Mr. Garcia serves as the Executive Director of the Laredo Center for Urban Agriculture & Sustainability (LCUAS). Born and raised in Laredo, Texas, Mr. Garcia is deeply committed to serving the community that helped shape him. His passion for education, community development, and public service has guided his career and continues to inspire his work in expanding access to agricultural education and sustainability initiatives throughout the region.

With a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M International University, Mr. Garcia brings over a decade of professional experience in leadership, program management, education, community outreach, and healthcare administration. Throughout his career, he has held leadership and program development roles at Texas A&M International University, Laredo College, and Aveanna Healthcare, where he successfully managed educational programs, supervised teams, coordinated grant-funded initiatives, developed community partnerships, and worked to improve opportunities for students, families, and community members.

As Executive Director of LCUAS, Mr. Garcia works closely with local organizations, schools, government agencies, and community partners to promote urban agriculture, food access, environmental stewardship, and lifelong learning. Under his leadership, LCUAS continues to grow its educational programs, community gardens, demonstration farm, workshops, and outreach efforts, helping residents of all ages develop the knowledge and skills needed to create a healthier, more sustainable future for Laredo.

Mrs. Oquendo serves as the Urban Educator for the Laredo Center for Urban Agriculture & Sustainability (LCUAS). Born in Florida and raised in the countryside of Puerto Rico, Mrs. Oquendo developed a lifelong passion for agriculture by watching her family grow and harvest their own food. This early connection to the land inspired her commitment to sustainable gardening, food production, and agricultural education.

After moving to Laredo, Texas, Mrs. Oquendo established her own productive backyard homestead and continued expanding her agricultural knowledge and experience. For several years, she has worked with youth through school-based gardening programs, providing hands-on lessons that teach students where their food comes from and how to grow it sustainably.

In addition to her role at LCUAS, Mrs. Oquendo is the founder of Tertia Garden LLC, an exotic plant business dedicated to sharing unique and specialty plants with the community. Through her work, she hopes to inspire individuals and families to connect with nature, grow their own food, and discover the many benefits of agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Mr. Cruz serves as the Head Groundskeeper for the Laredo Center for Urban Agriculture & Sustainability (LCUAS). Born in El Salvador, Mr. Cruz immigrated to the United States in search of better opportunities. His journey took him through Guatemala and Mexico before eventually migrating and settling in Los Angeles, California. While working in construction and other trades, Mr. Cruz also took on agricultural jobs that sparked his curiosity about plants and farming. Inspired by these experiences, he began learning about plant care, cultivation, and gardening on his own, developing valuable knowledge through hands-on experience and a genuine passion for agriculture.

Later, Mr. Cruz moved to Texas and made Laredo his home, where he continued applying and expanding the skills he had gained in California. He worked in several landscaping and gardening positions, further strengthening his expertise in plant care, maintenance, and cultivation. His dedication and love for working with plants eventually led him to join LCUAS, where he now serves as Head Groundskeeper.

At the Demonstration Farm, Mr. Cruz plays a vital role in maintaining crops, gardens, and educational spaces while sharing his knowledge and experience with staff, volunteers, students, and community members. Known for his strong work ethic, practical expertise, and willingness to teach others, Jorge helps inspire the next generation of gardeners and urban agriculture enthusiasts throughout the Laredo community. Throughout his journey, Mr. Cruz has built meaningful relationships and remains deeply grateful for the many people who have supported and encouraged him along the way.