SBDC Team
Program Management
Maria D. Juarez-Serna, Director
Maria D. Juarez-Serna has served as the UTRGV SBDC Director since 2005, where she oversees the program and staff in delivering quality advisement and training to the business community. Through strategic planning and key stakeholder relationships, Ms. Juarez-Serna guides the UTRGV SBDC team to meet and exceed goals in the areas of business development to impact the economic climate of the Rio Grande Valley positively. Ms. Juarez-Serna holds a Master of Arts in English Literature, a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Science from The University of Texas-Pan American.
Business Development Specialists
Arturo Gonzalez, Senior Business & Trade Advisor
Arturo Gonzalez joined the UTRGV SBDC in 1997, where he provides business advisement, business plan assistance, and training to startup and existing business owners. Mr. Gonzalez is credited with developing and creating the original, business "Start-up Guide" for the UTRGV SBDC and is charged with maintaining partner relationships for the center with the Cities of Brownsville, San Benito, and South Padre Island, as well as with partners in Matamoros, Mexico. Mr. Gonzalez holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Finance from The University of Texas at Brownsville.
Marcela Arredondo, Senior Business & Trade Advisor
Marcela Arredondo joined the UTRGV SBDC in 2008, where she provides one-to-one business advisement, business planning assistance, and training to existing business owners. Her expertise includes purchasing and supply chain management in the Maquiladora industry. She is also a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP). Ms. Arredondo holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business Management and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas-Pan American.
Luke Killion, Business Advisor
Luke Killion became a Business Advisor at the UTRGV SBDC in 2025, where he offers valuable information and guidance to pre-venture clients and startup businesses aiming to launch their small enterprises. He shares essential startup information through the "SBDC Smart Start" session and other core training. Before joining the UTRGV SBDC, Mr. Killion worked as a Solutions Consultant at Forged Technology Solutions and as a Business Advisor with the UTRGV APEX Accelerator. He earned both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from Schreiner University in Kerrville.
Ray Cano, Business Advisor
Ray Cano became a part of the UTRGV SBDC in 2023, initially serving as a Business Outreach Specialist and transitioning to a Business Advisor role in January 2024. He supports pre-venture clients and startups by providing guidance on business plans and essential startup information through programs like "SBDC Smart Start" and other core sessions. Mr. Cano, who is an integral member of a family-owned business, brings years of experience in management, sales, and contracting, and from having worked across the restaurant, education, fitness, and construction sectors. Ray holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, a Master of Science in Exercise Science, and an Associate of Applied Science in Construction Supervision.
Business Training & Stakeholder Relations
Esperanza P. Delgado, Business Training Coordinator
Esperanza P. Delgado joined the UTRGV SBDC in 2002. She oversees the coordination of business training through a regional network of resource partnerships, promoting the center's training services through traditional/digital media platforms; collateral development; and event management. Ms. Delgado holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business Management from The University of Texas-Pan American.
Administration & Client Services
- Eva Martinez, Office Supervisor
- Martha Castorena, Office Assistant