Lu Johns-De La Garza
LULAC Research and Policy Fellow, Vanderbilt University
Lu Johns-De La Garza is a proud Texan passionate about education and human rights. She currently serves as a Research and Policy Fellow at LULAC’s National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. A rising senior at Vanderbilt University, Lu is double majoring in Political Science and Human and Organizational Development, with a special emphasis on education policy.
At Vanderbilt, Lu is a dedicated servant leader and campus advocate. She serves as the Vanderbilt Policy, Law, and Social Impact student ambassador, is president of Vandy Wesley, and is a Charter Member of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc., a Latina-founded sorority committed to promoting unity, honesty, integrity, and leadership among college women. The Vanderbilt chapter is the first of its kind in the state of Tennessee.
Lu’s deep commitment to civic engagement and social impact is reflected in her diverse public service experiences, including interning with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, serving as Communications Director for a Nashville mayoral campaign, and contributing to local education initiatives/campaigns in Texas. Her work is grounded in the belief that equitable education is a transformative force—essential to addressing systemic challenges and creating lasting societal change.
After graduation, Lu plans to pursue a master’s degree in public policy and continue her lifelong commitment to public service in Washington, D.C.
Panel Information
Thursday, August 7, 2025
9:00 AM
WOMEN’S CONFERENCE - Opening Remarks
From LULAC’s founding days, it’s been women—often behind the scenes, always at the frontlines—who’ve built the backbone of this movement. They organized when it wasn’t popular, stood firm when others stayed silent, and pushed forward when the road got rough. This opening session is more than a ceremony—it’s a recognition of that legacy and a charge to those carrying it forward. These remarks will kick off a series of sessions grounded in leadership, mentorship, and the practical tools women need to lead at every level—from the local community to the halls of power.