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 an Executive Director for three 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 19 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.
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.
Martha Ramirez, Secretary
Martha Ramirez retired from Kingsville Independent School District in June 2024. She has a bachelor's degree in English, a Master's degree in Counseling, and an Administrator and Superintendent Certificate. During her time with KISD, she served as the District Career and Technical Director. Now that Martha is retired, she feels like she has been called to volunteer and wants to work for the betterment of the community. Her personal aspiration is to provide opportunities to others to accomplish their goals by financial assistance, removing barriers, and mentorship.
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.
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
Veronica Hinojosa
Veronica L. Hinojosa is from Lyford, TX. Since 2019 she has served as the Director for TRIO Programs, Student Support Services-STEM and Talent Search at Texas A&M University Kingsville. SSS-STEM is a program designed to increase the retention and graduation rate for students that are first generation, low-income, or have a disability. Talent Search’s goals is to increase the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds who graduate from high school and enroll in and complete postsecondary education. Veronica graduated from TAMUK with her bachelor’s degree in 2007 and her Master’s degree in 2013. She was a middle school Science teacher and athletic coach for 5 years before moving into administration and becoming an assistant principal. Focusing on providing the whole student, resources needed to be successful has been her philosophy as an educator. She is excited to be a part of the Dream Come True Foundation and share her knowledge that she has gained in her 17 years in education.
Martin Chapa
Martin Chapa was born and raised in Kingsville, TX. He has a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Texas A & I University, and a Master's in Education with a concentration in Higher Education Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. Martin has over 30 years of experience in public education and higher education. He has been a long time supporter of the Kingsville community and currently serves on the KISD Board as a Secretary, member of the Noon Lions Club of Kingsville, member of the Friends of Conner Museum, and VP of Development for the KISD Education Foundation. Martin is excited to be a part of the DCTF-ST Board and looks forward to continued efforts in making a difference and impact in the community.