The Speakers

Mayor Jane Hughson

Opening Speaker & Proclamation from City of San Marcos

Jane Hughson was elected as Mayor of San Marcos on November 6, 2018, re-elected November 3, 2020, and re-elected November 8, 2022. She was previously elected to the San Marcos City Council on November 4, 2014, for a three-year term in Place 4, re-elected for a three-year term on November 7, 2017, and also served on City Council from May 1996 to May 2002.

Mayor Hughson is a long-time San Marcos resident and a Southwest Texas State University graduate. She retired from Texas State University after 33 years of service.

To learn more about Mayor Jane Hughson please visit the City of San Marcos website linked here.

San Marcos Youth Task Force

Keynote Speaker

Established in 2020, the San Marcos Youth Task Force is a youth-led organization focused on community service and providing insight into the needs of youth in the greater San Marcos area. The Task Force currently consists of 16 members grades 8th - 12th.

The speakers this year are: Maddie Purcell, as the keynote opener; Morgan Scott, as the game opener; John Paul Simas-Galloway and Faustino Rosas, for the keynote reflection; and Lilliana Price as the game facilitator.

Workshops

Texas State University Career Services

Job Skills

Led by Adam Hernandez. This workshop will provide information on essential skills needed to be successful in life, and specifically in the workplace.

Adam Hernandez is a Dallas, Texas native and a proud first-generation college graduate who is passionate about helping students navigate their path to and through higher education. He has earned a Master of Education in Student Affairs in Higher Education and is currently pursuing an MBA in Marketing at Texas State University. With over seven years of experience in college access, student success, and career readiness, Adam has dedicated his career to supporting first-generation and underrepresented students in achieving their educational and professional goals. His journey, from advising high school students and families on college admissions and financial aid to supporting college students in persistence and career development, shapes his commitment to creating accessible pathways to opportunity.

University Federal Credit Union

Finance 101 and Advanced Finance Workshops

Led by UFCU Team.

Seminar Description: Group 1

The Foundation of Money Management

Add a little financial know-how, and you’ll be on your way to making sound financial decisions. This seminar covers basics of budgeting, saving with purpose, and setting solid financial goals. Great for students or those just getting started on their financial journey.

Cashy Life Simulator

Interactive Game (Phones required, can change if needed): Make life choices. Pick a career, manage income and expenses, and balance spending, saving, and investing.

Seminar Description: Group 2

Advanced Finance

In-depth financial knowledge to build on sound financial decisions. This seminar covers advanced topics around budgeting, saving with purpose, setting solid financial goals and credit. Great for students or those looking for an advanced financial conversation journey.

Cashy Credit Simulator

Interactive Game (Phones required, can change if needed): Players move around the map collecting items, trying to pay off their debt on time and keep their utilization rate low. Quiz and discussion phases help students reflect on what they learned.

Joshua Edwards

Joshua Edwards is the South Regional Business Development Manager for UFCU. Joshua is a dedicated financial professional with a rich 19-year tenure, possesses a genuine passion for cultivating enduring relationships within his community and UFCU. His commitment extends beyond financial expertise, emphasizing a mission to enhance financial literacy. Joshua takes pride in offering personalized advice, guidance, and education solidifying his reputation as a trusted partner in his clients' financial journeys.

Personally, Joshua has an amazing wife and young boy. They are his “why”. He enjoys having a good time with those around him and finds a karaoke event is a great ice breaker. In his free time, Josh loves construction (home remodels), video games, sporting events, playing sports (golf, tennis, etc.) and traveling both locally and abroad.

Briana Catalan

Born in Corpus Christi and raised in Austin, Texas, I’m proud to call Central Texas home. I’m a devoted mother of two who enjoys spending time in the kitchen trying new recipes, as well as relaxing with music and dancing. I began my professional journey at H‑E‑B, where I built a strong foundation in customer service and teamwork. Driven by a desire to grow and pursue new opportunities, I continued my career path with UFCU, where I’m grateful to contribute my skills and continue developing both personally and professionally.

Caden Stiles

Originally from Odessa, Texas, graduates from Texas State University in August. He has worked at UFCU since September 2025, focusing on member support and financial well‑being. In his free time, Caden enjoys family time, hunting, fishing, and baseball.