Linda MacDonell is the assistant superintendent of the Instructional Services Division of the Orange County (California) Department of Education and over the years, Delores Lindsey served as MacDonell's leadership coach. In this article, they talk about their experiences as external/internal partners building internal capacity for culturally proficient leadership practices. They share lessons learned from their success and their challenges as they planned, worked, and reflected together in the best interest of Orange County communities and schools.