Dr. Laura Loya Thiess is the English Language Learner (ELL) Program Manager for Stride K12, a virtual public school system in Texas, where she leads a team of more than 75 educators and specialists and supports over 5,000 multilingual students statewide. With 29 years of experience in education, she has served as a classroom teacher, principal, district executive leader, and consultant.

A former immigrant who learned English through the public school system, Dr. Thiess brings both personal and professional passion to her work in second language acquisition, leadership development, and culturally responsive practices. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and an Educational Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction.

Dr. Thiess is the Founder and CEO of Lead Loud Consulting, LLC, providing leadership training and culturally responsive professional development. A founding member and former Acting President of the Hispanic Professionals Association of Tyler, she is honored to return as the keynote speaker for the 7th Annual East Texas Leadership Summit.