About Me

Why am I running?

I was a child who got left behind and I became a rebel with a cause. Now, as a mother, I’m on a mission to support kids facing the challenges I once did.

I am a mother, wife, working hairstylist, and activist—multifaceted yet once flattened into a single role in school. Labeled as a gifted child, I was expected to ace standardized tests, but my daily classroom experience was much tougher than any test. I always felt like an outsider and later learned I’m twice exceptional, meaning I have both exceptional potential and learning disabilities that weren't diagnosed.

Growing up in a chaotic household with generational trauma, often facing poverty, I was never allowed to be my true self at school. Eventually, the pressure became overwhelming, and I struggled to maintain that gifted facade. When I couldn’t fulfill that role, I felt worthless and spent my teens and twenties in survival mode. For many years I felt shame that I was "just" a hairstylist. However, I learned to embrace my role as an outsider finding refuge in alternative communities, like the punk rock scene and social justice spaces.

Everything changed for me when I got married and moved to New Orleans. I never thought I could handle having children until I got to know one of my neighbors. He reminded me of my younger self, and though I had little patience for him at first, I asked myself: how would my life have been different if someone had treated me the way I longed to be treated as a child?

I opened my heart to him, and it transformed my worldview. I realized that no child is inherently “bad”—those acting out are navigating their struggles, just as I did. I knew then that I could be a good mother, not just to a child of my own, but to all children in my community. My background became a bridge, allowing me to connect with and help others. I discovered my life has a purpose; if I can use my painful past to make a difference for others.

Engaging in mutual aid activism has been a deeply healing journey for me. Putting others’ needs before my own soothes something within. As a hairstylist, I connect with people daily, often learning about their struggles in ways they don’t share with anyone else. My empathy drives me to want to help, but I’ve felt limited in my capacity to make a difference. When I learned that the incumbent for the District 2 seat on the Orleans Parish School Board wasn't running, I recognized a unique opportunity to finally have a seat at the table. For too long, the New Orleans political landscape has favored the wealthy and powerful, leaving everyday citizens unheard. I want to amplify their voices, which is why I decided to run—to be the change I wish to see. 

Press and Media

ANTIGRAVITY Magazine

Voter Education Guide

"SUMMARY: Eric J. Jones is an educator who left a charter school board amid controversy. Chan Tucker is an Entergy engineering exec and parent who touts his business experience. Gabriela Biro, through her own research and advocacy and from talking with hundreds of parents across New Orleans, has developed a comprehensive, progressive platform outlining how to improve New Orleans schools for the benefit of both students and teachers; Biro also has the endorsements of New Orleans DSA, Greater New Orleans AFL-CIO, Forum for Equality, and the United Teachers of New Orleans (UTNO) labor union."

DSA New Orleans

2024 Fall Voter Guide

"New Orleans DSA endorses Gabriela Biro for School Board District 2. Biro (D) is a member of our chapter and a vocal supporter of union organizing at New Orleans public schools and across the region, which has garnered her the endorsement of the teacher’s union UTNO. Biro is the only candidate who has not served on a charter school board. In order to combat right wing culture war legislation, Biro has mentioned that OPSB has their hands tied because of the state law Act 91 that sold our schools to private charter corporations, and she argues that the more schools that are brought into district control, the fewer students will be forced into experiencing these bigoted laws with a school district that respects LGBTQ+ children and staff. Her website’s priorities focus on teachers, combating corruption with charters, and having inclusive policies so all types of children and families are not ignored. As a parent of a young child, Biro has consistently centered the focus of her campaign on the wellbeing of the students and the workers.

When Biro’s mother emigrated to the United States, she learned about United Farmworkers and related the experience to Biro’s grandfather who was a migrant farmworker in the south. Her mother became a shop steward for the local AFSCME. This cemented Biro’s solidarity with working people and unions, including supporting parent unions. After the mass firing of teachers following Katrina, it’s imperative now more than ever to have a champion for unionizing teachers and staff. 

In addition to DSA and UTNO, Biro is endorsed by Forum for Equality, VOTE, and the Greater New Orleans AFL-CIO. Her grassroots funded campaign has received over $1,000 in mostly small dollar donations to combat the $30,000 that privatization interests are funneling into her opponent Chan Tucker (D), a business executive for Entergy who is bankrolled by $10,000 from charter school advocate Leslie Jacobs and her family members. Tucker sits on Audubon Charter Schools’ board. His fundraising numbers are significantly higher than the other two grassroots/self funded candidates, bringing in just shy of $30,000 and spending almost $20,000 of it. Tucker has been endorsed by pro-charter group Democrats for Education Reform. Between Jacobs and DFER, Tucker is wholly supported by those responsible for the privatization and consequent degradation of the New Orleans’s school system."

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