Beyond the Title is a series of Q&As with alumni of Madison365’s Most Influential lists. Join many of our Most Influential at the 365 Leadership Summit on November 3!
Dr. Michael Hernandez (Wisconsin’s Most Influential Latino Leaders, 2017) is assistant superintendent of Appleton Area School District where he oversees secondary schools. He took on that role in 2021 after several years as chief of secondary schools at Madison Metropolitan School District and principal of Madison East High School. In 2015, the former Sherman Middle School principal was given the Roberto G. Sánchez Award which honors an individual, group or organization that has demonstrated leadership in advancing educational and career opportunities for Latinos. He has three master’s degrees that he earned at California State University in San Bernardino, California and a doctoral degree from Edgewood University. Previously, he earned his bachelor of science degree in education at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
What does presence before performance mean to you – and how do you stay grounded when the pressure to perform is high?
Showing up fully aware, intentional and authentic before focusing on outcomes. It’s about grounding myself in purpose and connection sot that my actions come from clarity instead of pressure. I stay centered by pausing to breathe, reminding myself of my values, and focusing on what I can control in the moment.
What’s the best advice you’ve received from a mentor?
Leadership is about consistency and learning, not having all the answers right away. That perspective helps me approach challenges with curiosity and resilience instead of fear.
Tell us about a time you had to lead before there was consensus – when you were the only one who saw it, believed it or were willing to act. What gave you the courage to move anyway?
I faced a moment where tough staffing shifts were necessary to better support our students at Madison East High School, even though not everyone initially agreed with the decision. Many colleagues were understandably hesitant – these decisions impacted people’s roles, routines and comfort zones. I believed that the current structure wasn’t meeting the needs of the students, particularly those who required stronger social emotional support. Waiting for full consensus risked delaying changes that our students couldn’t afford to wait on.
What gave me the courage to move forward was my focus on students and equity. I reminded myself that carrying the weight of difficult decisions while holding space for others to process was important. I leaned on data, student voices and my core belief that every student deserves the best version of us, even if it means uncomfortable shifts for adults.
What’s one question every new leader should ask during their first 100 days and why?
What do you need most from me to be successful in your role?
Who’s in your “corner” – that voice of wisdom you trust when things get tough? How do you build and protect that circle?
My family and I have a few close friends that understand the educational fight that I engage in.
Leadership can be exhausting. What practices or boundaries help you avoid burnout and stay aligned with your purpose?
I build in reflection time each week to reconnect with my purpose and celebrate small wins. I lean on my family and trusted colleagues for honest conversations and perspectives, which helps me stay grounded and resilient.
Clout fades. Calling lasts. How do you stay anchored in impact over recognition?
I stay anchored by measuring my success through the growth and opportunities my former and current students/staff experience, not through awards and accolades. I focus on the long term change in people’s lives and that reminds me that true impact is often quiet and deeply lasting.
What’s a leadership value you refuse to compromise even when its inconvenient?
I refuse to compromise on integrity, even when it means making harder decisions. Without trust and honesty, no progress can truly be sustained.
What book, quote, lyric or even scripture captures how you lead or how you live?
James Baldwin – Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. This reminds me that true servant leadership requires courage to confront hard truths and a commitment to creating change, even when it is uncomfortable.
When life gets heavy or leadership feels overwhelming, what’s something you turn to: music, travel or cultural connection that helps you feel like yourself again?
I turn to music that connects me to my roots and grounds me in a sense of history and resilience. I can travel to a time of peace and harmony. I often come back stronger ready to grind.
Who is your favorite sports team?
Michigan Wolverines
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Thanksgiving – It is near my oldest daughter’s birthday, who gave me the honor of being a father. Great opportunity to gather family for amazing food.
