Oscar Romano
Upbringing
I was born and raised in Cliffside Park, NJ to parents who were both immigrants from El Salvador. I grew up proud to be Salvadoran and American. Throughout my childhood, my parents pushed me to build on what they accomplished. If they could achieve so much after coming to this country with nothing, than I should be able to achieve so much more.
EDUCATION
I was the first person in my family to go to college, earning my Bachelor of Arts and graduating with Honors in Social Anthropology from Harvard University in 2009. Eight years later I resumed my studies at Johns Hopkins School of Education, earning a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership in 2018.
work experience
Upon graduating from college I did two years as a Teach for America Corps Member, teaching 8th grade science at Fondren Middle School in Houston Independent School District, also serving as the Science Department Chair for a year. Subsequently, I moved to YES Prep Brays Oaks to help found the 8th grade as a science teacher and grade level chair (teacher-leader).
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
In my fourth year working in education I started my first year in administration as the founding High School Dean of Students. I stayed in the role for 4 years until I became a Director of Student Support. Following those five years as an administrator, I took over YES Prep Gulfton as the Principal for three years. I recently transitioned out of the role to found an edtech startup in the virtual learning space.
General Interests
I serve on the boards of three non-profit organizations – BridgeYear, Latino Texas PAC, and Astrodome Conservancy.
I enjoy the company of a good book and running half marathons (I’ve run a few marathons too). Over the past few years, I’ve discovered a passion for writing and am in the process of writing a few books.
