Perla Lane Named Among 2026 Top 30 Influential Women of Texas Honorees

Aldine ISD facilities leader recognized for transforming learning environments and investing in future generations.

Every new school, renovated classroom, upgraded safety feature, and modernized learning space begins long before students arrive. Behind many of those improvements in Aldine ISD is Perla Lane, executive director of Facilities, Planning and Construction, whose leadership is now being recognized across Texas.

Lane has been named one of the 2026 Top 30 Influential Women of Texas, an honor recognizing women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, professional achievement and service to their communities. She will be recognized during the 13th Annual Top 30 Influential Women of Texas Awards Gala on Aug. 21 at The Royal Sonesta Hotel in Houston.

Lane joins Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney, who received the same honor in 2022.

“Every student deserves a safe, welcoming and inspiring place to learn, and Perla Lane has dedicated her career to making that vision a reality,” Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney said. “Her leadership has helped transform learning environments across Aldine ISD, creating opportunities for generations of students. We are incredibly proud to see her recognized as one of the Top 30 Influential Women of Texas.”

Building More Than Schools

As executive director of Facilities, Planning and Construction, Lane oversees the planning, design, construction and maintenance of learning environments that support more than 52,000 students across more than 70 district facilities. She currently leads implementation of Aldine ISD’s voter-approved 2023 Bond Program, a historic $1.8 billion investment focused on enhancing school safety, modernizing facilities and expanding instructional technology opportunities for students.

Her leadership also was instrumental in the successful delivery of the district’s 2015 Bond Program, a $798 million initiative that included technology upgrades, major renovations and repairs, and the construction of nine new schools. Few facilities leaders have had the opportunity to help lead two transformational bond programs within the same school district, making Lane’s impact on Aldine ISD both unique and enduring.

One of the most visible examples of that impact is the renewal of W.W. Thorne Stadium. Lane also led the renewal of W.W. Thorne Stadium, transforming the longtime district landmark into a state-of-the-art, 10,000-seat facility designed to enhance the experience for student-athletes, performing arts students, families and the broader community. The replacement stadium officially opened in August 2024, nearly two years after the district broke ground on the project.

Lane sees something deeper in her work: opportunities created through thoughtful planning and responsible stewardship. Every project represents a promise to students, families and employees that Aldine ISD will continue investing in learning environments designed to support student success for generations to come.

“I can honestly say that this award is meant to inspire women to aim higher and serve in the highest capacities,” Lane said. “Receiving it would be both a personal honor and a meaningful call to action. I have three great reasons that encourage me to continue creating opportunities and empowering more women to reach their full potential — my two beautiful daughters, Jayla and Jada, and my son, Cleveland III.”

Leading Through Service

A graduate architect and construction manager, Lane has built an accomplished career spanning nearly three decades in architecture, construction management and facilities leadership. She earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Prairie View A&M University and a master’s degree in construction management from New York University Polytechnic. Inspired by her father, Lane pursued a career that combined technical expertise with the opportunity to make a lasting difference in communities.

Throughout her career, she has overseen projects across the aviation, transportation, healthcare, commercial, higher education, and K-12 sectors. In addition to her work with Aldine ISD, Lane remains active in numerous professional organizations, including the American Institute of Architects, the Women Contractor Association, the Association for Learning Environments, the American Diabetes Association, and the Texas Association of School Business Officials. She also serves on the Advisory Board Committee for the Women in Leadership Program at Texas A&M University-Texarkana.

Lina Sabouni, principal in charge at AUTOCARCH Architects, nominated Lane for the recognition because of her commitment to serving others and her impact on students, educators and the broader community.

“I was inspired to nominate Perla because of her unwavering commitment to excellence, servant leadership and her dedication to creating opportunities that positively impact students, educators and young professionals,” Sabouni said. “She combines technical expertise with strategic thinking, collaboration and genuine care for the people she serves. Perla leads with professionalism, transparency and accountability, and she inspires others through her work ethic, humility and commitment to empowering the next generation.”

Sabouni said Lane’s leadership has helped deliver safe, modern and inspiring learning environments for thousands of Aldine ISD students while strengthening partnerships throughout Houston’s architecture, engineering and construction community.

A Legacy of Opportunity

Looking ahead, Lane said she hopes the district’s historic 2023 Bond Program leaves a lasting legacy far beyond new buildings.

“The legacy I hope to leave is one of opportunity,” Lane said. “I want every school and facility we build or renovate to reflect our commitment to providing students with safe, innovative and inspiring learning environments where they can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.”

She said she hopes the bond program demonstrates what is possible when a community invests in its children while creating a culture of excellence, collaboration and stewardship for future generations.

“It has been incredibly fulfilling to lead talented teams and navigate difficult challenges to deliver projects that will serve our district for generations to come,” Lane said. “Seeing students and staff walk into a new facility, knowing our efforts helped create opportunities for their success, fills me with immense joy. If future generations inherit schools that inspire learning and leaders who are committed to serving others, then I will consider my career a success.”