HomePublicationsLearning to Lead, Leading to LearnPart 2 Chapter 12: Language and Identity Politics in Leadership: Cultivating Comunidad Download Chapter Book MenuLearning to Lead, Leading to Learn SectionsPart 1Part 2ChaptersPrefaceCourse Overview Chapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 8Chapter 9Chapter 10Chapter 11Chapter 12Chapter 13Chapter 14Chapter 15Final ClassBook Resources Contributors Playbook Download BookOpen Access PDFdoi.org/10.36284/celelon.oa11ISBN: 978-1-64317-593-5March 20263.2 MBMetrics: 146 views | 19 downloadsISBN: 978-1-64317-592-8March 2026 Candace de León-Zepedade León-Zepeda, Dean at Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio, Texas, has been profoundly influenced by the work of Gloria Anzaldúa throughout her career. Here, she describes how Anzaldúa’s work, especially the “iterative journey” contained in her concept of conocimiento, has shaped her leadership. Cultivating comunidad in her daily activities as a leader; practicing with testimonio as part of data gathering; centering the spirit in college activities; and enacting the “Coyolxauhqui imperative” by including personal and professional development in performance review are among the key ideas drawn from Anzaldúa that de León-Zepeda puts into her leadership practice. Chapter DOI: doi.org/10.36284/celelon.oa11.12 Discussion Questionsde León-Zepeda’s chapter vividly illustrates how she has personalized Gloria Anzaldúa’s work as a student, a scholar, and a leader. As you reflect on people who have informed what and how you’ve learned—authors; people whom you have encountered in your life such as mentors; family members—what ideas seem most vital as you consider moving into or through your role as a leader? Share:
