In 2022-23, only 38% of 3rd-8th graders in San Antonio met or exceeded their grade-level in Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies. When discussing education, we often focus on reviewing data, yet we sometimes overlook connecting these numbers to the real lives of children and families. Like many San Antonio students, my journey reflects a common narrative: one of anchoring on education to achieve my family’s version of the American Dream. For me, education meant more than academic achievement; it offered access to new opportunities, the chance to serve my community, and the promise of economic prosperity. My dedication to this cause remains unwavering. I am driven by a desire for all students in my community, like my former students on the East Side of San Antonio and my own child, to thrive in their local schools and beyond.

My experience as a formerly undocumented immigrant from Argentina and English language learner exposed me early on about injustice and overcoming education barriers. After I graduated college, I wanted to give back to communities that needed the most support. I signed up for Teach for America as a bilingual teacher in the East Side of San Antonio, where I witnessed firsthand the profound inequities in the education system. This fueled my transition into community organizing and advocacy on behalf of children and their parents/caregivers across the country. Today, as a recent first-time mom, my dedication and will to help students and families from my local community of San Antonio is stronger than ever.

At my core, I am both an educator and community organizer. Drawing from experience and previous roles, I founded Futuro San Antonio, a non-profit advocating for excellent public education and prosperity for all children in San Antonio. The sad reality is that San Antonio’s Bexar County has the lowest college graduation rate, ranking only 26.3%, amongst Texas’ top 5 largest counties. At Futuro, we know our city can deliver a world-class public education to all its students. We believe building community power through grassroots organizing, civic leadership and amplifying voices at the polls will support a shift in local representation and policies – ensuring every student can access great public schools. Whether families seek STEM-focused schools, specialized support for dyslexia, or schools rooted in parent/guardian and community engagement, caregivers should be at liberty to choose a school that best meets the unique needs of their children!

Our organization will actively strive to elevate and fully support families to drive their children’s academic future. We imagine a city where families and students frequently engage and hold decision makers accountable, where parents/caregivers set the vision and agenda for their kid’s educational path, and a city where we have bold and courageous leaders rooting their decision-making on what’s truly best for the community. This transformative shift is within reach for San Antonio.

We know addressing systemic inequities in education will require our San Antonio community coming together and demanding better for our children. At Futuro San Antonio, we collaborate with community members and key partners to demand better for our kids. We invite you to join our movement and contribute your voice and ideas to create a brighter futuro (future) for San Antonio’s youth.