I’m Danielle Gonzales, a proud product of Albuquerque Public Schools, a Valley High School graduate, and the daughter of this vibrant community. I'm also a wife, a mother of three, and guardian to a fourth. Albuquerque is my hometown, and like so many families here, I want better opportunities for our kids than we had for ourselves.

I’ve spent my entire career fighting for educational equity — from the classroom to the Capitol. After graduating from George Washington University with degrees in Political Science and Spanish, I earned my Master’s in Education from the University of Notre Dame and began my career as a 4th grade teacher. I’ve since worked across the country on education policy, bringing expertise and a national network back home to APS.

When I first joined the APS Board, the district lacked clear goals and accountability. I helped change that. I led the Board in adopting a student-outcomes-focused governance model, hired a superintendent who shares our vision, and helped craft a strategic plan grounded in equity and excellence. I championed a focus on historically underserved student groups — English learners, Native students, Black students, and students from low-income families — to ensure every child has access to grade-level instruction and the support they need to thrive.

We’ve made real progress — from raising graduation rates to increasing access to mental health services — but there is still work to do. I’m running for re-election to stay the course, keep students at the center, and ensure APS becomes the district our children deserve.

Progress is possible. But only if we persist.