"Don’t let discouragement win. Use it. Everything happens in your favor, even when you can’t see it yet." Adriana Cecilia Gutiérrez Treviño encourages future Vaqueros to seize the opportunities and work toward their goals. (Courtesy Photo)
News Release | Alumni
"Don’t let discouragement win. Use it. Everything happens in your favor, even when you can’t see it yet." Adriana Cecilia Gutiérrez Treviño encourages future Vaqueros to seize the opportunities and work toward their goals. (Courtesy Photo)
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Alumni
By Victoria Brito Morales
Join us as we celebrate UTRGV alumni from the past decade who are making waves in their communities. In this special feature series, we delve into the incredible stories of those who have carried the UTRGV spirit beyond campus walls. Discover how their experiences shaped their paths and what their alma mater means to them as we honor this momentous 10th anniversary.
Where It All Began: Matamoros, Tamaulipas, México
Scholarly Journey: Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a Minor in Business Administration (2017)
Career Calling: Actress and Marketing Manager
Where I Make an Impact: Depiliclinic
What motivated you to choose UTRGV for your studies?
There was a moment during my second semester when I considered transferring schools. I was drawn to Houston because I believed bigger cities meant better opportunities. I talked to Dr. Strong — one of the professors who most shaped my experience — and I’ll never forget what he told me: “You don’t need a big city to be big.”
Sometimes we think we must be somewhere else to become who we dream of being, but the truth is, we can start right where we are. Life, time, and work will take us where we’re meant to go. That message grounded me, and I chose to stay at UTRGV — fully present and committed.
Can you describe your current role?
As Marketing Manager for Depiliclinic, I lead a team of graphic designers and a community manager. I create monthly strategies for social media content and campaigns, coordinate with sales on engaging promotions, and work closely with leadership to strengthen customer loyalty.
I recently produced a full photoshoot — coordinating the photographer, studio, wardrobe, and more than 10 models. I also developed a back-to-school campaign with two major influencers from Mexico, keep our website updated, and manage crisis response. It’s a fast-paced job that keeps me learning.
As an actress, my work shifts completely — I become the character. I build each role through movement, mindset, and emotion, whether it’s for a play, TV series, film, music video, or commercial.
How did your experience at the university shape your career path?
UTRGV helped me break out of my shell and stop placing limitations on myself. So many opportunities were right in front of us — we just had to take the leap. That mindset strengthened my resilience, perseverance, and confidence in chasing my goals.
It’s because of that foundation that I pursued roles in series, movies, and national commercials, including a role on a Netflix show. Being a student worker was also incredibly formative — it taught me responsibility early on and introduced me to inspiring people like Azeneth Cornejo and Bianca Otero. Even my coworkers, such as Jesús Sánchez and Vicente Martinez, made a huge impact on me. It’s no surprise that so many of them have gone on to build incredible careers. Their passion and creativity were qualities I always admired.
What are some of your fondest memories from your time at UTRGV?
I loved working for the Street Team and being involved in everything happening on campus. It helped me meet amazing people and opened doors that shaped who I am today.
Breakfast Wranglers was my favorite — I loved it with my whole heart. Late Night at the Rec was unforgettable. Inside the classroom, I loved the debate-style course where we were randomly assigned sides; things got heated in the best way.
I’ll never forget recording my first radio commercial, anchoring the newscast, or studying abroad in Mexico City. The memories feel endless.
How do you feel the university has evolved over the past 10 years?
Since I moved back to Mexico, I haven’t been able to visit as often as I’d like — but I’ve heard there’s a football team now! That felt like such a distant dream when I was a student. I know there are new buildings and more growth happening, which is exciting. It’s surreal to look back and realize how much time has passed.
What advice would you give to current university students?
Get out there and connect. Don’t be afraid to pull up a chair to the table you want to sit at. Knock on the doors you want to walk through.
Don’t waste time on things that don’t matter — your college years are valuable, and once they’re gone, they don’t come back. Discover what you want to pursue, but don’t convince yourself it’s the only path. Life is full of roads.
Don’t let discouragement win. Use it. Everything happens in your favor, even when you can’t see it yet.
What are your hopes for the future of UTRGV as it moves into its next decade?
I hope UTRGV continues lifting its students to new heights and that students fully experience their college years. With campuses spread across the region, I hope the university keeps working toward giving all students equal opportunities and shared spaces, no matter where they attend.
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.