Diego Perez is an Assistant Relationship Manager at Greater State Bank, where he serves the Greater McAllen area with a unique blend of professional excellence, heart for people, and commitment to community growth. He believes banking is more than transactions; it is an opportunity to help others pursue their purpose, strengthen local families, and support the dreams that build a thriving region. Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Diego is a proud product of Sharyland Pioneer High School. He started his collegiate journey at UTRGV where he competed as an athlete for the Division I Track & Field team. Diego later transferred and graduated Summa Cum Laude with his BBA in Finance and Management from Texas State University. He returned home to UTRGV to complete his MBA with a concentration in Financial Planning, while also obtaining his Texas real estate license to reinforce his commitment to understanding real estate, community development, and investment fundamentals. This journey has given Diego the experience that shaped his work ethic, resilience, and team-first mindset, qualities he carries into every leadership role today. Deeply rooted in faith, Diego is a follower of Jesus Christ and strives to live out servant leadership in all areas of life. He is a devoted son, brother, teammate, and friend, and has been in a committed relationship with his girlfriend for over six years with more to come. Diego’s long-term vision is simple yet profound: to be a leader who uplifts others, builds opportunities, and leaves every person, project, and community better than he found it. Guided by integrity, gratitude, and a heartfelt desire to serve through God, he is dedicated to contributing to the continued growth, unity, and revitalization of the City of Edinburg and the broader Rio Grande Valley.

Joel Corte is an events and operations professional with experience in nonprofit advocacy, higher education, and community leadership. He began his career at an education-equity–focused action fund in Washington, D.C., where he supported research, operations, event planning, and marketing. Joel has participated in multiple leadership cohorts across regional and national organizations, strengthening his skills in collaboration and civic engagement. He currently serves as an Events Coordinator at UTRGV, managing logistics, client relations, communications, marketing, and data analytics for university-wide events.

Joe Silva-Rodriguez is a distinguished software engineering and cloud architecture leader with deep expertise in delivering mission-critical, compliant solutions for public-sector agencies and highly regulated industries. As Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Blue Parrot Software, he has successfully positioned the firm as a trusted partner to federal, state, and local government entities, designing and deploying secure, cloud-native platforms on Amazon Web Services (AWS) that meet stringent standards including TX-RAMP, FedRAMP-aligned controls, least-privilege IAM frameworks, and event-driven architectures powered by real-time data processing. Leveraging a strong technical foundation forged as an early-career Android developer—where he contributed to large-scale, consumer-facing mobile applications—Joe rapidly advanced into enterprise system design. He architects sophisticated solutions integrating AWS services such as AppSync, Cognito, S3, Lambda, DynamoDB, EventBridge, and Step Functions, ensuring scalability, resilience, and audit-ready security for clients operating under rigorous regulatory oversight. At Blue Parrot Software, Joe oversees all aspects of HUB-certified (Historically Underutilized Business) government contracting, customer success strategies, and the operation of subscription-based SaaS platforms serving marquee commercial clients including Abbott, Healthfirst, and Synchrony Financial. His rare combination of hands-on engineering proficiency and strategic executive leadership enables him to translate complex compliance requirements into innovative, cost-effective technology solutions. Proudly based in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, Joe remains actively engaged in the technical details of every major initiative while steering the company’s growth, culture, and commitment to excellence in public-service innovation.

Jenna Guzman is a seasoned healthcare leader with over a decade of progressive experience in clinical operations and organizational management. Since entering the field in 2014, she has distinguished herself through strategic insight, operational excellence, and a genuine passion for improving patient care and community health outcomes in the Rio Grande Valley. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (2016) and a Master of Health Care Administration (2021), both earned with honors from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Jenna began her tenure with WellMed in 2018 as a Clinic Operations Coordinator and rapidly advanced through increasingly responsible leadership positions, including Clinic Administrator and Regional Manager. Today, as Director of the Rio Grande Valley Market, she oversees comprehensive operations across the region while spearheading enterprise-wide initiatives that extend impact to additional markets throughout the organization. Her leadership is characterized by a collaborative approach, data-driven decision-making, and an unwavering focus on enhancing both provider and patient experiences. Deeply invested in the vitality of her hometown, Jenna is an active alumna and proud member of Leadership Edinburg Class 37. She remains steadfastly committed to community service, mentoring emerging leaders, and advancing initiatives that strengthen the health and well-being of South Texas families.

COMING SOON

Michael Cerda began his law enforcement career in 2005 with the Edinburg Police Department. He currently serves as Assistant Chief of Police, where he oversees the Operations Bureau as well as the SWAT Team and Hostage Negotiations Unit. Throughout his tenure, Chief Cerda has held progressively responsible positions, including Patrol Officer, K-9 Officer, Investigator, Patrol Sergeant, Criminal Investigations Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, and Training Coordinator. Within the SWAT discipline, he has served as Operator, Team Leader, and Team Commander. He holds the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Master Peace Officer Certification. Chief Cerda is an active member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Texas Police Chiefs Association, FBI National Academy Associates, and South Texas Police Chiefs Association. He is a former member of the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association and the National Tactical Officers Association. He is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, Session 291, for law enforcement executives in Quantico, Virginia. That session included participants from 47 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, 26 countries, seven military organizations, and seven federal civilian agencies. Chief Cerda is deeply committed to the professional development of law enforcement officers and the rigorous demands of the profession. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Developmental Council Police Academy. His instructional credentials include: * TCOLE Instructor Certificate * TCOLE Firearms Instructor Certificate * Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) Command Staff Leadership Series Certificate * FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Leadership Institute Certificate * Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Active Shooter Level I Instructor Certificate * Citizen’s Response to Active Shooter Events Instructor Certificate * National Tactical Officers Association SWAT Command Decision-Making and Leadership Levels I and II Certificates * Texas Tactical Police Officers Association Lead Faucet Close Quarter Battle Instructor Certificate Originally from Sanger, California, Chief Cerda has made Edinburg his home for the past twenty years, where he resides with his wife, Laura, and their three daughters, Chloe, Zoe, and Luna.

Front Office Manager, Best Western Plus Edinburg Inn & Suites Maria Martinez is an accomplished Front Office Manager with extensive expertise in hospitality operations, guest relations, and team leadership. Renowned for her genuine passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences, Maria consistently elevates service excellence by optimizing front-desk procedures, streamlining daily operations, and mentoring staff to provide warm, attentive, and highly professional hospitality. Her outstanding communication abilities, keen attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to operational efficiency enable her to resolve guest needs promptly while fostering a positive, collaborative team environment. Maria’s leadership directly contributes to elevated guest satisfaction scores and the continued success and reputation of the Best Western Plus Edinburg Inn & Suites.

Yolanda Peña Seasoned Business Development Executive with 19 years of progressive leadership in the healthcare sector, specializing in revenue growth, service-line expansion, and the cultivation of strategic physician partnerships. Currently serving at DHR Health, Yolanda applies a high-performance, competitive mindset—honed during her career as a professional athlete—combined with a rigorous academic foundation from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (formerly The University of Texas–Pan American). A proud native of Edinburg, Texas, she is deeply committed to fostering authentic relationships, enhancing patient access to high-quality care, and championing innovative clinical programs that improve health outcomes in the communities served. Beyond the professional sphere, Yolanda remains actively involved in coaching youth and high-school sports and cherishes the time spent with her two sons, who continue to be her greatest source of motivation and purpose.

Cindy Quintanilla Evans has dedicated the past eight years to advancing her career in banking at Vantage Bank Texas, a journey propelled by her deep-seated passion for community service. As Manager of the Edinburg Banking Center, she remains steadfastly committed to delivering exceptional support to customers while actively contributing to the vitality of the community that nurtured her. Community engagement forms the cornerstone of Ms. Quintanilla Evans’s personal and professional identity. She proudly serves on the boards and committees of distinguished organizations, including United Way of South Texas and the Junior League of McAllen. Through these roles, she plays an instrumental part in initiatives designed to uplift local families, strengthen educational opportunities, and cultivate the next generation of leaders. These experiences have profoundly reinforced her dedication to principled leadership, meaningful collaboration, and sustainable community impact. Ms. Quintanilla Evans is honored and energized to join the accomplished cohort of Leadership Edinburg Class 37. She looks forward to collaborating with fellow participants—visionary leaders united by a shared commitment to progress—to generate innovative solutions, foster lasting partnerships, and propel Edinburg toward an even brighter future.

Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Brittany Sanchez is a passionate advocate for community growth, connection, and engagement. She currently serves as the Director of Membership for the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, a role she has excelled in for over a year. In this position, Brittany is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships with local businesses, elevating member experience, and supporting initiatives that strengthen the economic vitality of the region. Before joining the chamber, Brittany spent several years as a Social Media Account Manager, where she honed her expertise in digital storytelling, brand management, and audience engagement. Her background in strategic communication continues to play a key role in her ability to connect with members, promote community events, and amplify the chamber’s mission. Brittany is known for her warm personality, collaborative spirit, and genuine commitment to helping others succeed. With deep roots in the RGV, she brings a unique blend of creativity, professionalism, and regional pride to everything she does. Her forward-thinking approach and passion for community development make her a valued leader and a driving force behind the chamber’s membership initiatives. Whether she’s engaging with business owners, curating impactful programs, or championing local growth, Brittany is dedicated to making a lasting impact in the place she proudly calls home.

Avery Arizola is a communications strategist specializing in media relations and social media management. His work centers on elevating mission-driven programs and transforming the way communities access transformative educational opportunities, helping young people and adults access high-wage, in-demand career opportunities. Avery leads storytelling, digital marketing and outreach efforts for initiatives such as The PossAble Dream Adult High School and educator certification pathways, helping remove barriers for learners and supporting future teachers as they advance in their careers.   With experience shaping region-wide communication strategies, Avery develops clear, compelling messages that strengthen organizational visibility while reaching those who need support the most. Known for his collaborative approach and attention to detail, he translates complex information into accessible, audience-focused communication that drives engagement and meaningful impact.