Debra Franco is the Child Hunger Outreach Specialist for Baylor University's Texas Hunger Initiative (THI) McAllen office. She is responsible for promoting and expanding participation in the USDA FNS programs in South Texas, with a special emphasis on child nutrition in school campuses within the border counties of Cameron, Hidalgo and Starr. She earned a bachelor's degree in business and has 14 years of experience in management with the private sector. Debra is also the President and Co-Founder of the South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving over 500 families of children living with diabetes. She is the recipient of multiple awards for her community service and participates in numerous local, state and national boards, including School Health Advisory Councils. She was recently recognized by Texas Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., for her outstanding contribution to border health.