Debbie Vasquez- Interim Director Debbie has been with the program since 1998.  Debbie was born and raised in  Monahans.  There she married her husband Robert and moved to Odessa 27 years ago.  They have a son and a daughter and three grandchildren named Valerie, Victoria, and Robert.  Debbie was a low-income, first-generation student and her first encounter in a college environment began when she started working in the cafeteria at Odessa College.  Debbie quickly found out that getting an education was within her reach.  It wasn't long before her dream came true and she earned an Associate's Degree in Office Education from Odessa College.  After graduating, Debbie returned to OC as a Records Clerk in the Registrar's office for about 2 years.  She went on and worked for Ector County ISD at AIM High School as the Registrar while continuing her education.  In 1996, she earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminology from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin.  She worked as an Intern Counselor at Teen Parent Center, AIM High School, Student Assistant Services, and in Upward Bound's summer program.  Debbie joined Upward Bound in August of 1998 as an Academic Coordinator.  She completed her Masters in Educational-Counseling that same year from UTPB.

Yvette Barreno- Academic Advisor Yvette Barreno grew up in Pecos, TX and graduated from Pecos High School.  After graduation she attended Midland College for a year and then transferred to Odessa College Fall of 2002.  She received her Associates Degree in Science, December 2003 at Odessa College.  Yvette currently attends the University of Texas of the Permian Basin where she is working on her Masters in Public Administration and earned her BA in Political Science in 2006.  Her future plans include spending time with her family, enjoying life and someday attending law school.  She has a handsome son who’s name is Isaiah.  Isaiah is her inspiration and her heart.  Yvette enjoys spending time with her family (especially during the holidays), hanging out with friends, enjoys traveling and relaxing.   She has a wonderful family and very supportive parents - Angie and Ricky Barreno.  “I hold them close to my heart because they are special to me and I adore them.”

Edith Silva- Secretary Edith was welcomed into the world on November 20, 1972. Born in Alpine, raised in Odessa, Edith spent the first five and a half years of her life in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico. After graduating from Odessa High School, she attended Odessa College, married, and gave birth to her pride and joy, Sebastian. Sebastian is now eight and attends elementary school in Odessa. In the meantime, Edith has continued to work on her Associate's degree and expects to complete her requirements by December 2007. Like many others in the program, Edith is a first generation college student of immigrant parents and identifies closely with the Upward Bound participants. She plans to continue her academic career by completing a Bachelor's and Master's degree. She is delighted to be a part of Upward Bound and invites any and all questions about the program.