Janie Palomo Reyes

Janie Palomo Reyes was one of 16 children born into a family of 12 boys and 4 girls.

 Janie attended school in Edinburg, Texas where she met her future husband Frumencio Reyes Jr. Janie dropped out of her Junior year in High School to marry her high school sweetheart. Soon after she got married she moved to Chicago Illinois where she lived for the next 12 years. She was a domestic engineer responsible for administering household duties and caring for her children while her husband worked full time and attended college at night. Janie knew that some day she too, would return to finish her high school and attend college.

Janie returned to Texas settling in Houston where all her family resided. Janie worked at Foley’s where she worked as a supervisor until her husband finished law school. After her husband finished law school it was her turn to return to school. Janie completed her high school education by earning her G.E.D. She went on to college receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree within 3 years and then she went on to earn her Doctorate in Juris Prudence. Her first job out of law school was legal assistant to Congressman Bob Echardt. After Congressman Echardt she accepted the appointment of Director of Personnel/EEOC Administrator for Harris County, a position she held until she retired.

Janie’s contributions in political, social and public services have been recognized through honors and awards received from members of these organizations which include: State Humanitarian Award, presented by the Texas Democratic Women, Leadership Contribution Award, presented by the Texas State Mexican American Democrats, Achievement Award, presented by Labor Council for Latin American Advancement/ AFL-CIO, Hispanic of the Week, presented by the KTMD TV Channel 48 and Houston Chronicle, Special Award, presented by Volunteers in Public Schools, Family of the Year presented by METRO and recently received the Outstanding Community and Leadership Award presented by the Dynamo’s soccer team. Janie currently sits on the Houston Sports Authority Board.

Janie proudest accomplishments are her two daughters. Imelda Reyes- Castillo is an Attorney sitting as Municipal Court Judge and Dr. Donna Mendez is an ER Doctor at Texas Children’s Hospital. Janie’s 6 grandchildren are the love of her life. Imelda’s children, Maria is attending Baylor University, Carlos is at Purdue, Tomas is at Notre Dame and Francisco is at Strake Jesuit. Donna’s children are 3 year old twins, Bianca and Francesca, they are in pre kinder at St. Anne’s.