From Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD is joining communities across the nation to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. The annual observance honors the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans—a tradition that began as a heritage week in 1968 and expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988.

Throughout the month, CFBISD will highlight the inspiring stories of students and staff across the district. The series begins with Ashleigh Rondon, head girls soccer coach and math teacher at Ranchview High School, whose journey from CFBISD classrooms to the international athletic stage embodies the district's spirit of community and connection.

For Rondon, returning to teach and coach in CFBISD is a full-circle moment. A proud product of the district, she attended Kent Elementary and Blalack Middle School before graduating from Creekview High School. Her path into education was paved early on by her mother, a veteran CFBISD educator of more than 15 years.

"Growing up surrounded by my mother’s passion for teaching, I was naturally drawn to education," Rondon said. "She truly inspired me to follow in her footsteps."

Now in her sixth year of teaching—and her first at Ranchview High School after five years at Creekview—Rondon brings a relatable, encouraging energy to her classroom.

"What I love about math is that it's a universal language," Rondon shared. "Numbers and concepts work the same way no matter what language you speak."

Growing up, Rondon’s parents made sure her Dominican heritage remained a central part of daily life through traditional cooking, speaking both English and Spanish at home, and taking summer trips to visit family in New York and the Dominican Republic.

"I carry my Dominican heritage with immense pride," she said. "Identifying as Afro-Latina is a big part of who I am, honoring my roots and my story."

Rondon, who began playing soccer at age eight, earned a special opportunity while playing for East Texas Baptist University when the Dominican Republic National Team recruited her to compete internationally in 2021. Today, she channels that high-level experience directly into her coaching role at Ranchview, guiding student-athletes who hope to play at advanced levels.

She also uses sports to help students build community. Knowing that newcomer students can sometimes feel hesitant to join school athletics, Rondon works intentionally to create a welcoming space where everyone feels supported.

"Soccer and math are just the areas I teach, but my main goal is preparing students for life beyond high school," Rondon said. "You never know what a student is going through, so when they step into my space, I want them to know they have someone in their corner who truly believes in them."

As CFBISD celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, Rondon reflects fondly on the community that shaped her and that she now serves.

"I am so proud to be part of this district," Rondon said. "Every single day, I get to learn from the different backgrounds and cultures that our students and staff bring to our school."