Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) supported a local community partner as leadership closed the week by attending the Tejano Center Sixth Annual State of the Center luncheon. Held April 11 at the Bayou City Event Center and themed, “Butterflies in Bloom: Growing Bright Futures Through Early Education,” luncheon attendees heard inspirational stories and gained insight on how funding raised impacts young students. Among the speakers were Tejano Center President and CEO Dr. Adriana Tamez, Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia.

HCDE served as a sponsor for the event. Among those representing the Department were Superintendent James Colbert Jr.; assistant superintendents Jonathan Parker, Dr. CJ Rodgers and Dr. Jesus Amezcua; Chief of Staff Danielle Bartz; Head Start Senior Director Venetia Peacock; Director of Procurement Edna Johnson; Chief Accounting Officer Marcia Leiva; and Senior Accountant Anai Rodriguez.