Staff: Veronica Reyes-Leal

Veronica Reyes-Leal is a first-generation Mexican-American, born and raised in Austin, Texas, with deep cultural ties to Mexico. She currently serves as the Literacy Project Manager at Friends of the Children Austin. For the past 3 years, she has built trust, designed impactful literacy initiatives, and helped youth gain the literacy skills needed to break generational cycles.

Her career began in public service as an Enrollment Broker for the State of Texas, helping families navigate and maximize their benefits. She later transitioned into education as a 3rd grade bilingual teacher, where it became clear that academic success alone wasn’t enough. Students also needed stability, social-emotional support, and someone who truly understood their world. That realization continues to guide her work today.

With a background in Psychology and certification as a Bilingual Educator, Veronica leads year-round literacy initiatives that blend relationship-building with academic growth. Her proudest work includes launching a literacy pilot in partnership with the University of Texas and expanding programming to improve reading outcomes for the youth served by Friends of the Children.

She believes literacy is a form of liberation. When young people are met with consistency, cultural connection, and meaningful advocacy, doors begin to open—and they learn how to walk through them.