Team Cruz Events
Daniel H. Cruz
CEO
Daniel H. Cruz is a proud Southeast Texas native and a dedicated leader committed to community growth and education. A graduate of Memorial High School, Lamar State College Port Arthur, and Lamar University, Daniel is the owner and CEO of Cruz Events LLC, a company deeply integrated into the local business community. His company is a proud member of the Nederland, Port Neches, Groves, Bridge City, Beaumont, Orange, and Port Arthur Chambers of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau of Southeast Texas, as well as the Golden Triangle Business Roundtable.
Daniel has made significant contributions to his community, serving on the United Way SETX board and as a Nederland Chamber Ambassador. He has held leadership roles in several local organizations, including President of the Young Emerging Leaders, Hispanic Business Association, Hispanic Proactive Coalition, and LULA Southeast Texas.
His business acumen and community spirit have earned him numerous accolades, including being named a 2022 recipient of the 40 Under 40 Award by the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization, a 2025 recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr Support Group Of Southeast Texas, and is an Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society member. Additionally, Cruz Events LLC was honored as Business of the Month by the Nederland Chamber in 2022, is a 2024 BBB Torch Finalist in the Micro Business Category, and the 2024 Hispanic Business of the Year by the Port Arthur SBDC. The company was also awarded the 2024 Local Business Champions title by the Groves Chamber of Commerce.
Daniel’s leadership extends into education. As the Campus Director at Bob Hope Middle and High School, he spearheaded the high school’s expansion project. His passion for education led him to establish the Cruz Events Community Impact Scholarship in 2022, aimed at supporting first-generation college students. Through his work, Daniel continues to find ways to give back to both the educational sector and the community at large. His dedication to making a lasting difference is embodied in the Familia Cruz Foundation, established in 2025, which seeks to improve the community as a whole.
In his own words, “The community we invest in will be greater and stronger for years to come.” - Daniel H. Cruz
Chief Operating Officer
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.
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.
Gema A. Hernandez
Balloon Designer Assistant
Gema was born and raised in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, where she studied business administration. She now resides in Beaumont, Texas. As the owner of Gemas Ventas, a partner in Liam's Western Shop, and a team member at Cruz Events, Gema embraces her entrepreneurial spirit. Additionally, she shines as a presenter on the Mon Show program.
Her favorite hobby is dancing, which allows her to express herself and connect with others. Gema finds joy in meeting new people and learning something new every day. She also values volunteering and helping throughout the community. Gema’s positive outlook is reflected in her personal motto: "The key to success is to give a smile and remember that it’s never too late to start something new.”