Adriana Tamez, Ed.D.

As a child, growing up in Houston’s Denver Harbor and Fifth Ward and witnessing the poverty and struggles of so many, Adriana Tamez was perplexed and often pondered: How can I help, what can I do, to make this situation better? The answers came as her siblings and she stood in the shadows of their parents, who modeled giving back and being of service. They also instilled in Adriana and her siblings that education was not an option and the key to fulfilling one’s dreams. Thus, service and education were the two ingredients that became the guideposts for Dr. Adriana Tamez’s journey as a lifelong educator and leader in service to the community, especially the most vulnerable.

Today, Adriana is a tenacious and empathic leader dedicated to working with community and business leaders, as well as elected officials, that represent the rich diversity that makes Houston the world-class city it is. She is driven by the belief in the power of dialogue and collaborative leadership with those whose identity, culture, background, and life experiences may all differ. Her goal is always to create opportunities to help address our area’s most critical needs, especially access to quality education for all, from early childhood to adult learning.

Beginning as a classroom teacher, she has subsequently seized every opportunity to build her capacity and enlarge her sphere of leadership, knowing with increased responsibility she could have a greater impact to equitably benefit all people in the community. Her skills, experience, and passion have led her to co-found the Tejano Center for Community Concerns and the Raul Yzaguirre Schools for Success, where she currently serves as President/CEO and Superintendent of Schools. She was elected and currently serves on the Houston Community College Board of Trustees representing District III, continuing her legacy of empowering communities through equitable education and workforce development opportunities.

Dr. Tamez devotes time to community efforts, serving on numerous boards and commissions, including the Mayor’s ION Community Advisory Council, Keep Houston Beautiful, One Safe Houston, Harris County Housing Authority, and Harris County Community Flood Resilience Task Force.

Tamez earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from the University of Houston. She earned her doctorate in educational administration at the University of Texas at Austin.