Renata Herrera has lived in the Roaring Fork Valley for three decades and couldn’t imagine building her life anywhere else.

She is about to begin her fifth year on the Carbondale Middle School custodial staff — a role she takes seriously, according to her supervisor, Diego Diaz.

“She is often the first one here and the last one out,” Diaz said while helping translate during the interview.

For Herrera, the job is not just about cleaning. It is about creating a place where students feel comfortable and have a safe space to succeed.

“My goal is to make the kids feel as relaxed as possible,” she said. “If the kids see me when they are walking into school, and they see everything clean, it helps them relax and be a little happier to be at school.”

Roaring Fork School District Director of Custodial Services LaRissa Waneka said Herrera’s positive attitude and work ethic are remarkable.

“I’ve only known her for a short amount of time, but she’s one of the hardest workers I know,” Waneka said. “She has set a precedent for what a head custodian looks like. The way she works with the administrators and teachers and helps our department become part of the team is incredible.”

Waneka added that Herrera commands respect through kindness.

“She demands respect in every room she is in, and she does it through being one of the friendliest people I’ve ever met.”

Being bilingual gives Herrera a unique connection with many members of the Carbondale Middle School community, and she values the supportive role her position offers.

“They are learning to communicate right now,” Herrera said. “Having someone they can speak Spanish with and helping them feel more comfortable is very important.”

The town of Carbondale is home to a proud Latino community. The 2020 census showed that nearly 40% of Carbondale residents identified as Hispanic, something longtime residents like Herrera take pride in.

“I’ve lived here for 30 years, and the people and community are the things I love the most about the area,” she said.

According to the Colorado Department of Education, Carbondale Middle School had at least 182 Hispanic-identifying students in 2024, making up more than 50% of the population.

“Some of the kids don’t know what their role is within the school,” Herrera said. “Sometimes they have to ask me, ‘Where is this class?’ or ‘Who is this teacher?’ Sometimes they are nervous about being here, and being able to help them is a great part of the job.”

Although Herrera is bilingual, English is her second language. She sometimes runs into communication challenges but views them as an opportunity to connect rather than a setback.

“I’m still trying to learn every day,” she said.

Herrera said the community she values at the school extends beyond the students. She praised her co-workers and credited Diaz and Waneka with creating a supportive workplace.

“The people here are my favorite part of the job,” she said. “Diego and LaRissa are super helpful. Everyone here works so hard and are all good people, which makes coming into work every day something to look forward to.”

Waneka echoed Herrera’s sentiments.

“She is so dedicated to her job and puts 110% effort into every single aspect of her work,” Waneka said. “She has such a great attitude and has built strong relationships within the school based on her personality. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen her not smiling.”

With less than a week before the 2025-26 school year begins, Herrera, Diaz, Waneka and countless others are preparing for another year of service to the community, often without recognition.