About Yael 

Yael joined CHILDREN AT RISK in January 2018 to lead its efforts around immigration and education. Yael holds a B.S. Educational Psychology from the Universidad Iberoamericana of Mexico City and a Master’s in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education where she was awarded the “”Intellectual Contribution / Faculty Tribute Award,” an award given by the nomination of the faculty and peers. Before joining CHILDREN AT RISK, Yael served as the Executive Director of SER, a network of KIPP inspired schools in Mexico that served more than 2,000 Mexican children and families of underprivileged communities.  Previously, Yael was a teacher in Mexico and a research assistant for Howard Gardner in Harvard University’s Project Zero. 

Yael has served in the field of education for more than ten years. She deeply believes education is a matter of social justice and it is every children’s right to have access to it and to a better future.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A teacher.

Which teacher had the greatest impact on you?

Gaby, a preschool teacher. She was loving and caring – we were more than just students to her.

If there were a movie of your life who would play you?

Ha! Salma Hayek?

What is your dream for Texas children?

My dream, not only for Texas but for every child, is to have access to quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential despite their zip code, race, ethnicity or socio economic status.