Maria Carlos, YES Prep’s Manager of Child Nutrition Operations, has been named the School Nutrition Association Manager of the Year by the Texas Association for School Nutrition—a statewide recognition celebrating her outstanding leadership and lasting contributions to student health and wellness. This prestigious honor reflects Maria’s passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence in school nutrition—qualities that have now been recognized on both the state and national stage. With professionalism, heart, and a deep-rooted mission to serve, Maria continues to inspire her peers and elevate the work of school nutrition teams across Texas.
“This award feels like a dream come true,” she shared. “I received the news on a day I was missing my mom deeply, and I truly believe she had a hand in it. Knowing she would be proud means everything to me.”
Maria’s story is a powerful reflection of resilience, growth, and the spirit of YES Prep. She began her journey at YES as a receptionist at North Forest Secondary, never imagining that one day she’d lead a districtwide operations team ensuring thousands of students receive daily nutritious meals. It wasn’t until age 43 that she earned her college degree—while juggling work, family life, and coursework alongside classmates the same age as her daughters.
“I didn’t initially see child nutrition as a career path,” Maria explained. “But I found the perfect combination of my passion for operations and meaningful, student-centered work.” Now, with a team that includes four operations specialists, an operations coordinator, and 24 (soon to be 26) incredible Lunch Program Monitors—many of whom are YES parents—Maria leads efforts that stretch from breakfast service at 6 a.m. to supper offerings on select campuses.
One of her proudest accomplishments has been developing the Lunch Program Monitor (LPM) initiative. Many of the monitors began as parent volunteers and, through Maria’s leadership, now serve as part-time staff. “We provide training in YES Prep culture, computer skills, and school operations—often this is their first job,” she said. “Two LPMs have already transitioned into teaching assistant roles. It’s a small but powerful way we’re investing in families and communities.”
Maria’s passion is fueled by personal experience. Her two eldest daughters graduated from YES Prep North Central and now lead successful careers in HR and operations. Maria credits YES Prep with not only transforming her daughters’ futures but also inspiring her own.
“YES Prep didn’t just open doors for my family—it inspired me,” she said. “North Forest staff even tutored me when I went back to school.”
Her approach to child nutrition is grounded in compassion and care. She and her team closely monitor student feedback, conduct taste tests, and analyze participation data to ensure meals are both nutritious and enjoyable. “One of my favorite moments this year was seeing not just students, but staff, start purchasing meals—because they’re that good,” she said with a smile.
Despite the long hours and challenges, Maria wouldn’t trade her role for anything. “It’s incredibly rewarding—especially when a student looks you in the eye and says, ‘Thank you for feeding me.’ That reminder of impact is what keeps you going.”
To anyone in a school support role dreaming of leadership, Maria offers this advice: “Don’t give up. I was once a teen mom, unsure of how I’d provide for my kids. I had to stop doubting myself and start believing in the support system around me. If I can do it, you can too.”
Maria shares this award with her mother, her husband and children, her team—and every YES Prep staff member who lifted her up along the way.
“Every meal is a chance to show we care,” she said. “This work is personal. I was once in our families’ shoes. And I’ll never forget that.”