Posted on August 13, 2025 by KC Gonzalez
Welcome to this year's cohort of Texas Leadership Scholars
This fall, the Honors College welcomes 13 incoming Texas Leadership Scholars to UTSA as part of the university’s second cohort in this prestigious statewide program.
The Texas Leadership Scholars program is a highly selective scholarship initiative supported by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, designed to cultivate a network of future leaders committed to driving positive change across the state.
Each scholar receives a full cost-of-attendance scholarship and participates in specialized leadership development, service learning and professional growth opportunities throughout their college experience.
At UTSA, Texas Leadership Scholars benefit from personalized mentorship, a strong support system within the Honors College and access to unique experiential learning programs that empower them to lead with purpose both on campus and beyond.
Meet the Class of 2029 Texas Leadership Scholars at UTSA:
Alessandra Barberena
Early College High School
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Laredo
Jaden Cervantes
Thomas Jefferson High School
Major: Psychology
Hometown: San Antonio
Micah Cuellar
Central High School
Major: Business Studies
Hometown: San Angelo
Saphira Fierro
Arlington College & Career High School
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Arlington
Electra Hart
Smithson Valley High School
Major: Business Studies
Hometown: Canyon Lake
Paola Hernandez
Ysleta High School
Major: Biology
Hometown: El Paso
Juana Leon
Comfort High School
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Comfort
Cecilia Munoz
Poteet High School
Major: Interior Design
Hometown: Poteet
Lizbeth Perez
KIPP Somos High School
Major: Business Studies
Hometown: San Antonio
Luis Ramos
YES Prep West Secondary
Major: Architecture & Construction Studies
Hometown: Houston
Rose Mary Rubi Mathews
Early College High School
Major: Business Studies
Hometown: Laredo
Zia Saenz
Harmony Science Academy
Major: Business Studies
Hometown: El Paso
Lyla Vara
Taft High School
Major: Biochemistry
Hometown: Taft
Applications for Texas Leadership Scholars will be available through high school counselors beginning October 1.
— KC Gonzalez
