Staff

Margaret Garcia is Associate Vice President for the Office of Communications & Brand Marketing at the University of the Incarnate Word. In this role she directs a multidisciplinary team—spanning public relations, marketing, digital media, and design—that advances UIW’s Mission and brand across all platforms. Her portfolio also includes oversight of the Office of Graphic Design & Printing Services, chairing the Visual Corporate Identity Committee, and serving as the University’s liaison to the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and their 11 U.S. ministries.

A communications executive with more than four decades of experience, Garcia began her career in broadcast journalism at KMOL (now WOAI) in 1985 and later became Public Service Director and host of Hola Houston at KRIV-FOX 26. There she launched city-wide food, blood and clothing drives that became signature community-engagement initiatives. Returning to San Antonio in 1999, she led public affairs for the Edwards Aquifer Authority, modernizing its web presence and K-12 outreach programs. She subsequently served as Public Relations Director for Cutting Edge Communications, guiding campaigns for clients such as the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Catholic Relief Services, and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ nationwide Spanish-language rollout of Medicare Part D.

Garcia joined UIW in 2008 as Associate Director of Public Relations, rising to Director (2018), Senior Director (2021), and Associate Vice President (2024).

A San Antonio native, she is an alumna of Incarnate Word High School and holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. She and her husband, Tim, are proud parents of three UIW graduates—Adriana (married to Joshua Martinez), Nicholas, and Clarissa (married to Gregory Regino)—and grandparents to Emma, Lyla, and Molly.

Michael Valdés serves as the Assistant Director Office of Communications and Brand Marketing for the University of the Incarnate Word. He has 30 years of experience in the field of journalism. For almost two decades, he served in various roles, including Weekday Anchor for FOX News at Nine at KABB-TV in San Antonio.

At UIW, Valdés is responsible for creating, managing and monitoring communications, media outreach, media relations and public relations efforts of the University, Incarnate Word High School and St. Anthony Catholic High School.

Valdés has a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from The University of Texas at San Antonio and an associate's degree in Radio-TV-Film from San Antonio College.

Zoey Cadena is the administrative assistant in the Office of Communications and Brand Marketing at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). In her role, she plans, organizes and coordinates administrative duties working closely with the director and staff. She serves as a liaison by assisting departments across UIW with inventory control, building services, equipment maintenance and repair, purchasing, safety and logistical support. Cadena assists with the coordination of various activities, meetings, conferences and workshops.

Cadena earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from the University of the Incarnate Word.

Stephanie Denning has more than 23 years of experience in advancement, marketing and communications. Stephanie began her career as the Director of Development for ACCEL, a special education program based in Phoenix, AZ. In this role, she was the first marketing professional for the organization and was responsible for all public-facing initiatives including fundraising, events, promotional materials, web design, branding development and social media. After almost 10 years in this role, she consulted with ACCEL for an additional 3 years before relocating to Texas. Next, Stephanie assumed the same position with Our Lady of the Hills Regional Catholic High School (OLH) in Kerrville, TX. During her year at OLH she was responsible for generating over $715,000 in donations as well as designing and producing all marketing/PR collateral, logos, website and newsletters. Additionally, she started the first social media channels for the institution and composed and published all press releases, ad campaigns, and other external communications. Stephanie joined the UIW family in 2012 as the Director of Development for Incarnate Word High School. She worked with the advancement team on all fundraising, events, and marketing initiatives until making the move to UIW’s Broadway campus in 2021 as the Communications and Content Manager for the Office of Communications and Brand Marketing (OCM). In 2025, she assumed the role of Brand Marketing, Advertising and Licensing Manager. 

In her current role, Stephanie collaborates with the AVP of Communications and Brand Marketing to create marketing plans and advertising campaigns, as well as providing oversight for the University’s branding and licensing programs. As a member of the OCM team, Stephanie focuses on protecting the UIW brand, supporting the University’s strategic priorities, and further strengthening UIW’s reputation and brand regionally, nationally and globally.  

Mariah Arevalos serves as the Content Strategy Manager at the University of the Incarnate Word, where she leads the development and execution of digital content, social media strategy, and university branding initiatives. She brings five years of experience in communications, with a strong background in storytelling, digital engagement, and content planning.

Before joining UIW, she was the Communications Specialist at Incarnate Word High School. There, she led strategic communications efforts, launched advertising and marketing campaigns, revitalized the school’s website and social media presence, and planned events while also providing in-house photography and videography.

Arevalos earned a Bachelor of Science in Advertising with a minor in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from The University of Texas at Austin.

Devin Castillo serves as the University’s communications officer in the Office of Communications and Brand Marketing. Her responsibilities include the production of internal and external communications, assisting in social media content creation, aid in marketing and branding strategies, and supporting public relations.

Castillo graduated from Texas Lutheran University with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and a minor in English Studies.

Michelle Vasquez is the digital experience strategy manager in the Office of Communications and Brand Marketing at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). She is responsible for creating and implementing strategies designed to improve the digital customer experience, satisfaction and conversion. She has over 15 years of experience working as a digital communications professional in the higher education industry with proven expertise in strategic planning, content management, web development, graphic design and social media.

Vasquez earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Graphic Arts and a master’s degree in Administration concentrating in communications from the University of the Incarnate Word. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Adult Education, Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Denise Aguilar brings over fourteen years of experience in event planning within the corporate and nonprofit sectors, specializing in both small and large-scale events. Her career began at Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas as a program specialist, where she spearheaded her first major event, the Cookie Rallies. As her career progressed, she gained experience coordinating community events and working closely with city vendors and partners for public city-wide events at Hemisfair. Denise further expanded her expertise in the hospitality sector by collaborating on key events at SeaWorld San Antonio and the San Antonio Zoo. As Consumer Events Director at the San Antonio Zoo, she successfully managed the zoo’s signature events like Zoo La-La!, Zoo Run, Zoo Boo and Zoo Lights. Most recently at University Health, she oversaw the annual fundraiser event Medical Miracles Gala.

In her role at UIW, Denise is responsible for special events and ceremonies, including serving as the lead coordinator for the university’s beloved Light the Way event. She also collaborates closely with the marketing and communication teams to ensure seamless event execution.

Denise holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Public Relations with a minor in Spanish from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Outside of work, she enjoys every adventure-filled day with her son and her dog, finding joy in the laughter and memories they create together.