Hispanic Heritage Month

Debi Gaitan
Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Success (VCSS) at the Alamo Colleges District (ACD)

As the Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Success (VCSS) at the Alamo Colleges District (ACD), Deborah Gaitan provides strategic leadership for the planning, implementation, expansion, and assessment of district-wide student success programs. Her focus is on scaling evidence-based practices that enhance the overall student experience from enrollment to retention and completion.

VCSS Gaitan leads the establishment of ACD student support goals, objectives, and key performance indicators (KPIs), developing, implementing, and coordinating district-wide programs to support ACD students. As a highly collaborative leader, she excels in developing effective relationships across multiple constituencies and has a proven record of excellence in collaborative and organizational problem-solving.

Her expertise in higher education includes a deep understanding of the needs of underserved students and direct experience leading evidence-based programs and initiatives that improve student outcomes and close opportunity gaps.

Prior to her current role, VCSS Gaitan served in various leadership capacities at Northwest Vista College (NVC), including Interim President. Under her tenure, NVC achieved numerous "all-time best" accomplishments, including record enrollment, retention, and transfer rates. During her time at NVC, the college's enrollment surged from 200 students to over 18,000. She played a pivotal role in developing the college's mission, vision, values, and touchstones and led strategic projects such as the Baldrige Quality Award and SACACOC decennial reaffirmation, fostering a spirit of collaboration, joy, and student-centeredness.

As the Vice President for Student Success at NVC, she led numerous initiatives that earned state and national accolades. She played a leadership role in the Alamo-wide Malcolm Baldrige Quality initiatives, guiding NVC through the 2018 national site visit and subsequent award. She co-led the Pathways Leadership Council, responsible for Guided Pathways strategies across the five colleges in the Alamo Colleges District. Additionally, she co-developed the Executive Faculty Council, which promotes shared governance and decision-making, contributing to significant increases in graduation rates.

VCSS Gaitan also led NVC's Strategic Enrollment Planning team, focusing on opportunities for enrollment, retention, persistence, degree completion, and transition to university or workforce. She is an advocate for AlamoPROMISE, working to eliminate financial barriers to higher education for local students. She played a crucial role in implementing Student Advocacy and Resource Centers across the Alamo Colleges, providing essential support to students facing food, clothing, and housing insecurities.

Before joining Alamo Colleges, VCSS Gaitan held leadership roles in the non-profit sector with Communities in Schools and San Antonio Positive Solutions, helping young adults overcome educational barriers and pursue higher education. She began her higher education career at Our Lady of the Lake University, serving as a recruiter, advisor, and associate director. Recently, she has expanded her impact by consulting in areas such as Executive Leadership, Strategic Planning, Strategic Enrollment Management, Quality Enhancement, Building Successful Teams, Facilitation, Cycles of Improvement, Work/Life Balance, and Leading through Change.

VCSS Gaitan attended St. Philip's College, Texas Tech University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Our Lady of the Lake University, earning a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's degree in human sciences.

As a student-athlete, she was an All American First Team, All Regional First Team, MVP, and All Conference First Team, earning numerous awards and recognitions while playing volleyball on full athletic scholarships at St. Philip’s College and Texas Tech University. Her professional recognitions include Excellence in Teaching, Trusted Leader, Rising Star, and induction into the Harlandale High School Hall of Fame.

In her spare time, she enjoys cheering on the San Antonio Spurs with her husband of 36 years and their three children, all graduates of Northwest Vista College.

Jason Massiatte
President and CEO of Ma Hila's Heart Children's Cancer Foundation

Jason Massiatte is a distinguished leader with extensive experience in strategic planning, revenue growth, and philanthropy. As the President and CEO of Ma Hila's Heart Children's Cancer Foundation, Jason plays a pivotal role in leading efforts to provide vital support to children, adolescents, and young adults battling cancer, along with their families. His unwavering commitment to improving lives has been the driving force behind the foundation’s success.

Jason's professional journey is marked by significant achievements, particularly during his 22-year tenure at Ward North American Van Lines, where he managed operations across five branches in Texas. This experience allowed him to sharpen his strategic insight and leadership acumen, laying the groundwork for his subsequent impactful contributions to the community. As one of the founding board members of Ma Hila's Heart Children's Cancer Foundation, Jason was instrumental in establishing the organization’s mission and vision. His deep expertise in revenue generation, coupled with a passion for meaningful change, has uniquely positioned him to steer the foundation towards sustained growth and community impact.

Jason holds a Bachelor of Administration from the University of the Incarnate Word and has further enhanced his expertise with certifications from San Antonio Area Foundation Nonprofit courses. These academic credentials underscore his commitment to excellence and his dedication to continuous learning.

In addition to his educational and professional achievements, Jason is actively engaged in various leadership initiatives and boards, reflecting his dedication to both personal and professional development. He is an alumnus of Leadership San Antonio Class 47, where he cultivated valuable skills and connections to amplify his leadership impact. Jason further distinguished himself as the valedictorian of the Alexander Briseño Leadership Development Program in 2018, underscoring his commitment to excellence in leadership. Beyond his role at Ma Hila’s Heart, Jason serves on the board of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where he contributes to the empowerment and advancement of Hispanic-owned businesses. Additionally, he holds the position of Vice Chair for the American Red Cross - South Central Texas, where his leadership drives essential initiatives to support those in need.

Jason Massiatte's relentless dedication to growth, both personal and professional, is a testament to his proactive approach to leadership. His broad array of experiences, coupled with his expertise, compassion, and commitment, positions him as a leader who leaves an indelible mark on the lives and communities he serves.

Juan R. Aragones
Senior Project Manager at Flintco

Born in El Paso, Texas in 1975, grew up between Cd Juarez, Mexico and El Paso, Texas.

Graduated from UTEP with a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering.

I have been working in the construction industry for 24 years. I am fortunate enough to have been part of a very diverse type of projects, from NRG Stadium in Houston, skyscrapers, biosafety labs, research labs, military projects, and industrial projects among others. I moved to San Antonio in 2008 and a few years later in 2011, my wife and I decided to settle in San Antonio to raise our family. We have three kids, a 15-year-old, a 12-year-old, and a 7-year-old.