Born and raised in Houston, Colleen Brown spent her entire childhood in Alief, attending Rees, Albright, and Hastings schools. Growing up in the same family home until recently, Colleen’s early experiences in the community shaped her sense of connection and belonging.
Graduating in the Class of 2000, she fondly remembers the spirited traditions at Hastings. “Friday morning pep rally parades were unforgettable,” she recalls, “with the band, student athletes, and drill team marching through the hallways playing the school song and energizing everyone.” One standout memory was spending weekends commuting to the Astrodome for football playoff games, making the fall semester feel like one long celebration of Fighting Bear Spirit.
Colleen’s passion for law and government took root in high school. After taking a dual credit government class, she was inspired to study government in college and ultimately decided to share her passion through education. Today, she serves as the Director for School Improvement in Alief ISD, ensuring that campuses and the district are informed about accountability and assessment systems that track and drive student success. She finds the most rewarding part of her work is helping schools understand how their efforts are highlighted and celebrated, even amidst the complexity of the systems.
Reflecting on her Alief ISD upbringing, Colleen emphasizes the lessons of connection and acceptance: “Growing up in Alief taught me that we are all connected and should embrace one another for our unique backgrounds.” These values guide her both professionally and personally, influencing how she supports campuses, projects, and the community.
Her work has a direct impact on Alief, as she strives to ensure students and schools receive the best support possible to achieve academic success. Outside of work, Colleen enjoys spending time with her family and watching her sons thrive in school, athletics, and band.
When advising students considering her field, Colleen encourages following what drives and interests them. “I did not know I would end up in education, but my love for government and law found its way into my career. Each day, I connect my work to something I genuinely care about.”
For Colleen, success is personal: staying true to one’s goals, persevering, and supporting others even when challenges arise. Professionally, she is most proud of remaining honest and committed to the people and projects she serves.
Looking back, her Alief ISD education profoundly shaped who she is today. The lessons of acceptance and collaboration remain central to her personal and professional life. Her message to current students, staff, and alumni is simple yet heartfelt: “Do good in the world and know that you always have a home in Alief!”