About Us

 David O. Gutierrez serves as the Education Relations Supervisor at Workforce Solutions, the local workforce board serving Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy County. He works with local school districts, colleges, and employers to strengthen and empower our youth by providing access to guest speakers, site visits, mentorship, internship and job 

 David O. Gutierrez serves as the Education Relations Supervisor at Workforce Solutions, the local workforce board serving Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy County. He works with local school districts, colleges, and employers to strengthen and empower our youth by providing access to guest speakers, site visits, mentorship, internship and job opportunities. Through these opportunities, youth obtain information on careers available in our area, education and training required for these careers, and skills and experience needed to be successful. He previously served as Project Coordinator for a DOL Grant focused on aligning and strengthening workforce systems spanning from El Paso to Brownsville, with the goal to accelerate credential attainment and career entry.

 Gina Marie Silva is a history professor at Texas Southmost College and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She is a proud alumna of Edcouch-Elsa High School. Gina earned her Bachelors of Arts in history and Masters of Arts in history from UTRGV. She is deeply committed to education and the preservation

 Gina Marie Silva is a history professor at Texas Southmost College and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She is a proud alumna of Edcouch-Elsa High School. Gina earned her Bachelors of Arts in history and Masters of Arts in history from UTRGV. She is deeply committed to education and the preservation of local history. Since 2022, Gina has served on the Weslaco Museum’s Board of Directors, where she channels her passion for local history and community engagement to help strengthen cultural connections across the RGV.  

Roy Hernandez Jr. was born and raised in Weslaco, Texas, and is a proud graduate of the Weslaco High School Class of 1996. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). He is the son of Roy Hernandez and Elsa E. Hernandez, who instilled in him the values of hard work, service, and com

Roy Hernandez Jr. was born and raised in Weslaco, Texas, and is a proud graduate of the Weslaco High School Class of 1996. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). He is the son of Roy Hernandez and Elsa E. Hernandez, who instilled in him the values of hard work, service, and community.

Currently, Roy serves as the Mexico Logistics Coordinator for Collaborative Fresh Produce, where he plays a vital role in cross-border operations and supply chain management.

Deeply committed to his community, Roy is actively involved in numerous local committees and organizations. He serves on the Weslaco Housing Authority and the Weslaco Drainage Committee. His dedication extends to civic and service organizations including the Weslaco Elks, Weslaco Mid-Valley Lions International, Weslaco Little League, and Scouting America. He holds the title of Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus, Council 16917, and is also a board member of Wings of Hope. 

As a father of two sons, Roy values family and community above all. His passion for service drives him to stay engaged and ready to support Weslaco in any way he can.

Mr. Tom Guinn is a native of South Texas from the Alice, Texas area. He holds graduate degrees in business, political science, and history. He attended the University of Texas at Austin three times, so that makes it his alma mater. 

He’s had five careers as an: athlete, Marine Corps officer, graduate student (seven years!), banker, and col

Mr. Tom Guinn is a native of South Texas from the Alice, Texas area. He holds graduate degrees in business, political science, and history. He attended the University of Texas at Austin three times, so that makes it his alma mater. 

He’s had five careers as an: athlete, Marine Corps officer, graduate student (seven years!), banker, and college instructor. For much of his life he was engaged in ranching, and his hobbies include camping on the beach, astronomy, and horses. 

Mrs. April Castañeda serves as the Director of Business Development for the Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco. She is responsible for recruiting industrialized companies, supporting job creation, collaborating with local leaders, cultivating the City of Weslaco’s economic growth, and oversees the marketing efforts of the Weslaco

Mrs. April Castañeda serves as the Director of Business Development for the Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco. She is responsible for recruiting industrialized companies, supporting job creation, collaborating with local leaders, cultivating the City of Weslaco’s economic growth, and oversees the marketing efforts of the Weslaco EDC. With 3 years under her belt, she possesses a vast amount of knowledge and experience in developing partnerships, building relationships, marketing, and project management. Before her EDC career move, she was employed with South Texas College for 15 years, with her last position as a Relations Manager for the Dual Credit Programs, where she was responsible for planning and executing events for students, parents, and partnering school districts which encompasses a wide range of information sessions, professional development activities, workshops, and conferences with audiences of up to 300+ attendees. Mrs. Castañeda oversaw the collaboration of internal departments to ensure that creativity and innovation are incorporated into the Dual Credit Programs' marketing and communication strategies. Mrs. Castañeda possesses a Master of Science in Marketing from Texas A&M-Commerce, a Bachelor of Applied Technology from South Texas College, and a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification from the Project Management Institute. Mrs. Castañeda is also an adjunct instructor for South Texas College teaching marketing courses for the Business Administration program. 

Gina Moraida brings over a decade of expertise in college access and nonprofit work. Passionate about helping students achieve their educational dreams, she equips Texas counselors and advisors with the financial aid training and resources they need to succeed.
Outside of her professional life, you’ll find her planning unforgettable vacat

Gina Moraida brings over a decade of expertise in college access and nonprofit work. Passionate about helping students achieve their educational dreams, she equips Texas counselors and advisors with the financial aid training and resources they need to succeed.
Outside of her professional life, you’ll find her planning unforgettable vacations for her travel clients or creating core memories with family and friends. Whether discovering new destinations or empowering communities, Moraida is driven by a commitment to growth, connection, and adventure.

Noe Rodriguez, Jr. is a dedicated financial services professional with over two decades of experience in the consumer lending industry. He began his career in 1999 with Commercial Credit at the Weslaco, TX branch. In 2012, he was promoted to Branch Manager, overseeing operations at the Rio Grande City office before returning in 2016 to le

Noe Rodriguez, Jr. is a dedicated financial services professional with over two decades of experience in the consumer lending industry. He began his career in 1999 with Commercial Credit at the Weslaco, TX branch. In 2012, he was promoted to Branch Manager, overseeing operations at the Rio Grande City office before returning in 2016 to lead the Weslaco branch—now operating under OneMain Financial. Under his leadership, the Weslaco branch has grown to manage a portfolio totaling $18 million, consistently achieving high performance in both customer service and business development. A proud native of Weslaco, TX, and a 1992 graduate of Weslaco High School, Rodriguez remains deeply connected to his community. He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus at San Martin de Porres Council 16917 and is committed to serving and strengthening the community that shaped him.