Julisa Medrano-Guerra’s story is one of resilience and determination. Born in Garden City, Kansas, to Mexican immigrants working at a meatpacking plant, she grew up in a Spanish-speaking household with three sisters. Her family’s financial struggles meant they often traveled to Mexico for dental and medical care, as U.S. healthcare costs were out of reach. Despite these challenges, Julisa graduated in the top 10 percent of her high school class while working at Baskin Robbins to contribute to her family’s income.

Her journey to higher education was marked by extraordinary sacrifice and determination. At Texas State University, she worked nights at a Walmart distribution center to pay for her tuition, while her family made profound sacrifices—even going without electricity for a week—to support her dreams. There, she pursued a degree in criminal justice and honed her leadership skills through DECA, a competitive organization that sharpened her business acumen.

After graduating, Julisa moved to San Antonio and began her career at Paramour. Through hard work and determination, she rose through the ranks to become a manager and played a pivotal role in launching the associated restaurant, Colette. As an owner and manager, she gained firsthand experience with the complexities of running a business—navigating payroll, managing staff, and keeping costs low in an age of rising inflation. Her experience has given her a unique perspective on the challenges faced by working families and small business owners, making her a passionate advocate for economic opportunity and fairness.

In July, she married local attorney Martin Phipps and became a stepmother to his two children, embracing the joys and challenges of blended family life. Julisa Medrano-Guerra’s life is a powerful reminder that adversity can be a catalyst for greatness.