I was born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I am a proud graduate of Las Cruces High School. I received both my master's degree and bachelor's degree from New Mexico State University. My mission is to serve my community through advocacy.

Jennifer Reyes-Islava is a bilingual teacher at Desert Hills Elementary School. She has been an educator for eight years, and enjoys the diversity in the student population at her school. Jennifer holds a Master's Degree in Language, Literacy and Culture from NMSU. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband Luis, her daughters Aleya and Luisalli, and son, Luis Santiago.

My name is Connie Sanchez, I am an educational support in a kinder classroom. I have worked for the LCPS for 28 years and counting. I am married to a wonderful person, we have 3 wonderful daughters, and a grandson who attends LCPS. I am a part of the special education subcommittee.

I legally immigrated with my parents at the age of 5, dropped out from High School at 17, served 25 years in the US Marine Corps, and recently retired as a DoD contractor. I have a strong Nationalistic view-as defined ‘identification with one’s own nation and support for its interests shaped by a solid Christian, conservative Hispanic upbringing and career in the Corps.  Race, ethnicity and victimhood are not factors in my life. We all bleed the same color-red. Hard work, merit and positive support, when needed, are the key contributors to my success. I am a strong believer in “God, Country and Family."

María Flores has served Las Cruces Public Schools for over 30 years, first as a parent, a volunteer, a teacher and a School Board Member.   As a member of the Board of Education, her work was focused on equity, inclusion and opportunity for every student.  She taught for 13 years at Tombaugh Elementary, as a Bilingual 4th and 5th teacher.  She and her family have lived in Las Cruces for 35 years and her children were all LCPS graduates.  Continuing to serve on this council is a great honor.

Pamela Cort currently serves District 2 on the LCPS School Board. She retired from teaching in 2019 after 31 years of service in the classroom. 26 of those years were spent at Las Cruces High School where she taught French. Pamela is the 2013 New Mexico Teacher of the Year. She earned her Ed.S degree in 2018, specializing in Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching, and she hopes to share that knowledge and passion with the Equity Council

Michael Ray is of Laguna Pueblo and Red Lake Chippewa Heritage. Living on the Laguna Indian Reservation for most of his childhood, he attended all of the educational programs the reservation offered, from Paraje Head Start to Laguna – Acoma High School. Mr. Ray serves as the Director of the American Indian Program at New Mexico State University, where he has been able to help students find their path in higher education, be it at the undergraduate, master, or doctoral levels.

Teresa Tenorio began serving on the school board in January 2020.  She raises three daughters who all attend public schools in Las Cruces.  Her passion is public health and education advocacy.  “I am grateful for the Martinez-Yazzie state decision that began initiatives for us to improve equity in NM Schools.”

Tory Woods