2025 Lighthouse Award Winners Are Beacons of Equity

The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) honored champions for educational equity in our schools, districts, and communities with the 2025 Lighthouse Award.

Seven awards were presented during the 2025 Equity Conference at the end of May for the amazing work the honorees are doing leading diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The conference, which drew more than 700 attendees from across the state and beyond, featured local experts, nationally recognized speakers, and educators implementing systemic change to support all students.

"The are so many people out supporting our region's students so they have welcoming spaces where they can thrive academically as well as socially," said San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza. "The Lighthouse awardees are shining examples of people going the extra mile to ensure every student has what they need to thrive."

2025 Lighthouse Award Recipients

Equity Champion

• Nicole DiRanna, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the San Marcos Unified School District

Nicole fosters inclusive and equitable learning environments with her equity-driven leadership and multifaceted approach that combines professional development, student empowerment, and systemic reform. Her commitment is evident in initiatives ranging from districtwide equity conferences and student-led forums to tangible policy changes that expand access and support for historically underserved students. By centering both educator growth and student voice, Nicole has catalyzed a cultural and structural shift in her district, making equity a lived reality rather than an abstract goal.

Equity Excellence

• Lisa Stout, Executive Director of Project Next

Lisa has transformed postsecondary support for students with disabilities, creating inclusive, equity-driven pathways to meaningful careers and further education. Through the development of Future Centers and Career Closets, she has ensured students—particularly those in alternative settings—receive personalized guidance, skill-building opportunities, and the resources needed for workforce readiness and success. Her unwavering commitment to access and advocacy has not only changed individual student trajectories but also reshaped how districts approach career preparation for all learners.

Excellence in Student Support

• Adelita Gonzales, Community Schools Coordinator, San Marcos Unified School District

Adelita exemplifies equity in action through her tireless work as a community schools coordinator, removing barriers to student success and fostering a deeply inclusive, supportive environment at San Marcos Elementary School. Her leadership has transformed family engagement, expanded access to essential services, and created enriching educational opportunities for both students and adults. By centering community voice, championing culturally responsive programs, and addressing systemic inequities, Adelita has become a driving force for equity and empowerment in her school and beyond.

Excellence in Teaching and Learning

• Khamphet Pease, CTE teacher, Wilson Middle School, San Diego Unified School District

A nationally recognized educator, Khamphet's transformative work in STEM education has expanded access and inclusion for historically underserved students in City Heights. Through innovative, culturally responsive programs, like her robotics club and coding-through-embroidery project, she creates identity-affirming spaces where students, especially girls and students of color, see themselves as capable leaders in STEM. Her tireless advocacy, community outreach, and equity-centered teaching make her a powerful force for change and a model of excellence in teaching and learning.

Excellence in School Site Leadership

• Melissa Roy-Wood, principal, Bay Park Elementary, San Diego Unified School District

Melissa Roy-Wood leads with purpose, compassion, and a deep commitment to equity, transforming Bay Park Elementary into a vibrant, inclusive community where every student and family feels seen and valued. Through student-led initiatives, multilingual outreach, and culturally responsive leadership, she builds strong relationships and empowers students and families to shape school culture. By centering lived experiences and sharing power, Melissa fosters belonging, representation, and joy, making her a transformative force in public education.

Superintendent’s Community Equity Champion

• Live Well San Diego

Guided by a shared commitment to thriving children, families, and communities, our collaboration with Live Well San Diego is advancing the community schools strategy to align systems and deepen cross-sector support. Together, we are helping schools serve as vital hubs of connection, opportunity, and well-being across San Diego.

Student Equity Leadership

• Student Equity Leadership Team, Twin Oaks High School, San Marcos Unified School District

The student equity leadership team at Twin Oaks High School exemplifies courageous, transformative leadership by fostering a safe, inclusive, and empowering school culture within a traditionally underserved and misunderstood setting. Through equity-focused professional development, peer advocacy, and district-wide engagement, these students have challenged stereotypes and translated complex equity concepts into meaningful action. Their unwavering commitment to representation, respect, and student voice has not only reshaped their own campus but also inspired broader conversations and change across the district.