Salem, Oregon- The Oregon Association of Central Office Administrators (OACOA), a branch of the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA), is proud to announce that Dr. Olga Acuña, Executive Director of Federal Programs for the Hillsboro School District, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Lau Leadership Impact Award.

The award honors the landmark Lau v. Nichols U.S. Supreme Court decision, which affirmed the civil rights of multilingual students and English learners in public schools. The award recognizes leaders who demonstrate exceptional dedication to advancing opportunity, equity, and belonging for multilingual learners and their families.

“Dr. Acuña’s leadership reflects the very spirit of the Lau decision—ensuring multilingual learners are not only supported, but recognized for the strengths they bring to our schools and communities,” said COSA Executive Director, Dr. Krista Parent.

Dr. Acuña has spent nearly four decades serving students, families, and communities in Oregon. Her work has shaped programs, policies, and partnerships that support multilingual students and elevate family voice across the Hillsboro School District and beyond.

“Olga has served our district, our community, and our state with extraordinary dedication for nearly four decades, “ wrote Brooke Nova, Assistant Superintendent, Hillsboro School District, in her nomination. “Her leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to students and families have left a lasting imprint that will continue to shape our work for generations to come.”

Among Dr. Acuña’s many contributions is the founding of Hillsboro’s Latino Parent Action Committee (PAC) more than twenty years ago. The committee created a space for Latino families to engage with schools as advocates, partners, and leaders. The model has since expanded across the district, strengthening family engagement and redefining how schools partner with multilingual communities.

She also helped transform the district’s Migrant Education Summer Program into the Bilingual Enrichment Program, shifting the focus from remediation to enrichment and affirming bilingualism as a powerful asset for student success.

In addition, Dr. Acuña established the district’s Family Outreach Liaison framework, embedding bilingual staff in schools to strengthen communication and build trust between families and educators.

“Throughout her career, Olga has been a tireless advocate who ensures every multilingual student in Hillsboro feels seen, heard, and valued,” wrote Arcema Tovar, Director of Multilingual Programs, Hillsboro School District, in her nomination. 

Dr. Acuña’s advocacy extends well beyond her district role. She has built early learning partnerships with organizations such as Adelante, CAIRO, and Head Start, strengthening pathways for multilingual learners before they enter kindergarten. She has served on Oregon Department of Education committees, chaired the Latino Policy Council, and previously served as the first Latina member of the Hillsboro City Council, bringing an educator’s perspective to civic leadership.

Her mentorship has also helped cultivate the next generation of diverse educators and administrators across Oregon.

“Olga has been a dedicated mentor for diverse staff and administrators, helping build a pipeline of culturally competent educators and leaders who continue to serve students across the state,” Tovar wrote. 

Through her leadership, Dr. Acuña has advanced programs, partnerships, and policies that affirm the strengths of multilingual students and empower families as partners in education. Her work reflects the spirit and legacy of Lau v. Nichols, ensuring that language access and educational opportunity remain central to Oregon’s public schools.

Dr. Acuña was recognized with the Lau Leadership Impact Award at COSA’s upcoming Multilingual and English Learner conference March 11-13 in Eugene.