Claudia Aguirre serves as the President and CEO of BakerRipley, one of the largest and most respected nonprofit community development organizations in the United States. With more than 1,300 team members and an annual operating budget of $600 million, BakerRipley operates over 50 locations across the Greater Houston region, serving more than half a million people each year.
 
Under Claudia’s leadership, BakerRipley has become a trusted and adaptive force in the region, large enough to drive systems-level change, yet grounded enough to respond to the specific needs of each community. The organization focuses on the most pressing issues facing the region and provides solutions through programs in education, workforce development, immigration and citizenship services, disaster recovery, and community engagement. BakerRipley’s work is guided by a strength-based approach, combining data-driven insights with deep local relationships to help individuals, families, and entire neighborhoods build paths to economic mobility and long-term resilience.
 
Claudia has led the organization through some of its most transformative moments, including the region’s largest nonprofit-led disaster recovery response during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also launched Houston’s first public charter school designed for newly arrived immigrant students and has expanded neighborhood-based strategies that meet people where they are, with the dignity, trust, and cultural awareness they deserve.
 
Since joining BakerRipley in 2010, Claudia has held several executive roles, including Vice President of Community-Based Initiatives, Superintendent of Promise Community Charter Schools, and Chief Program Officer. Her leadership has been instrumental in deepening BakerRipley’s impact and positioning the organization as a model for inclusive, community-driven development.
 
In 2025, Claudia was appointed Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Board of Directors by the Board of Governors, becoming the first Hispanic woman to serve in this role. She also serves on the boards of the Greater Houston Partnership and the United Way of Greater Houston. In addition to her board service, Claudia plays an active role in regional task forces, cross-sector convenings, and policy forums, where she contributes to strategies focused on equity, workforce opportunity, poverty alleviation, and inclusive community development.
 
Recognized nationally for her insights and influence, Claudia is a trusted voice on issues at the intersection of education, economic mobility, and community resilience. Her thought leadership has been featured by the Center for American Progress, the National Diversity Council, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the Houston Chronicle. She has been named one of Houston’s Most Admired CEOs and recognized among the Top 30 Influential Women in Houston.
 
Claudia holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University, a Master of Education from the University of Houston, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from St. Edward’s University. She is a certified educator and school superintendent, and holds an Executive Education Certificate from Harvard University. Her commitment to equity, innovation, and community continues to shape BakerRipley’s mission to build a Houston where everyone belongs and has the opportunity to thrive.