Raquel joined Victoria Economic Development Corporation in January 2022; and brings with her an array of knowledge and understanding on regionalism and workforce development.  Raquel spent a number of years in San Antonio, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business and a Master’s degree in Organizational Development from the University of the Incarnate Word. She has worked in various roles within the private and public industry, and has a great desire and an ambitious drive to ensure all constituents of the region are adequately served.

In her previous role at the Golden Crescent Workforce Development Board, she worked to achieve Texas Workforce Commission’s “Workforce Collaboration Award”; highlighting the partnership between Workforce Solutions, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Adult Education.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, she, in addition to other key stakeholders, spearheaded a project that gained state and national attention by showcasing career exploration through a virtual platform.

Prior to joining the GC Workforce Development Board, Raquel was an Industry Park Contract Administrator within the private sector.  She assisted with the oversight and implementation of ~$323 million and $5 billion corporate contracts, and ~15 agricultural contracts.

Raquel has a strong passion for youth development, inclusion, and regionalism.  To emphasize her passion, she sits as Board Commissioner with the Victoria Housing Association, and is a Panel Member of the Collaborative Partnership with Gulf Bend MHMR Center.  Her desire to grow and develop regionalism has allowed her to become a member of the Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee with Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission, and serve as a Committee Member with Golden Crescent Community Organizations Active in Disasters.

Raquel takes an outside-the-box approach when tackling issues that may arise; she is a forward-thinking individual that strives to ensure “everyone has a seat at the table”.