Formation and Early Years (1984): The MHCC was established to cater specifically to the needs of Hispanic businesses and professionals in Midland. The founding members aimed to unite these businesses under one umbrella to foster prosperity and pride within the community.
Mex-Tex Family Fiesta (1987): Initially known as the Mex-Tex Menudo Cook-Off, this event has become the largest celebration of Hispanic culture in the Permian Basin, attracting over 10,000 attendees annually.
Key Historical Milestones

Marissa Salgado, Chair Elect of the Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Financial Advisor at Edward Jones Investments, is poised to bring her expertise in financial planning and strategic decision-making to the Chamber's leadership. With her background in finance, Marissa offers valuable insights that help shape the Chamber's initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth. Her role as Chair Elect reflects her commitment to the Midland community, where she is dedicated to empowering Hispanic businesses and contributing to the Chamber's mission of economic and social advancement.

Marissa Salgado
Chair
Edward Jones Investments
Meet the Board

Director
St Josephs Home Health
Lisa Caulder
Lisa Caulder is the Marketing Director at St. Joseph’s Home Health, bringing over 30 years of healthcare expertise to the Permian Basin. An Odessa native, she is a fierce advocate for elderly care and community resource awareness. Lisa serves on the boards of the Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Odessa Links, and the Area Agency on Aging, while also acting as an ambassador for Senior Life of Midland. Her career is defined by a lifelong commitment to ensuring underserved populations have access to essential care and resources.

Vice-Chair of Legislative Affairs
Schafer, Davis, O'Leary & Stoker, PC Associates
Crystal Castaneda
Crystal Castaneda is the Vice-Chair of Legislative Affairs for the Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and an associate attorney at Shafer, Davis, O'Leary & Stoker, P.C., specializing in civil trial law and commercial litigation. A first-generation law school graduate and SMU Dedman School of Law alumna, Crystal has a distinguished leadership background, including serving as President of the Hispanic Law Student Association and on the board of the Midland County Bar Association. At the MHCC, she leverages her legal expertise to advocate for legislative initiatives that empower local entrepreneurs and foster economic growth across the Permian Basin.

Vice-Chair of Education
Midland College
Victoria Santiago
Victoria Santiago serves as the Vice-Chair of Education for the Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She is the Dean of the Cogdell Learning Center & Community Engagement at Midland College and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Better Business Bureau serving the Heart of Texas. Through these leadership roles, she helps promote ethical business practices, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and economic growth throughout the Permian Basin. Victoria is an economist with more than 25 years of international leadership experience in administration, business development, education and organizational management. She holds master’s degrees in Business Administration and Global Management and is also a Certified Executive Coach.

Vice-Chair of Finance
Shockwagon
Yisbet Segrea
Yisbet Segrea is the Vice-Chair of Finance for the Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the CEO of Shockwagon. A dynamic leader in the Permian Basin, she leverages her extensive business acumen to oversee the Chamber’s financial health and strategic growth. Yisbet is dedicated to empowering local Hispanic-owned businesses by championing innovation, operational excellence, and collaborative advocacy to ensure the professional success of all Chamber members.

Director
Truist Bank
Kevin Barton
Overseeing the Chamber's financial strategy, Kevin leverages his expertise from Truist Bank to ensure sound financial management and support the Chamber's growth and stability.
.jpg)
Vice-Chair of Marketing
Carissa's Flowers & Events
Shelly Vargas
Shelly, the talented owner of Carissa's Gifts & Flowers, brings her creative flair to the Chamber’s events, adding a unique and personal touch that elevates each occasion and enhances community visibility.

Parliamentarian
The Carrasco Group
Anthony Nieto
Anthony Nieto, Parliamentarian and part of The Carrasco Group, brings essential structure and strategic insight to the Chamber, enhancing its operations and community presence.

Secretary
Basin PBS
Erica Thomas
Erica Thomas is the Director of Development at Basin PBS, where she connects donors and sponsors to trusted programming and educational resources across West Texas. A passionate community advocate, Erica previously spent over a decade teaching Social Studies at Goddard Junior High, serving as Department Chair and student organization leader. Alongside her role as Secretary for MHCC, she serves on the boards of the Junior League of Midland (Co-Chair of Pink Pantry) and Ben Milam International Academy, and previously served as Treasurer for the Energize Midland Schools PAC. Erica holds degrees in Political Science and Communication from UTPB.

Vice-Chair of Economic Development
Power Funding
Sarah Stredic
With her experience at Power Funding, Sarah focuses on driving economic development initiatives that foster business growth and strengthen the local economy.
.jpg)
Director
Better Business Bureau
Devin Benavides
With a focus on fostering trust and integrity, Devin Benavides of the Better Business Bureau strengthens the Chamber’s mission, supporting ethical business practices and community growth

Director
ConocoPhillips
Gustavo Fejervary
Gustavo Fejervary is a Director for the Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and an HSE Supervisor for Permian Assets at ConocoPhillips. A Civil Engineer with over 20 years of international experience in construction and the energy sector, Gustavo brings a practical focus to environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and occupational safety. Having lived in Midland for nearly a decade, he leverages his extensive leadership background to support MHCC advocacy and initiatives that drive responsible growth and workforce development for the broader Hispanic community.
.jpg)
Director
Exxon Mobil
Ivana Scheffey
Leveraging her experience with Exxon Mobil, Ivana Scheffey plays a pivotal role in advancing the Chamber’s goals, bringing strategic insights and building impactful community partnerships.
Carol Garza brings nearly 30 years of real estate expertise to the Permian Basin, specializing in residential sales and property management. A former President of the Permian Basin Board of REALTORS® and a current Director for the Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Carol is a proven leader dedicated to community growth and ethical business practices.
Fluent in English and Spanish, she holds prestigious TRPM and TRLS designations, ensuring her clients—from first-time buyers to seasoned investors—receive expert guidance backed by integrity. Whether navigating a complex transaction or managing a rental portfolio, Carol remains a trusted advisor committed to long-term client success.

Carol Garza
Chair Elect
The Sales Team Realtors
_edited.jpg)