Network President:  Elissa Garza

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Elissa (She/her/hers) has proudly stepped in to serve as the new Texas Exes Pride Alumni Network President starting back in February 2024.

Since graduating in 2018 with her Bachelor of Arts in History, Elissa has been a dedicated Life Member of the Texas Exes. Continuing her education, Elissa earned her Master of Science in Public Communications from S.I. Newhouse at Syracuse University.

Based in San Antonio, Elissa is dedicated to her role as a public involvement communications professional, specializing in innovative outreach strategies that prioritize equitable engagement with underrepresented communities.

Empowered to lead the Pride Alumni Network, especially as Senate Bill 17 continues to alter the landscape of DEI initiatives on the UT campus, Elissa is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and advancing the network's mission.

Duties of the Network President

  1. Lead the officers and committee chairs of the Network
  2. Work with committee chairs to meet their goals throughout the year
  3. Develop strategies for funding the Network scholarship
  4. Recruit new members to the Network
  5. Plan and lead board meetings
  6. Meet with campus and community partners/officials on behalf of the Network
  7. Develop strategies toward achieving long-term Network goals
  8. Adhere to the bylaws of the Network and of Texas Exes
  9. Work closely with the President-Elect to keep him/her informed of all aspects of the Network’s activities
  10. Encourage Board members to attend the Chapter and Network Leadership Conference
  11. With the President-Elect, oversee the formation of the nominating committee, who will choose the slate of officers to be voted on for the following year
  12. Work with the chair-elect to make sure that all required Network documents are turned in by the June 1st deadline
  13. Identify/secure liaisons for Gender and Sexuality Center, Pride & Equity Faculty Staff Association, and LGBTQIA+ student organizations