Iliana is a proud UT Alumna who earned a bachelor's in Government at the university. On campus she participated in the Jeffersons Scholar program, deepening her appreciation for the ideas, events, and texts that shape modern life. During her time as a student she worked at various government institutions and advocacy organization in Austin, gaining first hand experience with the policymaking process at the state and local level. After graduating she pursued a career in civic education, working with K-12 students from across the state to educate about the structure of government and the role youth play in engaging as citizens in their communities. As the Program Coordinator for YMCA Texas Youth and Government she helped to recruit and train volunteers, plan events for over 1,300 young Texans, and provide supports to educators across the state working to build the next generation of civic leaders. Along similar lines, she is now putting her experience in the civic education arena into practice as The Patman Center program coordinator.