Who is Gloria?

I’m a public education professional, a community advocate, and a proud Hornsby Bend resident. I’ve called this community home for ten years.

For nearly five years, I’ve worked in family and community engagement in public education. My work has taken me from resource fairs and family living rooms to conversations with community leaders and elected officials.

Through all of it, I’ve learned that people don’t need someone to speak for them. The community needs to be heard by district leaders and trustees alike. They need access, clear information, and meaningful opportunities to use their own voices.

Why This Work Matters

My path hasn’t been traditional, but I’ve spent years advocating for greater access to education, language services, food, resources, and opportunity.

I believe leadership can come from anywhere; a home, a classroom, a community space, and so many places in between.

And I believe public education has an extraordinary ability to help young people discover what they are capable of.

Public Education & Community Engagement

For nearly five years, I have worked in family and community engagement at Austin ISD, where I currently serve as Districtwide Community Engagement Coordinator.

My work includes supporting family engagement staff serving Title I schools, working directly with families, connecting communities with resources, presenting district initiatives, and making complex information easier to understand.

I have also advocated for City of Austin investment in Austin ISD’s Parent Support program. Those efforts helped secure additional funding that preserved ten Parent Support positions and supported the creation of the Regional Parent Support Team, expanding services to campuses without dedicated Parent Support staff.

Community Leadership

My community work has allowed me to collaborate with leaders across education, government, nonprofits, philanthropy, and grassroots organizations, all with the goal of expanding access while protecting the dignity of the people we serve.

Leadership & Service

• Graduate, Leadership Austin Essential Class 2022 — #BCE43

• Founding Partner, Mi Gente ATX

• Founding Partner, Cradle To Contributor Collective (C2C)

• Dream Together 2030 — Education Group

• Former Co-Chair, Community Resilience Trust (CRT)

• Former Board Member, Community Advancement Network

Education Creates Opportunity

Before joining Austin ISD, I worked to connect people facing significant barriers, including housing instability and unsafe living situations, with education and training that could lead to careers in healthcare.

Years later, I still hear from former students. One recently told me how well she is doing where she now works as a surgical tech as she continues her higher education. Another earned her phlebotomy certification so she could support herself while continuing her education.

Those stories have stayed with me because they show what access to education can make possible for our most vulnerable communities.

Our students should leave school with choices and clear pathways to college, careers, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Looking Ahead

I’m excited about what lies ahead for Del Valle ISD. Together, we can work to support higher academic outcomes.

Our community is growing, and with that growth comes an opportunity to think intentionally about the future we are building.

I want to help build a future where the growth happening around us creates opportunity for the children growing up right here.

Education can change the trajectory of an individual, a family, and ultimately an entire generation.