Mariza Longoria, a proud graduate of Alief ISD, has called Alief home for her entire life. Her educational journey began at Hearne Elementary, continued with a semester at Holmquist Elementary the year it first opened, and later took her through Budewig Intermediate and O’Donnell Middle School. In 2017, she graduated from Alief Early College High School as part of the Knight family.
Looking back, Mariza recalls that one of the most memorable aspects of her high school experience was the strong sense of school spirit that united her peers. Although the Early College High School was not a traditional campus setting, students created opportunities to build meaningful experiences through clubs, volunteer projects, and mentoring programs. Those experiences not only enriched student life but also instilled lifelong values of teamwork, service, and resilience.
After graduation, Mariza’s career path was not a straight line, but a clear theme emerged: a deep commitment to supporting others and contributing to the well-being of future generations. With a strong belief in the value of both students and educators, she sought a role that would allow her to add value to the education system and help shape a positive culture within an organization.
Today, Mariza serves as a Human Resources clerk in Alief ISD’s HR department. In this role, she supports the district’s mission by helping to create an environment where staff can thrive and students can succeed. Mariza believes human resource professionals are essential to ensuring schools run smoothly, supporting teachers and staff, and fostering a culture of growth and excellence. She finds fulfillment in seeing positive changes develop firsthand and being part of the process that makes those changes possible.
Throughout her journey, the educators, mentors, and colleagues Mariza encountered along the way have played a significant role in her personal and professional growth. The lessons learned in Alief classrooms went beyond academics, instilling empathy, integrity, communication, and collaboration—skills that continue to shape her career and contributions today.
In addition to her professional role, Mariza is an active member of the Alief community. She enjoys volunteering with local churches, supporting food pantries, back-to-school events, and seasonal drives that directly benefit families. Outside of community service, she is an avid thrifter, enjoys reading, loves escape rooms and karaoke nights, and values time spent with friends and family.
Mariza is also continuing her own educational journey, working toward completing a bachelor’s degree by the end of 2026. She is proud of the diverse experiences that have shaped her definition of success—graduating high school, attending trade school for massage therapy, supporting students in education, and now advancing in the field of human resources.
Reflecting on her path, Mariza emphasizes that success looks different for everyone and that comparison can often be the thief of joy. She encourages others to celebrate their own milestones, no matter the size, and to take pride in their progress. For Mariza, Alief has been both a foundation and a home. The district provided not only academic preparation, but also the values of service, resilience, and community that continue to guide their life and careers.
“Alief is more than just a school district—it is a family and a community strengthened by shared purpose,” Mariza shared. “I am grateful to have been shaped by this community and proud to now give back to it through my work. Alief is home.”