Superintendent Hernández wins PRISM Award

Irving—Irving ISD Superintendent of Schools, Magda A. Hernández, was named the winner of the Pamela Blumenthal Memorial Award as part of the PRISM Awards presented by Mental Health America of Greater Dallas (MHA Dallas). These awards recognize the accomplishments of individuals who have worked to improve mental health in our community.

“It is truly humbling to receive recognition for doing work that I am so passionate about,” Superintendent Hernández said. “Honestly, I do not consider it work. It is a calling, a passion. In Irving ISD, we have made substantial investments in the health and well-being of our staff, understanding that a healthy mind and spirit produce the best results. I am committed to the holistic wellbeing of all the employees of our amazing district.”

The Pamela Blumenthal Memorial Award recognizes a professional who demonstrates long-term commitment to quality mental health care. Superintendent Hernández was honored for her dedication to quality mental health care, a key part of Irving ISD’s Employee Wellness program.

“Ms. Hernandez is the recipient of the Pamela Blumenthal Memorial Award for her unwavering dedication to mental health,” Pennie Beauchamp, executive director of MHA Dallas, said. “She has been known to quote many times, ‘self-care is not selfish; it’s necessary.’ And she puts that into practice in her encouragement of mental health care, self-care to all her school district. She created an innovative program, Employee Wellness and Support Services, and that initiative provides essential resources during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring employees had access to the mental health support they really need. Superintendent Hernández’s compassionate leadership and forward-thinking approach have profoundly impacted her team.”

The ideas, spearheaded by Superintendent Hernández, have blossomed into something transformative with the opening of the Magda A. Hernández Institute of Wellness and Professional Learning, also known as MAHI.

The two-story building, which opened last month, features a room for wellness activities, a designated meditation space, an outdoor patio open for events and classes, and reservation-based complimentary wellness offerings (such as, but not limited to, yoga, fitness, nutrition, and financial literacy classes). 

“Everything about the beautiful facility is aimed at enhancing the well-being and professional growth of the Irving ISD family and incorporating wellness into everyday life and the district culture,” Superintendent Hernández said. “It is my hope that by addressing the wellness of our employees and encouraging them to first invest in themselves, they will be happy – for those who depend on them – their families, their students, but more importantly, for themselves.”

Past award recipients include state senators, city council members, hospital administrators, judges and local advocates who work to help residents overcome mental health challenges.

“I would also like to thank Mr. Jose Villaseñor, Irving ISD’s Employee Wellness and Support Services Strategist, for the nomination, and for being an advocate for this vision for our district and for your contributions toward our ambitious goals,” Superintendent Hernández said. “It is truly a team effort.”

SOURCE Irving ISD