2026-2027 EXECUTIVE BOARD 

 

Yasi Lofti 

(President)

 

 

Hi Parents! I’m originally from Iran and have lived in Houston most of my life. This is my fifth year at Carnegie — I had a son graduate last year and now have a daughter who’s a rising Junior. I previously served as VP of Fundraising and am honored to step into the role of President this year.

 

Outside of PTO life, I love doing yoga, watching my favorite shows, or hanging out with friends — say hi if you see me around! As President, what I hope to bring most is warmth and community connection — a PTO that feels welcoming and close-knit for every family at Carnegie.

Anoushka Tandon

(VP- Fundraising)

 


I'm from Poland originally and have lived in Houston for over 20 years. I have a daughter who will be a senior at CVHS, and it has been such a great experience being a part of the wonderful Carnegie community over the past 3 years. 
 
I previously served on the PTO fundraising committee and was auction chair for Crash Bash last spring. I am honored to be your Vice President of Fundraising and Development for the 2026-27 school year, and I'm looking forward to working hard at helping our students, teachers, and staff.
 
During these times of budget cuts and continuing changes in the district, I'm hoping to raise more funds for Carnegie with support from parents, local businesses, and corporate sponsors. I know that together we can make this a fantastic year for our school community!  
 

Preeti Singh

(VP - IT and Communications)

 

 

 

 

Hello CVHS community, and I’m honored to serve as the Vice President of IT & Communication for the CVHS PTO this year. I began my professional journey as a Professor of Mathematics at Lone Star College, where I spent many years teaching, mentoring, and building STEM‑focused learning experiences.

.

I’m originally from India, and Houston has been my home for about 25 years. This city shaped my career and my community, and it continues to inspire the way I approach communication and education—with clarity, warmth, and a deep respect for diverse voices.

 

Stepping into the VP of IT & Communication role in 2026 has allowed me to bring together my love for technology, organization, and community engagement. I am excited to continue building strong communication pathways that help our PTO thrive and help our CVHS community feel even more connected.

 

Pavani Kalla

(VP - Volunteers and Membership)

 

I am originally from India and have called Houston home for the past 18 years. As the parent of a junior at Carnegie Vanguard High School, I value the important role a strong and supportive PTO plays in enhancing the student experience.

Last year, I served as Appreciation Chair, focusing on recognizing and celebrating the dedication of our CVHS faculty. This experience strengthened my commitment to supporting our teachers and school community.

I am honored to serve my first term as Vice President of Memberships and Volunteers for the 2026–2027 school year. I am passionate about bringing parents together to build a more engaged community and support our exceptional faculty who make a lasting impact on our students.

 

Thanh Durante

(VP - Special Events and Programs)

IMG_8429

I am originally from Vietnam, and my daughter is a senior at CVHS. This is my second year serving as Vice President of Special Events and the Spirit Store.
 
Being part of the PTO has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting our school community. I look forward to another year of planning fun, meaningful, and memorable events that bring together students, parents, teachers, and staff while celebrating the wonderful spirit of CVHS.

Claudia De Melo

(Parliamentarian)

 

 

 
I am originally from Venezuela and have called Houston home for over 20 years. My daughters, Gabriela and Isabela, will be sophomores at CVHS this year.
 
This is my first year serving on the PTO, and I am excited for the opportunity to serve as Parliamentarian. Professionally, I work full-time as a Director of Finance for an oil and gas company.
 
In my free time, I enjoy traveling, trying new cuisines, practicing yoga, and planning events. I look forward to contributing to and supporting the CVHS community throughout the year.
 

Elizabeth Wallace

(Secretary)

 

I previously served as a PTO President at Lanier Middle School and currently work full-time as VP of Product at a software development company. 

 

I truly value the strong, supportive community that CVHS has built- is is a special place for both students and families, and I am proud to be part of it. I'm excited to be a part of PTO, and serve as secretary, and help support our students, staff, and school community.

 

I have a junior and freshman and am dedicated to helping our school thrive through active involvement and support.

 

Adrian Snell

(Treasurer)

 

 

 

 

I have been actively involved in the school community for several years and brings strong financial and analytical expertise to the PTO. A mechanical engineer with accounting responsibilities and prior experience serving as an elementary school treasurer, he is committed to transparency, responsible budgeting, and clear financial reporting. Adrian aims to support effective financial management that benefits students, teachers, and families.

 

Gauri Semlani 

(Past President)

WhatsApp Image 2026-08-04 at 1.41.14 PM

 
Originally from India, Gauri has called Houston home for many years and is the proud parent of a student at Carnegie Vanguard High School. Over the years, Gauri has been an active supporter of the CVHS community and has had the privilege of serving on the PTO Board in various capacities, including President.
 
During her tenure as PTO President, Gauri worked alongside an exceptional team of volunteers, parents, teachers, and administrators to strengthen community engagement, support fundraising efforts, and enhance the overall student experience. She is grateful for the opportunity to have led an organization dedicated to supporting the success and well-being of every student.
 
As Past President, Gauri remains committed to mentoring new board members, preserving institutional knowledge, and ensuring a smooth transition of leadership. She looks forward to continuing to support the PTO's mission and helping foster a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative school community.
 

Juia Brode

(Faculty Rep)

 

 

As the Teacher Liaison for the Carnegie Vanguard High School PTO, I enjoy serving as a bridge between our parents and teachers. Building strong relationships between home and school is important to me, and I love finding ways to encourage teacher participation and collaboration in PTO events and initiatives.

 

This is my 10th year at Carnegie Vanguard High School and my 19th year teaching mathematics. I currently teach Pre-AP Algebra 1 and Pre-AP Algebra 2 and am proud to be part of such an incredible school community.

 

I am always happy to help however I can and look forward to working with our PTO, families, and staff to make this another great year for our students and teachers.