John,

The Texas Freedom Network is proud to announce our incoming Board of Directors Leadership and celebrate the legacy of our outgoing chair, Diane Ireson.

Since 1999, Diane has kept TFN’s mission at the center of her work, giving us so much of her time and her heart — far more than encompasses a board member’s role. Diane has been exceedingly generous with her rare talent and treasures, as she’s introduced an entire generation of activists to our work, attended countless rallies, and even dressed her own grandchildren in TFN onesies – creating grassroots organizers from saplings.

TFN’s ability to grow and adapt our advocacy for the needs of all Texans is a reflection of Diane’s contributions over the last two decades, and our gratitude for her passion and leadership is boundless. 

While Diane will be deeply missed by all of us, her commitment to ensuring Texas children receive an education free from censorship will endure as the leadership of the board passes to our incoming chair.

Join us in welcoming each member of our 2022 Board Leadership!

Each of our new officers embodies TFN’s mission and is a champion of the bold and innovative advocacy required to organize in a state like Texas. Amid continuous attacks on our democracy and threats to public education, we trust that each of them will uplift and strengthen our work in their new roles.

Katrina has been an ardent supporter, advocate, and cheerleader for TFN since the early 2000s when she served as a staff member, engaging young students and community members of color, and promoting civic engagement in every way possible. Since then, Katrina has become the political director at the National Education Association, continuing to fight for unbiased, truthful education.

Emma is a Texas Rising alum who went on to attend law school at the University of Houston, where she remained an active organizer for Texas Rising and greatly expanded its footprint on campus. Emma has served on the board for two years and has a deep passion for engaging communities of color in the political process, with education at the center of her organizing and advocacy.

Odus serves as the chief of staff for State Rep. Jon Rosenthal and is the chair of the Harris County Democratic Party, one of the largest regional democratic groups in the country. The son of Nigerian parents who immigrated to London, then to the United States, Odus is a native Houstonian since the age of 10. He’s deeply passionate about progressive change in Texas and has been on the frontlines since beginning his political career in 2017 as an intern for the Harris County Democratic Party.

Mark is a longtime activist and advocate in partnership with TFN’s work to keep far-right politics out of public education. As a biblical scholar and professor of religious studies at Southern Methodist University, Mark has testified during State Board of Education meetings and the legislature on our behalf, and he spearheaded a groundbreaking research project that took a close look at how the Bible was being taught in public schools. Mark’s involvement at TFN is a true reflection of our originating values to ensure our public schools teach the truth.

We hope you’ll take a moment to support our Board’s dedication and volunteer service to TFN’s mission by contributing to our Teach the Truth campaign.

Please join us in thanking Diane for her contributions to TFN and in celebrating our new board leadership: Katrina, Emma, Odus, and Mark! We know that 2022 will be an incredible year for our organization with these dedicated officers at the helm.
 

With gratitude, 

Val Benavidez
TFN President