Theme: Roots

Get ready for a day of bold ideas, powerful stories, and unforgettable inspiration.

TEDxSocorro 2025 takes place on Saturday, April 26 at Moonlight Adobe Hall on Socorro’s historic Mission Trail.

This year’s theme, Roots, dives deep into identity, heritage, growth, and the foundations that shape who we are. Our incredible lineup of speakers includes Debra Maldonado, Chelsie Evaldi, Asha Rodriguez, Manuel Vasquez, and Christina Diaz—each bringing their own powerful perspective to the stage.

With local food, a salsa bar, and craft beer from Three Missions Brewery, this one-of-a-kind event will feed your mind, your soul, and your appetite. Don’t miss the chance to be part of something truly transformative.

Moonlight Adobe Hall
10180 Socorro Rd.
Socorro, Texas, 79927
United States

Asha Rodriguez

Medical Director, Social Justice Champion

Asha S. Rodriguez is Vice President and Facility Executive at Atrium Health Cabarrus, a 457-bed not-for-profit hospital in Concord, NC, part of Advocate Health. With a career spanning non-profit, for-profit, and academic sectors, she previously served as President of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Westover Hills Hospital and began her journey with Teach for America. Rodriguez is a recipient of numerous awards, including Advocate Health’s Diversity Champion and Community Champion Awards, and was named a Tomorrow’s Leader by the Catholic Health Association. She holds a B.S. in Health Care Management from Florida A&M University and an MBA from George Mason University. Rodriguez is a member of ACHE, NAHSE, and serves on several community boards. As executive sponsor of Atrium’s A2WeXcel, she supports over 2,400 African American women within the organization. Passionate about service and equity, she leads with purpose and champions meaningful change in healthcare.

Chelsie Evaldi

Business Owner, Wife, Mom, Latina, Chuco Chingona

Chelsie Evaldi is a proud Latina, wife, mom, and the CEO of Chuco Relic—El Paso’s go-to hub for borderland pride. Fueled by a love for her hometown, she launched Chuco Relic to give locals a way to wear their corazón on their sleeves and celebrate El Paso’s art, culture, and grit. A true “Chuco Chingona,” Chelsie turned doubt and tight funds into a movement that uplifts artists and connects community. Her journey—from living abroad in Ireland and Spain to returning home—taught her there’s no place like El Paso. Honored with the BBB Torch Award for Ethics, Chelsie is proof that authenticity and hustle go hand in hand. Whether she’s cheering on her kids, kicking around a soccer ball, or designing the next fan-favorite tee, she keeps showing up—for her people and her purpose. Follow her at [@chucochingona](https://www.instagram.com/chucochingona/).

Christina Diaz

Sign Language Interpreter

Christina Diaz is an El Paso native raised in the Mission Valley. The eldest daughter of American-born migrant workers, she is a proud first-generation high school and college graduate. A single mother of two, Christina pursued her education while raising her family and has been involved in education for over 35 years, with a focus on special education in both Texas and California. Certified in ABA therapy, she currently serves as a lab assistant in the Sign Language Program at El Paso Community College. Christina holds degrees in Sign Language Interpreting, Psychology, and Multidisciplinary Studies, along with certifications in mental health, suicide prevention, nutrition, and end-of-life care. Her work on the Deaf community and sign language variation was published in the Society of American Sign Language newsletter. She is an academic sponsor with the Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México and a frequent presenter at educational conferences like BLC and CASP.

Debra Maldonado

Author & CEO

Debra Berndt Maldonado left the corporate world in 2003 to follow her passion for empowering others to live their dreams. She is a Certified Master Jungian Life Coach Instructor and the author of *Like a Spark from Fire* (2022) and the bestseller *Let Love In* (2010). Debra is the CEO of CreativeMind, which she co-founded with her husband, Robert Maldonado, Ph.D. Together, they developed the CreativeMind Process, a coaching methodology rooted in Jungian Psychology, Eastern Spirituality, and Social Neuroscience. Through CreativeMind University, they’ve trained hundreds of Jungian Life Coaches globally and inspired thousands to transform their lives. Her work has been featured by ABC, FOX, NBC, Cosmopolitan, Huffington Post, and more. Originally from New Jersey and now based in Virginia, Debra believes anyone—regardless of their past—can overcome adversity, find love, achieve success, and live a deeply fulfilling life.

Manny Vasquez

Motivational Speaker

Manny’s identity is shaped by two countries, two languages, and the resilience of generations before him. Now working for a Fortune 500 company, he is also the co-founder of *The Grit In Me*, a program that empowers first-generation students and professionals to develop the mental toughness to “Make It.” His journey—from sleeping in a car during graduate research at Notre Dame, to moving to Chicago with $200, to paying off over $100K in student loans—is proof that grit fuels success more than grades. With no roadmap or safety net, Manny learned to navigate unfamiliar systems, communicate across cultures, and problem-solve with limited resources. He’s worked at two of the top 10 global consulting firms and built success through real estate investment. Through *The Grit In Me*, he has impacted over 5,000 students and educators, helping them turn struggle into strength. His mission: help first-gen students embrace their story, build financial literacy, and thrive.