For Dr. Diana Cornejo-Sanchez, education has always been more than just a career—it has been a lifeline. Now, as the new CEO of High Tech High, she’s bringing her passion for equity, innovation, and deeper learning to lead one of the most forward-thinking school networks in the country.
“I am the proud daughter of immigrants, raised in Barrio Logan and National City, where my family believed education was our Saving Grace,” she shares. “As the oldest child in a bilingual household, I learned English alongside my father. My mornings began on a bus out of my barrio to more affluent schools, where I constantly worked twice as hard to find my place and keep up. I saw early on how access shaped opportunity—and I knew I wanted to be part of changing that.”
A former teacher, principal, and most recently, HTH’s interim CEO, Dr. Cornejo-Sanchez is the first female and Latinx educator to lead the network, which serves more than 6,600 students across San Diego County and welcomes thousands of national and international educators annually to learn from its model.
As CEO, Dr. Cornejo-Sanchez is committed to expanding innovative learning opportunities, strengthening teacher support, and deepening community partnerships. She’s particularly excited about growing Career & Technical Education (CTE) and dual-enrollment programs, which allow HTH students to concurrently enroll in college courses at institutions like the University of San Diego at significantly reduced costs.
Another major milestone for High Tech High’s future is the recent approval of our charter petition renewal by the State Board of Education (SBE). The unanimous five-year reauthorization ensures that our Chula Vista, Mesa, and North County campuses—part of our Statewide Benefit Charter (SBC)—will continue providing students with high-quality, equity-driven education. Additionally, the State Board approved HTH’s request to reassign our SBC schools to the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) as the single authorizer, effective July 1, 2025. This transition allows for greater coherence across all HTH schools and strengthens our collaboration with SDCOE to support student success.
Even so, with state budget deliberations and proposed federal cuts to education programs looming, the CEO position comes with its share of challenges.
“Some challenges ahead are the constant evolution and adaptation to our current state of affairs in California and the nation,” she acknowledges. “But I’m incredibly excited about expanding access to early college opportunities and welcoming new students and families to High Tech High, all while preparing our Class of 2025 to step into the world this June.”
Dr. Cornejo-Sanchez knows firsthand the barriers first-generation students face in accessing higher education. Her college journey began at the University of San Diego, where she earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees before completing a doctorate at San Diego State University.
“USD was a blessing in my life,” she said. “It was a small school where I built strong relationships with professors and peers—I truly felt a sense of belonging. What I didn’t realize when I accepted my spot at USD was that it had already shaped my family’s story. Decades earlier, my Tata, my grandfather, found his first job tending USD’s beautiful gardens when he migrated to San Diego. To have him attend my graduations there was the ultimate reward—a full-circle moment that still holds a tender place in my heart.”
That personal connection to supporting students, fostering belonging, and ensuring equitable access to education has shaped every role she’s held, from teacher to principal to policy advocate.
“Even as a student, I recognized the inequities within our education system,” she recalled. “The students I rode the bus with weren’t always in my classes, and I began to question why. I learned about tracking, the barriers to A-G courses, and how some students had fewer opportunities to access college pathways. That’s when I knew I needed to be an educator—not just to teach, but to advocate for families, to show them what questions to ask, and to create the kind of classrooms where all students feel seen, challenged, and valued.”
Dr. Cornejo-Sanchez’s leadership comes at a pivotal time for High Tech High as it looks toward the next 25 years of impact. The HTH Board of Trustees shared their excitement for this new chapter, stating:
“With Diana at the helm, HTH is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. Our TK–12 Board looks forward to collaborating closely with our sister organizations—the globally recognized talent of our Graduate School of Education and the growing resources of the HTH Foundation—to write the next chapter of our story together.”
Dr. Cornejo-Sanchez is not just leading a school network—she’s shaping the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and changemakers. With a focus on equity, relationships, and hands-on learning, she is determined to ensure every student at High Tech High has the encouragement and opportunities they deserve.
“This is an exciting time for HTH. Every student deserves a high-quality education built on love and justice,” she says. “Together, we’ll continue shaping an education that challenges, inspires, and prepares students for a rapidly changing world.”
As High Tech High embarks on its next chapter, Dr. Cornejo-Sanchez’s leadership marks the start of an exciting new era—one that remains bold, student-centered, and committed to shaping the future of education.
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