Introducing the Texas Higher Education Student Advisory Council
Over a dozen university students will help advocate for policy solutions at the Texas Capitol
Meet the 2026 Student Advisory Council
We are proud to introduce the newest cohort of the Student Advisory Council (SAC), a powerhouse group of student leaders representing the diverse face of Texas higher education. Supported by the Texas PACE coalition, these first-generation students, adult learners, and transfer scholars are stepping into a legacy of proven advocacy.
Building on the wins of previous years—from securing need-based aid to reforming community college funding—the 2026 cohort is now at the forefront of the conversation regarding public four-year universities. They are currently working to ensure that $500 million in state funding is distributed equitably to support the students who need it most.
The Student Advisory Council is organized and supported by Young Invincibles, EdTrust in Texas, and Breakthrough Central Texas as a joint initiative of the Texas Postsecondary Advocates Coalition for Equity (Texas PACE). The council seeks to include first-generation college students, students from low-income backgrounds, transfer students, adult learners, and Texans of diverse races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. As part of a paid fellowship, student members will be equipped with policy knowledge and advocacy skills to directly influence the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and state university systems as they develop recommendations for performance-based funding.
Since its launch in 2022, the Student Advisory Council has been instrumental in securing tangible wins for Texas students. Previous cohorts have successfully advocated for increased investments in need-based financial aid, ensuring more students can afford their education. They also played a critical role in the passage of a new performance-based funding formula that rewards community colleges for student success, specifically focusing on those with the greatest needs. By joining the 2026 cohort, you will continue this vital work as state leaders develop new recommendations for public four-year universities that will impact at least $500 million in public funding.
Meet the members of our previous cohort below.
Recent Updates and Materials
Student Advisory Council Testimony
2026 Cohort
Kay Price
University of Texas at Austin
Kayla Price is a third-year student at the University of Texas at Austin, double-majoring in Advertising and African and African Diaspora Studies. Passionate about breaking down barriers to equity, education, and equality, she has pursued experiences that have given her the opportunity to learn about legislation and public policy. Two of these experiences include her previous work as part of Ellwanger Henderson LLLP, a civil rights law firm, and as a legislative intern for Senator Judith Zaffirini during the 89th legislative session.
Through these roles, she gained more insight into how laws are enacted and exercised within communities, furthering her understanding of how to create actionable solutions for issue areas she is passionate about, including social and educational justice. Through her on- and off-campus involvement, she aims to strengthen communities and build accessibility within education. This is a passion that she looks forward to bringing to the Student Advisory Council as well, where she’ll continue the work of breaking down barriers to higher education. She plans to continue this work and more following her undergraduate journey as she pursues her career in law, fighting for human and civil rights.
Lisa Cantu
Texas A&M University College Station
Lisa Cantu is a second-year doctoral student at Texas A&M University – College Station pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration with an emphasis in Educational Leadership & Policy. Lisa graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science alongside a Master of Public Service & Administration from Texas A&M in 2024.
Lisa remains highly engaged with student life at Texas A&M. A recipient of Texas A&M’s Buck Weirus Spirit Award, Lisa’s passion for impacting students has included previous service as president of Texas A&M’s campus tour guides. Lisa serves on Texas A&M’s 2040 Strategic Plan, Citizenship & Service, and Student Experience committees. Additionally, she currently serves as the Executive Vice President for the 1879 Society Ambassadors program.
Lisa’s research interests include postsecondary education preparation and access, specifically policies surrounding early college credit (ECC) opportunities, including Advanced Placement courses and Dual Enrollment programs. Her passion for college access and completion success is underscored through her service as an Advisory Council member to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.
Lisa was appointed to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board by Governor Abbott in June 2025. She will serve as the board’s student representative through May 31, 2026.
Charlotte Brinson
Texas A&M University College Station
Charlotte Brinson is a senior at Texas A&M University studying Economics with minors in Business and International Comparative Cultural Studies. She began her college career in the Blinn TEAM Program, co-enrolled between Texas A&M University and Blinn College. After one year in the program, she became a full-time student at Texas A&M University. Her interest in public policy began during time spent in Ecuador, where conversations with Indigenous women about food insecurity, export policies, and land ownership sparked an interest in how systems shape opportunity and who they ultimately serve.
Since then, Charlotte has pursued opportunities that allow her to better understand how policy moves from idea to impact. She has worked in the Texas State Senate, conducted policy research on government transparency and anti-corruption initiatives, and supported statewide higher education programs at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Through these roles, she has developed experience in policy research, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and translating complex policy goals into practical implementation.
At Texas A&M, Charlotte serves on the Legislative Relations Commission, where she contributes to student-led policy initiatives focused on expanding access and support for historically underserved students. She also works with the City of College Station’s planning department, gaining experience in how local policy decisions shape communities. Charlotte is passionate about strengthening higher education systems and ensuring policy decisions reach and benefit the students they serve.
Destiny Onkonkwo
Texas Southern University
Destiny Okonkwo is a dynamic student leader and emerging policy advocate dedicated to creating change. A Dallas native and proud graduate of Texas Southern University, Destiny earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2025 and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Urban Planning and Environmental Justice while preparing to attend law school to become an environmental attorney.
Destiny brings extensive leadership experience through her service as Comptroller of the Texas Southern University Student Government Association, President of the Environmental Conservation Organization, and Vice President of Finance for Collegiate 100. Her work centers on student advocacy, resource accessibility, and strengthening institutional support systems that promote student success and retention.
Her commitment to public service extends beyond campus through national engagement, including participation in the EPA Youth Roundtable in Washington, D.C., where she collaborated with federal leaders to discuss environmental justice and policy solutions impacting underserved communities. Professionally, she has worked with organizations such as Volt Energy LLC and the Bullard's Center HBCU Environmental Justice and Climate Corps, contributing research focused on environmental health and community equity.
As a member of the Texas Higher Education Student Advisory Council, Destiny is passionate about amplifying student voices, shaping inclusive higher education policy, and helping create opportunities that empower students across Texas to thrive academically and professionally.
Alexandra Deckelmann
University of Texas San Antonio
Alexandra Deckelmann believes that higher education has changed her life, and that experience fuels her passion for helping others pursue their educational goals. Her own journey began later than most; earning her GED in 2022 at the age of 33 was the catalyst that led her to receive an Associate of Arts in Communication from Victoria College in 2025. This path has given her a deep appreciation for the diverse support systems that make academic success possible for students of all backgrounds.
Because of her own experiences, I am committed to helping others navigate the challenges that can make higher education feel out of reach. While at Victoria College, she had the privilege of serving as an Enrollment Guide, working directly with students to identify and overcome the specific barriers they faced during the enrollment process. This professional role allowed her to turn her personal advocacy into practical support for non-traditional and first-generation students.
Now, as she pursues a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Public Relations at the University of Texas at San Antonio, she remains focused on the power of guidance and encouragement. Serving on the Texas PACE Student Advisory Council gives her the opportunity to share both her perspective and passion for expanding access to higher education. She cares deeply about initiatives that strengthen educational pathways and help students move confidently toward their academic and career goals.
Today, she finds herself in a place she once never imagined possible, and that inspires her to continue supporting others as they work toward building futures they may not yet realize are within reach.
Shawn White(She/Her)
Texas State University
Shawn White is a first-generation college student at Texas State University, majoring in Interior Design. She plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree in Architecture. She’s passionate about creativity and enjoys art, drawing, painting, and fashion, and loves exploring how design influences the way people experience and interact with spaces.
Outside of school, she enjoys working with and mentoring young students in educational programs. Being able to support and encourage others has been a meaningful part of her experiences. She’s inspired by architecture, culture, and travel. She hopes to combine interior design and architecture in her future career to create thoughtful spaces that bring people together and make people feel comfortable and welcomed.
Paul Mascorro
University of North Texas at Dallas
Paul Mascorro was born and raised in Oak Cliff, Dallas, Texas, and is majoring in Political Science at the University of North Texas at Dallas. Paul is a proud first-generation college student; he earned an Associate of Science degree from Dallas College in the spring of 2024 and is expected to graduate from UNTD in May of 2026. Paul is an active member of Trailblazer Elite and the Greater Texas Foundation Blazer Scholars Program, which support his academic and professional growth. He previously served as a senator for the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences for the Student Government at UNTD. Currently, Paul is serving as the Parliamentarian for the Student Government Association, where he helps ensure fair and orderly governance while advocating for student interests. Passionate about civic engagement, Paul is enthusiastic about meeting new people and championing the causes of those in his community.
Anakris Guzman
Texas A&M University at McAllen
Anakris Guzman is a Public Health student at the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen with plans to pursue a master’s degree in Environmental Health. She is passionate about addressing health disparities and improving access to care for underserved communities.
She founded The Maternal and Child Border Health Organization to help allocate resources and expand access to education and support for women and children in South Texas. Through this organization, she focuses on connecting families with essential services, promoting health literacy, and building partnerships that strengthen community well-being.
Christian Elizondo (He/Him)
University of Houston
Christian Elizondo is a finance major at the University of Houston’s Bauer College of Business. As a first-generation student, his path to higher education was non-traditional. Following closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, Christian took a gap year to help work on his family's farm before enrolling at San Jacinto College. This pivotal step allowed him to navigate early barriers, ultimately earning his Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies before successfully transferring to a four-year university.
At San Jac, Christian found his voice for grassroots advocacy as the Regional President for the Student Government Association. Now at UH, he continues this leadership by spearheading student-led campaigns focused on institutional transparency, alongside his involvement in both professional and recreational organizations. Drawing from his experience as a college tutor and his youth advocacy work with Young Invincibles, he intimately understands the daily challenges non-traditional and transfer students face.
After graduating, Christian plans to pursue a career in finance or management. When he’s not working or studying, he enjoys attending film festivals, exploring the Houston food scene, and reading comics or fantasy novels.
Imunique Liggens
Prairie View A&M University
Imunique Liggens is a student leader at Prairie View A&M University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Communication with a minor in Political Science. She currently serves in the Student Government Association as Chief of Staff, working diligently to ensure that student voices are heard, represented, and elevated with integrity across campus. Prior to attending Prairie View A&M University, Imunique began her collegiate journey at Tyler Junior College, where she built a strong academic foundation and earned transferable credits that supported her transition into a four-year institution.
A proud native of Dallas, Texas, and a first-generation college student, Imunique’s leadership is deeply rooted in advocacy, equity, and access to opportunity. She has been nationally recognized for her outstanding work supporting youth in the juvenile justice and foster care systems, with features on Good Morning America, NBC News, the NBC Today Show, and The Atlanta Voice.
Her advocacy centers on strengthening higher education pipelines for system-involved youth, expanding access and long-term success beyond systemic barriers. Beyond campus, she has partnered with impactful nonprofit organizations, including Cafe Momentum, where she has contributed to initiatives that have helped raise millions of dollars to support justice-involved youth. In her work with the Texas Network of Youth Services, she specifically advocated for youth in the foster care system, advancing policies and initiatives designed to expand educational access and supportive resources. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Imunique remains committed to transformative leadership, public service, and advancing equity within higher education and beyond.
Davion Dunn
University of Texas at El Paso
Davion Dunn is a junior Political Science major at the University of Texas at El Paso, where he serves as Vice President of the Black Student Union. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Davion moved to El Paso in 2021 and has since become a dynamic campus and community leader. A proud Speech & Debate alumnus, he was ranked in the top 60 of orators nationwide and placed 12th in Texas, honing his skills in public speaking and advocacy. He is currently a Research Assistant in the Undergraduate Political Engagement and Cognitive Health Lab, where he supports research on civic behavior and cognitive development.
Davion completed the prestigious Duke PreLaw Fellowship and has led charitable initiatives through the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), including his active role in the Round-Up initiative for the RMHC campaign. He is passionate about civic education and equity, serving as a Texas Civic Ambassador with the Annette Strauss Institute during the 2024-2025 school year.
Effua Jordan
University of Texas at Arlington
Effua Jordan is recognized for her student advocacy and commitment to improving support systems for students on her campus. Through her leadership and work within student government at the University of Texas at Arlington, Effua has focused on addressing issues that directly impact student well-being and access to resources.
During her time at UTA, Effua authored and introduced two student-focused resolutions aimed at strengthening campus support services. One resolution focused on increasing awareness and accessibility of the university’s Title IX resources to ensure that students who experience sexual misconduct are better informed about the support and reporting options available to them. Her second resolution addressed student housing insecurity by advocating for clearer and more accessible resources for students experiencing homelessness during the enrollment process. Effua’s advocacy work centers on ensuring that students feel supported, protected, and informed while navigating their academic journeys.
She is passionate about using her voice to bring attention to issues that often go unspoken and to push for policies that create a safer and more supportive campus environment for all students. Through her continued leadership and advocacy, Effua remains committed to empowering students and promoting meaningful change within higher education.
Idalyd Granados
Texas Woman’s University
Idalyd Granados is from the Oak Cliff area in Dallas, Texas. She grew up there her entire life and is now hosted at Texas Woman’s University, located in Denton, TX. Idalyd is currently an undergraduate Political Science student with a minor in Global Studies, concentrating in public policy. She has been involved in the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) her entire life due to her passion for wanting to serve and advocate for her community. This sparked her interest in wanting to pursue public policy within the nonprofit sector and work towards equality by drafting policy. Additionally, she wants to ensure that women's voices are heard and advocate for more seats at the table to express themselves. Idalyd enjoys relaxing by playing violin, reading, journaling, and exploring music!
Abbey Myers
Texas State University
As a first-generation college student, Abby understands the challenges of pursuing higher education. She is working toward a B.A. in Honors Psychology with a minor in Business Law at Texas State University. She has been recognized for her dedication to service and community impact through leadership roles during her time at the university. These include serving as the 61st Student Body President, Vice Chair of the Texas State University System Student Advisory Board, Presidential Ambassador, and member of the Honor Code Council. In each role, Abby discovered the importance of active participation in building community and developed a passion for advocacy. Her experience in policy revision, initiative implementation, and public speaking will enable her to be the best possible advocate for college students across Texas. Abby loves Gilmore Girls (speaking fast and drinking coffee are two of her favorite pastimes), reading, hanging out with friends, and finding ways to uplift the people in her community.
Dominic Beck
University of Texas at Austin
Born and raised in the greater Houston area, Dominic Beck pursued a bachelor’s degree in History and Philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin. Leadership experiences with the Tejas Club and the Texas 4000 for Cancer charity bike ride gave him a strong desire to be of service. Raised by two teachers, he enrolled in the UTeach Liberal Arts teacher-training program to become an educator.
His time in the classroom sparked an interest in education policy, which led him to take a role as an analyst for the Legislative Study Group, a caucus of the Texas House. Inspired by dedicated advocates and policy experts, Dominic decided to pursue a legal education. Eventually, he wants to hone his skills as a litigator to serve Texas communities. He has been accepted to UT Law and plans to begin in Fall 2026. In the meantime, he looks forward to a year with the SAC, advocating for improvements to Texas's higher education. He is especially drawn to the cutting-edge opportunities and challenges emerging from artificial intelligence.
Adrian Caraves
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Adrian Caraves is a joint MHA/MBA student at the University of Houston-Clear Lake and a graduate of the University of Houston, where he earned a degree in Public Health. He began his postsecondary journey as a dual credit student at the College of the Mainland, earning an Associate of Science in Natural Science and an Associate of Arts in General Studies while still in high school. He currently serves as the Student Regent on the University of Houston System Board of Regents, representing 80,000 students across the system’s universities.
Adrian began his higher education journey as a dual credit student at the College of the Mainland, where he earned two associate degrees while still in high school. He later graduated as the valedictorian of his high school class. As a working student, Adrian has remained committed to balancing his academic pursuits with professional development and service. He has gained healthcare administration experience through internships with leading institutions, including Houston Methodist, Cleveland Clinic, UTMB Health, and the Texas Department of State Health Services, focusing on healthcare operations, patient experience, and strengthening systems that support patients, families, and care teams. Adrian is also the founder of the Latino Student Association at UHCL. His leadership has been recognized with honors such as the Emerging Leader of the Year, Man of the Year, and Adrian Caraves Day. A proud Galveston native, Adrian believes leadership is about showing up for others and working to build stronger institutions that serve communities for generations to come.