Introducing the Texas Community College Student Advisory Council
Over a dozen community college students will help advocate for policy solutions at the Texas Capitol
Community college students from across Texas have been selected for the new Texas Community College Student Advisory Council.
The Student Advisory Council is organized and supported by Young Invincibles, The Education Trust in Texas, Every Texan, and Breakthrough Central Texas as a joint initiative of the Texas Postsecondary Advocates Coalition for Equity (TX PACE). The student members of the Council include first-generation college students, armed forces veterans, student government leaders, and Texans of diverse races, ethnicities, ages, and backgrounds. As part of a paid fellowship, student members will be actively engaged in the work of the Texas Commission on Community College Finance and subsequent legislative activity.
For 2023, five additional community college students have joined the Student Advisory Council to continue this vital work!
Meet the new members below.
Recent Updates and Materials
Student Advisory Council Testimony
2025 Cohort
Colton Grahmann (he/him)
Odessa College
Hello, my name is Colton Grahmann. I’m a husband, dad, and now a nurse. I graduated from Odessa College in December of 2024 from the nursing program. As a parenting student I have been an advocate for other parenting students trying to make it easier or more accessible for people with children to get into college. As a parent I also strive to be a good influence and role for my daughter. My dream is to one day be a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Elias Ramierez (He/Him)
College of the Mainland
A first-generation Mexican American, Elias is recognized for his impactful community service in Galveston County, including being a finalist for the Galveston Daily News Citizen of the Year 2024. Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in public service leadership at the University of Houston Clear Lake, Elias is expected to graduate in the Spring of 2025. His plans include furthering his education with a master's in public administration and obtaining his law degree. In addition to his studies, Elias serves as a Program Coordinator at the Galveston County Food Bank, a Lifeline of Galveston County board member, advocating for animal welfare, and the Parliamentarian for LULAC Council #255. At the City of Texas City, his hometown, Elias chairs the Community Development Block Grant Citizens Advisory Committee and the Keep Texas City Beautiful Committee. He is an active Mainland Toastmasters member and the League of Women Voters Galveston. Elias's commitment to community service is further demonstrated by his co-founding of the Hispanic Business Network of Galveston County and his management of local and state political campaigns, where he developed voter-centric messaging for Galveston County. Elias is passionate about community service and aims to inspire others to create positive change. He is currently running for public office for his local school board of Texas City Independent School District.
Danna Gonzalez
Amarillo College
I am a first generation student and very proud. I have my own voter advocacy club called Voters Voice that focuses on empowering people’s voices, education on the voting process, and information on elections. I am a business administration major and transferring to WT to study international business. I love traveling and experiencing new cultures. I am a passionate advocate for my community as a Latina, as a woman, and as a student.
Montoya “Toya” Thomas (She/Her)
Lone Star College
Montoya “Toya” Thomas was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She graduated from Lone Star College – University Park in Houston, Texas, with a degree in Communications and plans to continue her education in Public Relations. She began her journey as a secretary in the Black Student Union Club, where Montoya’s dedication and unwavering commitment paved the path to her eventual presidency of the organization. Montoya enjoys traveling, volunteering in the community, and advocating for foster youth in the justice system. Through her public speaking skills and her journey in foster care, Montoya intends to advocate for other community college students.
Dane Adams (He/Him)
Tyler Junior College
As an honors student, passionate advocate and community leader, Dane has dedicated himself to advancing the interests of East Texas both locally and regionally. Despite a non-traditional path through higher education, Dane’s journey has been rich with experiences that have shaped his professional development. Beginning at Trinity Valley Community College, Dane immersed himself in scholarly research, presenting his market analysis of Athens, Texas, during the Academic Learning Symposium. At Tyler Junior College, his commitment to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society led to projects addressing the needs of first-generation students and establishing an International Relations organization. Transitioning to The University of Texas at Tyler, Dane continued his service through leadership roles in various student organizations. These experiences have deepened his understanding of East Texas and fueled his aspirations for urban and regional development. Throughout his academic journey, Dane remains grateful for the opportunities afforded by community colleges and is committed to uplifting others in East Texas while pursuing his career goals.
Sofia Jimenez (She/Her)
Del Mar College
Sofia Jimenez is a dedicated healthcare professional and community leader from Aransas Pass, Texas, known for her exceptional commitment to service and advocacy. After graduating with honors from Del Mar College’s Vocational Nursing Program in 2004, she worked as a geriatric and pediatric nurse. She has since expanded her expertise, earning a psychology associate from Del Mar College in 2021. Sofia is passionate about giving back both on and off campus. She served as President of the Student Government Association and advocated for mental health awareness as a National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) facilitator. Her dedication extends beyond academia, as she is involved with various non-profits and community boards. In 2022, she was inducted into Del Mar College’s Hall of Fame. Sofia’s commitment to inclusivity and advocacy for underrepresented individuals has earned her recognition and respect throughout the Coastal Bend region. Now, as a member of the 2024 Student Advisory Council Program, Sofia continues her mission to enact positive change and improve educational opportunities for all.
Hadi Fareed
University of Texas at Austin
Hadi Fareed holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Texas at Austin and is set to begin his studies at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law this August. As a dedicated first responder and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), he has firsthand experience addressing urgent healthcare needs, fueling his passion for improving access to equitable and quality care. He aspires to pursue a JD/MD, combining his expertise in law and medicine to shape impactful health policies at the national level.
Angel Jackson (She/Her)
Houston Community College
Angel Jackson is a dedicated Student Advisory Counselor at Houston Community College, advocating for continued education through community college. Passionate about supporting students in their educational journeys, Angel works tirelessly to ensure that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed. Angel is set to graduate this spring with an Associate in Arts degree, with plans to further pursue higher education and continue advocating for students' success.
Alondra Valerio (She/Her)
Tarrant County College
Alondra Valerio is finishing her associates at Tarrant County College before majoring in political science at the University of Texas at Arlington. As a Venezuelan immigrant, Alondra and her family understand firsthand the trials and tribulations individuals can experience trying to find their footing in the United States. An unwavering passion and commitment to ensuring accessible education in Texas allows her to step into this role on the Student Advisory Council and assist local communities in building prosperous futures. Alondra’s commitment to higher education has led her to begin her advocacy journey with the Young Invincibles Young Advocacy Program (YAP) and work side by side with a multitude of organizations such as Black and Brown Dialogue and Students Engaged in Advancing Texas-(SEAT). Using the skills acquired over her advocacy career, she hopes to pursue a career in law as an attorney and federal judge, advocating for disempowered independent voices and communities. With an unwavering commitment for academics, Alondra was able to graduate high school with honors and maintaining a steady position on the Deans’ list at her college; this adoration for education helps Alondra passionately assist in building the dreams of others through accessibility, and she is beyond thrilled to join this coalition. When Alondra is not advocating, she enjoys traveling, baking- specifically sweets, reading, and spending time with family.