Staff
Shellie Ross
Chief Executive Officer Shellie joined WRCC in 2010 and has served in several leadership roles before becoming CEO, including Executive Director, Director of Children’s Education, and Senior Director of Education. She holds degrees from The University of Mississippi and SMU’s Perkins School of Theology, where she received the B’nai B’rith Award in Social Ethics. With experience in youth ministry, teaching, and nonprofit leadership, she brings steady guidance and deep commitment to community.
Elizabeth Alfaro
Director of Adult Education Elizabeth joined WRCC in 2018 after serving on the Leadership Council. With experience supporting older adults and a strong understanding of their nutritional and social needs, she first led older adult programming designed to build connection, creativity, and wellness. She later expanded her work to include parent and adult learning, drawing on her skills in designing welcoming, and engaging educational spaces. Elizabeth brings her gift for creating environments where adults feel supported, encouraged, and inspired.
Jackie Arellano
Director of Children’s and Youth Education Jackie joined WRCC in the spring of 2022 and brings experience in teaching, mentoring, and afterschool coordination. Born in Dallas and raised in Royse City, she was inspired by her own afterschool and summer program experiences to pursue a career supporting young people. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and brings enthusiasm, care, and a deep belief in the potential of every student she serves.
Mel Arizpe
Office ManagerMel joined WRCC in 2023 with more than 15 years of experience in customer service, administration, and community‑centered entrepreneurship. Originally from Brownsville, she holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Voice and Sociology from the University of North Texas, and her background includes national‑level performance (wondering if this should be left in or removed? The original did mention her singing background, but we could take out.) and the creation of a small business recognized across Texas media. Mel brings warmth, hospitality, and a welcoming presence to WRCC, helping ensure the Center is a supportive space for all who walk through its doors.
Edvin Arriaza
Outreach CoordinatorEdvin joined WRCC in 2025 with a commitment to strengthening the neighborhoods that shaped him. Raised in Pleasant Grove, he has worked with several community organizations focused on education, civic engagement, and expanding access to resources. His background includes communications, digital media, and collaborative outreach across Dallas. Edvin brings connection, advocacy, and a deep belief in community leadership to his work at WRCC.
Natalie Breen
Chief Operating Officer Natalie joined WRCC in 2013 as an AmeriCorps member and has since built a career focused on educational equity and nonprofit leadership. She holds degrees from the University of San Diego and Columbia University and is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and a Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP). She is committed to expanding access to learning, mental health supports, and community‑centered systems.
Ashley Garduno
Volunteer and Advancement Coordinator Ashley joined WRCC in 2023 after serving as a B3X counselor and Afterschool classroom leader. She is pursuing a nursing degree and is passionate about building strong relationships among staff, volunteers, and community members. She brings energy and a heart for service to her role..
Rachel Kramer Girgis
College & Career Manager Rachel joined WRCC in 2018 after many years of serving West Dallas and Oak Cliff through volunteer work and nonprofit roles. She has formally worked with children and youth since 2008 and brings extensive experience in youth ministry, community engagement, and partnership‑building. A Wisconsin native, she holds a degree in Anthropology with a minor in Spanish from Wheaton College and has been deeply shaped by the vibrant neighborhoods and friendships she has formed across Dallas. She is committed to creating opportunities for thriving alongside students, families, and community leaders.
Ale Lopez
Literacy Program Manager Ale joined WRCC in 2020 after growing up in West Dallas and participating in WRCC programs including Head Start, summer programs, and the Teen Board. She holds a degree in Spanish and Hispanic Studies and studied abroad in Granada, Spain, where she deepened her passion for language, culture, and community. She brings that passion to her literacy work, supporting youth through education and connection.
Johana Miranda
Housing Program Specialist Johana joined WRCC in 2021, returning to the same programs she grew up in as a child in Dallas. She began her work on staff in childcare before transitioning into housing support, where she partners with families to strengthen stability and preserve long‑term assets in the community. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies from UNT Dallas and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with teacher certification. Johana brings a deep connection to community, a passion for education, and a commitment to supporting families as they work toward their goals.
Jacqueline Noyola
Senior Operations Manager Jacqueline joined WRCC in 2025, bringing more than a decade of nonprofit experience in operations, logistics, and organizational support. A native Spanish speaker and experienced leader, she builds inclusive systems that strengthen teams and create smoother pathways for community connection. She supports WRCC’s growth, readiness, and long‑term impact through thoughtful coordination and a commitment to collaborative problem‑solving.
Ixchel Perez
Data Analyst Ixchel joined WRCC in 2019, first supporting the Afterschool Program before moving into work that centers data, communication, and organizational learning. She translates information into clear, visually consistent materials that strengthen decision‑making and storytelling across the organization. With strengths in bilingual administration and a passion for education, she bridges the gaps between data and people, systems and programs, and strategy and execution.
Maria Rincon
Older Adult Nutrition Coordinator Maria joined WRCC in 2019 after years of involvement with both the organization and the West Dallas community. In her role supporting older adults, she brings deep care, cultural understanding, and a strong commitment to the wellbeing of the older adults she serves. Maria is known for creating welcoming spaces, building meaningful relationships, and ensuring participants enjoy nutritious, balanced meals during program.
Juan Rios
Older Adult Program Manager Juan joined WRCC in 2023 and brings experience in pastoral leadership and community advocacy. Raised in Dallas, he understands the needs and strengths of the Hispanic-Latino community. He is committed to supporting older adults with dignity, empathy, and care.
Becky Stegmann
Volunteer and Advancement Manager Becky joined WRCC in 2022 after first connecting with the organization as a volunteer in 2020. She holds degrees from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and SMU’s Perkins School of Theology. She brings a relational, community-centered approach to volunteer engagement and advancement.
George Tello
Operations Coordinator George joined WRCC in 2016 and supports the Center through a wide range of operational responsibilities. Known for his reliability and kindness, he builds strong relationships with everyone who walks through the doors. He helps ensure WRCC remains a welcoming and well-functioning space.
Nancy Zamudio
Youth Development Specialist Nancy joined WRCC in 2023 after several years as a classroom teacher in San Antonio and Dallas. She first connected with WRCC as an AmeriCorps member in 2016 and later earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of the Holy Cross. She brings experience, empathy, and a strong commitment to supporting youth through mentorship and development.
