Montserrat Garibay

Montserrat Garibay is a bilingual educator, labor leader, and lifelong Austinite who has spent more than 25 years fighting for fairness, opportunity, and dignity for working families. Born in Mexico City, she immigrated to Texas with her mother and sister at age 12 as an undocumented immigrant and became a U.S. citizen 20 years later in 2012. Her journey from undocumented child to pre-K teacher, union leader, and senior official in the Biden-Harris Administration reflects her belief that every Texan deserves a fair shot. While a student at the University of Texas at Austin, she and her sister co-founded one of the nation's first campus organizations supporting undocumented students (Dreamers), helping peers navigate college enrollment.

Born in Mexico City. Immigrated to Texas at age 12 with her mother and sister as undocumented immigrants. Her mother was always strict and honest about their status, teaching them to have Plans A, B, and C. Learned English at a public middle school in Austin, inspired by an ESL teacher who looked like her. Became a U.S. citizen in 2012, twenty years after arriving. Co-founded citizenship clinics through Texas AFL-CIO that now operate in eight Texas cities. Married to Gilbert, whom she met at Austin Community College. As a former undocumented student herself, advocates for DACA students and comprehensive immigration reform.