ENGLISH

Hello, my name is Jennifer Anguiano! I was born and raised here in Amarillo, with my family originating from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. I graduated from Amarillo College in May 2021 and transferred to West Texas A&M, where I graduated with a bachelor’s in business in December 2023. I enjoy spending time with my family, exercising, and traveling. I look forward to creating greater relationships and continuing to provide helpful resources, especially to our Hispanic Community.

Throughout my time at the AHCC, I have been able to see our involvement and the impact we make, not only in Amarillo, but also in surrounding areas. It’s great to see how different businesses flourish, while allowing the AHCC to be a part of their success. I’m excited for what the future holds as we grow and work towards providing for our community!

SPANISH

¡Hola, mi nombre es Jennifer Anguiano! Nací y crecí aquí en Amarillo, con mi familia originaria de Guadalajara, Jalisco, México. Me gradué de Amarillo College en mayo de 2021 y me transferí a West Texas A&M, donde me gradué con una licenciatura en negocios en diciembre de 2023. Me gusta pasar tiempo con mi familia, hacer ejercicio y viajar. Espero crear mejores relaciones y continuar brindando recursos útiles, especialmente a nuestra comunidad hispana.

A lo largo de mi tiempo en el AHCC, he podido ver nuestra participación y el impacto que hacemos, no solo en Amarillo, sino también en las áreas circundantes. Es genial ver cómo florecen las diferentes empresas, permitiendo que el AHCC sea parte de su éxito. ¡Estoy emocionada por lo que nos prepara el futuro a medida que crecemos y trabajamos para proporcionar a nuestra comunidad!

ENGLISH

My name is Ann Romo, and I serve as the office manager at the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, working alongside Jennifer Anguiano, the executive director. I am dedicated to fostering the growth of our organization and providing essential resources for local businesses. Originally from Snyder, Texas, I’ve called Amarillo home for 19 years with my husband, Roland, and our children, Ryan and Charlie.

Our daughter, a WTAMU graduate in Music Therapy, is now a Certified Board-Certified Music Therapist (CBMT). Our son is enrolled in the TAC Program (Transition Achievement in the Community) with AMAISD. The achievements of our children have profoundly shaped who I am. Notably, my experience with my son, who has autism, has emphasized the importance of advocating for inclusivity and support within the community. My goal is to raise awareness about these issues based on my experiences.

Being a part of the Hispanic Chamber, I have been fortunate to witness the incredible growth of our community, and welcoming new members has been a true pleasure. Looking ahead, I am eager to contribute my skills and experiences and participate in countless exciting opportunities. I am thrilled to be a part of this journey of growth and progress, and I am confident that together, we can achieve great things.

SPANISH

Mi nombre es Ann Romo, y sirvo como gerente de oficina en la Cámara de Comercio Hispana de Amarillo, trabajando junto a Jennifer Anguiano, la directora ejecutiva. Me dedico a fomentar el crecimiento de nuestra organización y a proporcionar recursos esenciales para las empresas locales.

Originaria de Snyder, Texas, he llamado a Amarillo mi hogar durante 19 años junto a mi esposo, Roland, y nuestros hijos, Ryan y Charlie.

Nuestra hija, graduada de WTAMU en Musicoterapia, ahora es una Musicoterapeuta Certificada (CBMT). Simultáneamente, nuestro hijo está inscrito en el Programa TAC (Logro de Transición en la Comunidad) con AMAISD. Los logros de nuestros hijos han moldeado profundamente quién soy. En particular, mi experiencia con mi hijo, que tiene autismo, ha subrayado la importancia de abogar por la inclusividad y el apoyo dentro de la comunidad. Mi objetivo es crear conciencia sobre estos problemas basados en mis experiencias.

Ser parte de la Cámara Hispana ha sido una experiencia afortunada, donde he tenido la oportunidad de presenciar el increíble crecimiento de nuestra comunidad, y dar la bienvenida a nuevos miembros ha sido un verdadero placer. Mirando hacia el futuro, estoy ansiosa por aportar mis habilidades y experiencias, participar en innumerables oportunidades emocionantes. Estoy emocionada de ser parte de este viaje de crecimiento y progreso, y estoy segura de que juntos, podemos lograr grandes cosas.

PANTERA ENERGY

Antonia Ballejo was born in Denver, Colorado, but has been a resident of Amarillo since she was 6 years old. In 2014, Antonia graduated from West Texas A&M University with her bachelor’s degree in accounting. Antonia is a Senior Accountant for Pantera Energy Company for 6 years, before Pantera; she worked at Amarillo National Bank for almost 10 years in the accounting department. She is a mother of two, her son Isaiah graduated from West A&M University in 2021 and hopes her daughter Thalia will go there as well. This will be her third year on the board.

Lisa Torres is a Black Belt in the Lean Six Sigma organization where she manages the Escalation and Value Stream Element Team Program at CNS Pantex. Lisa is responsible for project management and has a strong background in facilitating teams through critical thinking and problem solving, coaching, and training. She is a skilled Change Manager and embodies the leadership, soft skills, and strategic analysis necessary to cultivate change. Lisa is passionate about helping others. She serves on the board of a Veterans Affinity Group; Serving our Service members. Outside of work Lisa enjoys volunteering at her church, running, and watching her kids play sports.

AMARILLO NATIONAL BANK

Asiria Torres was born in Los Angeles, California and was raised in Mexico. She came to the United States at 17 and faced many struggles. While working and paying her own way through school she was able to graduate from Palo Duro High School. She continued to work while pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from West Texas A&M University. During that time, she met her husband and had her first child all while trying to finish her education. During her time at West Texas A&M University, she started working at Amarillo National Bank as an Internal Auditor and had her second child. Asiria is now the Mortgage Loans Servicing Collections Manager at Amarillo National Bank.

REED BEVERAGE

Jeremy Herrera is a Native from Eunice, NM. He moved to Canyon Texas in the Spring of 2003. He is a graduate of West Texas University as he earned his Bachelors in 2005 and MBA in 2008. He then moved to Amarillo TX, in 2008 and took on the GM-Bar Manager job at Buffalo Wild Wings as it was the #1 franchise location from 2006-2009. In 2011 he joined Great Western Distributing “Reed Beverage” as their Chain Account Manager. He graduated from MillerCoors Learning Solutions for Introduction to Space Planning and Advanced Space Planning. Has major clients/buyers such as United Supermarkets, Wal-Mart, Allsups, Toot n Totum, Pak A Sak, Lowes, Stripes and many others. Jeremy serves on the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board, United Way of Amarillo & Canyon as a team Leader, Coors Cowboy Club, MGA at Tascosa/La Paloma and is a member of St. Mary’s church.

BURTON INSURANCE

Helen Burton has been an Entrepreneur in the Insurance Industry for almost 20 years. Helen
started Burton Insurance Agency in 2012 and expanded her portfolio of services. She currently
serves on the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation Board, Amarillo Area Foundation
Board, Treasurer for Andrea’s Project, TIRZ II East Gateway Board, Advisory Board for the
Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Helen also serves on the Task Force For Greatness
Committee and the Neighborhood Barrio Planning Committee Member. Helen is the founder of
Women Empowering Women with over 3500+ subscribers. Helen was voted Hispanic Woman
of the Year in 2019.

FIRSTBANK SOUTHWEST

Annette Asencio is a native of Hereford, TX. Annette is an SVP, Bank Operations Manager and
BSA Officer for FirstBank Southwest. She has over 38 years of banking experience. She is
certified by and a member of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists.
She currently oversees back-office deposit processing, electronic banking, identity theft
prevention, Bank Secrecy Act compliance, vendor management and risk management. She
served as a representative for FirstBank Southwest on the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce Board of Directors from 2008 to 2015. She also served as Chairman of the AHCC
Board in 2011 and 2012. She currently serves on the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Advisory Board.

AMIGOS UNITED

Raymond Gaitan is a native of Hereford, TX. Raymond is the Store Director at Amigos.
Raymond serves on the Advisory Council for the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He
is on the Board of Directors with The Wesley Community Center and serves on the Parent
Advisory Council (PAC) committee for Caprock High School. Raymond is the father of four sons
and has seven Grandchildren.

Charlie Sanchez is a lifelong resident of Amarillo, TX. He obtained his Safety Certification in
CHST-Construction Safety Health. He is an instructor at UT Arlington teaching safety courses.
He is a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral where he is a lecturer and an
audio/visual technician. He is actively involved in the Amarillo community through the United
Way Campaign and Los Barrios de Amarillo. He is the past president of Amarillo Center City
and past chairman of Center City Block Party. His hobbies include playing golf, watching Turner
Classic Movies and gourmet cooking.

CNS PANTEX

Darlene Saldivar is a lifelong resident of Amarillo, Texas. In 1988, she was one of two
individuals nominated from all Amarillo high schools to work for the Department of Energy and
has been employed at the Pantex Plant ever since in various capacities. She has since been a
Senior Manager in the Supply Chain Management organization since 2005 in various
capacities. She currently manages shipping, receiving, and warehousing operations. She
served as a representative for the Pantex Plant on the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors from 2010 to 2021. She now serves on the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce Advisory Council. Darlene is married to Ernesto and they have three sons, Alex,
Fabian, and Gabriel.

AFFILIATED FOODS

Manuel Tovar is the Director of Ethnic Marketing at Affiliated Foods Inc., with responsibilities for marketing programs, brand management and corporate sponsorships. Prior to Joining Affiliated Foods, he worked in strategic business development and marketing at several companies and served in different staff positions. Notable is his 11 years with HEB Supermarkets and his 5 years as Localized Manager. Manuel’s greatest strength is his creativity, drive and leadership. His most recent project involved a strategic program to increase the international product lines offered at Affiliated Foods. Manuel is a past Board Member of Big Brothers Big Sisters in San Antonio and currently involved in Amarillo’s program. He has also been involved with United Way, YMCA, Church Organizations and many volunteer programs.

CACIQUE INC.

Lisa Harris is a senior HR professional with over 25 years’ experience assisting small to medium size manufacturing companies. Currently, Lisa is Director of Human Resources at Cacique Foods, LLC facilitating all business-related activities of a greenfield, state of the art facility. She is responsible for acquiring and developing the right talent for the new facility in Amarillo, Texas. Lisa holds a master’s degree in Organizational Communications and her PHR. She Is a Certified Coach and regularly speaks on HR, training, and organizational development topics.

NEWSCHANNEL 10/ TELEMUNDO AMARILLO

Dirk W. Johnston, a Texas resident and graduate of Southern Methodist University. Dirk has successfully provided leadership for many businesses serving as Senior Vice President of the National Cheerleaders Association and Cheerleader Supply Company, as Senior Vice President of the Hilliard Group, served as Vice President & General Manager of KTEN Television, Sherman-Ada, Vice President of Columbia Tri-Star Television, Senior Vice President of Sony Pictures Television, Vice President of NBCUniversal Television Distribution and currently serves as Director of Sales for NewsChannel 10 Media in Amarillo, Texas. Dirk is active in many industry organizations including the Texas Association of Broadcasters, National Association of Broadcasters, NATPE, Television Academy and Dallas Press Club, March of Dimes and American Red Cross to name a few.

Paul is a Sales Manager for Budweiser Distributing Company and has worked with the company for 14 years. Paul is married to his wife; Melissa Warner Rodriguez and they have four children. In his free time, he enjoys umpiring baseball on the weekends and enjoys playing golf and poker.

Gilberto was born in Amarillo but was not raised here. He grew up in a small town about an hour south of here named Friona. Once he graduated High School he moved to Amarillo and attended Amarillo College and WT. In 2019, Gilberto Elite Fight Promotions alongside his twin brother Gerardo and his business partner Jose Montanez. They started locally but due to the tremendous support received from the community of Amarillo, they have been fortunate enough to expand to other cities in the state. With the success of the company, he began to make investments in real estate and that is how his passion for Mortgage derived. Buying a home is one of if not the most important purchases one can make in their lifetime and it is an honor for Gilberto to be able to help in the process, especially helping our Hispanic community. “The community of Amarillo has done so much for me and I want nothing more than to give back.”

Annalisa Bailey is currently the Amarillo EDC’s Research Assistant & Personal Assistant to Kevin Carter, CEO. She has obtained an associate degree in business technology from Amarillo College as well as three additional certifications. Continuing to invest in her education she will return to school for her bachelor’s degree to major in Public Relations. Annalisa enjoys donating some of her time to High Plains Food Bank and is a new member of the Amarillo Women’s Network. She is married to her husband Christopher and has a beautiful, blended family of three children.

EDUCATION CREDIT UNION

With over 13 years of experience in the banking and technology industries and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems from WT, I am dedicated to providing leadership and guidance to help others succeed. As a true believer in the concept of servant leadership, I am passionate about giving back to my community. Currently serving as the Manager of Business Intelligence & Development at Education Credit Union, I am committed to leveraging my skills and expertise to drive growth and success. In my personal life, I am happily married with a young daughter and enjoy staying physically active through activities such as going to the gym, mountain biking, running, and playing sports.

CITY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Quintin Marquez is a native of Amarillo, Texas. He is currently the Community Development Manager at City Federal Credit Union. Quintin graduated from Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. Mr. Marquez enjoys lifting weights, basketball and traveling in his spare time. Quintin is also on the board of the Barrio Neighborhood Planning Committee and the Amarillo Area Chapter of Credit Unions.

UNITED WAY OF AMARILLO & CANYON

Raul Rodarte-Suto is the Community Initiatives Manager at United Way of Amarillo & Canyon, the Amarillo Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition president, and a certified poverty educator/speaker under Communication Across Barriers. Raul is a first-generation graduate of West Texas A&M University. He was a program director for various after-school programs for at-risk youth and their families for twelve years, is an active volunteer on advisory boards and committees, and is an advocate for multicultural relationships and the arts. Raul is married to Stefanie and has a beautiful daughter, Kaleigh.

STREET TOYOTA

Ivanna Flores was born in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, but has called Amarillo her home since she was a little girl. In 2022, Ivanna joined the Street Toyota dealership in the Finance Department as their Finance Administrative Assistant. In addition to working full-time and chasing around with her daughter, she is pursuing a Business Administration degree at Amarillo College. She plans to finish her education in accounting at West Texas A&M University. She likes spending time with her family, exercising, and trying new things in her spare time.

AFLAC

Ismael Joseph Anguiano, born in Muleshoe, TX, moved to Amarillo in 2000 to study at West Texas A&M University, majoring in music. He engaged in various organizations and performed in multiple ensembles within the university’s music programs. A U.S. Army veteran, Joseph served as a Sergeant artilleryman with two tours in Afghanistan.

Post-military service, Joseph pursued a master’s degree in Instrumental Conducting from New Mexico State University, specializing in marching bands. He conducted and composed for various university ensembles, including basketball band, percussion ensemble, orchestra, concert band, and wind ensemble. He led the basketball band in two consecutive NCAA Tournaments and conducted the university band at The Lincoln Center in Washington DC.

Currently, Joseph serves as a district sales manager for Aflac, which is dedicated to enhancing benefit packages for businesses of all sizes.

FIRSTBANK SOUTHWEST

Mirna was born in Grand Island, NE, and was raised in Cactus, Texas, since the age of 2. She graduated from Dumas High School and moved to Amarillo, Texas, in 2003. She started her banking career with Wells Fargo for five years, Happy State Bank for 12 years, and now holds a Mortgage Loan Originator title for FirstBank Southwest. She is heavily involved in helping the community with its mortgage financing needs. She has been married to Martin Hernandez for 15 years and has one son, Abrian, who is 10 years old.

ATMOS ENERGY

My name is Marco Valdez, and I’m a Supervisor of Customer Operations at Atmos Energy. I began my career at Atmos Energy in 2011 as a high school contractor during my senior year of high school at Caprock. I then attended Amarillo College and completed my degree plan in 2015 for my associate’s degree in graphic design. I was later promoted to the instructor position in November of 2018, and during that time, I was nominated for the Robert W Best Rising Spirit Award. In October 2019, I was promoted to Supervisor of Customer Operations. I enjoy empowering my employees with confidence, developing their skills, and getting to know them more personally. I am inspired daily by my colleagues and wife, Pam. In my free time, I like to hike with my camera, play video games, and spend time with family.