Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Activities
Timeline
Generic

GiGi Sigala

Denver,CO

Summary

Equity-driven and passionate Dean of Culture with extensive experience fostering inclusive school environments, implementing restorative practices, and strengthening student engagement. A proven leader in coordinating intervention programs, developing student-centered initiatives, and mentoring educators to create a culture of belonging and success. Dedicated to supporting student achievement through trauma-informed practices, positive behavior interventions, and community partnerships.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Dean of Culture

Denver Public Schools
01.2021 - Current
  • Launched innovative intervention programs, decreasing disciplinary incidents by 30% while enhancing student accountability by 25%.
  • Championed restorative justice practices, collaborating with staff and families to build trust, resolve conflicts, and promote student growth.
  • Led equity-focused professional development, equipping educators with strategies to create inclusive and identity-affirming classrooms.
  • Developed and coordinated school-wide cultural events, reinforcing a sense of belonging and strengthening family-school partnerships.
  • Established systems for tracking and analyzing school culture metrics, using data to drive positive change in student behavior and engagement.

Program Supervisor

Denver Public Schools
01.2019 - 01.2021
  • Managed daily operations of high-quality before- and after-school youth programs, increasing student enrollment by 84%.
  • Supervised staff and ensured compliance with Colorado Department of Human Services and DPS policies.
  • Oversaw grant funding for Physical Activity and 21st Century programs, ensuring effective implementation and data tracking.
  • Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
  • Coached team members on productivity strategies to accomplish challenging goals.
  • Designed program implementation and maintenance plan.

Marketing & Event Director

Centennial State Financial
01.2013 - 01.2019
  • Managed all aspects of event planning, budgeting, and execution, ensuring seamless coordination of corporate meetings and school-community events.
  • Served as a direct point of contact for clients, vendors, and participants to ensure the smooth
    coordination of corporate events from early phases of planning to post meeting support &
    feedback.
     Prepared, tracked, and summarized budget for annual, semiannual, quarterly, monthly and
    weekly meetings synopsizes while driving bottom line results for the firm.
     Orchestrated meeting planning services with a focus on the needs of assessment, vendor
    relations, and cost analysis; set up audio /audio visual specifications, transportation, off-site
    entertainment, accommodations, and menu selections.
     Managed a variety of communication projects including internal announcements, creating
    monthly newsletter and flyers.

Youth Corps Colorado Coordinator

Denver Options
01.2005 - 01.2013
  • Supervised and mentored AmeriCorps staff across Colorado, providing life skills training to young adolescents (ages 12-24).
  • Created and facilitated workshops on leadership development, career readiness, and social-emotional learning.
  • Established partnerships with schools, businesses, and organizations to create volunteer and work opportunities for at-risk youth.

Career Technology Education Resource Specialist

Denver Public Schools
08.1999 - 05.2005
  • Advised high school teachers on incorporating career goals into curriculum.
  • Built employer partnerships to secure student internships and job shadows.
  • Maintained Perkins federal database for student placement and outcomes.
  • Counseled at-risk students individually and in small groups on career pathways.
  • Coordinated student-parent-teacher conferences to support goal development.

Education

Master of Arts - Counseling - School Counseling

University of Colorado Denver

Bachelor of Behavioral Science - Psychology & Education

Metropolitan State University

Individualized Degree Program - Children, Society & Learning

Metropolitan State University

Skills

  • Equity-Centered Leadership
  • Restorative Practices & Conflict Resolution
  • Trauma-Informed & Culturally Responsive Education
  • Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS)
  • Student and Family Engagement
  • Staff Development & Coaching
  • Data-Driven Decision Making

Certification

Performance Management: Setting the Stage for Success – Mountain States Employers Council
Motivating Employees from the Inside out – Mountain States Employers Council, Inc.
Transformation Leadership: Inspirations and Issues in Gifted Education – Institute for the
Development of Gifted Education
Campaign Development Training – Colorado Forum

Activities

  • Board Member, Zócalo Outreach, Advocating for community programs supporting youth and families.
  • Board Member, Auraria Campus, Supporting initiatives that promote student success, equity, and community engagement in higher education.
  • Event Coordinator & Volunteer, Planning and executing student engagement events to foster school spirit and inclusivity.

Timeline

Dean of Culture

Denver Public Schools
01.2021 - Current

Program Supervisor

Denver Public Schools
01.2019 - 01.2021

Marketing & Event Director

Centennial State Financial
01.2013 - 01.2019

Youth Corps Colorado Coordinator

Denver Options
01.2005 - 01.2013

Career Technology Education Resource Specialist

Denver Public Schools
08.1999 - 05.2005

Bachelor of Behavioral Science - Psychology & Education

Metropolitan State University

Individualized Degree Program - Children, Society & Learning

Metropolitan State University

Master of Arts - Counseling - School Counseling

University of Colorado Denver