Board of

Trustees

Meet the Dream Come True Foundation - South Texas Board

Jackie Ilse, President

Jackie Ilse has been in community banking for more than 30 years serving in various roles and communities in Texas. She currently serves Kleberg Bank as their Chief Risk Manager and has been at the Bank for the last 16 years of her career. Jackie has served various community organizations over the years as a member and leader. She currently serves as a financial minister for the Kingsville Church of Christ. Jackie has a passion for helping others be successful and is one of the organizing members of the Dream Come True Foundation - South Texas organization.

Dynyel Miller, Vice President

Melinda Dynyel Miller is currently a Director for two federally funded TRIO programs and works for the Family Centered Educational Agency, a non-profit agency that is federally funded by the US Department of Education. Their programs work with both youth and non-traditional students in ensuring they graduate from high school and enroll into college. Additionally, these programs assist students in obtaining their GED and assistance with the college readiness process, such as college applications and financial aid. Prior to this position, Dynyel was the Executive Director for the Office of Student Access at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK). Having been in this field for over 17 years, Dynyel is passionate about working with students and helping them succeed in their educational trajectory. Dynyel is currently in the process of completing her doctoral degree in Bilingual Education at TAMUK. She is also married with two daughters.

Lisa West, Secretary

Lisa was born and raised in Kingsville Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Texas A&M University Kingsville. She has been a teacher and counselor for 30 years in various public school systems in the South Texas area. Lisa retired last year; however, retirement only lasted a couple of weeks. She went back to counseling part time at Riviera ISD. Lisa enjoys working with the school staff and parents, but her real passion is interacting with students. She states they always make her smile. Lisa has been married for 29 years to the love of her life Craig West, and they have two adult children, Caleb and Madison.

Barbara Colston, Treasurer

Barbara graduated from Western Michigan University with a BS in Medical Technology and also received her Masters in Public Health from Texas A&M University. She has a range of experience in healthcare including clinical laboratory science, healthcare auditing and administration, and chronic disease case management. Barbara is retired but actively involved with a number of volunteer organizations including the Kleberg County Pregnancy Resource Center, Boy Scouts of America, The Riviera Scholarship Foundation, The First Baptist Church of Kingsville Children’s Ministry and of course the Dream Come True Foundation of South Texas. To her, there is nothing more rewarding than being a volunteer – something she learned to appreciate from her husband Leslie who was a volunteer fireman and paramedic for thirty years. Barbara grew up in Detroit but spent most of her adult years in Richmond, Virginia. She moved to rural South Texas in 2001 and loves living in a small close-knit community. Barbara has three sons and five grandsons all living in Texas.

Jennifer Radcliffe-Jones

Jennifer is currently the Non-Residential Manager at The Purple Door where she served as the Victim Advocate in Kingsville since December 2014. Her passion is helping people and especially helping to strengthen families. ​ Jennifer currently serves on a number of community organization boards including the Kleberg County Child Welfare Board, End Domestic Violence Taskforce, and the Coordinated Community Response Coalition to name just a few. ​ She is a native of Petoskey, Michigan and married fellow Michigander Scott Jones who likewise volunteers with Dream Come True Foundation serving as a mentor.

Jennifer Lynn Rodriguez

Jennifer Lynn Rodriguez is an Executive Director of Brush Country CASA, a non-profit organization which provides trained and qualified community volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children as a result of child abuse and neglect. Jennifer has over 10 years’ experience working with children and has a passion to help children and families. Born and raised in Kingsville, Texas, Jennifer graduated from Texas A&M University - Kingsville with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and a Master of Science in Sociology. In addition to working with the Dream Come True Foundation - South Texas, Jennifer works closely with several civic organizations within the community and was a 2018 Leadership Kingsville participant. ​ She is a native of Petoskey, Michigan and married fellow Michigander Scott Jones who likewise volunteers with Dream Come True Foundation serving as a mentor.

Wilva West

Wilva West is a lifelong resident of Kingsville. She has an associate degree in finance and worked 17 years in banking, holding numerous titles and banking certifications including VP Loan Officer. After her career in mortgage lending, Wilva along with her husband Marty, acquired JNH Enterprises, Inc. JNH consists of four retail stores in Kingsville and Alice. Being a business owner has allowed her the ability to take an active role with a number of local organizations including a board member of the Kingsville Chamber of Commerce, The Woman’s Club of Kingsville, The HMK Cheerleading Booster