Team Cruz Events
Daniel H. Cruz
CEO
Daniel H. Cruz is a southeast Texas native, Lamar University graduate, and is the owner of Cruz Events LLC. He is a member of the Nederland and Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Young Emerging Leaders, United Way SETX board members, and Vice President of the Hispanic Business Association. Daniel is a 2022 recipient of the 40 Under 40 award via the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization, YPO.
Daniel’s past experience as a middle and high school campus director has a special place in his heart. He established the Cruz Events Community Impact Scholarship in 2022 and it’s geared towards supporting first generation students. Through his business he finds ways to give back to the field of education and the community.
Ashley M. Arvie
Balloon Designer & Event Assistant
Ashley M. Arvie was born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She is the mother of a beautiful daughter who proudly serves in the army and a handsome young man who recently graduated high school. Ashley moved to Port Arthur, Texas 13 years ago and has called it home ever since. She joined the Cruz Events team in 2020. Ashley began her decor career by assisting with linens and soon became interested with the balloon-building process. Now, Ashley is the lead balloon designer and has shown tremendous growth in her field. Her goal is to become the best balloon designer in the state of Texas. Ashley is also a member of a variety of organizations such as the Hispanic Business Association, LULAC SETX, and Fiestas.
Marlene Castro
Drape Designer & Event Assistant
Marlene Castro was born and raised in Southeast Texas. She attended PAISD for the majority of her education, but graduated in 2013 from Bob Hope Charter School. After graduating high school, she attended Lamar State College Port Arthur. Marlene has a big heart for helping animals and has a handsome dog by the name of Tank. During her time volunteering at The Humane Society of SETX, she met Tank and rescued him. Marlene was the very first official Cruz Events employee and has been with the company since its inception in 2016. She started by assisting with items as needed and over time has been leading and overseeing the tedious instillation of event draping. Marlene was an NHS member and volunteered while in high school, so it’s no surprise she continues her community involvement with organizations such as the Hispanic Business Association and the Young Emerging Leaders.
Yeneli A. Castro
Lighting Designer & Social Media Assistant
Yeneli A. Castro is a Groves, Texas native and graduated from PNGISD in 2019. Yeneli is the youngest of three sisters. She has a dapper cat named Fio and a handsome dog named Otis. Her passion is in the field of technology and has a good eye for editing. Yeneli joined the Cruz Events team in 2018 and began assisting with items needed. Her niche was clearly the lighting aspects of design and capturing the details of the final product. Yeneli soon became the lead in lighting design and social media assistant. These are vital elements that showcase each event and the strengths of the business. Yeneli is also a part of local organizations such as the Hispanic Business Association and the Young Emerging Leaders.
Elaine E. Sanchez
Balloon Designer Assistant
Elaine E. Sanchez was born and raised in Port Arthur, TX. She has been married to Ronaldo Sanchez since 2017 and together they have one son. Elaine has had 10 years experience in the event industry and decided to join the Cruz Events team in 2023. Elaine began her decor career by decorating for family events and has assisted with a wedding company before. She became interested with the balloon-building process in 2020 and decided to add balloons to her business. Now, Elaine helps assist with balloon design and instillation. Her goal is to learn different balloon techniques. Elaine is also a member of a few organizations such as Young Emerging Leaders and Fiestas.