Speakers
| Speaker | Date | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Luis Martinez | May 20, 2025 |
Public Defender's Office
Bio:
Luis Martinez has been a practicing lawyer for 26 years and has practiced the entire time in Victoria County and the surrounding counties. After working in Victoria civil firm for a few years, Luis started a private practice, practicing criminal law and representing both juveniles and adults. He tried cases and handled appeals for twenty years, until three years ago when he became the appellate attorney for the Victoria County District Attorney's Office. Most recently he was hired to fill the role of Assistant Chief of the Crossroads Defenders, one of the newest public defender's offices in the state.
Summary of the Presentation:
The presentation will provide a summary of the more prevalent use of public defender's offices in Texas to provide professional criminal representation to citizens who could otherwise not afford to hire their own counsel.
Justice is dependent on a fair balance between an accuser and the accused. Public defender's offices facilitate lawyers whose aim and goal is to focus solely on providing criminal defense. They also provide a unique opportunity to partner with already existing community organizations and county departments to find solutions that go beyond the courtroom. Public defender's offices are more efficient and cost-effective for the communities they serve. Most important, the use of public defender's offices result in better long-term outcomes, not only for people who find themselves in the criminal justice system, but also for the community overall.
|
| Dr. Yusuke Yahagi, Ganado ISD | May 27, 2025 12:00 PM |
Texas And Me
Former chief of cardiovascular & thoracic surgeon in Victoria, TX Performed over 3,000 cases of heart, lungs, vascular, esophagus surgeries and minor cases Board certification: American Board of Thoracic Surgery Speciality: valve replacement, lung cancer resection Committee member: cardiovascular, tumor board, stroke, trauma Current research: “Quantum Mechanics Application of Hemodynamics” Received a Letter of honor 86(R) HR 641 from the Texas State Legislature Ganado ISD: Chief of Science, Emergency Medical Committee, District Committee members Teaching: Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Medical Assisting courses Teacher of the year 2023 - 2024, Teacher of the week 2002 & 2003 UHV: Natural & Applied Science Committee member, STEM lecturer Victoria College: former medical & surgical lecturer Training: Cardiovascular & thoracic surgery training at UT, UC San Francisco, General Surgery at University of Kansas Undergraduate: University of Washington majored in physical chemistry & math Teaching certificate: 7 - 12 Science via TEA & UHV Activities: Rock band, Author of “The Exchange Soldier”, TV & Radio appearances as guest |
| Betty Russo | Jun 10, 2025 12:00 PM |
Texas Economic Development & Tourism
Betty Russo has worked as the 58-county Gulf Coast/East Texas Regional Representative within the Office of the Governor for over ten years. In her role, she works to market Texas and the region as one of the best places to do business and supports local economic development allies with projects, opportunities and training. Betty is a native Texan who graduated from the University of Texas in Austin. She has been married for 41 years and has two sons who are both working in the East Texas region. With over 20 years of economic development experience, she has served in rural, regional and state efforts in Texas to recruit, retain and expand businesses. |
| Marissa Ford | Jun 24, 2025 12:00 PM |
Alzheimer's
|