Megan Vasquez is pursuing a master’s degree in educational policy and planning at The University of Texas at Austin, where she also earned a bachelor’s degree in applied movement science. A fifteen-year veteran educator, Vasquez is a proud Austin native, born and raised in the community she continues to serve. She was named Austin ISD Teacher of the Year and Region 13 Teacher of the Year for her leadership, advocacy, and impact on students and school communities. Beyond her teaching, Vasquez has been an active union organizer and education advocate. She has worked at the district and state levels to elevate educators' voices in policymaking, including testifying at multiple Texas legislative sessions and advocating for policies that improved educator compensation, working conditions, and public participation in school governance. Her career interests center on education policy, teacher retention, and strengthening public education through people-centered policymaking.