Irving ISD Superintendent Magda A. Hernández has been honored with the Pamela Blumenthal Memorial Award as part of the PRISM Awards presented by Mental Health America of Greater Dallas (MHA Dallas). This award acknowledges individuals who have significantly contributed to improving mental health in the 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 of the employees of our amazing district.”
The Pamela Blumenthal Memorial Award is given to professionals who show a long-term commitment to quality mental health care. Superintendent Hernández was recognized for her dedication to Irving ISD’s Employee Wellness program, which is a cornerstone of her approach to mental health care.
“Ms. Hernández is the recipient of the Pamela Blumenthal Memorial Award for her unwavering dedication to mental health,” said Pennie Beauchamp, Executive Director of MHA Dallas. “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 of 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.”
Irving ISD has been proactive in implementing wellness and self-care initiatives since before these concepts became prominent in 2020. Under Superintendent Hernández’s leadership, these initiatives have evolved into the Magda A. Hernández Institute of Wellness and Professional Learning (MAHI). The two-story facility, which opened last month, includes a room for wellness activities, a meditation space, an outdoor patio for events and classes, and complimentary wellness offerings such as 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.”
The award was presented at a celebratory breakfast event hosted by MHA Dallas on September 6. Past recipients include state senators, city council members, hospital administrators, judges, and local advocates who work to address 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 added. “It is truly a team effort.”
