Vice-President Candidates
Patricia Hernandez

Patricia Hernandez is originally from San Antonio, TX and moved to Austin to attend University of Texas where she earned a degree in Mathematics in May 1985. Since then she has earned her Masters degree in Developmental and Adult Education in December 2011, and is pursuing a doctorate in Developmental Education, Learning Support Systems. Currently, Patricia serves as the Student Transition and Success Supervisor for Austin Community College (ACC) Adult Education Division. In this role, she primarily manages the enrollment for Adult Ed, coordinates a nationally recognized 12-week intensive program called College Prep Academy that prepares students for the TSI exam and college success. Additionally she organizes the annual National Adult Education Honor Society ceremony and teaches Student Development courses for ACC. Prior to this, she coordinated the ACC Adult Ed GED program and an Adult Ed TWC workforce program, and taught classes in ACC Continuing Education (CE). Over the years at ACC, Patricia has worked with a several non-profit organizations in the community and resource vendors to enhance program access and success, and maintaines those relationships to this day. She has participated as a member of the Literacy Coalition of Central Texas (LCCT), TALAE, COABE, CASP, NADE, CRLA, and other conference organizations, she has served on the TALAE Board for 4 years as Central Area Representative where she has presented and shared her experience and passion of the adult and non-traditional learner. Her education and strong administrative background in coordinataion, teaching, enrollment and engagement in all her initiatives are a testament to her commitment to making a difference for learners. She enjoys what she does and looks forward to the opportunity to share her experience with you.
Mignon Lawson

I received my Bachelor of Science degree in 1978 from Hardin Simmons University and completed my Master of Education degree in 2007 at Abilene Christian University. I have worked for the Abilene Independent School District as a fulltime employee since 1997. I was a classroom teacher for 10 years, an Assistant Principal for a middle school for 5 years and am starting my 9th year as the Director of the Adult Education program for Abilene ISD. I have served on the Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board since August 2012, served as Chairman of Teens Servicing Texas Committee for the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals in 2011-2012 and was Assistant Middle School Principal of the Year in 2009-2010 for Region XIV. I currently serve on the State Advisory Committee for AEL and as the Vice President for TALAE. I would consider it an honor to continue serving on the TALAE Board.