Janelle Astorga

Janelle Astorga
District 1
Board Secretary

Contact Janelle Astorga(Submit an event invitation.)

Video Introduction

Board Role

APS Board Member: 2024-present
Term Ends: Dec. 31, 2027
Officer/Chair:

Board Secretary: 2024

APS Board Committees:

Finance
Policy

Represents the APS Board:

Biography

Janelle Astorga was elected to the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education at the age of 26, making her one of the youngest – if not the youngest – board members in APS history. She currently serves as board secretary and is co-director of Learning Alliance of New Mexico, an organization that works to ensure that all New Mexico students have the skills they need to thrive after graduating from high school. She is a licensed substitute teacher and education assistant and believes that public education is the foundation of society and that all students must be given adequate resources and opportunities to have a successful future.

Astorga has been devoting her time and energy to improving her community since she was in high school, engaging in deep racial justice work. She began community organizing at 13 and, as a high school senior, co-founded the advocacy group Youth Voices in Action through the Learning Alliance of New Mexico and other community organizations. Astorga has worked with students and teachers to create a more equitable education system for all and, over the years, has been active in after-school programs, instructional councils, and Families United for Education (FUE). She helped coordinate the first student-led annual youth summit in APS history and co-presented at the first student-led teacher training at Atrisco Heritage Academy in 2017.

She would like to see more ethnic studies and bilingual classes offered within the district and would also like for APS to work with local unions to build an apprenticeship model to give students more options after graduation. Astorga supports greater investments in behavioral health and addiction prevention programs and would like to see meditation rooms established at schools.

Astorga has a bachelor's degree in Chicanx studies and political science from the University of New Mexico.

In Her Own Words

“To my community, this is only the start. We know that there are some things that we want to change, some things that we want to keep and support, and I hope that I am that voice that you all voted me in to be and that I make you all proud.” – 2024

“I believe in the potential of every student, and together, we can create an environment where they thrive. Let’s champion their dreams and aspirations and ensure they have all the tools they need to succeed.” – 2023

“It is time that we have a young, vibrant person on our board who can truly reflect the experiences and concerns of students and teachers within the district.” – 2023

Organizations Present and Past

Youth Voices in Action, co-founder
South Valley Little League, active volunteer
Local social justice groups
State DECA competitions, judge
Festival de Bellas Artes, emcee
After-school programs
Instructional councils
Parent and teacher groups

Possible Conflicts of Interest

Secretary Astorga is the director of Learning Alliance of New Mexico, which has programs for young people, including APS students, such as Youth Voices in Action (VIA). Learning Alliance of New Mexico doesn't have any contracts with APS or the New Mexico Department of Public Education.

Secretary Astorga is also a member of the Communications Workers of America Union.