Fabiana Matturro’s journey is a testament to the power of education, community, and perseverance. Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, she migrated with her parents to the United States at just 18 months old, settling in Alief, Texas. Her educational foundation was built in Alief as she attended Chancellor and Kennedy Elementary Schools, Holub Middle School, and Elsik High School.
Fabiana graduated from Elsik High School in 1993, carrying with her countless memories shaped by caring educators and meaningful experiences. She recalls being embraced by Ms. Thomas, her kindergarten teacher at Chancellor, who supported her when she did not yet speak English and helped her discover new experiences, like visiting an ice cream parlor for the first time. She fondly remembers staying after school with Ms. Rivore at Kennedy Elementary to help grade papers, building early connections to the world of education. Beyond the classroom, Fabiana formed lifelong friendships that helped her grow academically, culturally, and socially. One unforgettable highlight was cheering at the Astrodome as the Mighty Ram Varsity Football Team made a playoff run in 1993.
After high school, Fabiana began her college journey majoring in Hotel and Restaurant Management before switching to Accounting. While working briefly in those fields during her studies, she reflected on what she truly wanted in a career. Her love for helping and teaching others, along with the influence of the remarkable teachers who guided her in Alief, inspired her to pursue a career in education.
Today, Fabiana is honored to serve as the principal of Hicks Elementary. For her, the role represents a meaningful way to give back to the community that played such an integral role in shaping who she is. She is passionate about collaborating with teachers to ensure students receive the highest-quality education and finds great joy in engaging with students and witnessing their excitement for learning and for their elementary school experiences.
Her time in Alief ISD provided her with academic, cultural, and social lessons that continue to guide her life. She developed a deep love for learning, immersing herself in books and embracing new knowledge. She also learned the value of being bilingual, bicultural, and biliterate. Perhaps most importantly, Alief taught her to embrace and celebrate people from all backgrounds, recognizing how much can be learned from one another and how those connections enrich communities and lives.
As an educator and leader, Fabiana is committed to creating the same supportive and enriching environment that once shaped her. Her goal is to empower students to grow academically, culturally, and socially, just as she did during her own years in Alief.
Outside of work, Fabiana enjoys spending time with friends and family. She loves trivia games, traveling, and sports, and she proudly supports Houston teams, including the Texans, Astros, Rockets, and the University of Houston. She is especially excited about the FIFA World Cup being hosted in the United States and hopes to attend some matches.
Fabiana’s connection to Alief ISD has remained strong throughout her life. A proud alum, she returned to the district in 2001 to begin her teaching career and has spent the past 25 years serving the community in a variety of roles, including bilingual teacher, Math Recovery interventionist, Science & Technology Specialist, assistant principal, and now principal. She continues to maintain friendships formed during her school years and takes pride in celebrating and supporting the successes of fellow alumni.
To students considering a career in education, Fabiana encourages volunteering and becoming involved in neighborhood schools. She emphasizes that Alief offers incredible opportunities for growth, from Teach Alief to the Teacher Apprentice Program, and describes education as a deeply rewarding career with the ability to impact countless lives.
Fabiana defines success as setting goals and achieving them—often surpassing expectations along the way. She is proud to be the first in her family to earn a college degree, setting an example for her nephews and family and highlighting the importance of education. She is equally proud of pursuing a master’s degree and stepping into educational leadership. Reflecting on her journey, she notes that if someone had told the little girl who could not speak English on her first day of kindergarten that she would one day lead an elementary school in the same district, she might not have believed it. Yet today, she does a job she loves, surrounded by educators she admires, in a community that holds a special place in her heart.
As both an Alief alum and employee, Fabiana shares a message of gratitude and pride. She is honored to serve a community that values quality education, embraces cultural diversity, and prepares students for the future. She is thankful for the resources and support that nurture exceptional educators and believes that Alief truly is a family—a wonderful place to learn and grow for both students and educators alike.