Administration Staff

Irma E. Peña, LMSW has been a lifelong Head Start employee and administrator who has devoted 44 years to serving children and families. She joined the Hidalgo County Head Start Program as Executive Director in October 2022 and has an established reputation for being a change agent and passionate Head Start leader.

 

Ms. Peña began her Head Start career as a kitchen volunteer where her dear mother Lupita was a cook. She was later hired as an assistant teacher, classroom teacher, Center Manager, and held numerous administrative roles. Ms. Peña was the Head Start Director for Child Care Associates, one of the largest non-profits in Tarrant County in the DFW metroplex, a Head Start consultant, and was a Head Start Federal Reviewer with DLH-Danya International.

 

Ms. Peña received her bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Texas-Pan American and is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She is a member of numerous committees dealing primarily with early childhood education and social work. Most recently Ms. Peña was honored with the “2024 Woman of Distinction Award” in the Education Category by the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

 

Ms. Peña is driven by a strong moral compass and cares deeply about the Head Start Program. The core values that drive her work include empathy, compassion, humility, honesty, and respect for diversity. "It is my hope that every day I approach my work with fierce conviction and joy, and to have a servant's heart".

 

Ms. Peña and her husband Tony are the proud parents of their son Felipe, and their fur-baby Kano. They are also proud to call the Rio Grande Valley their home.