Olga Martinez Hickman, Ph.D.

Dr. Olga Martinez Hickman supports cross-sector partnerships aimed at redesigning systems and strategies to enhance high-quality early childhood education for all children, regardless of background. She has more than two decades of relevant education and experience, including supporting statewide leadership, literacy and system-change initiatives. Her areas of expertise include parent leadership and second language acquisition for diverse learners.

Dr. Martinez Hickman is a product of public education. She began her career as a classroom teacher and taught at the same elementary school she attended. Dr. Martinez Hickman earned her Ph.D. in K-16 Research, Policy, and Leadership from The University of Texas at Arlington.

Brenda Villarreal, CAE

Brenda Villarreal is a multifaceted leader who institutes change through dedication, innovation, and philanthropic endeavors. As Director of Operations for Bachman Lake Together, she plays an integral role in planning organizational strategy, overseeing general operations, financial business oversight, governance, and team management.

Villareal has more than 15 years of nonprofit management experience, specializing in leadership, governance, professional development, operations, and event management. She was a 2018 recipient of the Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) awarded by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). In 2020, Brenda earned her Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) out of Washington, DC. She currently is a member of the American Society Association Executives (ASAE) and the DFW Association Executives (DFWAE)  and serves in the Inclusion Diversity Equity Awareness  (IDEA) and the Awards committee.

Monica Ordonez

Monica Ordonez has two decades of nonprofit experience, inclusive of creating and training in collaborative best practices, project development, and intentional system change for families and youth. Her career includes direct services with high-need populations focusing on youth, using a trauma-informed lens to foster healing as they experience violence at home and in their communities. Ms. Ordonez’s experience in various major metropolitan communities led her to advocacy and executive leadership in the reformative education space, creating efficient and culturally relevant cross-collaborative learning spaces that have been replicated by her cohorts in Los Angeles and Dallas. Monica, a native of Texas, finds herself drawn to initiatives that are important to replicate in rigor, relevance, and relationship building. Monica has a degree in social work from the University of North Texas.

Vanessa Larez

Vanessa leads communications efforts to donors, families and partners, and connects philanthropic resources with strategies to support high-quality early education in Bachman Lake. A daughter of immigrants, Vanessa graduated from high school in Dallas ISD and continued her education at Southern Methodist University on a full-tuition scholarship through the Dallas County Promise, earning a B.A. in Corporate Communication and Public Affairs and a B.A. in Spanish. Prior to joining Bachman Lake Together, Vanessa worked with other public sector organizations in Dallas and in Washington, D.C., to advance education initiatives through policy, research, communication strategy and community engagement. She believes in storytelling to uplift individuals and families to enact change.

Daniela Saldana

Daniela Saldana serves as the Partner and Community Engagement Manager at Bachman Lake Together, where she leads efforts to build and strengthen partnerships across the community. Daniela is a passionate advocate for underserved communities, bringing a blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience in nonprofit coordination, community health, and child development. Upon graduating from DISD, Daniela received her B.S. in Psychology and Child Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Dallas. It is her passion for early development that has brought her into the non-profit sector.  Raised in Bachman Lake, Daniela is deeply committed to making a positive impact in the neighborhoods that shaped her, particularly through trauma-informed community programs and neighborhood-led solutions. Outside of work, Daniela mentors youth and remains active in local community initiatives.

Linda Garcia

Linda is the Program Coordinator at Bachman Lake Together, where she oversees daily operations for program-related activities, including events, workshops, and special initiatives. She fosters a welcoming environment for families, staff, and visitors while also playing a key role in volunteer recruitment and data collection. 

Originally from Camargo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, Linda earned her associate degree in Business Administration and her bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. She previously worked as a database management analyst and computer systems developer in Monterrey, Mexico. 

Her passion for working with children and nonprofits led her to become a teacher for the Bachman Lake Together Community Action Network program in 2019. She was promoted to Program Assistant in 2021, where she played a key role in advancing the organization’s mission. In October 2023, she became a Notary Public, providing essential notarial services to both the organization and the families of Bachman Lake. 

Now, as Program Coordinator, Linda is excited to continue supporting families and strengthening community engagement through her work. 

Maria Reza

Maria is a dedicated community engagement professional with a passion for empowering parents and strengthening communities through leadership development. As Parent Leadership Manager, she supports parents and communities, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to create lasting change. 

In her role, Maria designs and implements the Community Action Network Program Curriculum, fostering parent leadership and meaningful community involvement. She specializes in developing recruitment, engagement, and enrollment strategies that increase participation in programs and events. 

As a representative of BLT, Maria actively participates in community meetings and events, and facilitates collaboration between nonprofits, schools, and other organizations to deliver parent leadership training, leading to increased parent involvement as volunteers within these institutions. 

Born in Querétaro, Mexico, Maria earned her B.A. in Business Administration from Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro. Through personal experience, she learned how U.S. systems work differently and is grateful for the organizations in Bachman Lake that helped her family acclimate. Now, she gives back by mentoring parents in their volunteer efforts within schools and the community, helping parents develop leadership skills, understand the value of early childhood education, and access critical information that supports their families.