The Alumni Engagement team at IDEA Public Schools is proud to announce the official launch of the IDEA Alumni Advisory Council! This inaugural group is composed of 15 IDEA alumni, representing graduating classes from 2013 onward. Their diverse experiences, leadership, and commitment to IDEA’s mission make them uniquely positioned to help shape the future of alumni engagement across our network. 

The purpose of the Council is simple yet powerful: to build an alumni network driven by alumni, for alumni. By centering alumni voices, this initiative aims to foster a community that is both impactful and enduring. Council members will serve as champions of IDEA’s mission, contributing their expertise and influence through mentorship, speaking engagements, volunteerism, and alumni recruitment. They will help instill belief in the value of a college degree, strengthen connections across the alumni network, and engage in meaningful ways that motivate students and families. 

Our alumni are the authors of IDEA’s legacy, and their leadership is shaping what comes next. As members of the inaugural IDEA Alumni National Advisory Council, they are stepping into a pivotal moment. This will define how alumni lead, connect, and influence the future of our organization. Their experiences, insights, and unwavering commitment will expand our alumni network, elevate alumni voices nationally, and inspire the next generation of IDEA students to believe in their potential. This council is more than a group; it’s a movement, powered by alumni who are ready to create impact that lasts.

This launch marks a significant milestone in our journey to build a robust and enduring alumni ecosystem. We are excited to begin this new chapter and look forward to the impact these council members will create across our community. 

We’d like to formally welcome the 15 first-ever members of IDEA’s National Alumni Advisory Council: 

• Alexandra Vasquez-Soos, English Second Language RLA Educator in Dallas ISD – IDEA Mission Class of 2014

• Ana Valentina Wey, Advancement Coordinator at University of Virginia – IDEA Quest Class of 2019

• Even Davila, Subsea Flowline Connection Systems Engineer at OneSubsea – IDEA Frontier Class of 2018

• Gesselle Sanchez, Senior College Counselor & ACT Course Leader at IDEA Rundberg – IDEA Donna Class of 2018

• Isabella Mercado, SME Recruitment Lead at Lumina Datamatics – IDEA Quest Class of 2018

• Job Martinez, 5th Grade Mather Teacher at IDEA Weslaco – IDEA Weslaco Class of 2018

• Jocelyn Marquez, Program Assistant at Conservative Nation – IDEA Mission Class of 2018

• Josue Bello, Employee Processing Administrator at IDEA Headquarters – IDEA Quest Class of 2020

• Kayla Chavez, Head Team Leader and ESL Teacher at Gurim International Society Seoul, Korea – IDEA Donna Class of 2018

• Macie McCay Ziehe, Sales & Marketing Associate at Paloma Pressure Control – IDEA San Benito Class of 2016

• Mariana Marquez Vega, CEO of Brighter Future for Children and Families – IDEA San Juan Class of 2013

• Ruben De Los Santos, Vice President of Advocacy & Education Organizing at Futuro San Antonio – IDEA Quest Class of 2014

• Sebastian De Los Santos, Deputy Divisional Emergency Disaster Services Director at The Salvation Army – IDEA Quest Class of 2015

• Sergio Ibarra, Integrated Logistics Support Manager at U.S. Army PEO C3N Program Manager Tactical Radios – IDEA Quest Class of 2016

• Yairy Mendez, Legal Assistant – Intellectual Property at DJ Law Partners – IDEA Carver Class of 2020