Each year, TSPRA honors someone who has contributed significantly to the field of public school communications with the association’s Key Communicator Award. The recipient may be a legislator, superintendent, or professional in any field who has improved school communications or a member of TSPRA who has contributed outstanding service to the profession of public school communications.
TSPRA Names Dr. Judith Zaffirini as 2026 Key Communicator
Award-winning communication specialist, educator and public servant recognized for a lifetime of excellence in communication and leadership
The Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) is proud to recognize Dr. Judith Zaffirini as a TSPRA Key Communicator, honoring an extraordinary career dedicated to communication, education, leadership, and public service.
Dr. Zaffirini is an award-winning communication specialist, educator, and businessperson whose career reflects the power of effective communication to inform, educate and strengthen communities. She has received more than 1,300 awards and honors for her legislative, public service and professional work, including more than 600 state and national awards in communication.
In addition to her distinguished professional career, Dr. Zaffirini is widely recognized for her groundbreaking public service. She became the first Mexican American woman elected to the Texas Senate and, in 2023, became the first woman Dean of the Texas Senate.
Her commitment to communication excellence has been recognized repeatedly at both the state and national levels. In 2025, she was the Sweepstakes Winner of the National Federation of Press Women’s Communication Contest for the fourth consecutive year, earning national recognition for work that included speeches, newsletters, crisis communications, photography, and social media.
“Dean Senator Dr. Zaffirini bridges the gap between policymakers, educators, and the public with uncommon clarity. Her life’s work exemplifies the core mission of TSPRA: promoting public education through honest, impactful, and transformative communication,” shared Anna Benavides Galo, Commissioner, Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission; Vice President, ANB Cattle Co.
Dr. Zaffirini’s expertise is grounded in extensive education and professional experience. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, she earned her B.S., M.A., and Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin. The university has recognized her with numerous honors, including Distinguished Alumna, Distinguished Hispanic Alumna, Moody College of Communication Outstanding Alumna, the Presidential Citation, and induction into The Daily Texan Hall of Fame.
An educator by nature, Dr. Zaffirini taught for 13 years, including at the university level. Through Zaffirini Communications, which celebrates its 28th anniversary this year, she provides consulting, writing and presentations focused on communication and leadership. Her research-based work draws on the behavioral science of communication and its many applications.
“As a constituent, friend, and fellow Texas Longhorn of Senator Zaffirini, I have witnessed the high standards, excellence, and ethics which she follows and demonstrates. Because of her legislative insight and communications acumen in and out of the Senate Chamber, Senator Zaffirini’s efforts have positively impacted the 19,000 students at our school district, especially the 97% of our students who come from low socio-economic backgrounds,” shared Laredo ISD Superintendent of Schools Guillermo Pro.
Her publications include handbooks addressing communication and leadership skills, protocol, writing and legislative presiding, as well as How to Roast a Friend, featuring some of her award-winning roasts.
Dr. Zaffirini’s professional accomplishments are matched by a remarkable record of public service. Her work ethic is reflected in her record of passing more bills than any legislator in Texas history and casting more than 76,000 consecutive votes in the Texas Senate. Her name has been attached to a state courthouse, university student success center, college library, elementary school, city park, soccer mini-pitch, hospital suite, scholarships, and grants.
William B. Green, publisher of the Laredo Morning Times, shares, “We learn from her at every encounter: at the legislature, in the courtroom or classroom, or from an occasional phone call with her. With her discipline, passion, acumen, and understanding, Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini has earned deep respect from me and so many others as communicator excellente!”
Yet perhaps her favorite titles are the most personal. Dr. Zaffirini and her husband, Carlos Zaffirini Sr., are the parents of Carlos Jr. and grandparents of Asher and George. Friends and colleagues call her “Z,” and she proudly embraces being introduced as “Carlos’ mom” or “Asher and George’s Ma Z.”
Through her remarkable career, Dr. Zaffirini has demonstrated that communication is more than a profession—it is a means of educating, connecting, leading, and serving others. TSPRA is honored to recognize her contributions and the example she provides to communicators across Texas.
Dean Senator Zaffirini will be honored during txEDCON on Friday, October 9, during the General Session from 4:00 to 5:30 pm, and again during the TSPRA Annual Conference on Thursday, February 18, during the Second General Session, from 8:30 am to 10:30 am.
