Bel Air High School is proud to announce the 2023 Honored Ex, Leila Melendez (class of 1994).  

This year’s recipient of the Brenda Sandoval Bel Air High School Honored Ex Award is from the class of 1994. Leila was a member of the Highlander Pipe Band and President of Business Professionals of America. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Phoenix and obtained her MBA at UTEP Woody L. Hunt School of Business in 2008.

Among her many experiences, Leila worked at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as an Advocacy Manager, the City of El Paso as a Business Specialist and as Chief of Staff for former City Manager Joyce Wilson. Eventually, she became Chief of Staff at Workforce Solutions Borderplex. Currently, she is the Chief Executive Officer of Workforce Solutions.

In 2017, she was recognized as a Star Alumni at UTEP. In 2022, she was recognized by El Paso Inc. as a 2022 Woman of Impact. This coming November, she will be recognized at the UTEP Homecoming festivities as a 2023 Gold Nugget for the College of Business, given to outstanding graduates. Bel Air’s honored ex’s career has been about serving the people of El Paso and the surrounding region. As CEO of Workforce Solutions Borderplex, she drives the organization’s mission of developing the border economy by connecting employers with skilled employees. She has maintained close ties to UTEP and applies her talent to help students in the Woody L. Hunt College of Business. She was a key driver and designer of a mentorship program that paired alumni and local business leaders with undergraduate and MBA students. She currently serves as a board member and President of the Executive Women’s Forum and board member of the El Paso Fireman and Policeman’s Pension Fund.

Bel Air High School celebrates Highlanders in Paradise Homecoming week from August 30 to September 1, 2023.

Wednesday, August 30

6:30 p.m. - Homecoming parade

7:30 p.m. - Pep rally begins immediately following the parade in Highlander Stadium.

Friday, September 1

5 p.m. - Exes cookout west of stadium by baseball field.

7 p.m. – Homecoming football game vs.Socorro HS

Saturday, September 2

8 p.m. to Midnight –Homecoming dance