President

A Harlingen native, Julian Alvarez III currently serves as the Executive Vice President- Director of Community Relations at Lone Star National Bank. He previously served as the Commissioner Representing Labor of the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) where he was instrumental in helping

school systems in the Rio Grande Valley, including La Joya ISD, receive grant funding for workforce and vocational training. Prior to his appointment to the TWC, Alvarez III served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership where he fostered relationships and helped coordinate programs to advance regional economic development through education and employment opportunities. He holds a degree from Texas A&I University.

Vice-President

A second-generation La Joya ISD alumna, Anita Chavez is proud to still call the district home. Chavez grew up in a family that understood and stressed the importance of a good education, values that stuck with her as she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences from the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley and a Master of Science in Environmental Analysis from Rice University. Professionally, Chavez is an Environmental Compliance Specialist doing contract work within the Rio Grande Valley.

Secretary

Alyssa Peña is a proud alumna of La Joya ISD, attending E.B. Reyna Elementary, Memorial Middle School, and Juarez-Lincoln High School before graduating from La Joya High School in 2006. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international business and a Master of Business Administration and currently works for the Ford Motor Company as a Senior Solutions Sales Manager. Peña is a co-founder of "Next Generation Cup," a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Dallas that provides high-quality extracurricular activities through the game of soccer.

Board Member

A proud product of La Joya ISD, Celso Gomez Jr.’s roots in the community run deep. Gomez married a La Joya native and sent his three children to La Joya ISD schools. Able to view the district from an educator’s perspective, Gomez Jr. served as a band director in several Rio Grande Valley- area school districts where he dedicated his time to providing enrichment for students through the arts. After receiving his Master of Business Administration, he transitioned into the automobile industry where he has worked for the past 13 years.

Board Member

Dr. Rosalva Hernandez is a La Joya ISD graduate and native of the Rio Grande Valley. As a second-generation immigrant, Hernandez understands the struggle many in her community face and puts her focus on serving those most in need. She was the first in her family to obtain a college degree, graduating with a nursing degree from South Texas College in McAllen. She moved to Arlington to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Fort Worth for a Master of Science in Nursing, and Jacksonville, Florida to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Hernandez and her husband Isaac reside in Palmview with their two children.

Board Member

Dr. Carlos Margo was raised in Rio Grande City and is a 1991 graduate of Rio Grande City High School. He currently serves as Dean for Industry Training and Economic Development at South Texas College (STC) and, since 1998, worked at STC in multiple roles within the workforce training or continuing education division. Margo holds a bachelor’s degree in English Rhetoric from Texas A&M University, a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas – Pan American and a doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech University. He lives with his family in McAllen and has three children enrolled in the McAllen Independent School District. He also serves as the Vice President of the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley.

Board Member

Jessica Ochoa has called the Rio Grande Valley home for more than 20 years and is a proud La Joya ISD parent with two children currently attending La Joya ISD schools. She is passionate about positively impacting her community and providing an excellent example of civic engagement for her children. In her free time, Ochoa enjoys exploring new places, volunteering in the community, and spending time with her extended family and friends. She is a graduate of the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin and holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley.