Lone Star College System graduate returns as trustee

HOUSTON, TX -- Daniel Meza never imagined he would pursue higher education after graduating high school in 2014. He was the only child of two immigrants, and his parents never earned college degrees.

“I just never really saw myself doing it,” Meza said. “I had nobody else in my life who had already done it that I could emulate.”

But everything changed when a guidance counselor helped secure him a $1,000 Lone Star College System scholarship. Ten years later, Meza would be elected to the LSCS Board of Trustees to serve the community that raised him.

Meza earned an associate of arts degree from LSC-North Harris, where he served as vice president of the Latin American Student Organization and was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. From there, he transferred to the University of Houston and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science.

“My experience at Lone Star College System really changed my life. It changed my trajectory and my way of thinking,” Meza said. “Public education and higher education brought me so many opportunities. I just want to help make that happen for as many people as I can.”

Since graduating, Meza has added teaching English as a Second Language, educating his community about the Census and registering Harris County voters to his resume. Today, he is a civic engagement specialist in Aldine ISD.

Through his community engagement efforts over the years, locals encouraged Meza to run for office. He was elected to represent District 2 on the LSCS board in 2024.

“My lived experience is relevant to the population that we’re currently serving and the generations that are entering our college system,” Meza said. “I understand what a lot of the students might be going through and the struggles they face because that was me not too long ago.”

Meza was just 27 when he returned to the institution that shaped him—this time, as a trustee.

“To a lot of people, I’m young,” he said. “But I work with high schoolers, so to them, I’m old.”

One of the most meaningful aspects of the role for Meza is being a source of inspiration for students who can relate to his story. He is glad to connect them with resources, provide advice, and ensure their educational opportunities at LSCS remain accessible and affordable.

Meza encourages students and the community to attend monthly board meetings and share their feedback.

“The term ‘trustee’ implies that the public is entrusting us with their tax dollars and tuition dollars,” Meza said. “We want to create spaces where people feel welcome and that they belong, rather than having a transactional experience.”

Visit LoneStar.edu/Trustees to learn more about the board and its upcoming meetings.