ABOUT IVETTE

Born and raised in Hillsboro, Ivette is the daughter of Mexican immigrants and the granddaughter of agricultural workers, and her deep roots in our community have profoundly shaped both her public service and professional career.  Recognizing a critical need for bilingual early learning opportunities that reflect the diversity of Hillsboro’s growing population, she opened Briar Rose School in 2018. Since then, she has built a team of highly qualified educators, created family-supporting jobs, and expanded access to vital dual-language education for local families.

 

Ivette’s path to public service began with grassroots volunteering, which inspired her to run for elected office. She was elected to the Hillsboro School Board in 2023 and quickly stepped into leadership as Vice Chair, then served as Chair for 2024-2026. Ivette is proud to have expanded opportunities for students, including Hillsboro School District’s pioneering apprenticeship program in Advanced Manufacturing; championed bilingual education, mental health supports, career and technical education; and continued the district’s commitment to providing free meals to all students.

 

“I’ve lived in Hillsboro all my life, and I’ve been a student, an educator, an employee, a small business owner, an involved community member, and an elected leader. I want to represent real people on the issues that matter to you the most: economic opportunity and workforce development, environmental stewardship, quality education, and strong community partnerships.” - Ivette Pantoja