RSI Co-Principal Dr. Alejandra Estrada-Burt receives MESPA leadership award

Reflecting her years of dedicated service, equity-driven leadership, and an unwavering commitment to multilingual education, Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion School (RSI) Co-Principal Dr. Alejandra Estrada-Burt has been named the 2025 West Suburban Division Leadership Award winner by the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA). 

“I’m deeply honored by this recognition. Leadership is never a solo endeavor, and I accept this award on behalf of the talented team I have the privilege to represent. I am also fortunate to co-lead with the amazing Ken Habel,” said Dr. Estrada-Burt. “I’m committed to fostering collaboration and helping leaders confront the complex challenges before us. Our principals play a pivotal role in advancing solutions to today’s critical school issues, and I’m proud to do anything I can to support that work.”

In her six years as co-principal and eight years as assistant principal at RSI, Dr. Estrada-Burt has centered students and equity in her school’s dual language program, leading efforts to improve outcomes for all learners.

“I feel very blessed to serve the RSI community as a bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural Latina leader. I feel a great responsibility to be a steward of the gift of bilingualism and the power of immersion programming. Immersion invites us into a new world; bilingualism lets us carry that world with us. It is a gift that shapes identity, builds bridges across cultures, and empowers us to participate more fully in an interconnected world. I feel it is a place where I can affirm and uplift the linguistic gifts of all our students.”

This recognition celebrates school leaders who go above and beyond to support their fellow principals and advance educational leadership in their region. 

“Now more than ever, strong, student-centered leadership is vital to the success of our schools,” said MESPA Executive Director Michelle Krell. “Dr. Estrada-Burt exemplifies the type of collaborative and courageous leadership that uplifts entire communities. Her dedication to equity, instructional excellence, and advocacy for multilingual learners embodies what this award stands for.”