Elizabeth Diane Torres-Velásquez holds a Ph.D. in education and a lifelong commitment to the Democratic Party. She believes in the core principles of equality, justice, and opportunity for all – and will fight tirelessly to uphold these values. She firmly believes that education is the key to unlocking opportunity. It is her top priority, and her lifelong career. Throughout her tenure as Associate Professor at the University of New Mexico, she played pivotal roles in university governance, serving on the Academic Freedom and Tenure committee, and on the Faculty Senate. With expertise in research, curriculum development, and social justice, she has imparted knowledge to graduate students and educators alike, earning recognition for her contributions. Dr. Torres-Velásquez’s academic pursuits span diverse fields, including bilingual and multicultural education, learning disabilities, and Latino education. Her interdisciplinary research projects, such as studying the work of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca’s teaching methods in correctional facilities, underscore her commitment to innovative approaches in education.
In her advocacy efforts, Dr. Torres-Velásquez has been instrumental in advancing Hispanic education in New Mexico. As the Hispanic Education Liaison for the state in 2010, she authored the inaugural report on the Status of Hispanic Education, fulfilling requirements mandated by the Hispanic Education Act.
Dr. Torres-Velásquez has been deeply involved in community initiatives, spearheading campaigns with the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) and the Latino Education Task Force to establish public education as a fundamental right in New Mexico and organize the Martinez v. New Mexico education lawsuit. Dr. Torres-Velasquez played a pivotal role in the landmark lawsuits, Martínez and Yazzie v. New Mexico, towards ensuring equitable public education for all New Mexican students, as promised in the state constitution. Her community work earned her the MALDEF Excellence in Community Service Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022. MALDEF is considered the civil rights voice of the Latino community.
Her involvement with organizations like LULAC and their Higher Education Committee reflects her ongoing commitment to promoting equitable access to education for marginalized communities.
In addition to education, key policies important to Dr. Torres-Velasquez include addressing water scarcity and sustainability, addressing crime and safety, and developing sustainable and diversified economic growth.
