Q&A with Luz Lopez, Precinct 2's Community Liaison

Q: Describe your role and how it impacts Precinct 2 residents.
I proudly serve as the voice and bridge for residents in the North Channel area as the Community Liaison for Commissioner Adrian Garcia. My role allows me to connect residents to resources and programs that enhance their quality of life and foster a brighter future for our community. Every day, I strive to ensure residents feel empowered and heard, fostering trust and collaboration to address their needs effectively.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I love most about my job is the opportunity to connect families with life-changing resources and programs that often go unnoticed. For example, we have organized multiple events, including health fairs and community safety forums, back to school fairs, parades and community cleanups, which have significantly impacted residents' lives. Seeing the smiles on families' faces and knowing they feel heard and cared for brings me immense joy. Receiving a resolution from Commissioner Adrian Garcia during Hispanic Heritage Month during the COVID pandemic was a deeply humbling experience, as it recognized my efforts and my commitment to the community I love.

Q: This month, Precinct 2 partnered with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Women’s Empowerment Center to donate books for the women. This was a special event for you. Why?
This collaboration was incredibly meaningful because it emphasized the transformative power of education and empowerment for women in vulnerable situations. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, who has been a key supporter in my advocacy journey, partnered with Commissioner Adrian Garcia to bring this initiative to life. Having volunteered at the Women’s Empowerment Center for over a year, I’ve witnessed firsthand how resources like books can help women reflect, learn trades, and rebuild their lives. As part of this initiative, we started a book from the inmates to honor the teamwork and the experiences these women will leave for those who follow them at the center. For example, in October 2024, our team hosted workshops on gratitude and self-love, which deeply resonated with participants and inspired them to envision a brighter future.

Q: What or who inspires you to dedicate your career to serving your community?
My inspiration comes from my personal journey—one that began on the streets of Cloverleaf, a neighborhood that, though safe, was surrounded by struggles like bullying, gang violence, and domestic violence. These hardships taught me the value of change, self-love, and the incredible power of community support. In 2023, my team and I launched a series of educational workshops at the Women’s Empowerment Center, where we focused on crucial topics like anger management, mental health, human rights, and financial literacy. The partnerships we built with various organizations have been vital to these efforts, helping us reach those who need it most.

I draw strength from the support of leaders like Commissioner Adrian Garcia and Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, whose belief in me has fueled my ability to serve others. Now, being part of Precinct 2 and working alongside their amazing team, I am filled with so much joy and gratitude. To those who doubted me, who hurled insults, and who made me feel small—I thank you. You made me stronger and pushed me to believe in my dreams even more. To the nights I spent homeless, struggling as a single mother of three, I stand here today because of those challenges. They didn’t break me; they built me. And above all, I owe this journey to God, whose unwavering guidance has been my foundation, my strength, and my light in the darkest times.

Luz Maria Lopez was born in Comalcalco, Tabasco, Mexico. She's lived in the Cloverleaf area since 1985 and became a U.S. resident in 2020. A proud graduate of North Shore High School, Luz has dedicated my life to advocacy, inspired by her father, a Navy veteran, and her personal experiences overcoming domestic violence. In September 2024, Luz was honored to receive a resolution from Commissioner Adrian Garcia during Hispanic Heritage Month, recognizing her contributions to the community. Now, as a Community Liaison for Precinct 2, she work tirelessly to make Cloverleaf a place where families can LIVE, WORK, and PLAY.