The vision of Irving ISD Superintendent Magda A. Hernández has begun garnering recognition at the global level. Superintendent Hernández was invited to present her groundbreaking approach to fostering both student and employee well-being and setting a new standard for educational excellence at the International Organization Development Association (IODA) Conference in Mexico City last month.
Superintendent Hernández shared a personal account of her leadership journey from paraprofessional to Superintendent and her unwavering commitment to creating a thriving district, particularly through a focus on the well-being of its educators. Drawing on research from RAND Corp., Hernández acknowledged that statistically, teachers experience twice the job-related stress of other professionals. In response, Irving ISD launched a district-wide campaign in 2020 to raise awareness about mental health and self-care, ensuring that their wellness strategy addressed the full spectrum of staff needs. From virtual counseling services through MDLive to fitness programs supported by partnerships with Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cigna and other local groups, the district made it clear that the well-being of staff is a top priority.
The crown jewel of the district’s wellness initiatives is the Magda A. Hernández Institute of Wellness and Professional Learning (MAHI), which opened in July 2024. Introduced by Superintendent Hernández and brought to life through the architectural expertise of Robert Ramirez with WRA Architects, the MAHI represents a new era for Irving ISD and the City of Irving. This groundbreaking facility, located on the same property as the district’s Outdoor Learning Center, is designed to promote lifelong learning and well-being, offering a soothing and flexible space where education and wellness intersect. With its organic connection to nature, the MAHI symbolizes resilience and the district’s commitment to nurturing both the mind and body for staff and the community.
Wellness and Fitness Coordinators at the MAHI lead a diverse range of exercise classes, nutrition programs and wellness strategies tailored to the individual needs of employees to educate and serve as a catalyst in implementing self-wellness principles. Additionally, the future plans for a community garden within the MAHI center will provide students opportunities to execute a farm-to-table experience, fostering hands-on learning in collaboration with the district’s CTE horticulture and culinary programs.
Lastly during the presentation, Irving ISD showcased the plan to implement Blue Zones, a global transformative initiative designed to promote healthier living and extend wellness efforts across the city in collaboration with the City of Irving and Baylor Scott & White. This partnership aims to create an environment that fosters well-being through community-driven approaches, making healthier choices easier and more accessible for all residents. By integrating the principles of Blue Zones, the district seeks to improve the overall quality of life for students, staff and the broader community.
In a powerful conclusion to their presentation, Hernández and Ramirez called on conference attendees to prioritize wellness in their own organizations, showcasing how Irving ISD’s model could serve as a blueprint for organizations and businesses alike. Superintendent Hernández’s vision, supported by the innovative design of WRA Architects, has begun transforming the culture in Irving ISD and set a new standard for what it means to create a thriving educational environment. Their partnership powerfully illustrated how wellness and education can work hand in hand to foster a resilient, healthy and successful community. Together, they showcased a district that is not just focused on academic achievement but on nurturing the well-being of all stakeholders – students, staff and the community at large.
As the session concluded, the room was abuzz with energy and excitement. Participants were visibly moved by the district’s innovative MAHI initiative and their focus on creating a culture of wellness. When Ramirez spoke about the architectural designs that brought the district’s vision to life, it further cemented the participants’ admiration for how thoughtfully every detail had been considered. But what truly captured the hearts of everyone in the room was Hernández’s positive energy and authentic passion for her community and the well-being of both students and staff.
Many attendees shared how deeply inspired they felt by the presentation. One participant noted, “I’ve attended countless sessions on educational leadership, but this one was different. The way Irving ISD has connected well-being to educational success is truly groundbreaking.” Another shared, “What stood out most was how authentic and practical their approach was. You could feel Superintendent Hernández’s energy and deep commitment to every single person in her district.”
Several participants expressed their desire to stay connected with Hernández and her team, asking to schedule follow-up conversations to dive deeper to enhance wellness in their own communities. There was a clear recognition that Irving ISD wasn’t just another public education story – it was a model for the future of education. As one participant said in their testimonial, “This session was more than just inspiring – it was a call to action. I can’t wait to take these ideas back to my organization and begin creating a culture of well-being just like Irving ISD is doing.”
As the IODA conference came to a close, the Irving ISD team couldn’t help but reflect on the transformative experiences that had unfolded over the course of the event. From the theoretical explorations of organizational development to the real-world applications seen through the company visits, this gathering exemplified the power of organizational development to create positive change. Irving ISD’s story, in particular, was a testament to how wellness and education can work hand in hand to foster thriving communities.
View a video recap of this transformative experience here.
