Where It All Began: Edinburg, Texas
Scholarly Journey: Bachelor of Arts in Advertising & Public Relations (2019); currently pursuing an MBA at UTRGV
Career Calling: CEO & Founder
Where I Make an Impact: Frozone

What is your current role, and how do you find it rewarding?
As the Founder and CEO of Frozone, I oversee every part of our growing frozen yogurt and smoothie brand — from product development and operations to marketing, community partnerships, and staff culture.

What’s most rewarding is seeing something that started as a dream on paper become a vibrant local business where families, students, and friends gather. I’m proud to create jobs for young people in our community and foster a space built on positivity, service, and connection.

Watching customers smile as they swirl their own creations reminds me daily why I started Frozone: to build something joyful and lasting in the Rio Grande Valley.

What motivated you to choose UTRGV for your studies?
I chose UTRGV because I wanted to stay connected to the community that shaped me. Growing up in the Valley, I wanted to earn a degree from a university that was accessible but also deeply invested in regional growth.

UTRGV represented opportunity — a chance to receive a world-class education without having to leave home.

How did your experience at the university shape your career path?
UTRGV taught me how to turn ideas into action. My time here gave me the confidence and leadership foundation I use every day — whether managing a team, developing business strategies, or designing experiences that reflect our culture.

The university’s emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship helped me see that being from the Valley isn’t a limitation — it’s an advantage. That mindset empowered me to launch Frozone and give back to the same community that invested in me.

What are some of your fondest memories from your time at UTRGV?
Some of my best memories come from the everyday moments — late-night study sessions, campus events, and cheering on the Vaqueros with friends.

I also loved connecting with professors who genuinely cared about their students’ success and pushed us to think creatively. Those experiences built lifelong friendships and a deep sense of pride in being part of UTRGV’s story.

Frozone opened its doors on Nov. 7, 2025 in Edinburg. (Courtesy Photo)

How do you feel the university has evolved over the past 10 years?
It’s been incredible to watch UTRGV evolve into a powerhouse of innovation and community pride. The growth of academic programs, expanded facilities, and national recognition is impressive — but nothing marks this new era more than UTRGV Vaquero Football.

Seeing our university launch a football program has energized the entire region. It has united students, alumni, and the community in a way that goes beyond sports — it’s a statement that the Valley belongs on the national stage. The excitement surrounding football has amplified school spirit and given us yet another reason to proudly say, “We are Vaqueros.”

What advice would you give to current university students based on your experiences?
Say yes to opportunities that challenge you. College isn’t just about earning a degree — it’s about discovering who you are and what you want to contribute to the world.

Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to start something; begin now, even if it’s small. Your ideas matter, and the Valley needs more dreamers willing to take bold action.

What are your hopes for the future of UTRGV as it moves into its next decade?
My hope is that UTRGV continues to lead with innovation and community impact, creating graduates who not only excel in their fields but also reinvest in the places they call home.

I want to see the university continue building momentum through initiatives like Vaquero Football, which has already brought so much excitement and unity to the region. Ten years from now, I hope to see even more packed stadiums, national recognition, and a thriving culture of school pride that connects alumni, students, and families across South Texas.

The next decade is about proving — again and again — that the Valley is a place where excellence thrives: on the field, in business, and in every corner of our community.

ABOUT UTRGV

Celebrating its 10th anniversary during the 2025-2026 academic year, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is on a mission to transform the Rio Grande Valley, the Americas, and the world. As one of the country’s largest Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Seal of Excelencia certified, UTRGV has earned national recognition for its academic excellence, social mobility, and student success since opening in Fall 2015. Ranked among the Best Colleges for your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars in 2025 by Washington Monthly (7 nationally; 1 in Texas), UTRGV continues to break enrollment records, launch new academic and athletics programs and progress toward achieving R1 research status. Additionally, UTRGV holds the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, awarded in 2020 and 2025, reflecting its commitment to strengthening community ties and addressing local challenges.

The only university in Texas with schools of Medicine and Podiatric Medicine, UTRGV’s regional footprint spans South Texas – with locations, teaching sites, and centers established in Edinburg, Brownsville, Rio Grande City, McAllen, Weslaco, Harlingen, Laredo, Port Isabel and South Padre Island.