Roxanne Garza is the director of higher education policy at EdTrust. In this role, Roxanne leads the organization’s efforts to inform and develop policies that better support underserved students’ success in postsecondary education.
Prior to joining EdTrust, Roxanne served as chief of staff for the Office of Postsecondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education, where she led high-impact initiatives, provided strategic counsel to senior leaders, and advanced policies impacting students and institutions nationwide. Roxanne has also served in leadership roles at UnidosUS, where she shaped federal and state policy agendas focused on equity in K-12 and higher education, and at New America, where she conducted research and analysis on educator quality.
A first-generation college graduate, Roxanne holds a master’s degree in public affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s degree in economics, also from the University of Texas at Austin.
What are people most surprised to learn about you?
I grew up on a cattle ranch in south Texas.
What drew you to education?
Neither of my parents went to college, but they always stressed the importance of education. Thanks to my family’s support, the Top Ten Percent law in Texas, and some great mentors along the way, I earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree and ended up where I am today. I’ve focused my work on improving policies, systems, and supports that will help more students like me succeed and achieve their goals. EdTrust is the place for me to do just that!
