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.
Ray Cano, Business Advisor
Ray Cano joined the UTRGV SBDC in 2023, as a Business Outreach Specialist and as a Business Advisor in January 2024, where he provides pre-venture clients and startup businesses with information and guidance on launching small businesses. He provides research and support in the development of business plans and delivers startup information through the “SBDC Smart Start” and other core sessions. Mr. Cano, a key member of a family-owned business, has years of management, sales, and contracting experience and has worked in the restaurant, education, fitness, and construction industries. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from The University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg, a Master of Science in Exercise Science from Texas State University in San Marcos, and an Associate of Applied Science in Construction Supervision from South Texas College in McAllen.
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