Premio Orgullo
Awarded to a special person who demonstrates achievement or a documented track record of leadership that is deserving of recognition.
About
Dr. Julio C. Rubio is the proud Principal of Carl Hayden Community High School, where he leads with a deep commitment to equity and access in education. His work centers on creating inclusive systems that ensure every student—regardless of background—can thrive academically and personally.
Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, Dr. Rubio immigrated to Arizona at the age of 13. As a former English learner and immigrant student himself, he brings both personal and professional insight to his advocacy for bilingual and multilingual learners. He champions educational programs that celebrate students’ cultural and linguistic assets while guiding them on the path to becoming fully bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural.
Dr. Rubio is also a strong proponent of family and community engagement as a critical strategy for student success. His doctoral dissertation, “Latino Parent Engagement and the Academic Achievement of High School Freshmen in Urban Schools,” underscores the importance of culturally relevant parent engagement initiatives in boosting academic achievement among Latino students. He earned his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University in 2023.
From 2019 to 2022, Dr. Rubio served as Chair of the Equitable and Inclusive Practices Advisory Council for the Arizona Department of Education, where he helped promote inclusive practices across the state. His work as an educator and advocate has earned him multiple honors, including the Esperanza Latino Teacher Award, recognition as one of the City of Phoenix’s Most Influential People, and a U.S. Congressional commendation from the late Congressman Ed Pastor.
Above all, Dr. Rubio is a devoted husband and proud father of three. His leadership is grounded in both professional purpose and personal passion, as he continues to champion equity, excellence, and empowerment for all students.



