Virginia LULAC Celebrates Three Powerhouse Latinas on Their First Year in Office on Local School Boards
- Virginia LULAC
- Jan 8
- 3 min read
January 8, 2026
Virginia LULAC proudly celebrates and honors three remarkable Latina leaders who have completed their first year serving on local School Boards — Marcia St John-Cunning (Fairfax County), Diana Brown (Manassas City), and Zuraya Tapia-Hadley (Arlington).
Their election and service represent not only personal accomplishments, but also a meaningful step forward in advancing Latino representation, educational influence, and community engagement in Virginia’s public education system.
Although this year has not been easy, these officials have shown tenacity and perseverance in representing and safeguarding our children, and for that we thank them. Virginia LULAC was founded to empower the Latino community by fostering educational attainment, and Marcia St John-Cunning, Diana Brown, and Zuraya Tapia-Hadley exemplify this mission through their leadership, public service, and steadfast commitment to the families they represent. We thank them for their service.
Celebrating Leadership and Representation
Marcia St John-Cunning (Fairfax County) — Marcia St. John-Cunning represents the Franconia District on the Fairfax County School Board and completed her first year of service in 2025, drawing on decades of community advocacy, family engagement, and educational leadership. A long-time resident of Fairfax County, she has worked within Fairfax County Public Schools in family outreach roles and led community programs that support student enrichment, family partnerships, and comprehensive community school services. Marcia’s work is rooted in strengthening educational systems and ensuring all students and families are heard and supported.
Diana Brown (Manassas City) — Diana Brown is from Honduras and a first-generation college graduate who was elected in 2025 to serve on the Manassas City School Board, where she is a passionate voice for equitable education and community inclusion. With more than two decades of experience in public education — including roles as a teacher, specialist, assistant principal, and Special Education Coordinator — she brings deep insight and dedication to student success. Ms. Brown also serves as Vice Chair of the Northern Virginia Community College Board, advocating for broader access to higher education and workforce development.
Zuraya Tapia-Hadley (Arlington) — Zuraya Tapia-Hadley is a dedicated Arlington School Board member who completed her first year in office in 2025, representing local families with a focus on inclusive, student-centered education. A long-time Arlington resident and parent, she has over 20 years of experience in public policy, legal advocacy, and community leadership, including roles in nonprofit service and government affairs that advanced education and community development. She has also served on the Virginia Latino Advisory Board under two Governors and brings her deep commitment to equity, public service, and family empowerment to her work on the School Board.
These leaders have already made significant contributions in their first year — advancing dialogue, championing family engagement, and strengthening connections between schools and the communities they serve.
LULAC’s Mission in Action
Virginia LULAC is the state chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the oldest and largest Hispanic civil rights organization in the United States, with a mission to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, and political influence of the Latino community. We are proud to see representation and action in motion with these powerhouse Latinas. We encourage civic participation and representation at all levels of government — especially roles that impact education and opportunity for Latino students and families.
Thank You for Your Service
Virginia LULAC extends heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Marcia St John-Cunning, Diana Brown, and Zuraya Tapia-Hadley for their leadership, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to students, parents, educators, and the community at large.
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About Virginia LULAC
Virginia LULAC is the state chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation’s oldest and largest Latino civil rights advocacy organization. Our mission is to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, housing, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans in the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.
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