Schools
YES Prep Public Schools Announces New Chief External Officer
Isy Gabriela Castillo looks forward to putting passion for education, service to work in support of YES Prep's mission
(HOUSTON) — Isy Gabriela Castillo, a longtime leader in public charter schools and community development, has been named YES Prep Public Schools' next chief external officer.
Castillo will lead YES Prep's advocacy efforts, oversee communications and marketing strategies, drive community and family engagement initiatives, spearhead development projects and strategize student recruitment endeavors.
With 23 campuses serving more than 18,000 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, YES Prep Public Schools is one of the fastest-growing and highest-performing public charter schools in the country.
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“Isy’s dedication to educational equity and her proven record in fostering strong partnerships make her an exceptional addition to our team,” YES Prep CEO Mark DiBella said. “I’m eager to work with and learn from her as we continue our mission of empowering all Houston students to succeed in college and to pursue lives of opportunity."
Prior to joining YES Prep, Castillo was a designing integration strategies in school operations, transportation services, child nutrition, brand awareness, fundraising, donor stewardship, student support systems, board engagement and advocacy at KIPP Texas Public Schools.
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Previously, Castillo served in several roles at at BakerRipley, from developing programs for underserved communities in the East End and Southwest areas to directly managing community centers across Houston. Among her achievements were opening the East Aldine Campus, leading city restoration strategies after Hurricane Harvey and providing strategic direction of the largest community school center in southwest Houston.
“I am honored and humbled to join YES Prep at a time of expansion and growth,” Castillo said. “I look forward to strengthening communities in Houston, increasing access to high quality education for all students and working together with YES Prep's talented educators.”
Now in its 25th year, YES Prep continues expanding to meet growing demand across Houston and plans to open a record three new elementary schools in August: Hobby Elementary, Southwest Oaks Elementary and North Rankin Elementary. All campuses are open to and tuition-free for all children. To learn more, visit yesprep.org.
