Business is a way for people to serve others. To be fully committed to business is to be fully committed to helping people.

My name is Reina, and I created The REINA Project because I know what it feels like to be lost when it comes to college.

When I was younger, I didn’t want to go to college—I didn’t care, and I had no idea where to start. I would have been a first-generation student with no roadmap, no guidance, and no one in my life who had attended college before me that I trusted or felt comfortable with. 

Everything about higher education felt overwhelming… Until one person took the time to help me. That person will never know it, but they changed everything for the future of my life.

Originally from San Antonio, Texas, I eventually enrolled at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). And the rest was history.

At UTRGV, I learned how to get involved, think critically, and grow my mind. I embraced new ideas, challenged my existing beliefs, and developed the ability to make informed decisions based on facts and data. I found support systems, built meaningful connections, and—just as importantly—enjoyed myself. I developed the work ethic, professionalism, and mindset I needed to succeed as a young professional.

After graduation, I began my career at Texas A&M University in College Station, where I worked in marketing and communications for the College of Engineering's Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution.

I later accepted a position at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where I served as the Assistant Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach at the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering, and within 15 months, was promoted to the Director of Outreach and External Relations.

Throughout my journey, I faced challenges, but was intentional about learning from my mentors and peers, and worked alongside people from all walks of life at different stages in their lives. And what I’ve realized is this: most people want to succeed and help others succeed—they just need the right support and knowledge.

I started The REINA Project because, at age 17, I needed someone to guide me. Someone who could explain how things work, offer a checklist, or just be there as support. Someone who saw potential in me before I saw it in myself… And I was eventually lucky enough to have someone there.

Now, I am here to be that person for others.

Whether you need a push, a plan, someone to validate you, or simply someone to be there alongside you—I’m here to be the mentor, big brother, or friend that we’ve all needed at some point in our lives.