In a district dedicated to building lifelong learners, no one stands out as a better example than Dr. Dorian Galindo, executive director of planning, evaluation and research.

Galindo attended public school from elementary through high school, and she is familiar with the lifelong impact educators have on their students. Even as a studious student, Galindo was unsure what life after high school would look like for her until a teacher opened her eyes to how education could propel her future.

“My English teacher helped me to understand what college was, to prepare applications and to believe that I could be someone,” says Galindo. “She inspired me to go to college and take part of all it had to offer.”

Galindo went on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sociology from Texas State University. Then, she continued on to earn a Ph.D. in applied demography from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Now, Galindo applies her love for research to making sure students at Irving ISD also have opportunities to pursue their interests. 

“I want to make a difference. Sometimes you hear that researchers live in an ivory tower, but I wanted to see my research make a difference,” says Galindo. “Working at the research department we see how our methods and processes are put into practice and help make decisions to impact teachers and students in a positive way.”

But her dedication to education doesn’t stop there. As Galindo works to open doors for young learners, she is also sure to lend a helping hand to her fellow educators. When campuses are short on substitute teachers, Galindo and her team are first to volunteer to step up to the task.

For Galindo, her work at Irving ISD is all about empowering and inspiring others to also become lifelong learners. 

“Public education is a great equalizer. It allows you to gain tools and perspectives you need to go for something better,” says Galindo. “Education gave me the tools I needed to be driven, motivated, fearless and to pursue my dreams.”