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The Big Picture

Melissa Santos, Director of Finance and Marketing for Food City Supermarkets, will return to UTEP on Tuesday, April 1, for two sessions at the El Paso Natural Gas Conference Center.

Her talk, “Budgeting, Forecasting, and Storytelling,” explores how a third-generation, family-owned grocery chain has thrived in the borderland since 1964 — and how numbers can tell stories of purpose, people and perseverance.

Students and guests can attend either session:

• 1:30–2:50 p.m.
• 3:00–4:30 p.m.

Her visit is part of a speaker series hosted by the Center for Family and Small Business.

Why It Matters

Family businesses are the backbone of the Paso del Norte economy. Santos brings more than a decade of experience balancing growth with tradition — showing how financial strategy, storytelling and values work together to sustain a multigenerational company.

From navigating family dynamics to building trust with customers, her perspective connects the analytical side of business with the human side of leadership.

Event Details

The event is free and open to UTEP students, faculty, staff and the public. Seating is limited.

To RSVP, email jjhoffman@utep.edu.

About the Speaker

Melissa Santos leads finance and marketing for Food City Supermarkets, the family business her grandfather founded more than 60 years ago. Before joining the company, she worked in the nonprofit sector.

Last Updated on March 13, 2026 at 1:30 PM | Originally published March 13, 2026
Posted by Hunt Creative