TAMIU ALUMNI JUAN SÁNCHEZ (’09) Laredo native Juan Sánchez was sworn in to serve as the Federal Co-Chairman of the Southwest Border Regional Commission. Sanchez has served in public service for over 12 years. His current role is as Director of Economic Development and Special Initiatives for Senator Martin Heinrich, a Democratic senator from New Mexico. Raised in Laredo, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from TAMIU in 2009. He is experienced working with local, state, and federal government entities to promote economic growth and development in South Texas and New Mexico. He has helped create the first bipartisan humanitarian aid reimbursement program for border communities, boosting investment from the federal government in water infrastructure projects and more. DR. ALEX BARRERA (’13) Dr. Alex Barrera leads a double life as a dentist and a yoga instructor. He’s a dentist in Houston at Legacy Community Health and a yoga instructor at Black Swan Yoga. In 2013, Barrera graduated from TAMIU with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, and in 2017 graduated from The University of Texas School of Dentistry. He is a proud LGBTQ+ health advocate and is furthering his pride in practice as president of the Houston Equality Dental Network (HEDN), a nonprofit organization started in 2019 to address the lack of LGBTQ+ representation in dentistry. “My goal as an LGBTQ+ health advocate is to empower queer people to live healthier lives. I want to make it easier for LGBTQ+ people to access primary care like regular visits with a doctor or dentist,” he said. He said HEDN’s vision is expansive. “Our vision is to end LGBTQ+ discrimination in dentistry through awareness, education, and action. We hope to increase access to oral health care, representation in dentistry, and ensuring we teach dentists and students how to be better allies,” he said. SANDRA MENDIOLA ALANIZ (’89) This year marks 10 years since the opening of RE/MAX Real Estate Services in Laredo, by Sandra Mendiola Alaniz. In 2013, she partnered with RE/MAX LLC to bring innovative real estate services to Laredo and surrounding areas. She is a licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner for RE/MAX Real Estate Services, servicing people in Laredo and surrounding areas. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at TAMIU. She has been a long-time business owner and decided to pursue her interest in real estate 20 years ago. ALEJANDRO GARCÍA (’00) Alejandro García has joined TxDOT as the director of communications and public affairs. García will direct and coordinate the department’s overall communications and public affairs strategy, overseeing the communications and travel information divisions. He has a wealth of experience and a vast portfolio in communications, public affairs, government relations, state policy and campaigns. He previously served as director of communications for the Texas Office of the Attorney General. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in 31
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