Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

Growing up on a working ranch in South Texas taught me that real innovation often comes from necessity. Ranchers constantly solve problems including drought, soil health, and food production, with creativity and grit. That entrepreneurial spirit inspired me to start Alas y Raíces, Inc where I apply the same mindset to community challenges, building projects that address sustainability, food access, and environmental stewardship.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by focusing on impact. When I see trees planted, food collected for families, or students learning about sustainability, it reminds me that small ideas can grow into meaningful change. Agriculture also teaches patience, nothing important happens overnight. That perspective keeps me committed to building solutions that create long-term benefits for both communities and the environment.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would expand SustainabiliTEAM, an initiative of Alas y Raíces that plants drought-resilient fruit trees and teaches youth about sustainable agriculture. The funding would support community orchards in schools and public spaces, irrigation systems designed to conserve water, and student-led workshops on food security and environmental stewardship. These orchards become living classrooms that provide fresh food while educating the next generation of agricultural leaders.