Marilú 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.

Ruth was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, which is like a sister city to Laredo. Since she has lived in different countries and several states in the US, Ruth is well acquainted with being new in town and is thrilled to be part of Newcomers and Friends where she can actively welcome new people to Laredo. Soon to complete her studies in psychology, she also loves volunteering, parenting, languages, real food, fitness, cross-cultural experiences, Mexican Folk dance, and flamenco.

Melody is originally from Nashville, TN but has lived in Louisiana, New York, Kentucky and Eastern France. She earned her doctorate at Louisiana State University and has been in Laredo for since 2015. She is a professor of French and Italian at Texas A & M International University. Melody spends her summers in France and Italy co-leading study abroad programs for TAMIU. In her free time she enjoys reading, yoga, and playing with her young son.

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.

Lilian has been a Laredo resident since 2000. She is enthusiastic about collaborating with the Newcomers and Friends club and says this about Laredo: “Upon moving to this city, I’ve allowed its one-of-a-kind culture to grow in my heart by embracing all it has to offer and what I can give back. I hope that when people move here, whether it be temporary or permanent, that they have a positive impact and contribute to the growth of our community.”

Dr. Cynthia A. Gallardo is an instructor at Lyndon B. Johnson High School’s Early College Program and at Laredo College. She is actively involved in our community serving as LULAC District 14 Deputy Director for the Women, Vice-President for LULAC #22387 council, founder of Laredo’s first virtual book club, Toastmasters International Member, and Secretary and Board Member and Vice-President for the Rio Grande International Study Center. 
> She has a double major in Biology and Psychology from Texas A&M International University in Laredo, TX. I holds a masters degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a certification in Health Disparities and Inequalities from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She holds doctorate from Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
Some of her notable accomplishments include include being a White House Regional Finalist for 2022, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Science Ambassador Fellow, United Independent School District League of Legends 2020 alumni recipient, Conservation Teacher of the Year Award by the Soil and Water Conversation District #337, Gates Millennium Scholar, and recipient of various scholarships, honor societies, and awards throughout  her undergraduate and graduate studies.
As hobbies go, she enjoys, exercising, traveling, painting, being involved in our community, trying new restaurants spending time with loved ones, and being apart of our wonderful Newcomers organization.