Leadership and Faculty
Mrs. Jessica De La Cruz Founder and Principal
Mrs. Jessica De La Cruz is an accomplished educator, business owner, and community leader with over 15 years of experience spanning secondary and higher education. As the owner of JDLC EduBusiness Solutions, Mrs. De La Cruz is dedicated to supporting operational excellence in education and business sectors, while also leading initiatives like JDLC Cares, which focuses on serving underprivileged individuals and giving back to the community. She also hosts a podcast on leadership, sharing insights and strategies to inspire growth and success in others.
Having served as a principal at a local high school for 7 years, Mrs. De La Cruz is deeply committed to helping students achieve their full potential. Her passion for teaching middle and high school students stems from her genuine care for their future and success in the community. She actively fosters leadership, academic excellence, and personal growth in every student, aligning with the mission and vision of JDLC Leadership Academy, which is dedicated to developing engaged, responsible citizens and future leaders.
In addition to her administrative role, Mrs. De La Cruz has taught Leadership and Motivation at Dubuque University for 3 years, inspiring the next generation of leaders. She holds a Master’s in Administration with an emphasis in leadership, is a Certified Teacher in Career and Technical Education (marketing and business), and is a certified adult educator. As a certified Speaker, Coach, and Trainer under the John Maxwell Leadership program, she equips students with the skills, confidence, and motivation they need to thrive in the community and beyond. Mrs. De La Cruz's holistic approach to education and leadership exemplifies her unwavering dedication to student success and community impact.
STAFF
Ms. Veronica Bates Teacher Middle School and High School
Ms. Mikaela Trevino Teacher Middle School and High School
Ms. Mikaela Trevino Teacher Middle School and High School
Ms. Bates is a seasoned English Language Arts educator with over 7 years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Secondary Education, equipping her with a deep understanding of both student development and effective teaching methodologies. As a certified English teacher, Veronica is co
Ms. Bates is a seasoned English Language Arts educator with over 7 years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Secondary Education, equipping her with a deep understanding of both student development and effective teaching methodologies. As a certified English teacher, Veronica is committed to creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment that promotes critical thinking, literary analysis, and a lifelong appreciation for reading and writing.
Ms. Mikaela Trevino Teacher Middle School and High School
Ms. Mikaela Trevino Teacher Middle School and High School
Ms. Mikaela Trevino Teacher Middle School and High School
Bio Coming Soon!
Support Staff
Marina Heredia IT Support Specialist
Marina is an IT Specialist building her career in the technology field. She has foundational experience in EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), ANSA X12 standards, program implementation, and electronic health records (EHR).
Currently working on earning her certification in cybersecurity, Marina is committed to enhancing her expertise in se
Marina is an IT Specialist building her career in the technology field. She has foundational experience in EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), ANSA X12 standards, program implementation, and electronic health records (EHR).
Currently working on earning her certification in cybersecurity, Marina is committed to enhancing her expertise in securing data and systems. With intermediate knowledge in programming, she is actively applying her skills to optimize and implement technology solutions.
Marina is dedicated to continuous learning and professional growth, bringing determination and a hands-on approach to her work. She is focused on making a meaningful contribution to the IT industry while advancing her knowledge and abilities in this dynamic field.