Aspiring Latino Leader Fellows Greater Houston 2024
EMERGE Scholars
Amy Cervantes
Amy Cervantes is the Manager of College Success at EMERGE Scholars, where she assists students in navigating secondary plans within the University of Houston College system and local community colleges. With over 10 years of experience guiding first-generation, economically disadvantaged students of color, Amy has worked with alumni from HISD and KIPP Texas Public Schools, advising them on post-secondary options.
Amy, a first-generation Latina, graduated from Lake Forest College with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology and International Relations. Amy graduated with a lot of debt and didn’t have the guidance she needed to face the systemic barriers that most students of color face on their college campus. Amy sees herself in the students she advises and hopes to be a mentor to them to teach them how to navigate and advocate for their education and success.
YES Prep Public Schools
Andrea Cruz
Andrea Cruz is an Instructional Coach at YES Prep Public Schools, dedicated to playing her part in shaping the future of education in Houston. As the field supervisor for first-year and novice teachers, Andrea is committed to guiding these educators through the complexities of their early careers, ensuring they develop the confidence and skills necessary for long-term success. Her support extends beyond classroom teaching; she also helps them navigate the process of becoming certified in the state of Texas, providing a comprehensive foundation for their professional journeys.
Andrea’s path to education began in 2017, when she started her career as a 6th grade math teacher after graduating from the University of Houston. Her dedication to education is rooted in her own experiences as a first-generation college graduate. Growing up in Austin, Texas, Andrea witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education. As a first-generation Latina, she remains deeply committed to ensuring that students in Houston have access to the same life-changing educational opportunities that she was fortunate to receive.
YES Prep Public Schools
Angela Garcia-Urquieta
Angela Urquieta is currently an Employee Relations Specialist for YES Prep, where she conducts investigations, mediations, and data analysis to help improve district operations. Before this role, she served as a Business Partner at McLemore, contributing to the organization through training, onboarding strategies, staffing, and recruiting. For eleven years, Angela owned Ace Cellular and Accessories, where she developed strategies to thrive in a highly competitive industry.
Her work across these different roles has allowed her to closely engage with underserved populations, providing services, job opportunities, and the ability to succeed through robust education.
Through her life experiences, Angela feels a deep connection to the struggles communities face in being heard, understood, and participating fully in society. She is deeply committed to the mission of empowering families and communities to become stronger and more fluent in our society.
Texas City Independent School District
Brenda Gonzalez
Brenda Gonzalez is a Bilingual/ESL Instructional Specialist for grades K-12 at Texas City Independent School District (TCISD). She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education with Core Subjects EC-6 and Bilingual Supplemental from the University of Houston Clear Lake in May 2016. Brenda spent five years in the classroom, teaching 3rd grade for three years and 4th grade for two years.
On August 18, 2021, Brenda transitioned into her role as the Bilingual/ESL Instructional Specialist at TCISD. In May 2022, she earned her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and completed the courses for Principal Certification, passing the Texas Education Agency Principal exam. She is currently working on completing the PASL, a Principal practice-based test.
At TCISD, Brenda has had the opportunity to research, design, and implement the Bilingual – Two- Way Dual Program, beginning with the 2nd-grade implementation plan in the 2023-2024 school year. She is now starting her fourth year as a Bilingual/ESL Instructional Specialist in K-12. Brenda plays a diverse role, co-coordinating the Bilingual Education program with the Director of Special Programs. In her position, she supports teachers with instructional practices, assists Assistant Principals with compliance, and collaborates with Principals on their campus improvement plans. Brenda also provides professional development to staff and parents as needed and is a strong advocate for Latino families, working to ensure students receive the best possible education and break down barriers to success.
UH C. T. Bauer College of Business
Brian Moreno
Brian Moreno is the Director of Recruitment, Admissions, and Partner Relations at the University of Houston C. T. Bauer College of Business. His passion for supporting first-generation students began during his undergraduate years at Texas Tech University, where he worked for the Office of Outreach & Community Engagement. After earning his Bachelor of Arts in History from Texas Tech in 2015, Brian spent two years as a history teacher at North Shore Senior High School, where he realized his true calling was guiding students toward higher education.
Brian transitioned to the C. T. Bauer College of Business as a Program Coordinator for High School Recruitment in 2017 and worked his way up to his current role as Director. He holds a Master’s degree in Higher Education from the University of Houston and is on track to receive his Doctor of Education in Education Administration in 2027. Brian also serves as Gulf Coast Region President for The Association of Chicanos in Higher Education, where he is dedicated to improving and advancing education for Latinos/Hispanics/ Chicanos in higher education. He takes pride in helping students explore their college options and make informed decisions about their higher education journey.
YES Prep Public Schools
Claudia Guerra
Claudia E. Guerra serves as the Middle School Dean of Students at YES Prep Fifth Ward Secondary, overseeing 6th to 8th grade students, teachers, and grade level chairs. She is involved in planning student and family events and presenting professional development for staff. Claudia has a deep passion for learning, and her extensive experience in the educational field has provided her with numerous fulfilling opportunities to support others in their career growth.
Claudia attended the University of Michigan for her undergraduate studies, focusing on Spanish and culture, and later pursued graduate studies in Spanish literature at Eastern Michigan University. Although she initially considered attending law school, Claudia discovered her true passion for education while in graduate school. She is a certified 6-12 Spanish teacher and has taught for 12 years in Michigan, HISD, and YES Prep. Claudia will soon return to graduate school at Lamar University to pursue her principal certification.
Currently residing in Houston, TX, Claudia enjoys traveling, especially to visit her family in Michigan, and spending time at the beach. She also enjoys playing bingo and reading in her free time.
Center for Transforming Alternative Preparation Programs
David Sambrano
David Sambrano is the Director of Partnerships at the Center for Transforming Alternative Preparation Programs (CTAPP). In this role, he directly supports alternative certification programs in Texas to improve the quality of their teacher preparation programming and increase the retention of novice teachers across the state. David work focuses on disrupting the adverse relationship between education and social status by developing tools to enhance coaching and learning trajectories and demonstrating how the intersectionality of socio-economic condition, culture, and race can hinder or catalyze educational opportunities for K-12 students and novice teachers.
David previously served as the Manager of Content Development and Programming with CTAPP and as an Instructional Coach supporting novice teachers at YES Prep Public Schools. His career in education began in the classroom, first as an 8th grade English teacher at KIPP Memphis and later transitioning to the same teaching role in Houston at YES Prep North Central. David believes that every student deserves a highly qualified teacher and that a person’s past experiences with education, whether positive or negative, should never preclude them from becoming a great teacher. He is committed to ensuring that diverse and equitable preparation experiences, like those offered in the quality alternative preparation programs he helps create, will yield diverse teachers who are engaged in educational equity.
Mpact Strategic Consulting
Emmanuel Guerrero
Emmanuel Guerrero grew up in a blue-collar family, raised by a single mother. As the eldest of five siblings, three of whom graduated from Pasadena High School, he became the first in his family to graduate from college. He earned a double Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in Finance and Marketing, from the University of Houston’s Bauer Business School in just three years.
While pursuing his degree from 2015 to 2018, Councilman Guerrero balanced his studies with multiple sales and service jobs, maintaining two jobs while attending school full-time. His professional career includes experience at two Fortune 100 food companies, where he analyzed sales trends, managed nationwide brand distribution, developed products, and formulated strategies for market penetration and distribution expansion.
Councilman Guerrero has also worked for 2 Fortunate 100 food companies analyzing sales trends, country wide brand distribution, brand and product development, distribution expansions and limitations and market penetration strategies.
Councilman Guerrero has also worked for a Fortune 100 Oil & Gas company in the accounting department where he oversaw all accounts in Latin America, solved pricing and volume discrepancies across various countries, help lead account auditing, reconciliation, and alignment efforts across various countries.
Currently he works for a consulting firm specializing in disaster relief, emergency response, economic development, grant management and compliance and review. Where he is the was promoted to be the youngest manager in the firms history at 24 years. In this role he has assisted in overseeing, managing, and distributing over $400 million in ARPA, CARE and ERA federal funds.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Fernando Hinojosa
Fernando Hinojosa is the Director of Precollege Programs and Parent Engagement at SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers), where he plays a crucial role in empowering the Hispanic community through STEM initiatives. Fernando leads programs like Equipando Padres, which supports parents of first-generation engineering students, and Virtual STEM Labs, offering hands-on STEM experiences to K-12 students. He also oversees SHPE Jr. membership and chapters, fostering future Hispanic STEM leaders, and manages the Noche de Ciencias grant funding for community outreach and engagement.
Houston Independent School District
Joanna Subias
Joanna Subias is a first-generation Tapatía graduate of the University of Houston-Clear Lake and Houston Christian University. She currently serves as a Coordinator 2 for the Crisis Response & Behavioral Supports Department in Houston ISD, where she focuses on crisis mental health supports, school-based threat assessments, school safety, data-driven supports, and animal-assisted counseling. Joanna founded the Pet Assisted Wellness Support (PAWS) program, which provides therapy dogs and animal-assisted counseling after school crises for students, staff, and communities.
Joanna is dedicated to enhancing student access to trauma-informed mental health practices, inclusive practices, psychoeducation to reduce mental health stigma, and mindfulness/yoga, particularly for communities of the global majority. Before joining Houston ISD, she engaged in diverse philanthropic efforts to give back to her community.
Houston Independent School District
Jonathan Espinoza
Jonathan Espinoza is an assistant principal in HISD, now in his third year in the role. As the son of immigrants who fled war and turmoil in El Salvador, Jonathan shares a background similar to many of his students and deeply understands the challenges they face. His personal experiences shape his approach to leadership, where he holds his middle school students to the highest standards and ensures they have the tools necessary to succeed.
Jonathan began his teaching career in Houston ISD through Teach For America. During his time at the University of Texas, he mentored young males in middle and high school from challenging backgrounds, which solidified his decision to pursue a career in education. Although he initially planned to attend law school after completing his TFA commitment, he fell in love with education and decided to dedicate his life to it. Jonathan earned his master’s degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University, the top-ranked education program in the nation, and obtained his principal certification from Rice University’s Principal as an Instructional Leader program.
Jonathan’s goal is to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the 21st century. He is passionate about helping his students become self-sufficient, contribute to their families, and establish legacies that future generations will be proud of.
Houston Independent School District
Kitzia Soto
Kitzia Soto is currently serving as Coordinator 2 for Houston ISD’s Counseling and Advising Department under CCMR. In this role, she focuses on developing comprehensive advising and college, career, and military readiness programming for high school students. Kitzia works with a team of CCMR Specialists embedded across 41 high schools, supporting students in post-secondary education and workforce training, emphasizing the importance of degree and certificate programs and job attainment through one-on-one advising.
In her previous role, Kitzia played a key part in supporting campus College, Career, and Military efforts by promoting and facilitating various college and industry experiences both on and off-campus, as well as assisting students and families with application processes for academic, enrichment, and financial aid opportunities. Her work in college access began with Texas A&M’s Advise TX Chapter, where she led efforts to bridge the gap for low-income and first-generation students in Aldine ISD.
Kitzia is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational Technology, Adult, and Higher Education from the University of Houston Victoria Campus. She hopes to gain skills in technology integration to design effective educational interventions. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Texas A&M University, which laid the foundation for her work in supporting student success by developing her ability to analyze data, communicate effectively, solve problems, and collaborate with others.
Kitzia is dedicated to promoting educational and career opportunities for students, driven by a passion for helping them navigate their paths to achieve their goals and prepare for their futures.
YES Prep Public Schools
Krystal Lanier
Krystal Lanier is an Instructional Coach at Yes Prep, entering her third year in this role. Before returning to Yes Prep, she served as a Teacher Mentor at Fusion Academy, teaching English Language Arts and Social Studies to students in grades 6 through 12.
Her journey in education began with Teach For America, where I taught 6th and 7th grade Social Studies at Yes Prep Southeast Secondary. During this time, she took on the role of Course Facilitator.
She has a degree in Government and Education from Georgetown University. Her experience as an Aspiring Latino Leaders Fellowship deepens her commitment to fostering educational excellence and equity.
Krystal believes in the transformative power of education and the profound impact that dedicated educators can have on students’ lives. Her goal is to support and inspire teachers so they can empower the next generation of leaders.
YES Prep Public Schools
Maggy Goergen
Maggy Goergen is an accomplished College Counselor at YES Prep Brays Oaks, where she empowers students to envision their futures and strive for success. Maggy began her professional career after earning a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She worked with the YMCA for six years while also earning a Master of Science in Organization Management and Leadership from Springfield College.
After obtaining her master’s degree, Maggy worked in Community Development at BakerRipley before transitioning to YES Prep Brays Oaks, where she creates a lasting impact on students in need. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Education, Leadership, and Organization in Higher Education from Texas Woman’s University.
Maggy is an active member of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Go Tejano Committee, and the University of Houston Downtown A+CE Advisory Committee. She considers herself a “life-long learner” and brings her passions into her professional life, encouraging her students to do the same.
Teach for America, Houston
Maria Nuñez
Maria Nuñez is the Head of Development for Teach For America Houston. She began her career in education as a 2013 TFA Corps Member and has since held various roles, including Project Management Lead at a marketing agency, Dean of Instruction at YES Prep, and middle school math teacher at YES Prep for seven years.
Maria earned her MBA from Rice Business and a BA in Political Science and French from Rice University. Originally from Argentina, she now resides in Spring with her husband and two children, Tiago and Emma. As a first- generation immigrant, Maria is deeply committed to helping both immigrant and non-immigrant students unlock doors of opportunity through a high-quality education.
KIPP Texas
Maricela Aceves
Maricela Aceves is a Purchasing Specialist at KIPP Texas, a role she has held since May. Before this, she served as Dean of Instruction and Testing Coordinator at YES Prep Northside for two years, where she managed and evaluated 14 teachers and coordinated logistics for district-wide exams, including STAAR and AP assessments.
Maricela began her career in education in 2015 at YES Prep Brays Oaks, where she worked as an AP Spanish teacher for seven years and served as the 11th-grade level chair for two years. She also facilitated AP Spanish Language and AP Spanish Literature courses district-wide, expanding her impact and collaborating with peers.
Maricela finds the most rewarding aspect of her career to be the academic growth and achievements of her students, driven by dedicated teaching.
Klein Independent School District
Martha Curiel
Martha Curiel is the 3-5 Program Coordinator, having previously served as an interventionist, reading specialist, and teacher. Over the years, Martha has honed her expertise in her content area, earning a master’s degree in Reading and a state certification as a reading specialist. She also holds an administrative certificate in leadership.
Martha has had the honor of impacting thousands of teachers and students through curriculum design.
She is passionate about educational design and building capacity among teachers, a passion that her current role allows her to fulfill while leading a team of 55 specialists. For Martha, this work is not just a job, but her purpose.
Breakthrough Houston
Mayra Ortuño
Mayra Ortuño serves as a Program Manager at Breakthrough Houston, overseeing the College Completion program. In this role, she manages key projects such as the Breakthrough Bridge summer transition program, career readiness and financial aid workshops, near-peer mentorship programs, and partnerships with community-based organizations and higher education institutions.
Before joining Breakthrough Houston, Mayra was an Educator at KIPP Texas, where she served as Grade Level Chair and RELAY Graduate School of Education Resident Advisor. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University.
Mayra has participated in the Breakthrough National College Success Pilot Team, collaborating with other Breakthrough affiliates to develop a national curriculum and standards for College Access and Success. She is passionate about financial literacy and has completed several professional development courses through Next Gen Personal Finance and the National College Attainment Network where she deepens her experitise in college access and success. Mayra is committed to working in the education non-profit sector to holistically support students from underrepresented communities in achieving their academic and career goals.
Latinos for Education
Miguel Duncan-Galvez Bravo
Miguel Angel Duncan-Galvez Bravo is the Managing Director, Regional Development & Engagement at Latinos for Education. Originating from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Miguel moved to the U.S. at age 2 has been marked by educational achievements and impactful advocacy. Armed with a Political Science degree from California State University Northridge and an MA in Diplomacy and Military Studies from Hawaii Pacific University, he made history as the first undocumented student in the program, earning the Holomua Scholarship and the Master of Diplomacy and Military Services’ Perseverance Award. When granted DACA in 2012, Miguel became a key figure in advancing same-sex marriage in Hawaii. In 2016, he became the first fundraising manager for Washington’s only Hispanic LGBTQ nonprofit increasing their annual budget from $200,000 to over $2 million. Entre Hermanos is now the leading organization for immigration and HIV work for the Latino community in the state.
In his role as the Director of Development for C5 Youth Foundation, Miguel secured over $2 million annually, empowering 500 youth. Prior to joining our team, he worked for Out in Tech, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ tech organization. Miguel played a pivotal role in establishing philanthropic support with foundations and helping create a culture of philanthropy.
Actively contributing to community causes, he served on both Equality Hawaii and with Seattle Pride board of directors. His commitment to education extended to a committee role for California State University Northridge’s scholarships. Lastly, King County recognized his expertise, appointing him to a two-year term on the Immigrant & Refugee Commission. Miguel’s multifaceted contributions reflect a dedication to education, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and immigrant rights, making a lasting impact on diverse communities.
YES Prep Public Schools
Nicholas Donis
Nicholas Donis, a native New Yorker born in the Historical Lower East Side, is a first-generation college graduate. He began his educational journey in 2003 with a local Head Start Program and advanced to become a Lead Teacher within the New York City Department of Education, primarily teaching Pre-Kindergarten 3 and 4. In 2019, Nicholas moved to Houston, Texas, where he taught at KIPP Peace Elementary School as a Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Teacher, also serving as a Grade Level Chair.
In 2022, Nicholas joined YES Prep Airline Elementary School as the Founding Pre-Kindergarten Teacher and Grade Level Chair before becoming the Resident Assistant Principal at North Forest Elementary School. He currently serves as the Founding Bilingual Assistant Principal at YES Prep North Rankin Elementary School. Nicholas holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the Borough of Manhattan Community College, a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences with a Minor in Communications and the Arts from The City College of New York, and a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning from Capella University. He is also a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, studying Educational Leadership and Principal Studies. Nicholas aspires to become a Principal within the YES Prep Network.
Outside of work and studies, Nicholas enjoys hiking and spending time with his dogs and his husband of 10 years.
College of Education at SHSU
Rebecca Saiz
Rebecca Saiz is the Director of Accreditation and Accountability for the College of Education at Sam Houston State University. With a diverse background in education, including roles at community colleges and public universities, Rebecca is currently a doctoral candidate at Sam Houston State University, where she is working on her dissertation to complete an Ed.D in Higher Education Leadership.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Rebecca is an active contributor to the education community, serving as a State Representative for the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education and as an Executive Board Member for Latinos Unidos, an employee readiness group at SHSU.
Rebecca is also a wife, mother, daughter, and sister, and she believes that education is pivotal in shaping the world she envisions for her family.
YES Prep Public Schools
Rosa Torres
With 17 years of dedicated service in the field of education, Rosa Torres currently serves as the Lead Special Education Manager at North Forest Elementary, part of YES Prep. Over the past five years, Rosa has excelled in various leadership roles, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving educational outcomes for all students. This October, she will receive a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, further solidifying her expertise and passion for educational advancement.
Before stepping into leadership, Rosa taught grades 2 through 8 in San Antonio, where she shaped the minds and futures of countless students. Her journey in education is deeply influenced by her parents, who immigrated from Mexico City before her birth. The hard work and sacrifices of Rosa’s parents instilled in her a profound respect for education and a strong cultural identity.
Rosa finds immense joy and fulfillment in her role, particularly in representing her culture and helping families advocate for their students’ educational needs. Her work is not just a profession but a calling, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and their families.
As a leader and educator, Rosa is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. Her commitment to excellence and passion for education continue to inspire those around her, making a significant difference in the community she serves.
ILTexas
Sandra Gonzales
Sandra Gonzales is an experienced educational leader with over 20 years of service in public education. Her journey began as an elementary ESL teacher at a Title I school, where her passion for supporting students from diverse backgrounds quickly emerged. Over the years, she advanced through various leadership roles, serving as an assistant principal, principal, regional director, and eventually, associate superintendent. Sandra has been instrumental in leading several impactful educational programs, including Strong Foundations for Reading, Aspiring Determined Leaders, and Principal Manager.
Having grown up as a migrant worker and being the first in her family to graduate from college, Sandra understands the challenges and sacrifices necessary to break the cycle of generational poverty. These experiences have instilled in her a strong sense of determination and a commitment to motivating those around her to pursue their dreams. Currently, she is working toward earning her doctoral degree in Instructional Leadership, with the hope of inspiring others in the field of education. Sandra holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Bilingual/ESL and has obtained her Superintendent certification. Beyond her professional life, she is an active member of her community, supporting various educational initiatives.
With a deep passion for education and leadership, Sandra is dedicated to improving educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds, ensuring that every child has the chance to succeed.
Marble Falls ISD
Soor-el Puga
Soor-el Puga is the Director of Elementary Education at Marble Falls ISD. Previously, he served as the Director of Bilingual/ESL Programs & Migrant Services, where he championed initiatives for PK-12 emergent bilingual learners and immigrant youth, including elementary dual language programs and a high school Welcome Center for newcomer students.
Soor-el’s career in education includes roles as a campus principal of a dual language elementary school, assistant principal, instructional technologist, and elementary teacher. His work extends to at- risk youth, community outreach, and visual arts. Soor-el earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, studied abroad at the Santa Reparata Graphic Arts Centre in Florence, Italy, and holds a Master’s degree in Education from Texas Tech University. He is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Bilingual Education at Texas A&M University Kingsville.
Soor-el has served as the Austin regional board president for the Texas Elementary Principals & Supervisors Association and is an active member of both the Texas Association of Bilingual Education and the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education. He is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and academic excellence for students, families, and staff.
