Meet zuraya

About Zuraya tapia-hadley

Hello, Arlington families and community members,

I'm Zuraya Tapia-Hadley, and I am thrilled to be a candidate for the Arlington School Board. As a dedicated mother with two children in the Arlington school system and a proud resident of this community for two decades, I am deeply committed to ensuring that our schools provide the best possible education for every child.

My journey in Arlington began as a young professional renting a home in Aurora Highlands. I chose to stay and raise a family here due to the exceptional quality of Arlington Public Schools. Currently residing in Green Valley with my husband Ross and our 9 and 11-year-old sons, I understand the importance of fostering an educational environment that supports the growth and development of every student.

In addition to my role as a mother, I've been actively involved in politics for the past 20 years at the national, state, and local levels. This experience gives me a unique perspective and a deep understanding of how to advocate for positive change. I believe service is at the core of building a strong community, and I've dedicated my time to volunteer work that is aligned with my values of inclusion and fostering well-being for others.

Professionally, I am Senior Director of Government Affairs at the world's leading Spanish-language media and content company. Previously I worked as the Manager of Public Policy and External Affairs for Meta (Facebook), where I shaped strategic partnerships with national advocacy groups.

My background also includes roles in the U.S. House of Representatives, Executive Director of the Hispanic National Bar Association, and almost a decade in the non-profit sector and as a media commentator. 

Recognized as one of the "Latina Leaders to Watch" and "Top Latinos Under 40 Impacting Foreign Policy," I served on the Virginia Latino Advisory Board, appointed by Governors Tim Kaine and Terry McAuliffe. I hold a Master of Laws (LLM) from Georgetown University in International Law and undergraduate degree in Law.

As a School Board candidate, my focus is on fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students and educators. I bring a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to service, and a passion for education to this role, including my legal expertise. I am ready to work collaboratively with parents, educators, and the community to ensure that our schools continue to excel and provide the best possible education for every child.

I would be honored to have your support as we embark on this journey together to make Arlington's schools even better. Let's build a brighter future for our children and our community.

My Experience:

I have actively participated in politics at the national, state, and local levels for an extensive period. My unwavering dedication to community service and the pursuit of inclusivity and safety is evident through my volunteer engagements:

• Member of the School Board Educational Technology Advisory Committee

• Member and volunteer, Claremont Immersion PTA

• Member, Padres Latinos Claremont Immersion

• Shirlington Employment and Education Center (SEEC), Board member, Vice Chair, and Chair 2009-2019

• Poll worker, 2020

• Arlington County Rec Soccer coach, 2019

• Fairlington Court HOA Treasurer, 2014-2015

• Election protection attorney since 2006

• Arlington County Dems Latino Outreach volunteer, 2011-2012

• Appointee to the Virginia Latino Advisory Board for 2 terms:  Gov. Tim Kaine (2007) and Governor Terry McAuliffe (2014)

• Warner for Senate Campaign, Volunteer since 2008

• Kaine for Senate Campaign, Volunteer since 2012

• Biden-Harris 2020 Campaign Volunteer, fundraiser, and poll worker

• Clinton-Kaine Presidential Campaign (2016), VA organizer and Latinas for Hillary National Committee Member

• Obama for America Campaign, 2008 Virginia Latino Organizing Committee member and volunteer across VA and PA

• Parishioner at Our Lady Queen of Peace since 2005