ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Daniella
WHERE I COME FROM
Since a young age, I have had a passion for giving back to my community, have demonstrated a strong work ethic, and have always valued the importance of a strong education. I was born and raised in Brownsville, TX; daughter to Joey and Sylvia Lopez. My mother has been a teacher for 36 years, and my family represents four generations of public service. I attended Episcopal Day School and St. Joseph Academy where I was part of the Missions Program, the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Art Honor Society, Call to Ministry, Dance Team, Cross Country, Track, Green Team and Marist Youth. Volunteering as a lector at St. Mary’s Catholic Church was important to me. I was a member of the National Hispanic Institute where I was elected Senator of my Lorenzo de Zavala class, and danced ballet at Bellas Artes Academy for 18 years. I graduated top 10 of my class, and received the Alumni Award which is awarded to students who exemplify what it means to be truly Marist and give back to your community.
CAREER
I went on to Southern Methodist University where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Economic Sociology (Markets and Cultures) and minor in Fashion Media. I interned at several advertising agencies, including The Richards Group. I also was amongst a group of 12 students who were selected to intern in the communications field in London, England my junior year. I was recognized by the Board of Trustees of SMU as an exemplary advocate for the Student Career Center.
Following graduation, I began working at JCPenney Corporate. I managed a multichannel marketing strategy for 2 divisions accounting for $1.1B USD of total retail and e-commerce revenue. I worked closely with Senior Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents. I was the youngest leader in my position by 30 years and managed a team of 5 employees. I was awarded the prestigious Warrior Coin, presented to extraordinary associates across the company who show exemplary Warrior Spirit and only given to associates who go the extra mile to do what’s right for our customers, communities and fellow associates.
I started my own Marketing Consulting Company and married Hector Valdez, a Brownsville native. We both decided to move back to our hometown to help our community prosper and to be closer to family. I immediately joined the Leadership Brownsville Class XXXV and became a member of the Blue Turtle Project and Connect BTX teams.
My strong work-ethic, passion for giving back to my community, and belief that education is the foundation for a prosperous community, proves that I am an outstanding candidate to serve as your elected Brownsville Independent School District Board of Trustee member. I I truly believe that the students and teachers come first.