Our Team
Dr. Mary Edna González (she/her/ella) has dedicated her life to promoting social change through her community engagement, professional experiences and academic background. Over the past decade, Mary has helped classrooms, organizations, and companies, embrace and understand how to strategically support transformative change.
Mary received her bachelor’s degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and her Master’s Degree from St. Edward’s University, and her Doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction- Cultural Studies in Education at UT-Austin.
Previously, she has worked at the National Hispanic Institute, the University of Texas at Austin, and as the Assistant Dean for Student Multicultural Affairs at Southwestern University. Most recently, Dr. González was the Assistant Director for the Partnership for the Future of Learning at the National Public Education Support Fund. Currently she is the Executive Director for the Mexican American School Board Association.
Most recently, Mary was awarded the “Champion for Children” title by the Equity Center, a Texas-based nonprofit organization that strives to create a more equitable public school finance system, as well as the “Leadership Award” by Equality Texas for her leadership advocating for LGBTQ equality. In 2015, she was the youngest inductee into the El Paso Women’s Hall of Fame.
In her individual capacity as a Texas resident, she serves in the Texas House of Representatives as State Representative for House District 75 (El Paso County). Mary serves as the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, as well as on the Public Education Committee in the Texas House. She is currently serving her second term as Vice Chair for the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, and the Chair of the new Texas House LGBTQ Caucus. Nationally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Latino Elected Officials, and as Co-Chair for the Board of Latino Legislative Leaders.
Mary lives in the community she grew up in on the Texas/Mexico border, surrounded by goats, horses, and dogs.
Adriel Bustillos (he/him/él) is a candidate for the Master of Public Affairs at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. Originally from El Paso, Texas, he is a first-generation student whose background and community have shaped his commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening public institutions. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Government from The University of Texas at Austin.
Adriel’s work and academic interests center on political participation, inequality, and the ways public systems affect underrepresented communities. His experiences include serving as a Legislative Aide to Representative Mary E. González in the Texas House of Representatives and working at the El Paso County Commissioners Court, where he engaged with local governance, constituent needs, and community-focused policy issues. He also participated in the Democratic Development Fellowship with International IDEA in Panama City, contributing to initiatives that supported democratic engagement.
Across his roles, Adriel remains committed to advancing equity, strengthening community voices, and ensuring that public institutions reflect and respond to the people they serve.
In his role as Director of Operations, Adriel oversees MASBA’s membership systems, manages sponsorship relationships, and contributes to the organization’s financial management.
Lesley Rivas (she/her/ella) is a doctoral student in the Department of Education Leadership and Policy at The University of Texas at Austin. Her research interests include the educational access and attainment of Latinx students across the pipeline, ethnic studies, and advancing educational equity for underserved students through policy reform and culturally responsive support models.
Lesley earned a Master of Education in Education Policy from UT Austin and a Bachelor of Arts in Latinx Studies and Spanish from the University of Michigan. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, she is the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants. As a first-generation Latina scholar, Lesley is deeply committed to expanding educational opportunities for her community through her research and advocacy.
In her role as Director of Special Programs, Lesley directs MASBA’s grants work, oversees scholarship efforts, and manages the organization’s awards programs.
Kendra Chavez-Alaniz (she/her) is a Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs student at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. Originally from the Rio Grande Valley, she brings a deep connection to her community and a strong commitment to civic engagement, educational equity, and community-centered leadership.
Kendra is the Valedictorian of Juarez-Lincoln High School, where she ranked first in a graduating class of 462 students and held multiple leadership roles, including 2-time Class President, President of the National Honor Society, Major/ Head Officer of the Silver Stars Drill Team, and President of the Varsity Choir. Through these roles, she led large student organizations, coordinated community events, and managed fundraising initiatives in her community.
She has been recognized for her academic excellence and civic leadership, including selection as a participant in the SNF National Student Dialogue, where she represented the LBJ School of Public Affairs in partnership with the Biden School of Public Policy and Administration. Kendra also brings experience in communications and outreach through her work as a volunteer social media manager and graphic designer.
In her role as Policy Intern, Kendra contributes to the Learning Community Newsletter, conducts national policy analysis and tracking, and supports MASBA’s advocacy efforts.
Andrea Moreno (she/her/ella) is a second-year undergraduate student at Harvard University studying Government and Romance Languages and Literatures. Originally from El Paso, Texas, Andrea grew up in a border community, an experience that shaped her commitment to immigration advocacy, educational equity, and public service. She hopes to continue her education and pursue a career in law.
Andrea’s experience includes conducting research on climate change and environmental justice in underprivileged communities through the Frontera Land Alliance and serving as a youth advisor to Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, where she engaged with policy issues impacting border and Latino communities. On campus, she is involved as the Associate Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Undergraduate Women in Law and as a member of the Small Claims Advisory Service, where she supports access to legal resources.
Through her academic work and community involvement, Andrea is driven by a commitment to public service and to addressing structural barriers faced by border and immigrant communities.
In her role as Communications Intern, Andrea manages MASBA’s social media efforts and oversees content updates for the organization’s website.