AVANCE Announces Dr. Magda Villarreal as Rio Grande Valley Executive Director
Dr. Villarreal will lead the organization’s local operations, expansion efforts, and community engagement initiatives.
AVANCE, a national nonprofit leader in early childhood and parenting education within Latino communities, has named Dr. Magda Villarreal as its new Rio Grande Valley Executive Director. With an extensive background in education leadership, a passion for community engagement, and a commitment to student and staff success, Dr. Villarreal is the ideal leader to further AVANCE’s mission in the region.
As Executive Director, Dr. Villarreal provides oversight to AVANCE staff, programs, and operations in the Rio Grande Valley, ensuring alignment with AVANCE’s mission and strategic goals. She will also lead expansion efforts, community engagement initiatives, and the development of a local advisory board to support and strengthen AVANCE’s presence in the Rio Grande Valley.
“I’m excited to take on this new role and ready to lead AVANCE’s efforts in the Rio Grande Valley,” says Dr. Villarreal. “I look forward to working with this incredible team and our communities to strengthen our programs, support families, and expand AVANCE’s reach and impact across the region.”
Before joining AVANCE, Dr. Villarreal was the Area/Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources for La Joya ISD. Her background includes serving as the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and for Curriculum and Instruction, roles in which she oversaw community partnerships and district-wide operations vital to student success. Dr. Villarreal has also served as a principal in elementary and middle schools, and as a teacher for pre-k and kindergarten. Dr. Villarreal holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of Texas-Pan American.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Villarreal as our new Rio Grande Valley Executive Director,” says Dr. Teresa Granillo, AVANCE CEO. “Dr. Villarreal has a stellar track record and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to AVANCE. Her leadership will be instrumental as we grow our presence and impact in the Rio Grande Valley.”
Headquartered in San Antonio, AVANCE has been a trusted resource for families in the Rio Grande Valley for more than 30 years. A cornerstone of family support, AVANCE has served more than 90,000 parents, caregivers, and children through its programs in the region. Today, AVANCE continues to reach more than 1,200 children and caregivers annually through its core Parent-Child Education Program (PCEP), Head Start, Early Head Start, and other initiatives in the Rio Grande Valley.
For more information about AVANCE’s work in the Rio Grande Valley, visit avance.org/locations/rgv/.