Yolanda Garza-Lopez, 59, was an SWISD trustee from 2008 to 2023. She sought reelection in 2024, but lost. Garza-Lopez works at the Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
I am a lifelong resident of the Southwest ISD community and a proud graduate of its schools. This district is not just where I live, it is where I grew up and where I continue to stay actively involved. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Trinity University and bring more than 15 years of experience in business leadership and nonprofit operations.
I previously served as a District Manager for South Texas with a national company and currently work at the Center for Health Empowerment, where I manage operations and support programs that serve local families. I have also spent over 15 years volunteering through PTA, Pony League, and school board governance. These experiences have given me firsthand insight into the needs of students, families, and educators across Southwest ISD.
Please describe the relevant experience you bring to this job and any endorsements voters should note.
I bring a combination of business leadership, nonprofit management, and long-standing community involvement. My work has focused on improving access to resources, strengthening programs, and supporting families in navigating educational and community challenges.
Through years of engagement with students, parents, and educators, I understand how district decisions impact everyday life. I believe in transparency, accountability, and results-driven leadership.
In past elections, I have been endorsed by the San Antonio Express-News editorial board for this position, reflecting confidence in my experience and commitment to public education. I remain focused on ensuring our schools are responsive to the needs of students and families and that decisions are made with a clear focus on improving outcomes across the district.
Why did you decide to seek this office and how would you approach the role?
I am running for the Southwest ISD Board of Trustees because I believe every student and every family deserves a voice in the decisions that shape our schools. Having grown up in this district and remained involved, I have seen both our strengths and the areas where we must improve.
Today, fewer than 1,000 voters often decide outcomes that impact more than 35,000 registered voters. That’s not a lack of interest, it’s a lack of access. And it has to be addressed.
I am committed to expanding engagement, increasing transparency, and ensuring that more families are informed and involved. That tells me we must do more to engage our community.
I am committed to increasing transparency, expanding participation, and ensuring decisions are made with long-term student success in mind. I believe school board leadership should be accessible, accountable, and focused on serving the entire community.
How will you solicit input and feedback from constituents?
I believe effective leadership starts with listening. My approach is guided by the principle “nothing about us without us,” meaning decisions should reflect the voices of the people they impact.
I will stay connected by attending school events, engaging in neighborhoods, and creating opportunities for families, educators, and students to share their perspectives. I will also use surveys, social media, and direct communication to reach those who may not be able to attend meetings.
Most importantly, I will ensure that community input is reflected in decision-making. Trust is built not just by listening, but by following through.
What do you see as the biggest challenges your school district is facing and what strategies would you want to implement as solutions?
One of the biggest challenges facing Southwest ISD is the disconnect between the community and district decision-making. Low participation highlights the need for greater transparency, communication, and trust.
At the same time, our students need safe facilities, strong academic support, and access to the resources they need to succeed.
My priorities include improving communication with families, ensuring responsible financial management, supporting educators, and strengthening partnerships that provide services beyond the classroom.
I believe that when families are informed and engaged, we build stronger schools and a stronger community.
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