Andrea's mission is to empower undocumented youth across Texas by providing essential resources and cultivating a supportive community. Having personally navigated the challenges faced by undocumented students, she is deeply committed to creating opportunities and support systems for others.

​

Andrea's journey with East Texas Monarchs began with a vision to address the unique needs of undocumented students, helping them thrive academically and professionally. Through the organization's programs, they offer education, networking opportunities, and advocacy, striving to make a meaningful impact on the lives of their members.

​

In addition to her role at East Texas Monarchs, Andrea is currently a junior majoring in Political Science with a minor in Spanish and Pre-Law.

As co-founder of East Texas Monarchs, Matt plays a key role in structuring the organization's initiatives, defining its core goals, and contributing to decision-making for its future direction. In his role as secretary, Matt is responsible for organizing meetings, coordinating members, and ensuring a cohesive and transparent flow of information within the organization. His efforts ensure that no one feels left out, confused, or unsure about the organization's direction.

​

East Texas Monarchs is a highly active community, with many moving parts, dynamic ideas, and flexible methods aimed at achieving its ambitious goals. Matt’s contributions are essential in maintaining focus and clarity, helping the organization stay aligned and on track for long-term success.

As Co-Founder of East Texas Monarchs and a junior at The University of Texas at Tyler, Leilani focuses on the strategic growth and visibility of the organization. In the role of Marketing Analysis Lead, she evaluates engagement metrics, assesses the effectiveness of outreach strategies, and identifies opportunities to better connect with the target audience. By providing data-driven insights, Leilani helps guide the organization’s campaigns and ensures that its message reaches those who need it most. The goal is to amplify the impact of East Texas Monarchs and support its mission of empowering undocumented youth across Texas.

As Secretary for East Texas Monarchs and a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas, Daniel is dedicated to fostering clear communication and efficient organization within the team. He ensures that meeting agendas are set, records are maintained, and tasks are tracked to promote accountability and progress. With a focus on collaboration and precision, Daniel works closely with other leaders to advance the mission of East Texas Monarchs. Daniel's academic and professional experiences have equipped him with the skills to bring structure and reliability to this vital role, helping the organization make a lasting difference for undocumented youth.

Lizbeth Duarte Tavera (She/Her/Ella), is a first generation and low-income postgraduate student from TSU with a Master’s in Criminal Justice. Currently she is pursuing the VIISTA program through Villanova University, Pennsylvania in acquiring accreditation from the U.S. Department of Justice to be authorized to provide legal representation to migrant and refugee families. 

While she is pursuing her LSAT journey she serves as the Marketing & Statistical Analyst for East Texas Monarchs. Co-working in the role she coordinates and communicates with East Texas Monarch on the digital marketing, market research, competitive analysis, consumer behavior analysis, and marketing strategies. While also working closely with team members and mentoring/training incoming members. Overall, Lizbeth is fully determined to empower the undocumented community by providing the necessary tools and resources to help the community thrive regardless of the imposed barriers.

Dr. Fernandez-Sanchez serves as a senior mentor for East Texas Monarchs. With a wealth of experience in migrant health research, Dr. Fernandez-Sanchez brings invaluable expertise to the organization. His extensive background includes leading research on the health disparities faced by migrant populations, and his mentorship helps guide strategic initiatives and enhance the impact of the organization's programs. Dr. Fernandez-Sanchez's commitment to addressing health inequities and his deep understanding of the challenges faced by migrant communities significantly contribute to the success and effectiveness of East Texas Monarchs' mission.

Andy Reyes Llamas (he/she/they) graduated from the University of California, Irvine in 2023 with a degree in Business Economics and Psychology, along with a minor in History. With years of experience advocating for immigrant rights, they are dedicated to ensuring that undocumented youth have access to the resources they need to overcome existing inequities and pursue higher education. As a Digital Communication Specialist for ETXM, Andy plays a vital role in creating a platform where these youth can find essential resources and build a supportive community, empowering them to realize their dreams regardless of their immigration status.

Fatima Ibanez Flores (She/Her/Ella) is a first-generation undocumented graduate who earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Merced. During her time at university, she was actively involved in her Dream Center, where she supported and advocated for undocumented students. Now a member of Texas Monarchs, Fatima is dedicated to helping fellow undocumented students and creating a sense of community across various states. With a strong background in technology, she looks forward to using her skills to assist in the development of the organization’s website, furthering its mission to empower and connect students.

Sara Gomez Bohorquez serves as a mentor for aspiring law students at East Texas Monarchs. Currently nearing graduation from Columbia Law School, Sara is poised to begin her career as an immigration attorney. With firsthand experience navigating the legal and academic challenges of pursuing a career in law as a Latina and advocate for immigrant rights, Sara brings invaluable guidance and insight to our organization. Her dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders in immigration law reflects her passion for justice and equity. Through her mentorship, Sara provides aspiring law students with resources, advice, and encouragement to help them succeed in their educational and professional endeavors.

Camila Estrada serves as a college-prep mentor for East Texas Monarchs, guiding undocumented students through the complexities of higher education. Currently pursuing her master’s degree at The University of Texas at Dallas while preparing for law school, Camila combines academic expertise with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by first-generation and undocumented students. Her role involves offering tailored advice on college applications, scholarships, and navigating university systems, empowering students to achieve their academic goals. Camila’s commitment to education and advocacy makes her an inspiring role model and a crucial resource for our community.