Staff

Danielle started with TEXAS YES in July of 2015. Prior to becoming the Executive Director, Danielle worked at several national non-profits. Danielle started her non-profit career working for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the Coastal Bend, as a Fundraising Coordinator and became the Executive Director a year later. After moving to the San Antonio area, Danielle joined the American Heart Association managing the social events, the annual Heart Ball, and the Go Red for Women Luncheon. Within the first three years, she increased the Heart Ball from $280,000 to over $1 million dollars and doubled the number of active members for the Circle of Red. Danielle had been told by her father since an early age to ‘always give back to the community you live in’ and she has kept this at the forefront of what she does.  When she became a mother, her passion to support kids became stronger and she joined SA YES, which became TEXAS YES Project in May 2022. Since becoming the Executive Director, the free school supply program, Box of Dreams, has grown from serving 22,000 kids in San Antonio, to supporting 85,000 elementary students across the state.

Her more than 20 years of experience and passion has led to help support other organizations in San Antonio with event and auction support.

Favorite memory: There are too many to choose just one, however, my very first distribution day or I should say days.  I have never experienced such personal emotions as I did that day.  The teachers and staff thanking me, the kids being so excited and high fiving us and the little boy who thanked me because he didn’t have any supplies. Over the last 8 years, I can add in the smiles and excitement on the kid’s faces when we unveil a new Little Locker, and we have their favorite authors.

Favorite quote: “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” – Albert Einstein

If they could be any animal: Elephant. I view elephants as majestic and powerful creatures. Growing up I wanted to be the same, powerful in what I did and never forgetting the lessons I have learned.

How she spends her free time: I enjoy traveling with family and friends, reading, attending concerts and two-stepping.

To reach Danielle: Danielle.gunter@texasyesproject.org

Marissa joined TEXAS YES in April 2019, driven by a deep passion for a making a positive impact in the community she was born and raised in. Prior to becoming part of the TEXAS YES team, Marissa dedicated her time to volunteering at Drive Away for Education Telethons and the mission is what led her to join the team. With a background in nonprofit work and a heart for making a difference, Marissa’s commitment to the mission of TEXAS YES continues to drive her dedication to helping others.

Favorite memory: One of my favorite memories is the first time I dressed up as Chase from Paw Patrol for ‘distribution day’ and handed out school supplies to the kids. The sheer joy I saw in their faces, along with the endless hugs, high fives, and smiles, was truly priceless.

Favorite quote: “The Earth has music for those who listen.” – Shakespeare

If they could be any animal: Blue Whale. Personally, I’m terrified of the deep ocean but if I were a Blue Whale, I would be the largest animal on the planet and I would be able to enjoy the ocean without any fears. Fun fact did you know the tongue of the blue whale is as big as an elephant?

How she spends her free time: In my free time, I love being with my family. My husband is a firefighter, so I truly treasure the moments we have together when he’s home with me and our kids. We enjoy hosting BBQs and inviting friends over for margaritas, making the most of those fun, laid-back evenings. When we’re not at home, you can usually find us at a concert, singing and dancing the night away.

To reach Marissa: Marissa.moreno@texasyesproject.org

Mason started volunteering with Texas YES in 2024 , where he assisted with a school supply distribution. This experience sparked a passion for supporting others and giving back. Since then, he has actively contributed to initiatives such as Spacecon and additional school supply drives, consistently showing his dedication to serving the community.

Favorite Memory: A favorite memory of mine is the first school supply drop off I was able to be a part of, I was fortunate enough to be able to experience giving back to the community and since then I have developed a passion to help others.

Favorite Quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky

If you could be any Animal: If I could be any animal I would be a Kiwi, because they only live in New Zealand and that is my dream destination. In addition to this I like the idea of being unique, which is what the Kiwi embodies due to being flightless and the size of a house cat.

How you spend your free time: I primarily spend my free time playing volleyball and soccer. I enjoy staying active, and these sports are a fun way for me to relax and spend time with my friends.