More than 130 people recently gathered at the Atrium to celebrate the launch of the Garland Association of Latino Administrators (GALA). The organization is an affiliate of the Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS). Garland City Council Member Dylan Hedrick and TALAS Executive Director Dr. Stan Paz were on-hand for the event that included a formal ribbon cutting and various activities.
Beatris Martinez, the principal at Vial Elementary School, currently serves as GALA’s president and Javier Solis is president-elect.
The mission of the organization follows:
The Garland Association of Latino Administrators (GALA) is a community of diverse educational leaders skilled in addressing the needs of Latino students and dedicated to increasing the number of highly effective administrators, counselors, teachers and support staff.
As the first of its kind in Texas, GALA’s vision is to develop ALL leaders who serve the Latino community to foster success for every learner. To this end, members have access to an exclusive networking group, professional growth opportunities, mentorship programs and more. Membership is open to all Garland ISD staff and community members.
Martinez described the organization’s purpose.
“GALA was created as an association for the identification, recruitment, development and advancement of Latino school administrators to improve public education in general for all students with an emphasis on improving the educational and career opportunities of Latino youth,” she said.
She added that students will benefit in numerous ways because of GALA’s commitment to Latino learners as well as the leaders that serve them through advocacy, leadership development and education.
GALA’s efforts are geared to raise awareness about Latino contributions to the community and to build greater understanding between Latinos and other communities. The organization seeks to strengthen the community through conversation and uplift the values of inclusion and civic engagement.
“The organization’s strategies and initiatives will help reduce the achievement gap among all students,” Martinez said. “GALA focuses on events that offer culturally responsive professional development, ment
oring program support and key networking opportunities.”
The Latino population represents a little more than half of national, state and local demographics and Martinez said that meeting the needs of learners coming from one of the fastest-growing communities has taken precedence as a topic of importance.
“GALA is here to provide opportunities for leadership development, collective impact, advocacy, and a proactive voice for Latino and non-Latino leaders who have a passion for serving one of the fastest-growing student populations in our community,” Martinez said.
Photos provided by Garland ISD.