Current Position:
Eyra provides leadership for the technical assistance support Excelencia provides to institutional partners committed to more intentionally serving their Latino students. She manages resources and partnerships with other organizations for the effective and efficient implementation of Excelencia’s technical assistance plan. Eyra leads Excelencia’s efforts to build an extensive network of facilitators and practitioners to support and serve institutions in their transformational journeys. She also ensures the delivery of high-quality technical assistance support to institutional partners to facilitate their progress to more intentionally serve Latino students.

Past Experiences:
Eyra brings more than 25 years of experience in Latino student access and success, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, equity-centered practices, program development and management, student development, student leadership, financial aid, transfer, STEM, and parent involvement. Her professional experience includes higher education, K-12 education, and non-profit community-based organizations. Eyra earned a PhD in Educational Leadership from The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), a Master’s in Educational Leadership from UTSA, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Our Lady of the Lake University.

Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia?
As a first-generation Latina from one of the most distressed and undereducated areas of Texas, I have committed my personal and professional life to ensure Latino students, and all students, are provided the opportunities to access higher education and the experiences, in and out of classrooms, to ensure their success. Being a part of the Excelencia team, grants me the opportunity to serve those that serve our Latino students and fulfill my personal and professional mission.

How would you describe working at Excelencia?
Working at Excelencia is like no other professional experience I have had. I am honored and humbled to work with and learn from institutional leaders and practitioners from across the nation that are committed to creating the thriving environments that our Latino, and all, students need and deserve. I am part of a team of very committed individuals who advance Excelencia’s mission to accelerate Latino student success by being intentional and innovative as we build on a national stage. Excelencia’s asset-based approach to leading, investigating, and highlighting what works for Latino students empowers me to do more and work harder.