Leadership Spotlight: Catarina Song Chen
Catarina Song Chen speaking at an event.
ISS Leadership Search was honored to support the Head of School search for the Uruguayan American School in Montevideo, Uruguay. Congratulations to Catarina Song Chen for accepting the position, beginning July 2026! Catarina currently resides in Washington, D.C., serving as the REO for Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships and the Western Hemisphere with the Office of Overseas Schools at the U.S. Department of State.
Catarina holds a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from UCLA, a master’s in Educational Leadership from Pepperdine University, a fellowship from Klingenstein from Columbia University, a credential for Women’s Leadership in Government from Washington University in St. Louis, and an Advanced Management post-graduate degree from the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Before working for the U.S. State Department, Catarina was the Head of School at the American School of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, for 15 years.
In this feature, read about Catarina’s passion for education, commitment to fostering global citizenship, and how her diverse experiences — both personal and professional — shape her approach to education and leadership.
What drew you to pursue the world of education? And what drew you into international education specifically?
I am a third culture kid (TCK) and a product of international education. I value having had public and private school experiences as a student and educator. I feel most at home when I am immersed in a diverse and complex environment. I see beauty and opportunity when navigating in such rich settings.
Being able to make a difference in children’s lives is both a privilege and an honor. In an international school setting, I appreciate the ability to blend human connection with global interests, while also honoring cultural traditions and time-honored methods to create new approaches to doing things.
Catarina poses for a photo on the basketball court.
Please tell us about your education philosophy and your leadership style. What can the Uruguayan American School (UAS) community expect?
I strongly believe that learning must be fun. Learning is about engaging with people and the environment. It’s about understanding the science behind the research, following intuition, and applying artistic approaches to deliver the learning.
We must go slow to move fast. It’s important to follow the strategic plans, but it’s just as important to seize opportunities when you recognize them.
I believe that together we can go further. Involving all stakeholders invites diverse perspectives and high collaboration. It’s the leader’s job to orchestrate the community’s involvement to help advance the school.
Above all else, listening is key. It’s one of the most important muscles to cultivate and grow as learners and leaders.
Congratulations on your upcoming role at the Uruguayan American School! What are you excited about in this new role?
I am excited about this new role at UAS because of its community, location, and the opportunity to speak Spanish.
During my visit to UAS, I had the opportunity to meet with over 100 stakeholders. From the board to parents, students, and faculty – everyone was welcoming!
The school is located in an amazing country where the energy is completely renewable, and the ecological footprint is low. Slow living is the way of life with long weekend lunches with friends and family, and sipping on mate all day long. If you enjoy meat, they have the best asados!
In Uruguay, Spanish is the official language, but many also speak English and Portuguese. It will be fun for me to navigate in all three languages, which I am fluent in.
I hope to recruit the best teachers from around the world and deliver
the best educational experience for our students.
Catarina poses with a group.
What is an interesting fact or story about you that you would like to share?
I consider myself a retrofit educator. My career started in the fashion industry, but I made my way to education off the beaten path.
I enjoy working in multicultural settings where I can apply my multiple language skills and channel my entrepreneurial spirit.
I enjoy being a mentor and coach to many educators who want to grow, evolve, or simply learn! Now that I am heading back to leading a school, I welcome all fun and creative teachers who want to work in an innovative environment to reach out to me. You can find me on LinkedIn!
If you have a zest for learning and living, are passionate about the science and art of teaching, and see yourself as a risk-taker or change leader (or want to become one), reach out to me for future openings!
Work culture is far more exciting and rewarding when surrounded by educators who push your thinking and challenge the status quo.
Thinking about your recent experience with ISS, what would you say made that experience above average compared to either your expectation or to experiences you may have had with other organizations?
I appreciate the personal touch provided by ISS. Beth, as the senior leadership member, contacted me with the job opportunity because she knew the school would fit my interests and profile. As the recruiter, Beth took the time make the meticulous match. A genuine recruiter is not simply looking to place a warm body in any school. An experienced recruiter takes the time to truly understand the strengths and potential of the school and candidate. Beth was an amazing matchmaker. I am delighted with the outcome, and very pleased with the process we engaged in together.
Many thanks to Catarina Song Chen for sharing her insights, experiences, and vision for education. We wish her and the vibrant community at the Uruguayan American School the best in this new chapter ahead!
If you’re interested in pursuing a school leadership position, please check out our current leadership searches or get in touch with the ISS Leadership Search Team.