CIS Alum joins CIS’ National Board of Directors
Communities In Schools (CIS), the national network of affiliates working inside public district and charter schools, empowering at-risk students to stay in school and achieve in life, welcomes San Antonio City Councilmember and CIS Alum, Rey Saldaña to the CIS National Board of Directors.
Councilman Saldaña is a lifelong resident of City Council District 4 and a proud graduate of South San Antonio High School. After graduating from high school, Councilman Saldaña received a Gates Millennium full academic scholarship to attend Stanford University in California, where he earned two bachelor's degrees in political science and communication, as well as a fifth-year master's degree in policy, organization, and leadership studies through Stanford's School of Education.
Rey Saldaña’s journey toward being an advocate and supporter of Communities In Schools began when, as a sophomore in high school, he was introduced to two site coordinators who helped him plan and prepare for college. He credits CIS for helping him aspire heights that his family never imagined possible.
Looking back on his high school career, Rey says he knows he is “one of the lucky ones” because these two caring adults from CIS steered him toward greater things. “I know exactly what my life would have been like without CIS, because I see it in friends who didn’t get these opportunities. CIS came along at just the right time for me. They taught me to believe in my own potential, and they blew open my horizons.”
Recently, Saldaña was recognized by CIS as an All In For Students Awards recipient, at the organization’s 40th Anniversary celebration, for his commitment to education and outstanding leadership in giving back to the community. He played an instrumental role as the former chair of the CIS National Alumni Leadership Network – a CIS program that provides leadership, training, and networking opportunities for the thousands of CIS alumni across the country.
“We are extremely excited to have Rey join us in this new capacity.” says Dale Erquiaga. “He brings with him a unique perspective that will help us tackle the issues facing the 1.5 million students we serve across the U.S. He’s a role model for all our kids.
The CIS national board of directors is comprised of passionate supporters of the CIS mission, and leaders in a variety of fields including finance, education, marketing, law, civil rights and more. Click here to see full list of National Board of Directors.