Moreno: IDRA’s beloved President Emerita has passed away

I share the news of the passing of IDRA’s beloved President Emerita, Dr. María “Cuca” Robledo Montecel, with a profound sense of loss personally and for our community.

On behalf of the IDRA staff and board of directors, I offer my deepest condolences to Lucas Montecel, Cuca’s husband, to her sons Ismael and Xavier, and to their entire family.

Cuca died at home, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in San Antonio. She was 72.

Cuca’s passing comes just days after her 49th anniversary with IDRA, whose vision to transform education – always putting children first – became her life’s passion. She was a consistent presence through most of IDRA’s 52 years, from research assistant to President Emerita. The transformational work of IDRA is only possible because of how skillfully, courageously and gracefully she led the organization for more than half of its existence. She sustained the vision of IDRA’s founder Dr. José Cárdenas and solidified the foundation from which we stand tall with confidence and purpose. Her enduring legacy will always be synonymous with the tireless pursuit of educational excellence for all young people. 

Cuca has been a true inspiration in her many roles: loved one, friend, mentor, leader, advocate, researcher, expert. She always said, “Every child is valuable. None is expendable.” She fiercely believed that the children and families we work for and alongside are not problems to be fixed but rather deserve love and understanding and bring many strengths to our community. 

To know Cuca is to love her and to feel seen – and we will love her endlessly. Cuca’s goodness and humanity will reverberate through our bodies like the resounding beat of a drum. She moved our hearts, our minds and our souls to be fearless, to stand for a greater purpose, to believe in the power of all children, and to believe in ourselves as we stand up for them. 

For those of us privileged enough to have worked alongside her, we will be forever changed by her guiding light. We will miss her so much.  

Mil gracias, querida Cuca. Rest in peace and power. 

Dr. María “Cuca” Robledo Montecel, PRESENTE!

Editor’s Note: The above commentary was penned by Celina Moreno, president and CEO of the San Antonio-based Intercultural Development & Research Association. It first appeared on the IDRA website on Aug. 5, 2025.

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