Mary Gonzalez was born and raised in Clint, Texas.  She received her Bachelor's degrees in History and Mexican American Studies from the University of Texas, her Master of Liberal Arts with a concentration on Social Justice from St. Edward's University, and is pursuing her Doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction-Cultural Studies in Education from the University of Texas.  She is a former staffer for members of the Texas House of Representatives, has held various leadership positions, and is in the process of forming her own consulting company, Izel Consulting.