OUR MISSION
To provide novel educational experiences and hands on training for students, veterans, and aspiring
entrepreneurs that will create and accelerate the growth of an innovation ecosystem
in Brownsville, Texas with emphasis on space and energy technologies.
past staff and interns
Keeisi A. Caballero
Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development
Keeisi Analy Caballero Valdez obtained her Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2019 and a Master of Science in Physics from the same institution in August 2020. Keeisi completed her Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Physics at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2016.
Throughout her academic career Ms. Caballero has been part of internships at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Houston Technology Center, one of the top ten business accelerators in the United States. Keeisi was part of the Arecibo Remote Command Center for over 6 years where she worked with students searching for pulsars and conducting observations using the Arecibo Telescope. Ms. Caballero has been involved in numerous projects to aid the development of an ecosystem for space exploration and commercialization in the South Texas region.
Esmeralda castle
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Esmeralda Castle was an administrative assistant at Expanding Frontiers and the program coordinator of the Veterans Ascension Program. Castle earned a bachelor’s degree in applied arts and sciences, and an AS in business technology. She is also a certified corporate technology trainer. She has worked as a civil rights paralegal for the past eight years and is preparing to take the LSAT.
SEBASTIAN MELENDEZ
ENTREPRENEURSHIP INTERN
Sebastian Melendez distinguished himself as an entrepreneur intern. Melendez collaborated closely with the Entrepreneur in Residence and Apprenticeship (EIRA) Program Coordinator. Through strategic planning and meticulous coordination, he played an integral role in executing a series of enriching sessions, high-stakes competitions, and engaging events. His contributions also include involvement in community events and being the entrepreneurship instructor for the SESA 2023 Cohort. His efforts culminated in the creation of the “TLKN about EXF” podcast. As the host, he ensured the platform was dedicated to spotlighting local entrepreneurs, program coordinators, students, and educators. Melendez is finalizing his Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), with aspirations to pursue a master’s degree in marketing.
