Graciela Saenz “Gracie” is a native Houstonian having been born into a family of nine in the Fifth Ward of Houston. She received her B. A. degree in Spanish from the University of Houston and her law degree from the UH Law Center. With over 36 years in the practice of law, Gracie is also committed to community and public service, becoming the first Latina in 1992 to hold the city-wide office of Houston Council Member At Large Position 1, where she served three two-year terms, and gained further honor when Mayor Lanier nominated her to be the first Latina Mayor Pro-Tem. She is a proud graduate of the American Leadership Forum (Class XIII) and the Center for Houston’s Future. She has continued her commitment to community and has been involved in diverse boards and commissions that help in the areas of health care, education, housing and economic development. She currently serves on the Advisory Boards of the Community Family Centers, the Hobby School for Public Affairs, UofH College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the University of Houston’s Mexican American Studies Program, the League for United Latina American Citizens Council 60, and the C60 Inc. (nonprofit committed to the restoration of the historic treasure – LULAC Clubhouse). She has been a strong voice for the cultivation and recapturing of Hispanic history for the city of Houston and is currently honored to be featured on three public murals.

The importance of being a complete human being to serve others many times depends on maintaining one’s identify and being sincere and true to who you are. That requires the cultivation of one’s art, history and culture. Serving on the Board of ALMAAHH truly encompasses all that I believe in and I am proud to part of the creation of this historic institution for our future.