Julissa Castillo serves as the E3 Coach for the Starr County Workforce Solutions Center, where she helps young adults explore career pathways, achieve their goals, and develop professionally. 

As a dedicated career coach, she is passionate about empowering young adults to reach their aspirations through tailored support and guidance. Julissa holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Phoenix and an Associate of Arts in Teaching from South Texas College. 

With over a decade of experience spanning in the retail, hospitality, education, and healthcare industries, Julissa has gained a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within each field. Her diverse background equips her to guide individuals in unlocking their full potential and navigating their professional journeys with confidence.

Meet Michelle Mendoza, the Chair of the Communication Department at South Texas College. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Communication from The University of Texas-Pan American, Michelle has spent the last 10 years shaping minds in higher education, having taught both dual credit and full-time regular faculty. Known for her skills in communication, teaching, and leadership, Michelle’s true passion lies in making learning more engaging and impactful through instructional communication. 

When she’s not inspiring the next generation of communicators, you can find Michelle binge-watching horror films, giving her plants the care they deserve, or getting lost in a good romance novel. 

Dr. Rommel Johnson is an Assistant Professor at UTRGV with a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Western Michigan University. He has over 16 years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan and Texas and holds several counseling board certifications. 

Dr. Johnson is passionate about mental health and aims to promote equitable mental health resources through targeted interventions. An engaging speaker at various national, regional and local conferences, Dr. Johnson blends humor with insightful content, making his presentations enjoyable and informative. He inspires students and professionals alike to deepen their understanding of mental health and enhance their practice.  

Liliana Muñiz serves as the E3 Coach at the Edinburg Workforce Solutions Center, where she is committed to guiding youth toward meaningful career pathways and personal growth. A proud graduate of Edinburg High School, Class of 2014, Liliana brings over seven years of experience in the customer service industry—experience she now uses to mentor and prepare young individuals for success in the workforce. 

As a Career Coach, Liliana actively engages in community outreach to connect with local youth, helping them explore career interests, set achievable goals, and develop a clear roadmap for their future. She also leads the Youth Workshop, a job readiness program that equips participants with essential skills in communication, professionalism, and workplace etiquette. 

With a passion for teaching and empowering the next generation, Liliana is dedicated to helping young people gain the confidence and tools they need to succeed in both their personal and professional lives.

Stephanie Picazo is a proud Hispanic woman, first-generation college graduate, and passionate advocate for inclusion and equity of access. With a Master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Stephanie has dedicated her career to supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting systems-level change. Her advocacy journey has taken her from local community initiatives to international platforms, including the Model United Nations in Salerno, Italy, and a study abroad program on disability policy in Scotland and the United Kingdom. She has also interned with government agencies in Washington DC and is a graduate of the Texas Partners in Policymaking program, where she honed her skills in legislative advocacy. Stephanie is the founder of Advocates Consulting LLC, an organization committed to empowering individuals with disabilities and advancing accessibility through evidence-based practices. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Rehabilitation, she remains focused on building a legacy of change, using her voice and expertise to create a more inclusive world.

Sara Reyna is a native of the Rio Grande Valley and a proud double Vaquero, holding both a BA and MA in Communication from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). She currently serves as a lecturer at UTRGV and South Texas College (STC), where she teaches a range of communication courses. With professional experience in both teaching and public relations for higher education institutions, Sara blends academic insight with real-world application—empowering students to develop strong, effective communication skills that are essential in both academic and professional settings.  

Hey there! I'm Julio Salinas, a passionate marketing professional from McAllen. My journey began at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where I had the honor of serving as the elected president of the student-run American Marketing Association on the Edinburg campus. That experience sparked my love for branding, social media strategy, and connecting people through creative marketing solutions. 

Since then, I've dedicated myself to crafting compelling campaigns that not only capture attention but also drive meaningful results. Whether it's through social media storytelling, event promotions, or brand collaborations, I thrive on connecting with audiences in authentic and impactful ways.  

What truly excites me now is the opportunity to share what I’ve learned with the next generation of leaders, creators, and innovators. Whether it's tips on building a personal brand, mastering social media, or getting started in digital marketing, I’m here to help you unlock your potential and see marketing as more than just ads—it’s about storytelling, impact, and making real-world connections. I believe in learning by doing, and I can't wait to support and inspire you as we explore what’s possible in this fast-paced field.  

Hector currently serves as Vice President, Branch Manager at Texas National Bank in Mission, Texas.  During his 21-year career in banking, Hector’s leadership abilities have propelled him to managing several high performing branches in multiple cities around Texas including McAllen, Houston, Pharr, and Mission.   

Hector proudly serves  as Vice Chairman of Membership for The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce board of directors, he’s been a part of multiple City congregations for legislative advocacy and is a member of the South Texas Cystic Fibrosis Committee. Since joining Texas National Bank Hector has helped guide the development and implementation of the TNB Financial Wellness Initiative, striving to support the overall financial well-being of our community and empowering our youth through financial literacy education. Hector is a big Astros fan, he enjoys running, grilling, and spending time with his wife Alessandra and their two boys Hector and Alexander.   

Hector earned a Bachelor of Business of Finance from the University of Texas Pan -American.  

Pedro Sandoval is a passionate and dedicated E3 Coach with the E3 Youth Program at Workforce Solutions in Mission. In his role, Pedro empowers young individuals to recognize their strengths, define their goals, and unlock their full potential. He specializes in resume building, crafting impactful cover letters, interview preparation, and teaching essential self-marketing strategies to help clients stand out in today’s competitive job market. 

Originally from Mexico, Pedro graduated from Palmview High School in 2019. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in 2023 and went on to complete a Master’s degree in Business Analytics from UTRGV in 2024. 

With over seven years of combined experience in the retail and education sectors, Pedro brings a well-rounded and practical perspective to his coaching. His diverse background allows him to connect with individuals from all walks of life and support them at every stage of their career journey. 

Pedro is deeply committed to helping others discover their passions, set meaningful goals, and build the confidence needed to thrive. He also integrates data-driven decision-making into his coaching practice to help clients make informed and strategic career choices. 

Angela Sarmiento is a Communication Lecturer at South Texas College, Communication.  She creates engaging, student-centered learning experiences that foster critical thinking, confidence, and real-world communication skills. 

Passionate about closing the educational gap in the Rio Grande Valley, Angela actively supports students through academic advising, leading the COMM Club, and organizing events like Slice for Advice. She holds multiple certifications, including Quality Matters: Independent Applying the QM Rubric and Teaching with AI from Course Hero, reflecting her commitment to high-quality, innovative instruction. 

Her instruction stays rooted in current research and best practices to provide students with a meaningful, relevant learning experience. 

Mr. Savage is an E3 Coach at the Weslaco and Raymondville Workforce Solutions Centers, where he is dedicated to empowering youth through the E3 Youth Program. With a passion for mentorship and education, Mr. Savage has guided numerous young individuals on their path to career success, equipping them with the tools, resources, and knowledge to thrive in their personal lives, academic journeys, and the workforce. 

A proud native of the Rio Grande Valley, Mr. Savage was born and raised in north McAllen and graduated from James "Nikki" Rowe High School in 2014. 

Following high school, he honorably served five years on active duty in the United States Navy. During his service, he completed two deployments that focused on humanitarian assistance, drug interdiction missions, and the protection of U.S. assets abroad. 

Mr. Savage holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from American Military University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in recognition of his academic excellence. 

Emily Villarreal is a lecturer at South Texas College, where she teaches Communication courses. With a passion for helping students develop strong interpersonal, intercultural, and professional communication skills, she is committed to fostering meaningful connections both inside and outside the classroom.