Meet Our Team &Leadership
Guiding the future through education & sports
Katiuska Gil
Executive Director
Immigrant. Mother. Educator. Advocate.
At 15, her son arrived in the United States without speaking English and without friends. Today, he is a successful young man and that journey ignited a mission far greater than sports.
Katiuska is a Venezuelan-born nonprofit executive and former educator dedicated to expanding college access for Latino and first-generation families. As the Executive Director of A2 Toques Foundation, she leads a movement that transforms talent into opportunity.
Through structured college readiness programs, scholarship guidance, and mentorship for students and athletes, she helps families confidently navigate admissions, financial aid, and long-term academic planning.
Her leadership blends strategy and heart — turning personal experience into a platform that multiplies generational impact.
She believes information changes lives — and that every student deserves someone who shows them the path.
Vanessa Escalona
Mentor
Born and raised in Venezuela, Vanessa brings a truly global perspective to her work as a Human Resources and Global Talent Mobility leader for multinational organizations. With a strong people-first mindset, she guides companies through complex cross-border workforce strategies that drive sustainable business growth.
Vanessa is delighted and honored to support the foundation’s mission and to serve alongside a team deeply committed to giving back to the community. This work reflects her core values and her belief in strengthening and uplifting others.
A proud mother of two — her most cherished role — Vanessa brings empathy, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning to everything she does. Outside of the office, you’ll likely find her traveling, discovering new restaurants, enjoying music, movies, or trying her hand at a new wheel-thrown pottery project.
Board Of Directors
Aaric Wallace
President
Aaric Wallace, a 6th Generation Texan, is a mortgage professional, husband, and proud father with a deep passion for community involvement. For the past five years, he has volunteered with CASA of Williamson County, advocating for children and families in need. Aaric is also actively involved in the soccer community in Austin, where he enjoys connecting with others who share his love for the game.
Dr. Javier Banchs
Vice President
Dr. Javier Banchs is a Venezuelan-born cardiologist and Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiologist passionate about innovation, digital health, and empowering patients throughout their care journey. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Universidad Central de Venezuela and completed his training in Internal Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine (NY), Cardiovascular Diseases at the University of Louisville (KY), and Cardiac Electrophysiology at Penn State University (PA), where he later served as Associate Professor of Medicine and contributed to clinical research.
He is currently the Director of Electrophysiology and Pacing at Baylor Scott & White Health Central Texas Division, leading the expansion of advanced arrhythmia care and heart failure device therapies. A published author and scientific journal reviewer, he is committed to process optimization, early technology adoption, and expanding access to cutting-edge cardiovascular care.
Recognized as a Texas Monthly Super Doc in 2023 and 2024, he believes strongly in kindness, breaking barriers in healthcare, and making a positive impact. Outside of medicine, he is a passionate Austin FC fan, enjoys growing peppers and spices, and even makes his own cheese.
Brian May
Treasure
Brian May is the Austin President of Vista Bank, a role he has held since opening the branch in January 2017. With nearly two decades of experience in the financial services industry, Brian holds a Bachelor’s in Business and a Master’s in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin, as well as a graduate degree from the Southwest Graduate School of Banking. Recognized as a 2014, 2015, and 2016 Finalist for the Austin Under 40 Awards in financial services, he currently serves on the boards of Eanes Education Foundation, The John Lockhart Foundation, and A2 Toques Foundation. His commitment to community extends to his service on the 4ATX Foundation Host Committee for the 2025 Austin FC Gala and the Host Committee for the 2025 Eanes Legends Luncheon.
A passionate supporter of soccer, Brian is married to Jovhanna May, and together they reside in Westlake with their children, Ryder (13) and Gisele (8). The family is deeply involved in the soccer community, regularly attending Austin FC games and contributing to local initiatives. Brian and Jovhanna also own and operate Urban Air Adventure Park in Cedar Park and Bee Cave, alongside other business ventures, reflecting their dedication to family, community, and youth development.
Salwa Yordi
Secretary
Salwa Yordi is a Venezuelan-born journalist, marketing consultant, and community advocate. She is the founder of Farandula Texas, a bilingual media platform dedicated to promoting cultural and entertainment events across Texas. Through Farandula Texas, she leads marketing and consulting efforts while also serving as an influencer and media personality. Salwa is also an entertainment reporter for Telemundo Austin, where she covers local and national events in Spanish-language media.
Our team are more than leaders; they are mentors and advocates united by a single conviction: the power of education & sports to transform lives.
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