Dominique Varner was born in Dallas. She graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a BBA. She attended South Texas College of Law where she obtained a J.D. Upon graduation she joined the law firm of Hughes, Watters & Askanase, L.L.P. where she is a partner. Dominique Varner is active in the Houston Young Lawyers Association, Houston Young Lawyers Foundation and President of Italian-American Lawyers Association of Texas from 1997-2000. Dominique is married with two young children.
Matt Skillern, Vice Chairman of the Board
Matt Skillern earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science form Baylor University, Waco, Texas. He later attended South Texas College of Law, Houston, Texas where he obtained a J.D. Degree. He works for the Law Office of Grant M. Scheiner, P.C., Houston where he represents Juvenile Clients in State Court.
Joseph G. Soliz, Board Secretary
Josehp Soliz was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, graduated from Corpus Christi Academy High School in 1972. He attended Southwest Texas State University and graduated with a degree in Political Science. Joseph attended Harvard University's School of Law where he obtained a J.D. in 1979. Upon graduating he moved to Houston to practice law. Joseph owns and operates The Soliz Law Firm P.L.L.C. Joseph is married to Juanita and they have two children.
Juan L. Salazar, Board Treasurer
Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. Graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in Finance. He has been in the Trust and Bank Financial Services industries for over 30 years in Ft. Worth, San Antonio, Houston, Texas as well as New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been active in the past in several civic organizations including the Mexican American Chamber of Commerce, SER Jobs for Progress and Adelante and has presented STAY IN SCHOOL presentations to area high schools. Juan and his wife Irma reside in Houston and enjoy golf and tennis in their spare time.
Ray F. Driscoll, Board Member
Ray Driscoll was born in Pittsburg, PA. He graduated from St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA with a Bachelors of Arts degree. He moved to Houston in 1976. Was a member of Houston City Council from 1994-2000. He currently is the owner and operator of Driscoll & Associates, LLC. He was the Director and former president of Sharpstown Civic Association, Houston Southwest Chamber of Commerce. Ray is married with two grown daughters.
Dr. Waynel Sexton, Board Member
Dr. Waynel Sexton was born in Borger, Dr. Waynel Sexton, Ed.
D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Developmental Pediatrics at
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHSC-H).She works in
the Children Learning Institute (CLI) and manages the Texas Reading First
(TRF) Grant. CLI delivers professional development activities and technical
assistance to funded Texas Reading First districts and campuses. Dr. Sexton's
degrees include a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration
in Reading and Teacher Education. She has 32 years of public school experience
with extensive teaching and administrative experience serving as a teacher for
26 years, a literacy coach for 3 years, Associate Reading Manager for the
Houston ISD for 3 years, and as a private consultant for 3 years. As a teacher,
Dr. Sexton worked with at-risk students and taught over 400 children how to
read. Dr. Sexton has been published in the Journal of Educational Research and
is the recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award for Houston ISD and the
Patrice Johnson Outstanding Graduate Award for Leadership Houston.
