Raise Your Hand Texas Strengthens Statewide Presence

Addition of New Regional Advocacy Directors Expands Reach Across Texas Communities

AUSTIN, TX (September 16, 2025) – Raise Your Hand Texas continues to expand its statewide advocacy network by welcoming four new regional advocacy directors to its team, as well as creating two new positions in the organization. The new team members will enhance the organization’s engagement with local communities across Texas, further supporting Texas public schools.

The new regional advocacy directors are:

• Clarissa Riojas from McAllen, Texas, representing the South Texas region
• Maritza Sepulveda from Conroe, Texas, representing West Houston
• Chris Robey from Haslet, Texas, representing Greater Fort Worth
• Deanna Barley from Brady, Texas, representing the West Texas region

“Building a stronger future for every student in Texas requires a dedicated, passionate, and local presence across the state,” said Dr. Libby Cohen, executive director of Raise Your Hand Texas. “Each of our new regional advocacy directors brings a wealth of experience and deep ties to their communities.”

Raise Your Hand Texas’ 13 regional advocacy directors work together to build broad support for public education and grow the advocacy skills of local stakeholders, mobilizing parents, community leaders, business representatives, and elected officials to collaborate. This team plays a crucial role in Raise Your Hand Texas’ mission to create a vibrant civic culture where Texans act together to champion public education.

Additional Internal Promotions and New Team Members Announced

Raise Your Hand Texas also recognizes the growth and expertise of its team by announcing several key promotions and role changes for internal staff. Amy Dodson has been promoted to dean of advocacy, where she will lead community-focused advocacy training programs. Matt Hall has been promoted to lead organizer of statewide campaigns, spearheading advocacy campaigns and government relations for the organization.

Additionally, Mario Piña and Skylar Gallop have been promoted to senior regional advocacy directors. Giovanni Escobedo has moved from South Texas to Dallas to serve as the senior regional advocacy director of Dallas, and Natalia Gómez Ramback will continue as senior regional advocacy director, focusing on the greater Houston metroplex. The organization also welcomes Derek Castillo as its new senior writer and content developer.

“With our expanded team of advocates, we are better positioned to unite communities and advocate for thriving public schools that Texas’ 5.5 million students deserve,” said Cohen.

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About Raise Your Hand Texas

In 2006, Charles Butt and a group of Texas business and community leaders founded Raise Your Hand Texas with the belief that all Texas children should have equal access to high-quality education. Raise Your Hand Texas supports public policy solutions that invest in our students, encourage innovation and autonomy, and improve college, military, and workforce readiness. For more information, visit RaiseYourHandTexas.org.