MCALLEN, Texas - Raise Your Hand Texas, a group that supports a free, high-quality public school experience for every child, has appointed a new regional advocacy director for the Rio Grande Valley.
She is McAllen native Clarissa Riojas, M.Ed. She replaces Giovanni Escobedo, who has been promoted to senior regional advocacy director for Dallas.
Dr. Libby Cohen, RYHT’s executive director, said Riojas will be working on the ground to connect with parents, community leaders, and elected officials to support public schools.
Before joining RYHT, Riojas was a middle school English teacher for 10 years where she organized teachers, parents, and students in support of safer schools, staff raises, and district transparency.
“In 2023, she co-found and co-directed BLOOM Rio Grande Valley, a youth civic engagement organization in the Rio Grande Valley. Riojas is passionate about public education advocacy, working with young people, and uplifting the voices of public school employees,” her official biography states.
“Riojas holds bachelor degrees in English Literature and Mexican American Studies from The University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a master’s degree in Education Leadership from Harvard University. She lives in McAllen, Texas.”
In total, RYHT has appointed four new regional advocacy directors. The other three are:
Cohen said the new team members will enhance the organization’s engagement with local communities across Texas, further supporting Texas public schools.
“Building a stronger future for every student in Texas requires a dedicated, passionate, and local presence across the state,” Cohen said. “Each of our new regional advocacy directors brings a wealth of experience and deep ties to their communities.”
A RYHT press release stated:
“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.”
RYHT was started in 2006 by Charles Butt of H-E-B fame and a group of Texas business and community leaders. Their belief was 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,” the group states.
