Tricia joined the Rio Grande International Study Center in May 2010 and serves as executive director of Laredo's only environmental nonprofit organization. Her primary focus is to understand and improve the South Texas environment in the face of the realities of climate change, and to shift the local balance of power to one that is more inclusive and just.
Tricia has led advocacy efforts on a local and national level involving the border wall, ethylene oxide, and single use plastics and is committed to coalition building and grassroots organizing. She seeks to create partnerships that will restore the resilience of nature and natural systems and improve the quality of life for people who live along the Texas-Mexico border. RGISC programs are centered on the river, water, air, land, and community where arts & culture are used as a key strategy for community organizing.
A 2025 recipient of the national Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award, which honors mid-career women leaders of color for their leadership in environmental justice and sustainability, Tricia was named the 2019 Laredoan of the Year for her community mobilizing efforts to push back against the border wall.
She is a San Antonio native and graduate of Princeton University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in public policy and minor in Mandarin Chinese. She moved to Laredo in 2001 and worked seven years as a senior reporter at the Laredo Morning Times.
