Dr. Ana Yáñez-Correa
Executive Director
Texas Criminal Justice Coalition

Ana Yáñez-Correa was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States with her mother at the age of twelve. She has earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, and she recently finalized her work towards a Ph.D. in Policy and Planning.  Throughout every stage of her education and career, Ana has taken an active leadership role in the community. She served as Chief of Staff for a State Representative during the State Legislative Session in 2001 and focused on criminal justice-related policies.  In 2002, Ana became Policy Director for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) of Texas, where she developed and advocated for LULAC’s legislative platform during the 2003 State Legislative Session – with a special emphasis on criminal justice – as well as during the three special sessions on redistricting, and a special session on school finance, with a special emphasis on criminal justice. In 2005, Ana became the Project Director for TCJC’s Solutions for Sentencing & Incarceration Project, which focuses on promoting proven, pro-family criminal justice policies that save taxpayers money and improve the safety of Texas communities.  During the 2007 State Legislative Session, Ana was formally honored by the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate for “working toward real solutions to the problems facing the Texas criminal justice system.” During Texas’ 2009 State Legislative Session, Ana was instrumental in educating key stakeholders about the importance of adopting policies on prison diversion, re-entry, and overall criminal justice efficiency. Since late 2005, Ana has been the Executive Director of TCJC, although she also serves as the Project Director for TCJC’s Solutions for Sentencing & Incarceration Project, the Tools for Re-Entry Project, and the Juvenile Justice Initiative.  Throughout her tenure at TCJC, Ana has successfully fostered relationships among a wide range of coalition partners, criminal justice practitioners, law enforcement groups, civil rights organizations, and other community members, allowing TCJC to promote policies that serve all facets of society.