Sandra Cavazos Ayala, a Laredo native, was raised to value education. After graduating from J.W. Nixon High School in 1974, she earned degrees from Laredo Junior College, East Texas State University, and Laredo State University. Sandra began her teaching career at Daiches Elementary and later worked at United ISD, holding various leadership roles including Executive Director for Student Services.

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After retiring in 2011, Sandra served as Executive Director for the Imaginarium of South Texas and continues to be active in numerous professional and community organizations. She has received multiple awards, including the TAMIU Distinguished Alumni Award and the Laredo Commission for Women Hall of Fame induction.

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Sandra is married to Samuel Ayala and enjoys traveling, fishing, writing poetry, painting, and writing a children’s bilingual book. They have two grandchildren, Heidi and Rodrigo.

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