ALAS is dedicated to providing research-based professional learning to educators, who work with English learners and within dual language programs with the goal of having all students acquire a second language with proficiency.
CEO & Co-founder of ALAS
OCDE Project GLAD Educational Consultant
She is currently the CEO and Co-founder of Academic Language Advocacy Services (ALAS). In this pivotal role, she is dedicated to making a significant impact and transforming pedagogy, with a particular focus on supporting schools and districts through high-quality professional learning services. ALAS aims to create and maintain sustainable, high-quality English Learner programs and dual language immersion programs, providing customized, research-based professional learning in both English and Spanish to educators, administrators, staff, and parents. This work is crucial for ensuring that every student has the opportunity to become multilingual and achieve academic success.
In her previous role as an Educational Services Coordinator at the Orange County Department of Education, she was instrumental in implementing innovative educational programs and services. Throughout her career, Diana has held various impactful positions in education, including Vice Principal and Bilingual Instructional Coach. She also served as a dedicated Classroom Teacher, fostering nurturing learning environments and positively impacting students' academic growth and development.
Co-Founder & Vice-CEO of ALAS
OCDE Project GLAD Educational Consultant
Omar has pursued a comprehensive academic journey, culminating in a diverse array of qualifications. In 2016, he obtained a Master of Arts in Education with a Multiple Subject Credential featuring Bilingual Authorization from Chapman University. Before this, in 2007, he earned a Master of Science in Administration along with a Clear Administrative Service Credential from Pepperdine University. Continuing his educational endeavors, in 2006, he acquired a Clear Designated Subjects Vocational Education Teaching Credential: Full Time from California State University Long Beach. Additionally, his educational foundation began with a Bachelor of Science in Information and Technology from the Technological Institute of Guzman City, Jalisco, México, awarded in 1999.
ALAS Advocate
Learning & Development (L&D) Specialist
Jenny Zavala is a distinguished bilingual education leader and strategist with over 18 years of experience driving institutional excellence and curriculum innovation. As the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for a premier dual immersion school in Southern California, she played a pivotal role in securing the prestigious America’s Best Urban School Award, a testament to her ability to deliver high-performance results in complex urban environments. A passionate advocate for teacher development and educational equity, Jenny specializes in creating inclusive, rigorous learning models that empower underrepresented students to achieve long-term academic success. Her extensive expertise in dual language leadership and strategic program growth makes her a transformative asset for organizations dedicated to high-impact education and professional excellence.
ALAS Advocate
Learning & Development (L&D) Specialist
Jennifer has pursued a comprehensive academic and professional journey, building over 20 years of expertise in equitable and multilingual education. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, complemented by specialized certifications in Spanish as a World Language and Leadership for Biliteracy. Her educational foundation began in Mexico, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in International Business. Beyond her formal degrees, she is recognized as an expert in language development and dual immersion programs, focusing her recent efforts on designing and delivering professional development for multilingual teaching staff. Additionally, Jennifer serves as a dedicated advocate for educational equity, championing research-based practices that aim to advance dual language initiatives and return joy to the classroom.
ALAS Advocate
Pedagogical Consultant
She holds a Master's in Hispanic American Literature from Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, México, and a Bachelor's in Hispanic Literature from Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, where she received a Research Diploma in 2018. Additionally, she completed courses in Contemporary Central American Narrative, Orality: Archive and Sound, and a Lecture Series on Fantastic Literature: "The Dark Side of Imagination" from prestigious institutions such as Cátedra Carlos Fuentes de Literatura Hispanoamericana, UNAM-United Kingdom Centro de Estudios Mexicanos, and the Instituto Mexicano Americano de Relaciones Culturales.
ALAS Adovcate
Learning & Development (L&D) Specialist
He is a highly accomplished educator and researcher with extensive experience in language and literature. He has excelled in academic settings, receiving awards for his scholarly contributions. As an Adjunct Professor at prestigious universities in Mexico City and Puebla, Edder has demonstrated his expertise in designing curriculum, conducting lectures, and fostering student development in oral and written expression. His dedication to academic excellence extends to his editorial work and research contributions, where he has published extensively and participated in conferences both nationally and internationally, making significant contributions to the field of literary studies.