Our People
We are proud that our board consists of members of the Rio Grande Valley community! Meet some of the people working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep doors open to higher education and beyond.
Meet Our Board of Directors
About Maria Fernanda
I am a Brownsville Native and a Jack Kent Cooke scholar.
I have spent the past ten years studying education from policy to practice. I understand the inequity present in our system fundamentally because I've read the studies, but also because I have lived it. I love teaching. I love being in a room full of learners and figuring out the exact combination that will keep them engaged, help them understand, and challenge them to effect change. The problem was the classroom was too small for the impact I hope to make in our community. This is where RioProgress was born.
RioProgress is built to provide resources to the members of our community so that we may make improvements while enabling real progress. If you would like to learn more about our activities, check out our about page for more information!
I am a Brownsville Native and a Jack Kent Cooke scholar.
I have spent the past ten years studying education from policy to practice. I understand the inequity present in our system fundamentally because I've read the studies, but also because I have lived it. I love teaching. I love being in a room full of learners and figuring out the exact combination that will keep them engaged, help them understand, and challenge them to effect change. The problem was the classroom was too small for the impact I hope to make in our community. This is where RioProgress was born.
RioProgress is built to provide resources to the members of our community so that we may make improvements while enabling real progress. If you would like to learn more about our activities, check out our about page for more information!
About Daisy
I proudly emerged from the RGV school system, progressing from elementary through higher education. Currently on the journey to becoming a certified Special Education teacher, I intimately understand the complexities of navigating higher education and careers, especially since local schools often fall short in adequately preparing students.
As a mother of two boys, I am deeply committed to their educational journey, aligning closely with RioProgress's values. My dedication springs from firsthand experience in the intricate maze of higher education and the desire for a more supportive system for future generations.
My goal is to make a positive impact on students' lives, including my boys, by addressing the challenges of accessing educational and career opportunities. Through my journey, I aim to contribute to RioProgress's mission, advocating for improved preparation and support to better equip students for the complexities of higher education and careers.
I proudly emerged from the RGV school system, progressing from elementary through higher education. Currently on the journey to becoming a certified Special Education teacher, I intimately understand the complexities of navigating higher education and careers, especially since local schools often fall short in adequately preparing students.
As a mother of two boys, I am deeply committed to their educational journey, aligning closely with RioProgress's values. My dedication springs from firsthand experience in the intricate maze of higher education and the desire for a more supportive system for future generations.
My goal is to make a positive impact on students' lives, including my boys, by addressing the challenges of accessing educational and career opportunities. Through my journey, I aim to contribute to RioProgress's mission, advocating for improved preparation and support to better equip students for the complexities of higher education and careers.
About Aaron
I am a second-year undergraduate student at Princeton University pursuing a degree in Economics and a minor in Global Health and Public Policy and Finance.
I am passionate about finding a more efficient way to allocate funding to hospitals, organizations, and government agencies to help social causes. I hope through my data analytical skills I will be able to create models, graphs, or programs to demonstrate the most effective way of allocating resources. With RioProgress, I wish to provide equitable access to the resources that exist both in and outside of the RGV.
I am a second-year undergraduate student at Princeton University pursuing a degree in Economics and a minor in Global Health and Public Policy and Finance.
I am passionate about finding a more efficient way to allocate funding to hospitals, organizations, and government agencies to help social causes. I hope through my data analytical skills I will be able to create models, graphs, or programs to demonstrate the most effective way of allocating resources. With RioProgress, I wish to provide equitable access to the resources that exist both in and outside of the RGV.
Meet the Staff
About Phil
I am a Data Engineer & Consultant who loves empowering our students to pursue meaningful careers while maximizing their potential. As a recent Brownsville resident, I recognized the impact RioProgress could have on their community and the future of my adopted home.
I am passionate in STEM & Music having background as a professional Math tutor, and as a Data Engineering Consultant for various software companies and start-ups. My goal is to enable other people to find their pathway to a successful career doing the things they are passionate about too.
I am a Data Engineer & Consultant who loves empowering our students to pursue meaningful careers while maximizing their potential. As a recent Brownsville resident, I recognized the impact RioProgress could have on their community and the future of my adopted home.
I am passionate in STEM & Music having background as a professional Math tutor, and as a Data Engineering Consultant for various software companies and start-ups. My goal is to enable other people to find their pathway to a successful career doing the things they are passionate about too.