Texas Border Business
McAllen, Texas— South Texas native, Dr. Eliza Alvarado has filed to run for Congress in Texas’ 15th Congressional District. Dr. Alvarado grew her vast experience in public policy when she worked in Washington, D.C. for the U.S. Congress, and the U.S. Department of Labor before returning home. Once home, she made it a priority to increase voter registration and turnout in the region by helping to establish the non-partisan organization, Advocacy Alliance Center of Texas (AACT). Currently, Dr. Alvarado serves as the Director of Partnerships and Career Pathways at Region One Education Service Center (ESC), the largest ESC in the state overseeing eight diverse counties with approximately half a million students.
She told Texas Border Business, “My story is like many others, except in many ways it’s not. I went off to college and was given the opportunity to work for Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, who also represented the 15th Congressional District in Washington, DC. It is there where I learned how Congress works and how good legislation can positively impact the lives of everyday people,” said Alvarado. The Congressman encouraged Alvarado to continue her education, so she earned a Master’s in Political Management from The George Washington University. She then moved on to work at the U.S. Department of Labor in the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). “Nothing was ever given to me; less than 1% of Latinas earn their doctorate and I did it not only for me, but for the community I was going to serve – we deserve the best,” she stated.
“When I went to Washington twenty years ago, my goal was always to learn as much as possible so I could come home and serve my community. Education was my great equalizer. I was fortunate to have the support of my parents, family, and mentors who encouraged and helped me earn my various degrees. It is unfortunate though, that many young people in the state of Texas do not have the support they deserve to grow and reach their ultimate potential. Our economy is dependent on a vibrant workforce that begins with a great education or trade skills,” Alvarado continued.
“Right now, we are facing workforce shortages, a lack of childcare, a healthcare crisis, a broken immigration system, and threats to our fundamental rights, like voting.” She pointed out that in her position at Region One, she has developed job training programs and obtained funding to help alleviate the region’s shortage of healthcare workers, particularly nurses. “The key to solving these issues begins in Washington. The people of Texas have taught me so much, but now I am asking for the opportunity to take their voices, their solutions, and their concerns back to Washington. I have worked hard to make my community better, but I passionately believe that in Congress, I can be an even stronger advocate. I would be honored if the people of the 15th Congressional District would give me the opportunity to represent them. No one will work harder to make our region and our country stronger and more prosperous,” concluded Alvarado. Dr. Alvarado first earned her Bachelor’s in Government from Texas Woman’s University, and her Ph.D. in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Dallas.
