Robert Acosta

School: Central Elem
District:Dallas ISD

Robert Acosta was born on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico and was raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He started his professional career as a newspaper reporter for the VI Daily News and as a television reporter for the local ABC affiliate WSVI News. He attended Georgetown University in Washington, DC while he served as Amnesty International’s Regional Media/Communications Director. While in Washington DC, Robert also worked as a Congressional Legislative Assistant and as a Government Affairs and International Trade Associate for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association.

In 2001, Robert was assigned the education policy legislative portfolio by the USVI Senate President. As a special projects coordinator he was able to secure federal and private grants to expand adult basic education programs throughout the jurisdiction as well as increase and enhance the educational and library system technology resources. In 2002, Robert was recognized by the Bush White House as an up and coming “New Generation of Latino Leaders” member and invited to the White House for a special recognition. Robert is currently residing in Rockwall, TX with his wife Vanessa and his children Antonio and Gabriela. Robert has a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, is concluding a Masters in Education from the University of Texas and is also now in the SMU Master of Education in Urban Policy and Leadership.