Music that Describes Leticia
Leticia Malena was nominated her principal, Christina Rodriguez.
"If I had to describe our counselor, Ms. Malena, in three words, they would be empathetic, visionary, and passionate. These qualities shape every interaction she has and every program she leads, making her a true LifeChanger for our students, families, and school community. Ms. Malena has transformed our campus through innovative, student-centered initiatives that address academic success, emotional well-being, and future readiness. She created the Pawsitive Panther Initiative, a mentorship program where she personally pairs at-risk students with trusted adults for weekly check-ins. This initiative provides the consistency, encouragement, and belonging that many of our students desperately need," said Rodriguez.
"She also leads our Panther of the Month celebrations, reinforcing character development and making sure every child knows their strengths are seen and valued. Her commitment to preparing students for their future is equally remarkable. Ms. Malena organizes large-scale career fairs featuring more than 15 professionals across diverse fields, from healthcare to small business to law enforcement to public service, including a Texas State Representative. She also launched our Magnificent Middle School Fair, which empowers families with critical information about middle school options. Nearly one-third of our fifth graders were accepted into their chosen schools because of her guidance and advocacy," said Rodriguez.
"One moment that captures her impact occurred the day she introduced students to their new mentors in the Pawsitive Panther Initiative. She knelt beside a student who had faced significant behavioral challenges and told him, 'You are important, and you deserve someone who sees your greatness every week.' His entire demeanor shifted, hope replacing discouragement. Within weeks, he showed remarkable improvements. That moment is who she is: someone who restores confidence, builds connection, and changes the trajectory of a child's life through meaningful relationships," said Rodriguez.
"Beyond student services, Ms. Malena strengthens the entire school community. She hosts lunch-and-learn sessions addressing bullying, test anxiety, and mental health. She writes bilingual newsletters to ensure equitable family engagement. She forges partnerships with Dallas Baptist University, mentoring future educators and modeling excellence. She even enriches campus life by launching our first cheerleading squad and establishing a booster club—creating opportunities for students to shine beyond the classroom," said Rodriguez.
"Ms. Malena is a LifeChanger because she does not simply support students; she elevates them. She does not just inform families, she empowers them. And she does not simply work at our school, she transforms it. Her leadership, compassion, innovation, and unwavering dedication have made a lasting, measurable difference in the lives of our students and families. For these reasons, I am honored to nominate Ms. Leticia Malena as a LifeChanger of the Year. She exemplifies everything this award represents," said Rodriguez.
I have known Mrs. Malena for several years and have consistently observed her dedication to the students of Cowart Elementary. Each morning, she greets students, staff, and parents with a positive and welcoming demeanor. Mrs. Malena is compassionate, empathetic, and highly professional, and she has earned the trust and admiration of the students she serves. She consistently makes time for anyone in need, and her commitment to supporting others truly makes a lasting impact on our school community.
Gracias por todo lo que hace por los niños
Ms. Malena truly exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond for students. She not only provides consistent social and emotional support through engaging guidance lessons, but also creates a safe and nurturing environment where every child feels heard and valued. Her dedication actually extends beyond the present. She actively helps students make informed decisions about their next steps, including choosing the right middle school that aligns with their academic goals and personal interests. By empowering students with confidence, clarity, and essential life skills, she ensures they are prepared for success both inside and outside the classroom. Her impact is felt daily, and we are grateful for her unwavering commitment to our students’ growth and well-being.
Ms. Malena’s compassion and dedication truly stand out. She always takes the time to support others with sincerity and kindness, and her professionalism and empathy make a lasting difference in our workplace.
She has done an incredible job with the students and impacted their life for the better and I have witnessed how she has inspired many young girls to be the best they can be. I’ve seen her care and bring joy to the school in so many ways. Grateful to have met her and been inspired by her.
A life çan change in a heartbeat. Mrs. Malena heart beats to inspire, support and assist young people in learning and finding their life purpose. Her dedication to not only her students, but to parents, faculty and staff to ensure a great education for all is incredible. Mrs. Malena hard work, focus, and drive shines as an example for students that anything in life is possible. In my heart, she is the true meaning of a life changer that will continue to serve in education for the love and greater good for those around her. That is a life changer.
Ms Malena is hard working, caring and with a great sense of humor. As a coworker , she is dependable, supportive, and trustworthy. As a teacher, she really cares for the students and builds long lasting relationships. I’ve known her for more than 15 years. She never disappoints.
Mrs. Malena was my mentor during my first year as a teacher. I learned a lot from her; her passion for teaching motivated me greatly in my career. She is a person devoted to her profession, her students, and her community.
Lety !
Relentless, hard-working, compassionate, passionate, go the extra mile, and above a true bilingual advocate for our students!!!!
Mrs Malena is such a positive blessing for any school district, school, student, parent, administrator, teaching colleague to have cross her path. She knows how to roll up her sleeves to not only have ultimate student success, but also rally the staff around her for the positive outcome. A trailblazer with creative ideas and inspiration for kids to have the confidence to dream big with a plan to achieve. She is a STAR!
Counselor Malena is a true LifeChanger. She goes above and beyond every single day to ensure that our students are not just successful academically, but supported emotionally. Her patience, empathy, and wisdom have made a lasting difference in the lives of so many families here. Her upbeat personality and encouraging words, no matter the challenge, makes her a true LifeChanger for our students and staff at Cowart Elementary.
Ms. Malena is the heart and soul of our school’s counseling program. Every day, she goes above and beyond to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and encouraged to succeed, academically, socially, and emotionally. Her presence has transformed our school culture, making it a place where students feel safe, respected, and empowered.
What truly sets Ms. Malena apart is her unwavering ability to connect with students. She greets every challenge with compassion and listens without judgment. Whether it’s helping a student navigate anxiety before a test, offering strategies for coping with stress, or simply providing a kind word on a tough day, Ms. Malena meets each student with patience and genuine care.
Her leadership extends beyond individual support, she collaborates tirelessly with teachers, administrators, and families to create initiatives that promote student well-being. Ms. Malena has spearheaded SEL (social-emotional learning) programs that have measurably improved student engagement and climate. She organizes workshops for parents and staff on topics like resilience, bullying prevention, and mental health .
Students regularly express how Ms. Malena has helped them regain confidence, find their voice, and stay motivated. Many students credit her with helping them navigate personal struggles that might otherwise have derailed their education. Parents frequently reach out to share how Ms. Malena’s support made a difference in their child’s life.
She is the calm in the storm, the trusted adult students turn to, and the leader who ensures that emotional wellness is held with as much importance as academic success.
Ms. Malena demonstrates professional excellence in every aspect of her role. She remains up-to-date with best practices in school counseling, attends professional development, and mentors new counselors within our district. She holds herself to the highest ethical standards and is respected by colleagues as a strong leader and advocate for every student.
Her influence is felt not just in individual sessions, but in the positive, nurturing environment she helps cultivate throughout our school. Ms. Malena doesn’t just help students navigate school. she helps them thrive in life.
Ms. Malena embodies everything the LifeChanger of the Year award stands for passion, leadership, compassion, and excellence in serving students. Her investment in the well-being and success of every child makes her a shining example of what it means to be a LifeChanger.
Ms. Malena una persona genuina que siempre ayuda a los demás , en especial a nuestros hijos en la escuela dándoles la seguridad de poder confiar en sí mismos de motivarlos a estudiar y seguir preparándose para su futuro en todos los aspectos. Una persona excepcional dedicada 100% a mejorarnos como sociedad latina liderando a nuestros hijos.
Our wonderful school counselor has always put everyone else ahead of herself. She is truly kind and caring, and we just love her. She has been such a help to our girls and to our entire family. She has made a lasting impact at Cowart through her endless strive for kindness, compassion, and support for every child and family she touches.
A mí niña, le cuesta acoplarse a nuevos cambios y el primer año fue difícil para ella, pero la maestra la apoyo muchísimo y vimos un cambio importante en su comportamiento , gracias mis
Leticia's school has partnered with our university for our field-based program. This is a vital part of our College of Education and takes time and effort on her part to help us. She places our candidates with outstanding teachers in her building. She does this with the most willing spirit and is a cheerleader for our candidates! She has a "welcome party" for them and a "good-bye" party for them. She makes her school one that our candidates want to work in upon graduation. No other school we use in our program is as loved as her school is and that is in great part because of Leticia. She is an outstanding representative of what public education in our country should be! She truly changes the lives of the teacher candidates from our university.
Ms.Malena is a unique human being beyond being our counselor; she is the best we could have. She empowers our students, encourages, emphasizes, motivates, supports, and would do anything to be there if it’s a student, staff, parent or someone in need. She is a role model to follow and would be there for anyone that needs her.
Mrs. Malena is truly the heart of our school, a dedicated and compassionate professional who consistently goes above and beyond to uplift our students, support our staff, and strengthen our entire school community. Her commitment is unmatched, and she gives 100% of herself every single day, creating meaningful, lasting impacts that truly change students’ lives.
Mrs. Malena has truly been a life changer for the students at Cowart. She creates a safe, welcoming space where students feel heard, supported, and valued. Our students know they can go to her when they are struggling, celebrating, or simply needing someone to listen, and she never turns them away. She consistently advocates for students’ social, emotional, and academic needs, ensuring that no child falls through the cracks. Whether working one-on-one with students, supporting families, or collaborating with staff, she always puts what is best for students first. Because of her work, students at Cowart feel more confident, supported, and empowered to succeed. She helps students develop the skills they need not only for school, but for life, and her impact reaches far beyond the counseling office. This recognition is well deserved. Our students are better because of her dedication, care, and commitment, and Cowart is a stronger school because of the difference she makes every day
Leticia Malena is an inspiring leader and role model whose courage, kindness, and wisdom positively impact students across our campuses. As a counselor, she creates a safe and supportive environment where children feel comfortable, heard, and encouraged to grow.
It’s hard to describe such a passionate, caring and hard working individual because words cannot do her justice. Malena is all about the kids, in what she does and says and how she carries herself. Every. Single. Day. To her, “being about the kids” means going above and beyond the call of duty, stepping out of her comfort zone, and fighting for what they need and deserve! There are very few people who will “walk the walk” like Malena does and even fewer people deserving of this honor. She doesn’t just change lives- she’s impacting the lives of those who matter most! She’s BUILDING and creating HEART for the future!
Ms. Malena is compassionate and consistently goes above and beyond to support others. I have known her for over 15 years, and she has always demonstrated genuine care. Her empathy, professionalism, and dedication make a meaningful difference to everyone in her presence.
Mrs. Malena is truly a life-changer. She devotes herself to helping students see beyond their limitations and believe in futures greater than they ever imagined. Through initiatives like reinstating the cheer team, she teaches young girls the value of teamwork, confidence, and perseverance. many of who continue the sport into their middle school years. She goes above and beyond, career day, exposing students to both traditional careers and new-age entrepreneurship so they can dream without limits. Above all, Mrs. Malena genuinely cares for her students, always placing their growth, confidence, and success at the heart of everything she does.
Best counselor that Cowart could have she a caring human being that cares for everyone teachers , students and parents .She will go beyond her duties as a counselor to make sure everyone is take care and happy. She is an amazing person that bright our school.
I am so grateful for the dedication and heart you bring to our school. You are truly all about the kids—always advocating for them, supporting them, and pushing them to see their full potential. Your commitment to college readiness and introducing magnet school opportunities at the elementary level is incredible and life-changing for so many students. Every decision you make is rooted in what is best for the students, and it shows in the way they thrive. Our school community is better because of you.
Leticia is always looking out for the well being of every child, regardless if it’s a Cowart child or not. She genuinely cares for the children and always goes above and beyond her call of duty in everything she does. She is innovative, hard working and nothing is impossible for her. She truly is a “Life Changer” and exemplifies everything this award represents.
My mom has always looked for the best in my sisters and myself since she was a teacher at our school and as a counselor. As a counselor when I was at her school, she would always look for different ways to make us believe in ourselves. She taught us about being “bubble gum brains” and to not give up. She would be bring career days and college information so we could be ready as elementary students. I think she is the best mom and counselor any school could have !
Mi esposa siempre ha sido
Dedicada a la enseñanza y la buena educación de sus alumnos cuando era maestra por 25 años y ahora de consejera. Siempre busca lo mejor en sus estudiantes y cuida de sus maestros. Es excelente madre y educadora en sus comunidad y se que nunca dejará que todos llegan a su máximo nivel.
Mrs. Malena, she has the big heart for all the students and staffs. Through out the year, she offers us different programs to reduce our stress. Always check on us. She provides us great lessons for our students to grow into a responsible, respectful and responsible with kindness, humanity. She is a very important element for us. She changes our lives. We love her to the moon and back.
Es una gran consejera y sobre todo un gran apoyo para nuestros hijos y asi mismo aun como padres cuando acudimos a ella
Ms. Malena is a true LifeChanger. She has initiated so many different activities across campus for our students and their families. But more than that, she is a genuine friend to everyone on campus, always lending a smile, encouraging word, or shoulder to cry on before it is even asked for. I never have to worry about judgement from her. She listens, empathizes, laughs, offers advice...a true ray of sunshine to all who need it, and one of the amazing people who make Cowart Elementary School a joy to work in. WE LOVE Ms. Malena!
Where do I start? Ms. Malena has been the best counselor I have had since working in the district. She’s helped me through some tough times has always been the most patient, incredible and magnificent person I’ve had the pleasure of working with. She’s always very adamant in letting you know that she is always an open ear to listen. Always offers her room to be open to her colleagues if they ever need a break or a quiet moment for themselves. She’s the most amazing, supportive coworker but most importantly I’m proud to call her my friend.
Malena is an amazing colleague and school counselor! Thank you for all your do for the Cowart Community.
