Merchandise benefiting Palmetto will be available in our store very soon!
Board of Directors
Julia Lopez | Founder, President
Julia Lopez founded Palmetto with her daughter Julissa, in 2023. She is also the owner and operator of Unlimited Printing in Brownsville, Texas. She is the proud parent of a special needs adult son, Nicholas, the inspiration for Palmetto. Julia is determined to provide a secure, loving environment for him and other special needs adults.
Deborah Betz | Vice President
Deborah Betz is an Educational Diagnostician with the Brownsville Independent School District. Her 36 years working with children with special needs has fostered a passion for helping them, which makes her a perfect addition to the Palmetto board.
Brock Hughston | Treasurer
Brock Hughston is a 4th generation executive at the Hughston Insurance Agency, and has always been civic-minded. He has served on the Moody Clinic Board of Directors and finance subcommittee, is Chairman of the Elders at Central Christian Church in Brownsville, and is Vice President of a local chapter of the International Lions Club. Brock is a proud father of two children, one of whom is special needs.
Julissa Lopez | Co-Founder, Secretary
Julissa Lopez shares her mother's entrepreneurial spirit, having started her own apparel and gifts company shortly after graduating college. She is a lifetime Girl Scouts member and volunteered at the local animal shelter. Growing up with an autistic big brother, Julissa knows first-hand the responsibility of taking care of a loved one with special needs and is dedicated to finding a long-term solution for her brother and others.
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Leslie Manautou
Leslie Manautou is an Educational Diagnostician with the Brownsville Independent School District with more than 30 years experience in her field. She is a licensed Speech and Language Pathology Assistant. In addition to working part time at Tricounty Home Health, she actively supports the Brownsville Recycling Center and the Brownsville Animal Shelter.
Francisco Orozco
Francisco Orozco is a practicing attorney at Sanchez, Whittington, Wood & Orozco, LLC. He is an active member of the Brownsvile Audit & Oversight Committee, the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, and the Brownsville Wellness Coalition.
Laura Cisneros
Laura Cisneros is a Behavioral Specialist with Region One Early Childhood Intervention with over 20 years experience in her field. She is an active member of the Brownsville Junior Service League and in other philanthropic organizations in our community