Albuquerque Public Schools Alumna, Parent Launches Bid for Board
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August 24, 2021 For Immediate Release |
Contact: Danielle Gonzales Phone: 505-225-3426 |
Albuquerque Public Schools Alumna, Parent Launches Bid for Board
Danielle Gonzales Files for APS District 3 Seat
Today, Danielle M. Gonzales filed paperwork with the Bernalillo County Clerk to formally declare her candidacy for the Albuquerque Public Schools Board, for District 3. Gonzales, a native New Mexican and graduate of Valley High School, has worked for over 20 years in education as a teacher, advocate, funder and education policy expert. She currently co-leads the Aspen Institute’s Education & Society Program, a national education non-profit focused on improving education for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.
"I was lucky to receive an amazing APS education,” Gonzales said, “but I also witnessed peers and family struggle. Success in school and in life shouldn't be left to chance. We need to build an education system that enables everyone to thrive, especially now, as our community works to recover from COVID and pandemic-related stressors."
Gonzales, a parent of three children and guardian to her niece (ages 5, 8, 11, and 12) has the unique perspective and experience to help lead the district toward recovery and renewal.
“Our community and our students have experienced a year like no other. The November 2 election provides an opportunity for Albuquerqueans to bring new leadership to the APS Board.” Gonzales said. “I have school-aged children, leadership and board governance experience, deep knowledge of urban district leadership strategies, a robust record of service and the expertise we need to rise up to this moment.”
Gonzales began her career as a fourth grade teacher, led a national advocacy campaign for pre-k for all, made grants to state-based education organizations at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and now works to support urban districts’ improvement efforts. She has been published in a variety of education outlets and is a national expert in education equity and education policy.
Gonzales is a recipient of the prestigious Truman Scholarship and an alumna of several fellowships and programs. Her record of service to the community includes having served on multiple boards, including Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP) and Planned Parenthood. She currently serves as the Chair of the Board for Transforming Education, a national non-profit focused on anti-racist whole child development, as the Treasurer of the New Mexico Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Foundation, as a founding member of the New Mexico Women’s Giving Circle, and as a coach and consultant on equity for the NM Public Education Department. Gonzales is an active member of Moms Demand Action, MomsRising, Education Leaders of Color (EdLOC), and Latinos for Education.
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