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SETDA Names José González as the 2024 Candice Dodson Influencer Award Recipient

November 4, 2024 (Washington, DC) – SETDA, the principal membership association of U.S. state and territorial educational technology leaders, announced that José González, Chief Technology Officer for the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Candice Dodson Influencer Award. González was honored at the 2024 Leadership Summit in Arlington, VA.

The Candice Dodson Influencer Award commemorates the values, professional influence, and personal contributions to the field of educational technology that Dodson championed every day, and recognizes similar qualities in edtech leaders who carry on this important work. Dodson was the Executive Director of SETDA from May 2019 until her death in July 2020.

José González embodies the spirit of this award through his dedication to expanding equitable access to technology across Los Angeles County. As LACOE’s Chief Technology Officer, he has led initiatives that enhance digital literacy, strengthen infrastructure, and ensure students and educators have access to cutting-edge resources. His commitment extends beyond schools—he actively involves community members, including parents and guardians, to foster a supportive, tech-enabled learning environment.

By carrying forward Candice Dodson’s legacy, José González exemplifies the values of this award: dedication to equity, community collaboration, and a transformative vision for the future of education. His work stands as a beacon for others, embodying the belief that when students are empowered with the right tools, they can achieve remarkable success.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized as the 2024 Candice Dodson Influencer Award recipient by SETDA,” said José González. “This award is a reflection of the collective efforts of my team, who work tirelessly to ensure that technology is a powerful and equitable tool for learning. This recognition reinforces the importance of our team’s collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment to student success. I am proud to lead such a dedicated group of professionals who inspire me every day to push the boundaries of what’s possible in education technology.”

“José González truly embodies the spirit of the Candice Dodson Influencer Award,” said Julia Fallon, Executive Director of SETDA. “His steadfast leadership at LACOE has transformed educational technology across Los Angeles County, positioning him as a powerful advocate and connector for equitable access in K-12 education. Through his dedication to building strong, tech-enabled learning communities, José has made a lasting impact that empowers both students and educators. We are proud to honor his remarkable contributions and his unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive, innovative educational environments.”

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About SETDA

SETDA is the principal association representing U.S. state and territorial educational technology and digital learning leaders. Through a broad array of programs and advocacy, SETDA builds member capacity and engages partners to empower the education community in leveraging technology for learning, teaching, and school operations.

For more information, please visit our website https://www.setda.org or follow us on Twitter @SETDA.