Staff Spotlight: Anna Lopez Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

For Anna Lopez, showing up for families comes naturally. As a parent bilingual liaison for VCUSD, she spends her days connecting Spanish-speaking families with the school and community resources they need to thrive.

That instinct to help, she says, is deeply rooted in her own upbringing. Lopez is one of several staff members Vallejo City Unified School District is spotlighting as part of its celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, running from September 15 through October 15.

"My Hispanic heritage has taught me the importance of family, hard work, and helping others," Lopez said. As the oldest daughter in her family, she took on responsibilities early and learned to care for those around her — experiences that shaped her path into education. "I always saw myself working in education because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children and families, especially our Spanish-speaking community," she said.

Lopez's parents are from Mexicali, Baja California, and Nayarit, Mexico. She credits them with encouraging her to pursue higher education so she could build a better future. Family remains central to her values today, and she says the phrase "Unidos, somos más" — "united, we are more" — reflects how she and her community show up for and support one another.

At home, Lopez speaks Spanish. Among the traditions she's proud to carry forward are her culture's foods, including tamales and buñuelos. She'd love for others to experience Chichén Itzá, the famous Mayan ruins, as a window into her heritage. Her mother remains her role model, someone who inspired her as she was growing up and continues to guide her.

Lopez's advice for VCUSD students this year: "Believe in yourself, even when the journey feels difficult."