Staff

Danielle started with TEXAS YES in July of 2015. Prior to becoming the Executive Director, Danielle worked at several national non-profits. Danielle started her non-profit career working for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the Coastal Bend, as a Fundraising Coordinator and became the Executive Director a year later. After moving to the San Antonio area, Danielle joined the American Heart Association managing the social events, the annual Heart Ball, and the Go Red for Women Luncheon. Within the first three years, she increased the Heart Ball from $280,000 to over $1 million dollars and doubled the number of active members for the Circle of Red. Danielle had been told by her father since an early age to ‘always give back to the community you live in’ and she has kept this at the forefront of what she does.  When she became a mother, her passion to support kids became stronger and she joined SA YES, which became TEXAS YES Project in May 2022. Since becoming the Executive Director, the free school supply program, Box of Dreams, has grown from serving 22,000 kids in San Antonio, to supporting 85,000 elementary students across the state.

Her more than 20 years of experience and passion has led to help support other organizations in San Antonio with event and auction support.

Favorite memory: There are too many to choose just one, however, my very first distribution day or I should say days.  I have never experienced such personal emotions as I did that day.  The teachers and staff thanking me, the kids being so excited and high fiving us and the little boy who thanked me because he didn’t have any supplies. Over the last 8 years, I can add in the smiles and excitement on the kid’s faces when we unveil a new Little Locker, and we have their favorite authors.

Favorite quote: “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” – Albert Einstein

If they could be any animal: Elephant. I view elephants as majestic and powerful creatures. Growing up I wanted to be the same, powerful in what I did and never forgetting the lessons I have learned.

How she spends her free time: I enjoy traveling with family and friends, reading, attending concerts and two-stepping.

To reach Danielle: Danielle.gunter@texasyesproject.org

Mercedes began her journey with TEXAS YES in June of 2022. As a San Antonio native, Mercedes found her passion for education and giving back through her volunteerism with multiple nonprofits. Prior to joining the team, Mercedes worked at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) for eight years, following Texas Lutheran University for two years. As a two-time alumna from UIW, she believes in education whole heartedly. Her background includes multiple roles within the advancement department, which allowed her to gain experience with events, social media management and development. In addition to her professional experience, she periodically serves as a facilitator on the topics of organizational leadership. Mercedes is passionate about assisting our young leaders grow and personally assisting with their educational and emotional intelligence growth journey.

Favorite memory: From Box of Dreams to our YES Reading Partners Program, seeing the students faces light up and hearing their laughter, make my days and fuel the mission of why we do, what we do.

Favorite quote: “The Best Way to Find Yourself Is To Lose Yourself In The Service Of Others.” -Mahatma Gandhi

If they could be any animal: A fox would be my first choice, because they are quick, curious and clever. A fox can be both independent and part of a pack, because they grow with their surroundings.

How she spends her free time: I enjoy spending time with my family, floating the Comal river, attending and being part of social events, and entertaining guests at our home.

To reach Mercedes: Mercedes.moreno@texasyesproject.org

Marissa started with TEXAS YES in April 2019. Prior to becoming part of the team, Marissa volunteered at Drive Away for Education Telethons and the mission is what drew her to become part of the team.

Favorite memory: The first time I participated in ‘distribution day’ and seeing all the kids walking in the gymnasium with huge smiles on their faces as they watch a dancing Doc McStuffins hand out school supplies. The kids were so excited as they gave hugs and high fives while others proceeded to tell Doc McStuffins that they saw her on tv.

Favorite quote: “The Earth has music for those who listen.” – Shakespeare

If they could be any animal: Blue Whale. Personally, I’m terrified of the deep ocean but if I were a Blue Whale, I would be the largest animal on the planet and I would be able to enjoy the ocean without any fears. Fun fact did you know the tongue of the blue whale is as big as an elephant?

How she spends her free time: I like to spend my free time with my family. My husband is a firefighter, so I treasure the time he is home with me and our 2-year-old son. We like to have BBQ’s and invite our friends over for margaritas. When were not at home we can be found singing and dancing the night away at a concert.

To reach Marissa: Marissa.moreno@texasyesproject.org

Christy started with Texas Yes in January 2024. Originally from El Paso, TX, she received her undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University and went on to complete her master’s in public administration at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Before joining the Texas Yes team, Christy worked for eight years in Higher Education, serving in student-focused volunteer engagement roles at college campuses across the state of Texas. She stepped into the non-profit world in 2022, serving in donor and volunteer management roles at the San Antonio and South Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

A firm advocate of educational equity and learner engagement, the student-focused mission of the TEXAS YES Project drew Christy to this role. The opportunity to assist in providing young minds with the tools they need to grow and succeed motivates her to push forward in her service journey.

Favorite memory: Years ago, I received a grant to assist with planning and executing a teen summer reading program at a library in my hometown, El Paso, TX. My favorite memory is teaching my teens how to make sushi as part of a themed “Book to Plate” night. I loved seeing them light up as they learned new skills and brought a bit of what they had been reading about to life.

Favorite quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

If they could be any animal: I would want to be a Pallas Cat. They may be mostly silent creatures, but they get their points well across with some of the most expressive faces in the animal kingdom. Though they are only the size of an average house cat, they have adapted to survive and thrive in even the most extreme conditions.

How she spends her free time: From high-budget popcorn flicks to arthouse films, I am an avid moviegoer who loves the theater experience. Most weekends you can find my husband and I either at the movies enjoying the latest film, or back at home working through our “must-watch” streaming lists. I also enjoy trivia nights and spending lots of time lost in a good book.

To reach Christy: christy.guerra@texasyesproject.org