I used to walk into the voting booth feeling unsure and overwhelmed. Like many parents, my husband and I would do our best, but that included sometimes defaulting to voting for women or Latino names, hoping we were choosing leaders who shared our values.

That changed when I joined Futuro’s parent advocacy team. 

Through Futuro, I didn’t just learn about candidates. I sat in the room with them, asked questions, and helped decide who earned our support. For the first time, I didn’t feel like an outsider to politics. I felt like a decision-maker.

We looked for candidates who understood families like ours—people who know that public schools, whether charter or traditional ISD, should work together to serve every student. We’re not looking for division. We’re looking for fairness, opportunity, and schools that are free and open to all children, regardless of their zip code.

This election season, our whole family got involved. My husband canvassed, even in neighborhoods where we faced hostility. It wasn’t easy, but it was powerful. We brought our kids with to learn what civic leadership looks like. 

As my son says: “You can’t just say you’re about it—you have to be about it.”

City Hall has a role in education. From safety and mental health to transportation and infrastructure, our schools are impacted by the choices our city leaders make. That’s why we need education champions at the local level. Leaders who see families as partners and not just votes or talking points.

I’m proud to be part of Futuro because it’s truly parent-led. We believe in collaboration over division. I’m proud to say my son just scored a 29 on the ACT and is applying to Ivy League schools. He’s a product of a public school, and my involvement is centered on every child having the same chance at success.

It’s time families like ours helped shape San Antonio’s future. By voting, we’re building the future our kids deserve.