Karla De La Riva is the Associate Director of Business Retention & Expansion for the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC). In 2015, she acquired a bachelor’s degree in Administration and Finance at the University of Texas at Brownsville.  She continued her education by acquiring an Effective Grant Writing Proposal Certification from the University of Notre Dame and the Mendoza College of Business in 2019. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare at the University of Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

Current Highlights:

Previously, Karla worked as the Membership Development Associate for the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce for almost 4 years. While working at the Chamber of Commerce, Karla surpassed previous membership records by recruiting over 400 + new businesses, bringing over $150,000 in membership revenue and $200,000 sponsorships.

While working at GBIC, Karla has developed key relations with industry partners, helping with the development and growth of multiple companies in Brownsville.  Karla has worked in conjunction with the Director of Recruitment in support of business expanding efforts, creation of jobs, and landing of new projects in the city. In addition, she has coordinated multiple successful community events such as the Industry Led Forum and Governor’s Economic Development Regional Outreach Visit.

Currently, Karla De La Riva is living in Brownsville Texas and is seeking to advance her education by continuing the coursework for her CEcD Certification through the International Economic Development Council.