Lorraine "Lu" Johns-De La Garza

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.