History :: Staff :: Board of Directors :: Partners

Eli Velasquez, Executive Director

Eli Velasquez is the Executive Director for the RCIC, where he is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the organization, building strategic partnerships, and supporting all advanced technological projects. In addition, he works closely with State and local government officials, industry experts, and academic professionals to enhance the RCIC’s services and identify emerging technologies with commercial potential.

Prior to his employment with the RCIC, Eli worked for Boeing as an engineer with the Integrated Defense Systems group and also worked as an Intellectual Property Consultant in Boeing’s Intellectual Property Business unit.

Eli holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University and his J.D. degree with an Intellectual Property Certificate from Whittier Law School in Costa Mesa, CA.

His parents tell us that innovation has always been a part of Eli’s life. As a youngster, he spent more time developing his ideas for devices that would help him do chores, than actually doing chores.

Valerie Munoz, Public Relations Coordinator

Valerie is the Public Relations Coordinator for the RCIC. She is responsible for promoting the RCIC, its initiatives, clients, and partnerships through various media outlets.  She heads up marketing and community outreach efforts such as the Innovator’s Lab, press releases, newsletters and events.

Prior to the RCIC, Valerie was the PR and Marketing Coordinator for Stanton Street Technology Group and was a contributor to El Paso Magazine. Valerie works closely with other nonprofits in the El Paso region and serves on the board of the El Paso Advertising Federation and the CAFV Next to Nuevo committee.

Valerie can do a mean impersonation of Pete Townshend.

Rosey Natividad, Associate Director
Rosey Natividad wears many hats as the Associate Director for the RCIC. She is responsible for fundraising, resource development, as well as following up on the compliance of contractual agreements with the state. Rosey, an El Paso native, has a love for learning, she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Texas Tech, and a Master’s from UTEP.

As an accomplished grant writer, with over ten years in the public and private sector, Natividad is well known for her ability to move missions forward by creating collaborative synergy.

Rosey has danced ballet most of her life and recently returned from a stay in New York where she spent time researching material for a book she is writing.  With so much happening at the RCIC, Rosey hasn’t been able to make it to the ballet studio for practice, so we don’t pass judgment when she wears her tu-tu and performs the occasional plie’ at the office on Fridays.