About Merida | Corpus Christi City

I was born and raised in Corpus Christi and graduated from Mary Carroll High School. After earning an Associate of Arts in Business Administration from Del Mar College, I received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from (Southwest) Texas State University. I spent seven years working in accounting and living in Austin.

Like many others, I returned home because I wanted the opportunity to build a future, buy a home, and be closer to family.

As a lifelong Corpus Christi resident, it has been difficult to watch beloved community institutions disappear. My elementary school, Sanders, and my middle school, Tom Browne, closed their doors, and my alma mater, Carroll High School is demolished.

These changes raise an important question: Are we creating the opportunities needed to keep families, jobs, and young people in our city?

After leaving corporate accounting, I continued my career in public accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, consulting, campaign finance reporting and compliance, and sales at a local downtown business.

Along the way, I became deeply involved in our community, volunteering with local organizations, regularly attending City Council meetings, participating in public comment, and advocating for issues that matter to residents.

My first job back home I proudly worked for Whataburger Corporate as a Sales Tax Coordinator, managing 78 monthly sales tax filings across nine states, meeting strict deadlines while ensuring accuracy, accountability, and compliance.

During my time at Whataburger, I saw firsthand how important transportation, infrastructure, and economic development are to attracting and retaining major employers. When Whataburger relocated its headquarters from Corpus Christi to San Antonio, it was a reminder that our city must remain competitive and connected if we want to create jobs and keep businesses here.

After Whataburger relocated its headquarters, I was fortunate to find an accounting position with Airgas Southwest, reconciling the $15+ million hardgoods inventory account. A few years later, that regional accounting division was consolidated into the company's Pennsylvania headquarters, and once again Corpus Christi lost quality professional jobs.

Those experiences made me realize that job creation, economic diversification, and workforce growth are critical to our city's future. Too many talented people leave Corpus Christi in search of opportunities elsewhere, while young families face rising housing costs and fewer pathways to homeownership.

Why now? Why run?

With District 5 Council Member Gil Hernandez reaching his term limit, I believe now is the right time to step forward and serve to continue to protect our ratepayers.

I am running because I want to help build a Corpus Christi that creates opportunity, attracts diverse employers, supports homeownership, and gives the next generation a reason to stay and invest in our community.

I will lead with integrity, professionalism, and respect, listen thoughtfully to residents, and work every day to ensure District 5 and Corpus Christi have a strong voice at City Hall.

I believe Corpus Christi can do better, we need a city that actually works. We need responsible leadership that focuses on economic growth, infrastructure, public safety, water security, and quality-of-life improvements that help families and businesses succeed.

What sets me apart is my background in accounting, budgeting, and financial oversight.

I pay attention to the numbers, ask tough questions, and believe taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability.

Throughout my career, I have developed policies and procedures that improve efficiency and responsible management of resources.

I will bring a citizen’s perspective to City Hall.

I will be a city council member who will advocate for all residents, my only special interests are the people of City Council District 5.

I am not afraid to speak up, seek answers, and challenge decisions when necessary. As a lifelong Corpus Christi resident, I have experienced our economic ups and downs firsthand and understand the challenges facing working families, homeowners, and local businesses.