norwalk Public Schools

NORWALK, CT — Norwalk Public Schools announced Wednesday Superintendent Alexandra Estrella has been named the 2025 recipient of the Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award from AASA, The Superintendents Association.

According to a news release provided by the school district, AASA is "the premier association for school system leaders and national voice for public education and district leadership on Capitol Hill."

The Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award is an annual national recognition of education leaders committed to the advancement and mentorship of women and people of color, and/or addressing social justice issues among children and adults in schools, according to the district.

Award winners are selected because they exemplify the qualities modeled by the late Dr. Effie Hall Jones, a school administrator, teacher, counselor and former AASA associate executive director, according to the district.

"I am honored to receive this award, which truly highlights our district's commitment to equity and opportunity," Estrella said in a news release. "By embracing diversity and inclusion at every level, we’re not just making our schools stronger—we're giving our students the role models and opportunities they need to succeed. Together, we're breaking down barriers, opening doors to success, and building a brighter future for everyone."

As superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools since 2020, Estrella has championed educational equity, creating opportunities for students and fostering diverse leadership within the profession, according to the district.

A staunch advocate for systemic change, Estrella is committed to eliminating barriers that limit student potential. Her leadership focuses on addressing disproportionalities in data and embedding equity, excellence, and inclusion across the district, according to the district.

In 2021, she introduced the role of deputy superintendent of excellence, equity and inclusion to drive these efforts. Under her guidance, the district has implemented multi-year professional learning workshops for the school board, administrators and staff to advance equity and inclusion, according to the district.

Estrella's dedication extends to creating opportunities for women and people of color in education leadership. Through mentorship and advocacy, she uplifts diverse voices, modeling equity and excellence for future leaders, according to the district.

Her work is grounded in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to achieve their dreams, and her passion for equity reflects both a professional commitment and a personal mission, according to the district.

Estrella will join Nettie Collins-Hart, another recipient of the 2025 Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award, to accept their awards at the AASA’s 2025 National Conference on Education in New Orleans.

"These two outstanding individuals continue to break down barriers and build bridges to ensure that the field of educational leadership is richer and more accessible to a wide range of qualified educators – we honor and congratulate them," AASA Executive Director David Schuler said in a news release. "Dr. Jones, a trailblazer throughout her illustrious career, would have been proud of their unselfish devotion to the students they serve and the communities in which they live."

More information about AASA is available here.