SBDC Team
Program Management
Maria D. Juarez-Serna, Director
Maria D. Juarez-Serna serves as the UTRGV SBDC Director since April 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 positively impact the economic climate of the Rio Grande Valley. Ms. Juarez-Serna holds a Master of Arts in English Literature, 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 February 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 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.
Cristina Cantu, Senior Business & HR Advisor
Cristina Cantu joined the UTRGV SBDC in March 2009, where she provides one-to-one business advisement, business plan assistance, and training to existing business owners. Ms. Cantu’s expertise includes tax regulations with state agencies, payroll compliance, and retail. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from The University of Texas-Pan American and an Associate of Applied Science in Accounting from South Texas College. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
JD Garza, Business Advisor
JD Garza joined the UTRGV SBDC in 2020, where he provides one-to-one business advisement, business planning assistance, and training to existing business owners. Mr. Garza has worked extensively in the private sector and possesses expertise in various areas, including project planning and management, process improvement, marketing and sales, and negotiations. Mr. Garza holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from The University of Texas-Pan American and a Master of Business Administration from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio.
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 Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas - Pan American.
Marivel Mata, Business Advisor
Marivel Mata rejoined the UTRGV SBDC in 2019, where she provides one-to-one business advisement, business planning assistance, and training to pre-venture and startup business owners. Prior to joining the center, she worked with the business community in a variety of professional capacities. Ms. Mata holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas-Pan American and a Master of Public Administration from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Training and Partner Relations
Esperanza P. Delgado, Business Training Coordinator
Esperanza P. Delgado joined the UTRGV SBDC in 2002, where she oversees the coordination of business training through a regional network of resource partnerships, as well as the promotion of the center through traditional/digital media platforms; collateral development; and outreach-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