In a heartfelt ceremony held on August 29, 2024, the city of Austin officially proclaimed the day as \"Joy Diaz Day\" in honor of Joy Diaz, a prominent advocate for public education and community engagement. Council member Jose Velasquez presented the proclamation, highlighting Diaz's transformative impact on the Austin Independent School District (AISD) and her unwavering commitment to supporting families and students.
Diaz, who previously served as the assistant director of family and community engagement at AISD, has been instrumental in expanding the district's parent support program to include every school, ensuring that all families have access to essential resources. Her advocacy for increased funding has also secured full-time employment for parent support team members, enhancing the support network available to families.
One of her notable achievements includes the removal of language barriers at graduation ceremonies, providing interpretation services that promote inclusivity and accessibility. This initiative has allowed countless families to celebrate their children's academic accomplishments, fostering a more equitable environment within the district.
During her acceptance speech, Diaz reflected on her personal experiences with loss and the motivation it provides her to work with purpose and intensity. She expressed gratitude for the support of her team and the community, emphasizing the collective effort required to effect meaningful change.
The event underscored the importance of community engagement in education and recognized the significant contributions of individuals like Diaz, who strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all families in Austin.