Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees Position 3:

 

I am inspired to run for the Board of Trustees because I believe in the transformative power of education. As a strong advocate for student success, equity, and workforce readiness, I want to ensure that Pasadena ISD and San Jacinto College provide high-quality education and career pathways for all students. Misconceptions about learning abilities and access to opportunities often create barriers, and I want to help remove them. My goal is to enhance partnerships between schools, local businesses, and the community to expand student resources, teacher support, and innovative programs that prepare students for higher education and successful careers.

 

I bring extensive experience in community service, crisis management, financial oversight, and public engagement, which are essential skills for this role. My background in public administration and nonprofit leadership has equipped me with the ability to make informed, strategic decisions that benefit students, educators, and the broader community. I have experience in crisis response, ensuring that schools and institutions remain resilient in times of uncertainty. Additionally, my work in financial literacy and budget management has strengthened my ability to oversee fiscal policies that prioritize sustainability and efficiency. My public communication and outreach skills enable me to effectively engage with stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability in all decision-making processes.

 

One major challenge is ensuring equitable access to education and workforce opportunities. Many students face barriers such as economic hardship, mental health struggles, and limited career exposure. To address this, I would advocate for expanded career and technical education (CTE) programs, mental health resources, and stronger business-school partnerships. Additionally, teacher recruitment and retention remain challenges, and I would support competitive salaries, professional development, and mentorship programs to keep high-quality educators in our schools. Strengthening digital learning tools and infrastructure improvements will also be critical to preparing students for future careers in an evolving job market.

 

Pasadena ISD and San Jacinto College have strong career and technical education (CTE) programs, community partnerships, and student-centered initiatives. Their commitment to workforce readiness and academic excellence has provided students with valuable skills and pathways to success. Additionally, collaborative efforts between schools, local businesses, and higher education institutions have strengthened opportunities for students. The district’s focus on innovation, teacher support, and student services continues to drive positive outcomes. Building on these strengths by expanding access to scholarships, mentorship programs, and cutting-edge learning technologies will ensure continued growth and success for students and the community.

 

To bridge the gap between education and workforce needs, I would prioritize expanding career and technical education (CTE) programs that align with high-demand industries such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Strengthening partnerships with local businesses, industry leaders, and trade organizations will allow students to gain real-world experience through internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing opportunities. Additionally, I would advocate for curriculum updates that integrate critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills, ensuring that graduates are workforce-ready and adaptable to evolving industry demands.

 

As a Board Trustee, I would work to strengthen the connection between local businesses and educational institutions by fostering mentorship programs, small business partnerships, and entrepreneurship education initiatives. Encouraging local businesses to serve as guest speakers, career fair participants, and internship providers would enhance students' exposure to real-world career paths. Additionally, I would advocate for procurement policies that prioritize local vendors when sourcing services for district or college needs, ensuring that taxpayer dollars support local economic growth.

 

Collaboration among the chamber, city, school district, and San Jacinto College has already played a crucial role in Pasadena’s success. To further strengthen these partnerships, I propose three innovative initiatives that will enhance workforce development, disaster resilience, and community engagement:

To strengthen collaboration, I propose three key initiatives:

1. Pasadena Workforce & Innovation Network (P-WIN): A business-education alliance where local companies help design school curricula, provide mentorships, and offer job training programs. This ensures that students graduate with skills aligned to industry needs, benefiting both employers and workforce.

2. Rapid Response Resource Hub: A coordinated disaster response system linking schools, businesses, and city agencies. Companies and institutions can register available resources (vehicles, generators, food, shelter) in a shared database for faster emergency response. This would make Pasadena a model for crisis preparedness.

3. Pasadena Community Impact Lab: A public-private innovation center where students, business leaders, and city officials collaborate to develop solutions for city challenges—such as workforce shortages, infrastructure improvements, and small business growth. Annual Community Innovation Summits would encourage cross-sector partnerships.

By integrating business expertise into education, enhancing disaster coordination, and fostering civic innovation, Pasadena can create a more connected, future-ready community where students, businesses, and residents thrive.