Team Members

Linda founded the Educational Research Institute (ERI) in 2001 and leads the company by developing strategies, making major decisions, and managing operations. She collaborates with educational and nonprofit institutions to identify and secure grants. Linda holds a master’s degree from UTB/TSC, and lives in Harlingen.

Kristina Ubina manages incoming payments, ensures accurate record-keeping, and provides excellent customer service. Her responsibilities include processing invoices, reconciling accounts, and following up on overdue payments.

Sonja Huntwork, a member of our Grant Department staff, supports the development and submission of grant applications, ensures compliance with funding guidelines, and maintains accurate records throughout the grant process. Her duties include researching funding opportunities, assisting with proposal development, coordinating with departments to gather necessary information, and supporting post-award reporting and documentation.

Lorenzo, with over 10 years as Vice President, brings extensive experience and a diverse skill set. Notably, he manages staff and business goals.

Jesse Vela, a member of our Grant Department staff, oversees grant applications, ensures compliance, and maintains accurate records. His duties include managing proposals, monitoring projects, preparing reports, and coordinating with departments for information.

Victor Marquez, a member of our Marketing and Research team, analyzes data and identifies key trends to support grant development and strategic planning. His responsibilities include researching district and community data, evaluating eligibility indicators, preparing reports, and providing data-driven insights that strengthen funding applications and organizational decision-making.

Alonzo oversees all financial aspects, providing strategic leadership, managing resources, and guiding fiscal decisions for long-term success. This role involves financial management, risk assessment, and compliance, shaping the company's financial future.

Arturo Hinojosa, Jr, is responsible for setting up, configuring, and managing the company’s hardware and software systems. He provides hands-on support by maintaining and troubleshooting IT infrastructure and offering basic help desk assistance to staff. He is also involved in evaluating and recommending new technology tools, managing software licenses and subscriptions, and overseeing the company's website and social media platforms.

Jacob Garza, a member of our Marketing and Research team, supports outreach and business development efforts through targeted research and strategic communication. His duties include identifying potential clients and opportunities, developing marketing materials, analyzing outreach performance, and assisting in refining messaging to expand the organization’s reach and impact.