​Sylvia Sanchez Garza is an advocate for literacy, education, and the arts. She believes in showcasing creative talent especially in the Rio Grande Valley to inspire all ages in her community. Garza is a Gold Star literary award-winning author. Her book Cascarones has won several literary awards. As an author and poet, she speaks and presents at schools and events regarding literacy, reading, writing, and the importance of "sharing one's story.” Her work has been published in literary magazines, three anthologies, and three books. Awaken, a poetry book, Cascarones, a coming-of-age young adult novel, and a new release young adult novel titled Ghost Brother. Garza has a Ph.D. in leadership studies from Our Lady of the Lake University's School of Business and Leadership, a Master’s in Educational Administration from Lamar University, a Master’s in Fine Arts in creative writing from National University, and a Bachelor’s in English with a minor in sociology from Pan American University. She is on the South Texas ISD School Board, serves as a Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Director for Region 1, and serves as an officer on the TASB board. Sylvia is also a board member of The South Texas Literacy Coalition, The South Texas Culture and Arts Foundation, a member of the Mexican American School Board Association (MASBA), National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO). She is a founder of the Mayor Joe V. Sanchez Memorial Book Festival, a member of the Authors Guild, Texas Authors, and the Writer’s League of Texas. Dr. Garza grew up in Weslaco, where the local library, The Mayor Joe V. Sanchez Public Library is named after her father, a migrant farmworker, veteran, superintendent, mayor, and author.