96th Texas State Convention + Expo: Presented by Laura Linda

Dr. Angela Valenzuela is a Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy at the University of Texas at Austin where she directs the Texas Center for Education Policy. She completed her Ph.D. in Sociology at Stanford University and is the author of the award-winning book, Subtractive Schooling: U.S.-Mexican Youth and the Politics of Caring (1999). She also founded a blog titled, Educational Equity, Politics, and Policy in Texas. Dr. Valenzuela serves Chair of the Texas LULAC Education Committee and co-chair to the National LULAC Higher Education Committee. She is a co-founder of Academic Cuauhtli, a partnership-based, community-anchored Saturday school serving elementary school children with district-wide Impacts in the Austin Independent School District. She also co-founded Black Brown Dialogues on Policy to encourage coalition building and solidarity across diverse alliances. She is a member of the National Academy of Education.

Dr. Maria Del Carmen Unda is a distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin's College of Liberal Arts, where she contributes to the Equity-Centered Principal Initiative (ECPI). With a focus on race and ethnic studies, educational policymaking, critical policy analysis, and organizational equity, her work spans K-12 and higher education. Dr. Unda's research highlights the pivotal role of community organizations in enhancing educational opportunities across district, state, and federal levels. She has authored significant works in journals such as Educational Policy, Race Ethnicity and Education, and the Journal of Cases in Educational Leadership. Dr. Unda holds a B.A. in Chicano/a Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, and advances her field expertise with an M.Ed. in Education Policy and Planning, followed by a Ph.D. in Education Leadership and Policy, both from the University of Texas at Austin. Her academic pursuits have been funded by her tenure as a Gates Millenium Scholar from 2012 to 2023.

Gloria Leal is an attorney practicing administrative law representing ‘licensed’ business clients and individuals subject to disciplinary matters before state agencies and the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). As a government affairs consultant , she advocates for business and consumer interests before the State Legislature. Gloria is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law and has received numerous recognitions and awards as a “Pathfinder” and “Trailblazer” in the legal profession and for advocating on behalf of the Hispanic community. Gloria hails from the Rio Grande Valley and proudly embraces her fifth generation “Tejano “ heritage and farm worker migrant background. Two years ago, she was appointed General Counsel for the National League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) –becoming the first woman appointed in LULAC’s 95th history. She is the principal legal advisor to the LULAC National Board.

Claudia Azua has 25 years of experience as a bilingual instructor at Mineral Wells ISD, where she specializes in bilingual education, intervention, and curriculum development. She is currently pursuing certification as a Bilingual Dyslexia Interventionist. Claudia is the founder of Claudia’s Consulting Services LLC, offering expertise in education, nonprofit development, and community engagement. She is also a certified Texas Public Notary and Professional Tax Preparer. Claudia holds a Bachelor’s in Education (Interdisciplinary Studies) from Tarleton State University and an Associate of Arts in Teaching from Weatherford College. She is a certified EC-6 Generalist with an ESL endorsement and is a Safe Environment Facilitator for the Diocese of Fort Worth. Her nonprofit leadership includes serving as Deputy State Director for Women for Texas LULAC and as President of the Palo Pinto County LULAC Council #22391, where she launched a scholarship program for local students. She also serves as Deputy District Director within LULAC District 21, Treasurer of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, Fort Worth Chapter, and Chamber Ambassador with the Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce.

Lorena Ana Vargas serves as the Language Specialist and Curriculum Writer for Birdville ISD in Haltom City, Texas, and holds a BA in Elementary Bilingual Education from Texas Wesleyan University. Since 2019, Lorena has been a member and 2025 the Chair-Elect for the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas-Fort Worth Chapter. From 2021 to 2023, she mentored in the Latinas in Progress Education Committee and volunteered at The Cindy Ramsey Help Center, which

provides various resources to promote equitable distribution in the community and volunteers throughout the community. At her alma mater, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Texas Wesleyan University Alumni Association. Lorena is involved with the BEAM (Bilingual Education Association DFW

Metroplex) Conference Committee and serving on the Board of Directors to promote educational excellence for emergent bilingual learners/ESL and educators through advocacy, education, and collaboration. She is also part of the HWNT Strategic Task Force Committee and was named one of the Top HWNT FW Five Mentors of 2022. In 2023, she was

honored as the HWNT Fort Worth Shining Star and also co-authored the educational Teacher's Guide, "Blooming Writers." 

Perla Bojorquez is a proud American, born and raised in the Midwest. She is a devoted wife and mother, a passionate educator, and an unwavering advocate for small businesses and community development. Perla's career began in the legal field, where as a family law paralegal she developed a keen understanding of the intricacies of law and justice. Her experience in this role reinforced her belief in justice and equality, values she carries forward in her public service. She is fluent in both English and Spanish because her family immigrated from Chihuahua, Mexico. Her transition to was driven by a desire to impact future generations. As an educator, Perla has worked tirelessly to ensure that every child has access to quality education, love, support, and the opportunity to succeed. Her involvement with the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce - Young Professionals and her leadership in Latina Outreach Initiatives demonstrate her commitment to empowering the diverse voices of our community.

  Looking for a trusted REALTOR® in San Antonio? Look no further! With over 14 years of living in this vibrant city, I bring unmatched personal and professional insights to help you achieve your real estate goals. As a wife, military spouse, and mother of two, I understand the importance of finding a home that fits your unique lifestyle. I hold a Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation and an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) certification, ensuring top-tier service whether you’re buying, selling, renting, or investing. I'm fluent in Portuguese and Spanish, and as part of EXIT Realty Advisors, I’m backed by a company known for its integrity, client satisfaction, and innovative real estate solutions. My goal is to provide a seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish.

 My passion for helping my clients, has only increased in experience and knowledge from when I initially became a Realtor back in 2005. I listen carefully to understand your needs, wants and concerns. This allows me to help make your dreams of having a place to call home and create lifelong memories, a reality. This process can be very exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. I will be your trusted advisor to help navigate our way to the finish line. 

Whether buying, selling or looking for a lease, I will provide you with the special attention one expects from a dedicated consultant. Thank you for allowing me to guide you home and remember..."There's always hope when guided by Schwope!"

Omar is the Texas Affordable Mortgage Manager at Amegy Bank. Since 2018, the Affordable Housing Team has been dedicated and focused on the First Time Home Buyer, and purchases that use the various grant programs available to First Time Home Buyers. Omar began his banking career in 1999 after serving in the U.S. Navy onboard USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71. In 2004, he began originating mortgage loans with a focus on the First Time Home Buyer and the step by step of the process of this exciting process. 

In my 31 years in the mortgage business, I’ve weathered changing markets, changing regulations and changing processes. I’ve used these challenges to become a stronger mortgage professional and champion for my clients. I have a track record of closing difficult and outside the box loans, making my clients feel secure with the loan process and confident that they will close on time. If I have a “super power,” it’s this: I don’t mess around. When I start a loan, I get my clients on board through effective education and we work as a team until the keys are in their hands. I focus on their goals and match them with my extensive industry knowledge to achieve an efficient mortgage process and smooth closing. I’ve made it my personal professional mission to stay educated about the mortgage industry. This means I am equally adept at working with first-time home buyers, downsizing empty nesters, and self-employed entrepreneurs. Things change almost daily in this business, so carving out time for learning is a must. 

Dr. Cynthia E. Orozco, an award-winning professor of history and best-selling author, is a historian of LULAC. She is a UT Austin and UCLA graduate and taught at UTSA, University of New Mexico, and Eastern New Mexico University in Ruidoso. She is author of No Mexicans, Women or Dogs Allowed: The Rise of the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement, a history of the origins of LULAC and Pioneer of Mexican American Civil Rights: Alonso S. Perales on the principal founder of LULAC. She is a member of Council 8.