Mari Verduzco Boyd

I am a native San Antonian / Bexareño with deep roots going back to this land at least six documented generations. Both of my grandparents lived at two of the missions (Espada and San Juan) and we are rooted in the southside of San Antonio and Bexar County. With Indigenous, German, Irish and Spanish ancestry, I consider myself well-rounded. However, it is my indigenous roots that instill the most pride and a desire to learn more. 

 

I graduated from Southside High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership as a first-generation college graduate.

 

I served 6 years in the United States Air Force as an Aerospace Ground Equipment Mechanic as well as Squadron/Unit Commander Secretary, and Equipment and Vehicle Non-Commissioned Officer at Tinker AFB. During my time in military, I became more involved with volunteerism as the Young Airman Council president where I led efforts to connect in the Oklahoma City and Midwest City area through Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

 

After the military, I returned to my artistic side and worked for the Southwest School of Art (now part of UTSA) as a Community Programs Assistant, Museum Docent Coordinator and Fiesta Arts Fair Volunteer Coordinator. I also assisted in concrete sculpting courses, to include Faux Bois with the late Houston artist, Donald Tucker. I have also worked with San Antonio artist, Carlos Cortes, who is a world-renowned trabajo rustico concrete artist.

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As part of my San Antonio community involvement, I was the President of the Terrell Heights Neighborhood Association for 3 years and served as the events coordinator or a volunteer for the other 6 years I lived in the neighborhood. 

 

I'm a current art educator with 11 years of service. I am beginning my 7th year in SAISD and have worked at the elementary and high school levels. I also served 4.5 years in AHISD as part of the superintendent support staff. In SAISD, I have actively participated in various committees including curriculum development, Student Achievement, District Achievement and Campus Advisory Council. I am in my element when I am able to positively affect the community I live in, especially the lives of youth I serve. I would like to continue expanding my reach through community involvement, such as the Circulo de Chispas and through advancing my education in Visual Art and Cultural Studies to provide my students with the highest level of learning opportunities.

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When I'm not working on projects, I enjoy spending time with my two beautiful children and my close-knit family. One of my favorite places to frequent is the Mission Reach. It's the perfect place to enjoy nature in San Antonio.