Welcoming our newest 2018 Board Members!
New board members pose with mini hobby horses!
L-R: Melissa Caro Preston, Sandy Martinez Nava, Lisa Tomaka, Maria Cantú Hexsel.
Not pictured: Julio de la Llata.
As we kick off the new year, we are pleased to welcome 5 new AVANCE board members!
Read on for some interesting tidbits about these passionate advocates of the AVANCE mission.
Julio de la Llata, Evans Family Law Group:
- How did you get involved with AVANCE? A current board member, Valinda, approached me about getting involved. As a first time parent, I could empathize with perhaps needing help to figure out “best practices” in raising your child/children and needing resources to do so.
- What is your favorite thing about AVANCE? I can imagine that in addition to all of the wonderful learning that the children and parents do at AVANCE, the parents build lasting relationships that continue outside of AVANCE. These relationships provide a network of support for the parents, which ultimately benefits both the parents and the children.
- What was your favorite toy when you were growing up? Action figures and video games!
Maria Cantú Hexsel, Germer, Beaman & Brown, PLLC:
- How did you get involved with AVANCE? My sister Elma has been an AVANCE board member for 10 years, so I decided to join her!
- What is your favorite thing about AVANCE? The way we empower parents in our community.
- What was your favorite toy when you were growing up? Roller skates!
Sandy Martinez Nava, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas:
- How did you get involved with AVANCE? I was invited as a speaker in the classroom during Resource Hour, and then participated in the Dia de los Niños (Day of the Children) event. I knew I had to stay involved!
- What is your favorite thing about AVANCE? The education offered to parents is priceless.
- What was your favorite toy when you were growing up? The spelling machine!
Melissa Caro Preston, Community Volunteer:
- How did you get involved with AVANCE? Two of my best friends and fellow board members, Maria & Elma, introduced me and encouraged me to get involved.
- What is your favorite thing about AVANCE? The chance to better a young person’s (child, mother, and/or family) life by meeting their potential.
- What was your favorite toy when you were growing up? Roller skates!
Lisa Tomaka, Triwest Group:
- How did you get involved with AVANCE? I started working with AVANCE when I lived in El Paso and really loved what they did. When I moved to Austin, I knew I wanted to continue to be a part of it.
- What is your favorite thing about AVANCE? Everything, but the toy making component is my favorite, favorite.
- What was your favorite toy when you were growing up? A doll I called “Hello Dolly” and my crayons.