Our Speakers

Albesa “Abby” Vela, President & Co-Owner

Abby Vela is proud to have been a migrant worker in her younger years. Abby received her nursing degree in 1983 from the College of Saint Mary’s in Omaha, Nebraska. Abby also received her Parish Nursing Certificate from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. Abby is married to Gustavo Vela. They are the proud parents of three wonderful children: Ruth Ann, Veronica and Gustavo Jr. They are also equally proud grand- parents of Kaitlyn Jeannette.

Ms Vela has served in various leadership positions in healthcare, faith base ministry, public and private sectors. She began her distinguished/professional life in her medical/business in critical/demanding leadership positions ranging from executive administrative in various medical/business settings. She was a previous owner of RVG Home and Community Health Services as speaker/consultant. She was also a previous owner of Health Focus Unlimited, a home health agency. Abby is also the Health Awareness Director for the Women’s Clinic of South Texas.

Abby Vela shares her years of leadership experience as a motivational, inspirational speaker, trainer and consultant by empowering and Linking People Together regardless of age, culture, ethnicity or gender. Ms Vela is dedicated to continue to work with children, youth, young adults, parents and educators. She also works with corporations, profit, non-profit and faith based ministries. She believes in the importance of individuals to be empowered in Spirit, Mind and Body/Physical. Her seminars/workshop/presentations are focused to reach every social economic level.

Gustavo A. Vela, Administrator/CFO & Co-Owner.

Gustavo A. Vela was born and raised in Edinburg, TX. After graduating from Edinburg High School in 1972, Gustavo served 14 years in the United States Air Force. He was honorably discharged in 1986 and returned to Texas where he worked for the Hidalgo County Health Department as Personnel/Budget Director. In 1990, Gustavo went to work for the Texas Employment Commission in both the Edinburg and Weslaco offices. In 1996, Gustavo got hired with the US Postal Service from which he retired in 2004.

Gustavo has been involved with medical ministry teams from Nebraska and Michigan going into Mexico. He has been involved with faith-based ministry in youth groups doing drama, music and community outreach.

Gustavo is proud to have been a migrant worker in his younger years. He earned his BS in Health Care Management from the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, IL. Gustavo has been involved in leadership development in the fields of corporate, health care, organizational, academia and faith-based ministry. Gustavo has been the co-owner of RVG Home and Community Health Services and Health Focus Unlimited, Inc. He is presently the co-owner of Universal Connections…Linking People Together.

Gustavo is married to Albesa “Abby” Alafa. They are the proud parents of three children: Ruth Ann, Veronica Jeannette and Gustavo A. Vela Jr. Gustavo and Abby are the very proud grandparents of their first grandchild: Kaitlyn Jeannette. They give all their credit to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit for their careers and family.

Annabel Avalos Laurel

Annabel was born to Minerva and Alberto Avalos. She is a sibling to four sisters (Lydia, Angelica, Rosalinda, and Cristela) and one brother (Albert). Born and raised in Weslaco, Annabel graduated from Weslaco High School in 1977. She attended and graduated from Pan American University in December of 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Generic Special Education & General Education. Annabel is married to Gumecindo Laurel, Jr. and they both have two sons, Gumecindo III and Andrew Aaron.

Gumecindo “Gume” Laurel, Jr.

Gume is a high school teacher with the Weslaco Independent School District. He has a total of 19 ½ years teaching experience with Weslaco HS, Progreso HS, and South Texas Vo-Tech. Gume has served as a Technology Committee Member and Technology Trainer for both Weslaco ISD and Progeso ISD. He has also served as a UIL Accounting and Computer Applications coach, and was UIL Coordinator for Progreso ISD and served a two-year term as UIL Coordinator for District 32-AAA. In addition, Gume also served as the Accounting coach for the Business Professionals of America – Chapter II at Weslaco HS. Gume was selected as Progreso ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year in 1998 and Texas Business Educators Association – District 1 Teacher of the Year in 1999. Gume was also nominated as Tech-Prep Teacher of the Year for Weslaco HS in 2005. While in college Gume also worked for Paul’s A/C and Electrical, Inc. and Valcon, Inc. as a bookkeeper and assistant office manager respectively.

Gume was born to Andrea and Gumecindo Laurel and is the brother to Ileana. Raised in rural Starr County, he graduated from San Isidro High School. Gume attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville and graduated from Pan American University with a B.B.A. in Business Education. Gume is married to Annabel Avalos and they both have two sons, Gumecindo III and Andrew Aaron.