Meet Our Latino Leaders

Throughout the month, we'll hear from incredible Latino leaders in PGCPS and the community as they share how their heritage has shaped their purpose, leadership, and impact. Stay tuned to PGCPS social media and website!

Toni Mejias

Maryland State Education Association (MSEA)

Toni-Mejias

United in Action & Impact

For many years, our school district provided new employee orientation virtually. While information was being shared, I felt something important was missing: human connection. As a Latina, welcoming people has always meant more to me than simply giving them information. It means making them feel seen, supported, and that they belong.

I had the opportunity to work alongside a colleague and friend who shared that vision, and together we helped build PGCPS New Employee Induction (NEI), an in-person orientation for new and temporary employees. Employees learned together, built connections, and received guidance on policies, payroll, benefits, technology, and more. We also partnered with other offices and our unions to provide the support they needed.

Each Monday, I arrived by 7:00 a.m. to make sure the coffee and tea were ready, materials were prepared, and the room was welcoming. At the entrance was a sign that read, “Welcome to Prince George’s County Public Schools. We have been waiting for you.” I wanted every employee to feel that message from the moment they arrived.

That commitment was especially important for employees who were not fluent in English. We took the extra time to make sure they understood what was being presented, helped them navigate unfamiliar processes, and remained available after orientation as they transitioned into their new roles.

That experience reinforced the way I continue to lead and serve today. Bringing people together means creating spaces where people feel valued, included, and prepared to succeed. When we share our knowledge, make ourselves available, and intentionally support others, we strengthen the entire community.

Joseline Peña-Melnyk

Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates
Maryland House of Delegates

Joseline Peña-Melnyk

Heritage, Purpose, & Collective Impact

Hispanic Heritage Month is personal for me. It is a celebration of the people, traditions, sacrifices and stories that shaped who I am — and a reminder to every young person that their heritage is a source of strength and that they belong in every room where our future is being shaped. When we come together to celebrate the richness of our cultures and learn one another's stories, we strengthen the bonds that make us a community. I am proud to celebrate where we come from, who we are, and all that the next generation will become.