Representative Donna Howard, Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, Virginia Potter, and Dr. Johanna Moya Fábregas Named Catalyst for Educational Change Awardee
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 20, 2025 – Austin, Texas, – E3 Alliance is pleased to announce the Catalyst for Educational Change Award recipients. These exceptional individuals have made lasting contributions to education in Central Texas, driving innovation, advocacy, and impactful initiatives that have resulted in meaningful systemic change. Their work has shaped the future of education, and we are proud to have collaborated with them in advancing this transformative work. This year’s awards will be presented at the Geeks in Boots Gala on March 6, 2025, at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center.
We are privileged to honor these individuals for their unwavering commitment to fostering educational change that ensure all students are succeeding,” stated Richard Tagle, President and Executive Director of E3 Alliance. “These individuals are esteemed pillars of the community who tirelessly strive to enhance education. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and expressing our gratitude for their leadership.”
The honorees are:
Donna Howard, Texas House of Representatives, District 48
Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, Chancellor, Austin Community College District
Virginia Potter, Senior Director, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Dr. Johanna Moya Fábregas, Executive Director, Con Mi MADRE
Representative Donna Howard has been a devoted public servant in the Texas House of Representatives since 2006. She currently holds the position of Vice-Chair of the Select Committee on Health Care Reform. She is also a member of the House Appropriations and Higher Education Committees and chairs the Texas Women’s Health Caucus. Her previous experience includes serving on the Eanes ISD school board and is currently a board member of the Expanding Horizons Foundation.
Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, the ninth Chancellor of Austin Community College (ACC) District, is spearheading a transformative initiative to enhance student success. Guided by a leadership philosophy centered on “LOVE,” he emphasizes student well-being and empowerment. Prior to his role at ACC, Dr. Lowery-Hart was President of Amarillo College from 2014-2023, where he led initiatives that garnered national recognition, including the prestigious 2023 Aspen Prize. His commitment to equitable outcomes and innovative practices distinguishes him as a leader in education. Dr. Lowery-Hart holds a doctorate in Interpersonal Communication from Ohio University.
Virginia Potter, Senior Director of the U.S. Programs team at the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, oversees a dynamic portfolio of over 200 national projects, representing more than $270 million in annual commitments. Since joining the Foundation in 2008, Virginia has utilized her diverse experience as a former Director of Product Marketing at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and as a Spanish teacher to drive impactful initiatives. She holds an MBA in global business from St. Edward’s University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia, complemented by international experiences in Mexico, Spain, and South Africa.
Dr. Johanna Moya Fábregas, Executive Director of Con Mi MADRE (CMM), is a passionate advocate for the success of Latina students. With two decades of experience in education, research, and nonprofit leadership, she leads CMM’s innovative program, which empowers girls from 6th grade through college. As a Latin American immigrant, Dr. Moya Fábregas brings a unique perspective and a profound understanding of multicultural education to her work. Her leadership has been acknowledged with numerous awards, including the Austin Woman Magazine Changemaker Award (2024, 2025) and Outstanding Latina Community Leader (HABLA, 2021). She holds a Ph.D. in History and is a sought-after bilingual speaker.
E3 Alliance’s Geeks in Boots Gala is a biannual event. This year’s sponsors to date include: A+ Federal Credit Union, ABC Home & Commercial Services, Amplify Credit Union, Ascension – Seton, Austin Community College, Cathy Burden, Cayetano Development, Community Impact, Davis Kaufman Law Firm, Encotech Engineering Consultants, FBC Consulting, Fuse Architecture Studio, GarzaEMC, Good Citizen, Growth Acceleration Partners, H-E-B, Hot Dog Marketing, Huston-Tillotson University, JE Dunn Construction, Kerry Hall, KLE Foundation, LCRA, Maxwell Locke & Ritter, Regions Bank, Richard Tagle & Willian Van Pelt, Susser Bank, Texas Capital Bank, Texas Mutual, Texas State University, UFCU, and VCFO.
In-kind donors include Ali Khataw Photography, AT&T Hotel and Conference Center, Austin Gamblers, Creature Coffee Co., Fierce Whiskers Distillery, Hye Meadow Winery, KG BBQ, la Barbecue, Tecovas, and Twin Liquors.
The Geeks in Boots Gala will feature live music, boot contests, and a dining experience, alongside opportunities to participate in friendly bidding for exceptional auction items. The festivities will commence at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 6 at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center. Individual tickets are $250, and tables begin at $2,500, available until Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. For additional information regarding sponsorship opportunities, please contact Karl Nichols at knichols@e3alliance.org.