(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — Aug. 26, 2025) — El Paso ISD staff continue to inspire not only within the district, but across the community and beyond. Dr. Sonia Aguilar, Assistant Director of External Funds, is the latest shining example. This summer, Aguilar received a Congressional Commendation from U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar in recognition of her perseverance, academic achievements, and dedication to education.
Aguilar’s story was recently featured by El Diario de El Paso, which chronicled her path from humble beginnings in Durango, Mexico, to earning a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Aguilar worked in the maquiladora industry before immigrating to the U.S., where she balanced family responsibilities, full-time jobs, and her relentless pursuit of higher education.
Through her persistence, Aguilar earned multiple degrees, culminating in her doctorate. It’s a milestone she proudly shared with her mother, who attended her graduation ceremony. For Aguilar, the achievement represented not just personal triumph, but also a tribute to her parents’ sacrifices and the importance of education as a tool for transformation.
“Hard work pays off,” Aguilar said. “My goal has always been to prove that it’s possible to dream big, no matter where you start.”
Her academic journey has also taken her across the globe, with international experiences in Hong Kong, Munich, Shanghai, and Turin, where she saw firsthand the interconnectedness of economies and the power of learning without borders.
For the past 15 years, Aguilar has served El Paso ISD in the Budget Department, where her leadership and expertise continue to benefit schools and students districtwide. She describes herself as a “lifelong learner,” motivated by a deep passion for knowledge and a belief that education can change lives.
“Throughout my work at EPISD, I have had the privilege of working alongside many dedicated employees at various levels,” Aguilar said. “My dissertation provided me with the privilege of exploring more in depth the intrinsic value found within principals' life experiences and how it influences the work they do, especially the positive impact it has on our more disadvantaged student population within this border region.”
Her recognition from Congresswoman Escobar serves as yet another reminder of Aguilar’s impact — as an education professional, a role model for students, and a proud representative of the El Paso ISD community.