In 2020, Armando made history as the youngest person ever elected to the Tempe Union High
School District Governing Board at 19 years-old. In just his first year, he led a committee to write and adopt a first-of-its-kind mental health policy that has helped transform the way TUHSD delivers mental health services to students and families. Armando was later elected as the Vice President and President, leading the Board through a re-structure to be more accountable, transparent, and focused on what matters most—student outcomes.
During this time, Tempe Union received all “As” from the Arizona Department of Education for the first time in District history. During his tenure on the Board, Armando has also led efforts to improve teacher pay and retention, ensure all students have the resources they need, and make schools safer.
His leadership was recognized at the state-wide level when he was elected to the Executive Committee of the Arizona School Boards Association. Armando has utilized this role to learn from and work with school board members across the state to advocate for public schools at
the highest levels of state government.
Nationally, Armando was recognized as a Harry S. Truman Scholar, the federal living memorial to President Harry S. Truman for his commitment to and passion for public service.