Victoria M. Castro joined the HENAAC Board of Directors in 2004 after serving as its Executive Director for two years. Ms. Castro's dedication to improving the educational achievements of all children coincided strategically with HENAAC's mission to prepare future generations of scientists and engineers.  During her time with HENAAC, she was instrumental in the development of the Viva Technology Program, HENAAC's k-12 national initiative.

Ms. Castro was elected in 1993 to the Los Angeles City Board of Education, the second largest school district in the nation, a position she held for 8 years.  During her tenure, Castro was appointed to represent the LAUSD on the Executive Committee of the Council of the Great City Schools.  She was the only Latina on this school board representing 720,000 students. During her tenure on the Board, she continued her role as an educator serving as an associate professor at the California State University, Los Angeles in the Department of Chicano studies as well as in the Charter School of Education.

Ms. Castro brings a wealth of experience to the HENAAC Board.  A graduate from Roosevelt High School, she continued her education by receiving a bachelor’s degree from California State University Los Angeles, a teaching credential from the University of California at Santa Cruz and a Master of Science degree in School Management and Administration from Pepperdine University.

Ms. Castro recently retired from being Principal of Hollenbeck Middle School in Los Angeles completing a 32 year career as a distinguished educator and community leader.    Ms. Castro has one daughter, Maria and three grandsons; Gabriel, Derek and Yuri.