Spotlight on new EPAA Principal, Dr. Sabrina Silverman-Fernandez
September 2025
What drew you to EPAA?
I have been a principal before, and what I love most is the ability to directly impact a school, its students, families, and the broader community. I’m also a product of this district. I live nearby, my parents still live nearby, and it’s important to me to give back, especially to Latino and immigrant families. My purpose feels so clear when I connect with students. Just yesterday, a student was surprised to learn that someone like me and her could have a doctorate. I want to be that role model—someone who shows students from similar backgrounds that they, too, can pursue higher education.
How have your education and life experiences prepared you to lead EPAA?
I began my career teaching high school to newcomers on the east side of San Jose, and ever since, I have remained committed to supporting immigrant students and their educational dreams. My work has always been about finding ways to navigate and even challenge the systems that don’t serve people of color, immigrants, or students who need additional support. At EPAA, my role is to ensure students feel supported, encouraged, and capable of achieving their goals.
What motivated you to pursue your doctorate?
I knew that earning a doctorate would not only open doors for me professionally, but perhaps even one day, allow me to serve as a Superintendent of a school district. It also shows students that people who look like them and have similar backgrounds can reach this level of education. I’m the first in my family to earn a doctorate, and it brings me joy to show my family, and others like us, that higher education can be a pathway to realizing your dreams.
What challenges lie ahead for EPAA and the community?
One of our biggest challenges is building and maintaining a sense of unity. With staff transitions and budget constraints in the district, it’s vital that we come together around shared goals. By working collaboratively, we can create a supportive environment for staff, families, and students that fosters both strong morale and academic success.
What are EPAA’s greatest assets?
This is truly a special community. Our students are deeply cared for, and families know they can find resources and wraparound support here. One example of this is through our partnership with the East Palo Alto Academy Foundation. We have a 10-Year Promise, assisting students as soon as they enter high school, through their high school and postsecondary journey and beyond. While at EPAA, students benefit from academic, mental health, and enrichment programs. After graduation, we provide guidance and resources to help them pursue the education or training needed to achieve the life they want. No student is unseen at EPAA—that’s what makes this school so unique.
What is your vision for the future of EPAA?
My vision is for EPAA to be a place where students feel heard, families feel included, and every voice matters. By moving forward together in a positive and supportive direction, we can continue to provide a high-quality education and an environment where both staff and students thrive.
What was your own high school experience like?
I attended Carlmont, a large high school in the Sequoia Union High School District. While I received a strong academic foundation and was well-prepared for college, I didn’t always feel connected to the school community. I was one of the few Latinas in my AP classes, and I often felt isolated and unsupported in my cultural identity on campus. These experiences fuel my passion for making sure EPAA students feel a true sense of belonging.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love traveling, and my goal is to visit all of the continents, except Antarctica. I’m also a runner—I try to complete at least one half marathon each year.
