Alexa Garza

Alexa Garza, an alumna of EdTrust’s inaugural Justice Fellows Policy Program, is responsible for assisting with the day-to-day tasks associated with the implementation of the Justice Fellows Policy Program. Additionally, she assists in advancing the agenda in Texas to improve access and workforce opportunities for current and formerly incarcerated Texans.

Alexa’s passion for advocacy is rooted in her personal experience of incarceration and the stigma she faced in her community upon release. She will continue to use her story and research to change the narrative around incarceration and advocate for policies that expand educational opportunities for all Texans who encounter the justice system, especially women.

Prior to joining EdTrust, Alexa worked as a Certified Braille Transcriber where her she transcribed textbooks for visually impaired student across the U.S. She is currently working towards a master’s at Texas Women’s University and holds a bachelor’s in business administration from Tarleton State University.

What are people most surprised to learn about you?

That I am an expert fisherman. My husband taught me to fish and now I catch more fish than he does.

What drew you to education?

What drew me to education was the hope that it provided and the belief that I could achieve my dreams and create a better life for myself. I saw education as a way to gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the world — to open doors that had previously been closed to me.

It was through education that I was able to break free from the limitations that society had placed on me, to rise above my circumstances, and to create a better future for myself.

Today, as a first-generation college graduate, I am proud of the journey I have taken and the obstacles I have overcome. I am grateful for the opportunities that education has provided me. Education truly is the way to break free, to create a better life, and to make a difference in the world.

Why are you passionate about working at Ed Trust?

I am passionate about working for EdTrust because I believe that education is the key to unlocking the potential of every individual and building a brighter future for our society as a whole. EdTrust is an organization that is dedicated to closing the opportunity gap and ensuring that all students, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, have access to a quality education that prepares them for success in college and beyond.

As someone who has personally experienced the transformative power of education, I am committed to ensuring that all students have the same opportunities to succeed. EdTrust’s commitment to equity and excellence resonates with me on a personal level, and I am inspired by their dedication to advocating for all students.