Tu Moua Carroz is part of the inaugural cohort of the Leaders for Equity and Democracy (LEAD) program, here at the School of Education at UC Berkeley. She firmly believes all students must be provided the opportunities to reach their highest potential regardless of race, class, income or zip code. As such, she is excited to grow as a researcher and to apply research in her practice.
Tu was born in a refugee camp in Thailand during the Vietnam War and came to America in the late 1970's. She is number seven of ten children in her family and learned how to speak, read and write English in school like many refugee and immigrant children today. She is a proud daughter, sister, aunt, wife and mother to two beautiful children.
Tu is interested in researching the barriers and existing supports for aspiring women of color wishing to enter the role of school superintendent. In her numerous years of service in public education, she has only worked for one woman of color as a superintendent, a data point that mirrors the disproportionality of women and in particular women of color, in the role of school superintendent across our country. Her research interest stems from her positionality as a Hmong refugee daughter and educational leader wishing to break down the barriers that prevent women from serving in the highest executive office of TK-12 education, by highlighting the critical voices of women of color.
Tu has worked in education since 1999, having served as a classified youth development employee, Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Director, Instructional Assistant Superintendent, and currently serves as Associate Superintendent of Educational Services in the Woodland Joint Unified School District.
Specializations and Interests
School Leadership, Gender Equity, Equity and Education, Leadership Development
