Coda Rayo-Garza, Senior Director of Research & Data

Coda Rayo-Garza serves as Every Texan’s Senior Director of Research and Data. She is a fronteriza born and raised in Laredo, Texas. Coda has worked in the nonprofit and government sectors in various roles and is also a former Lecturer of Political Science. A first-generation college graduate and daughter of immigrants, Coda earned her M.A. in Political Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a B.A. in Philosophy from Texas State University. She is also a current PhD student in Applied Demography at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her areas of expertise include racial, ethnic, gender, and poverty disparities, especially along border areas. Coda currently serves on the Board of Directors for Communicare Health Centers, Blue Horizon Texas, and Fiesta Wishes (which she co-founded). Coda is also co-authoring a book through Polity Press titled Latinos in the US: Diversity and Change. When she is not working, Coda is spending time with her children and partner, likely at a local park or library.

Where to find me during session: Crunching numbers and defending survey data

My surprising hobby: I play the drums

Coda's Recent Work

Data Brief: Food Insecurity in Texas

Twitter Facebook Linkedin Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge in Texas, impacting more than 4.9 million Texans (16% of the state’s population). The numbers are even more alarming for children:

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Data Brief: Medicaid in Texas

Twitter Facebook Linkedin Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of Texas families by providing access to health care coverage for low-income pregnant women, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Federal

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Data Brief: Poverty In Texas

Twitter Facebook Linkedin Poverty affects the lives of countless Texas children and families, shaping their access to essential resources, opportunities, and long-term stability. Poverty intersects with education, health, and economic

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Data Brief: Honoring Indigenous Texans

Twitter Facebook Linkedin American Indian and Alaska Native History is Texas History. American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Texans are integral to the fabric of our state through their key

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