Dr. Marcos Silva is an educator, youth advocate, and innovator dedicated to making a difference in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). As the Executive Director of RGV LEAD, he works to bridge education and industry, helping students prepare for meaningful careers and brighter futures.

Marcos holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master’s in Educational Administration from the University of Texas–Pan American, as well as a Doctorate in Education from Northeastern University in Boston, specializing in Curriculum, Teaching, Learning, and Leadership. His dedication has earned him several notable accolades, including being named a TED-Ed Innovative Educator, a Bezos Educator Scholar, and a Presidential Scholar’s Influential Teacher by the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, he has been recognized for his contributions to programs highlighted as Bright Spots for Hispanic Education by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.

As the co-founder of the South Texas Ideas Festival (STXi), Marcos has created spaces to amplify youth voices and cultivate leadership. Supported by TED-Ed and the Bezos Foundation, STXi collaborates with local and national organizations to host conferences and workshops that inspire youth leadership and community engagement.

Marcos’ commitment to showcasing the RGV on a global stage is evident in his role as curator of TEDxMcAllen (2019), TEDxMcAllen Youth (2023), and TEDxMcAllen (2024). He also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas–Rio Grande Valley.