Iris Canela

About Iris Canela

Hola, I’m Iris! I sit at the intersection of K-12 Education, EdTech, and Community Building. Whether I am designing interventions for students or coaching first-generation Latinas, my work is defined by one core mission: Turning complex challenges into accessible, scalable paths for growth.My roots are in the classroom. As a Special Education Teacher in Title I schools for 7+ years, I learned that true impact requires deep empathy paired with measurable outcomes. I spent years translating federal mandates into personalized learning plans (IEPs) for neurodiverse students, a philosophy I later brought to the tech world as a Customer Success Manager driving retention for SaaS platforms.Today, I apply that same builder mindset as the Founder of Sol Journey. What started as a coaching practice has grown into a proven case study in program design. I personally architected the R.I.S.E. Framework, a scaffolded curriculum that guides women from burnout to self-trust, and I built the operational systems to blend high-touch 1:1 coaching with scalable digital tools.I also believe that strategy works best when it has a soul. As the host of the Rise Differently Podcast and co-host of the LIT Podcast, I create spaces for raw conversations on self-trust and intention, helping others navigate their own journeys of transformation.I\'m currently looking for Program Manager or Customer Success roles in mission-driven AI or EdTech companies. I\'m eager to join a team that values deep teaching expertise, operational grit, and the ability to take impactful programs from idea to launch.If you are looking for a leader who speaks \"Teacher,\"\"Founder,\" and \"Strategy\" fluently, let’s connect!

Experience

1. Founder & Lead Program Manager

   Sol Journey Co

   Jun 2023 — Present

   Sol Journey is a virtual learning and development ecosystem dedicated to the professional and personal development of first-generation Latinas and Women of Color. As Founder and Program Manager, I oversee the end-to-end design, operations, and scaling of curriculum-based programs that drive retention and measurable impact.•⁠ ⁠Architected and launched high-touch coaching programs and scalable learning assets, achieving a 95% client retention rate through data-driven improvements and personalized learning pathways.•⁠ ⁠Developed the proprietary R.I.S.E. educational framework (Remember, Ignite, Surrender, Expand) to scaffold learning for diverse populations, mirroring best practices in K-12 and adult learning theory.•⁠ ⁠Managed end-to-end business operations, utilizing CRM tools and email marketing platforms to streamline user onboarding and community engagement.•⁠ ⁠Built a thriving distributed community for underrepresented voices, facilitating workshops that foster psychological safety and long-term engagement.

Education

• San José State University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Communicative Disorders & Sciences

  2010 — 2015

• San José State University

  Master of Education, Special Education

  2017 — 2019