Issue Areas:

K-12 Policy
Artificial Intelligence

Education:

University of Texas at Austin – B.A. in Philosophy and Government, 2018 Bill Archer Fellow

Renzo Soto

Deputy Director, Education and Workforce Policy

Focus

Renzo Soto is Deputy Director of Education and Workforce Policy at Texas 2036. His work covers K-12 education and artificial intelligence (AI) policy, with a focus on school finance, assessment and accountability, college and career readiness and the responsible and effective use of technology in education. 

Impact

At Texas 2036, Renzo works on policies that prepare students for college, careers and a changing economy. His work includes efforts to:

  • Prepare students for high-demand careers: Develop policy solutions that ensure Texas students earn a credential of value, strengthen the quality of career and technical education, and expand access to rigorous college and career pathways.
  • Safeguard student safety and learning as AI use in education increases: Examine how Texas can establish clear guidance to protect students and their learning as schools consider AI use, equip teachers to engage with AI responsibly and critically, and ensure AI-enabled tools support student safety, privacy and learning.
  • Build student readiness for an AI-driven future: Explore how schools can develop age-appropriate AI literacy aimed at building a student’s capacity to protect their own safety and learning as they engage with AI tools and content. 

Past Experience

Most recently, Renzo returned to Texas 2036 after serving as Executive Director for Texas and the South for TechNet where he managed industry advocacy for over 100 dynamic American businesses. In this role, he worked to promote the growth of innovation in six states and Puerto Rico through a targeted policy agenda, including artificial intelligence, data privacy and cybersecurity.

Renzo previously served as a Policy Advisor, working on higher education and workforce issues, at Texas 2036. He was also a staff member in the Texas House of Representatives. He began as a Legislative Aide for state Rep. Armando Walle, D-Houston, and after a brief stint as a staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives, he returned to the Texas House to serve as Legislative Director for state Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin. Renzo covered a variety of issues with a focus on the state budget, education and healthcare.

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