We Lead: Listening, Leading, and Lifting Others: The Inspiring Journey of Enrique Losoya

When you meet Enrique Losoya, his calm presence and genuine care are immediately clear. Today, he’s a Behavior Support Specialist at Newport High School, but his path to this role began in an unexpected place, as a custodian, working evenings after spending seven years as a stay-at-home dad. 

“I started as a custodian because it allowed me to support my family and still be around students,” Enrique shared. “I found myself connecting with students during their extracurricular activities, and that connection led me to want to do more, to be there during the day, to listen, and to help.” 

Those small moments of connection became the foundation of a career built on relationships, trust, and belonging. Students quickly recognized his authenticity and commitment. In fact, they voted him commencement speaker—twice. 

“I think students know I really care about them and hold them to high expectations,” Enrique explained. “I’ve made mistakes in my own life, and I use those experiences to help them understand the importance of honesty and good choices. I want them to know they can always come back from hard times.” 

At Newport, Enrique is known for creating a sense of belonging that extends beyond the classroom walls. Whether greeting students at the door or checking in during the school day, his impact ripples across generations. “Past students tell their younger siblings about me,” he said. “So when they walk through the doors, they already know there’s someone here who will listen and support them.” 

For Enrique, leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about connection.

“Leadership requires two-way communication,” he said. “It’s about helping students and staff find clarity, empowering them to try their best, and reminding them that it’s okay to fail. What matters is how you respond and grow.” 

Looking ahead, Enrique’s dream is simple but profound: to continue being that steady, trusted presence for every student who walks through Newport’s doors. 

“I just hope any student who comes across my path leaves knowing they have someone in their corner who will always go beyond for them,” Enrique said. “Be the best version of yourself and get where you want to be.” 

Through his journey from custodian to behavior support specialist, Enrique Losoya embodies the spirit of “We Belong, We Learn, We Lead.” His story reminds us that leadership is found not in position, but in presence.