Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1543950
ASSOCIATION GOVERNANCE 9 ADVOCATE | SPRING 2026 Region 16 Director, 3-year term Lizzie Z. Menefee Home Phone: 520-313-6140 Local Association: AEA-Retired School District Employed: NUSD #1 & SCVUSD #35 Years Employed: 33+ Years Employment Position: 33+ Years Subject/Grade Level: - Total Years of Educational Employment: 33+ Years Total Years as an AEA Member: 20+ Years Total Years as an NEA Member: 20+ Years Higher Education Degrees Held: Masters in Bilingual Multicultural Education & Masters in Educational Leadership List (up to 4) the most important positions held in local, state, and/or national education associations: AEA-Retired At-Large Representative Board Member – 3 Years AEA-Retired Interim Director – 1 Year Local President Vice-President/Advocacy Chair I served my community as an educator for 33.5 years in Nogales and Rio Rico, holding various positions: counselor, teacher, dean of students, preschool coordinator/director, interim county school superintendent. My professional skills were extremely important when I served on many committees and review-teams for assessment and standards for the state of Arizona. My work for the Association began in 2000 when I joined the Professional Educators of Nogales. In 2006, aer unsuccessfully running for Santa Cruz County School Superintendent, I went to work at Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District #35. ere I became involved in the local association which I served as membership chair, advocacy vice-president, and local president. I attended several Leadership Summer trainings/conferences, Delegate Assemblies and Representative Assemblies. I began to feel passionate about advocating for public schools. is inspired me to get involved when I retired. I have served as an At-Large Representative Board member for the past three years. I have been active at multiple association events. I am honored to be the AEA Interim Retired Director and represent you at the table with AEA. I respectfully ask for your vote for AEA Retired Director in Region 16 to continue the fight to protect public education, Racial & Social Justice, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for the future of our country. ESP At-Large Director, 3-year term Savannah Galaviz-Tranguch Home Phone: 623-205-0830 Local Association: MDCTA School District Employed: Madison Elementary Years Employed: 10 Employment Position: Librarian Subject/Grade Level: PreK-4th Total Years of Educational Employment: 10 Total Years as an AEA Member: 4 Total Years as an NEA Member: 4 Higher Education Degrees Held: Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education List (up to 4) the most important positions held in local, state, and/or national education associations: Member At-Large, Local MDCTA – 4 years ESP Alternate Director, AEA – 1 Year District Classified Rep, Local MDCTA – 4 Years I am running for AEA ESP At-Large Director because this work is personal to me. I have served in five different ESP positions, and each role has shaped how I understand our schools, our students, and our union. I know what it feels like to be essential to a school community and still feel underappreciated. I know the pride that comes with supporting students every day, and I also understand the frustration of fighting for respect, fair pay, and a voice in decisions that affect our work. Working in multiple ESP classifications has given me a wide lens. I have seen how varied our responsibilities are, but also how connected our challenges can be. Whether in transportation, clerical, classroom support, food service, or another role, we all deserve dignity, safe working conditions, and meaningful inclusion in leadership spaces. at belief drives me. Right now, I am actively working on creating a stronger structure around the ESP Bill of Rights so it becomes more than words on paper. I want it to guide bargaining, inform policy, and empower members to advocate for themselves confidently. is effort reflects my commitment to turning vision into action. I lead with collaboration, transparency, and heart. I believe in building systems that help ESPs grow as leaders and strengthening solidarity across all classifications. As At-Large Director, I will continue to show up, listen, and advocate so every ESP feels seen, respected, and powerful within our union. The 2026 Leadership and Growth Summit will be held from June 4-6 in Phoenix. This three-day event equips AEA leaders with everything they need to be powerful, visionary organizers in their schools and locals. Registration will open in April. If you are interested in attending, make sure to speak with your local president. Leadership & Growth Summit SAVE THE DATE