Issue Saliency1

Francisco is a labor and trade economist with a Ph.D. in Public Policy at the LBJ School of Public Affairs. Before entering LBJ, he obtained an M.Sc. in Economics at the University of Texas at Austin. He has served as a Lecturer at the Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University since the 2019-2020 academic year. In Mexico, he worked on evaluating public and budget programs, constructing economic development plans, designing competitive public agendas, creating indexes, identifying strategic economic sectors, and teaching several undergraduate and graduate courses at Universidad del Valle de Mexico. Francisco also holds a B.A. in Economics from the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon and an M.A. in Economy and Public Policy from Tecnologico de Monterrey.

Brian is a recent graduate from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Political Science and Statistics. While in school, he worked for several years as an undergraduate research assistant, combining quantitative and qualitative research methods on projects studying global development and political economy. He is interested in using data analysis for social impact and public policy changes to improve the quality of life of Texas citizens.

Through her extensive start-up experience in the B2B, retail and marketing industry, Angela brings expertise in strategy, process development, and financial planning for startups as well as growth-stage organizations. She has a history of simplifying complex business processes, positioning businesses as customer-centric, forward-thinking performers, along with extensive experience building focused teams, and inspiring collaboration.

In addition to her work in the business sector, Angela is an experienced social-sector change agent. Hired by Communities Foundation of Texas to manage the Texas Counts Pooled Fund to support the 2020 Census, Angela became engaged in efforts across the state and gained a deep understanding of the importance of census data. Her passion for this work led her to launch the Texas Census Institute to ensure the planning, collaboration, and research needed to elevate the importance of the census and the American Community Survey continues to ensure Texas remains the best place to live and work.

Angela has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.

Amy is the Founder and Principal of B. Partners, a consulting group that specializes in strategy, fundraising, communications and events. Her passion is helping organizations optimize resource development by leveraging unique communications, technology and marketing strategies while streamlining processes to accelerate impact.

Passionate about the importance of the census, Amy works to connect and align the Texas Census Institute with stakeholders across the state and nation.

Regina is a human-centered design strategist and collaborator and an experienced change agent for equity and community building. In addition to her current role with the TxCI team, Regina is the founding director of Human Systems and Strategies Design Group, and she is the co-founder of The Budd Center: Engaging Communities in Education at Southern Methodist University where she led its keystone project, The School Zone for more than a decade. In addition to her work in human systems and strategies, Regina has more than thirty years of experience in a variety of community development settings including the practice of architecture, micro-lending, affordable housing, and PreK-12 education. Regina received her B’Architecture from Texas Tech University and a Master’s in Design and Innovation from Southern Methodist University.

Brishonne Tollie is a compassionate and driven individual currently pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at Delaware State University. She holds a B.A. in political science and human rights from Southern Methodist University, where her passion for understanding the vital role of equity and justice in public policy, public service, and administration blossomed.

Brishonne has a strong record of activism and advocacy on various social justice issues. She has been a vocal and active organizer of advancing the interests of the Black community, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and addressing issues of policing and mass incarceration. Brishonne recognizes that there is a risk of racial gaps in the census numbers and is committed to connecting her advocacy work to promote better policies that ensure equal representation and access to important governmental and private sector resources for all Americans.