MISSION, Texas (NOV.13, 2025) — What started as a childhood dream in the classrooms of Mission CISD has come full circle for Brianna Casares, who now serves as Program Director for the Mission Economic Development Corporation (Mission EDC). A proud Veterans Memorial High School graduate, Casares is using her education, leadership, and passion for service to invest directly in the community that raised her.
“I’m the program director here at the Mission EDC, and I’m a proud Mission CISD alumni,” Casares said. “In a way, I feel like I’m giving back to my community.”
ROOTED IN MISSION CISD
Casares began her academic journey at Bryan Elementary, continued through Mission Junior High, and graduated from Veterans Memorial High School in 2016. Throughout her years in Mission CISD, she says her involvement in extracurricular activities played a vital role in her personal growth.
“Sports was a huge thing for me. I was a cheerleader all throughout middle school and high school,” she recalled. “It really teaches you how to be a leader, how to work as a team, and how to be hardworking, dedicated, and committed to your craft.”
Casares also credits her teachers for shaping her path—especially Mrs. Langley, her second-grade ELA teacher at Bryan Elementary, who continues to keep in touch with her former students. “She really took the time to meet the students where they were and create a connection with each student that she came across,” Casares said. “She still keeps in contact with us to this day, which I think is amazing.”
HIGHER EDUCATION AND COMING HOME
After graduation, Casares left the Rio Grande Valley to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in communication with a concentration in public relations. Later, she returned home to pursue a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in public affairs at UTRGV.
“I missed home so much,” she said. “Coming back to my roots here in Mission was the best thing I could have possibly done.”
INVESTING IN MISSION’S FUTURE
Today, Casares manages programs at the Mission EDC that help local small businesses grow and thrive. Through grants, training, and mentorship, she connects entrepreneurs to the tools and resources they need to succeed.
“My day-to-day role is to help small businesses within the city be the best that they can be,” Casares explained. “It’s really important that we give them the right tools, the right resources, and the right training.”
Casares said seeing business owners use those grants to renovate their storefronts, expand operations, and hire local talent is what makes her proudest. “It’s really full circle,” she added. “They’re able to invest back into themselves and grow their business—and I love that.”
A MISSION CISD SUCCESS STORY
Casares credits much of her success to the foundation built at Mission CISD. “Thank you, Mission CISD, for getting me college and career ready,” she said.
Her story serves as a shining example of how Mission CISD’s commitment to preparing students for success in college, career, and life continues to strengthen the city she calls home.
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