Marilu moved to Laredo in 2002. Being a former professional classical ballet dancer at Ballet de Monterrey Company, Marilu founded iDance Ballet School in Laredo. She also has a BA in Information and Communications Science, a Master’s Degree in Education, and has her certification from the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. Her other interests include working with radio and television. In addition to her work for Newcomers and Friends, she is the President Elect of The Laredo Rotary Club, St Patrick Altar Servers Coordinator, a Pan American Round Table member, a Border Region Behavioral Health Center Officer and UISD volunteer. Currently she is a Spanish Contributor at the Laredo Morning Times.

Teresa is originally from Michigan but enjoys the year-round summer weather of Laredo. She is a graduate from the University of Michigan with degrees in Bilingual Education, Spanish, and Communication. She is a homeschool mom and a private tutor. A gourmet food lover and traveling enthusiast.

Esmeralda has been a Laredo resident for the last 34 years. She has previously lived in San Francisco, San Antonio and Nuevo Laredo. She is a graduate of UTSA with a degree in Education. She has taught Spanish, English, Reading and ECAR at both LISD and UISD. She was a cheerleading sponsor at United Middle School and served in other clubs and school organizations. Esmeralda is now retired after 34 years of teaching. She, together with her friend Lillian, organized a Book Club that has been active for the last 3 years. Her favorite pastimes include traveling, reading, gardening, and DIY projects around her house.

Christine is originally from the DC metro area and went to school for marketing at Virginia Commonwealth University. She works remotely in marketing for a large tech company and has built a career in different tech companies over the past 15 years. She has been in Laredo since 2018 and lives with her partner and 6 year old daughter (and a squad of dogs and cats). She is an avid Orangetheory member, animal rescuer, and enjoys spending time traveling.

Maria Gorecki grew up in Laredo and is always excited to explore hidden gems of her hometown. She is a life-long lover of all things art including but not limited to: painting, graphic design, and dancing! She strives to help everyone unleash their inner creative artist to paint the world a more beautiful place.

Delia has been a resident of Laredo all of her life. She is currently retired after a career in banking for 24 years and 21 years as an educator. She is a graduate from TAMIU with a degree in Mathematics, Education and Masters of Science in Education. Delia keeps active with Laredo Newcomers and Friends, volunteering for the WCDP, Member of the Alpha Delta Kappa, LARSEA and the Supervisory Committee with the LFCU. She enjoys time with family, friends and traveling.