Meet the Team
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ALEXA ZAMORA
FOUNDER & CEO
Alexa Zamora, a proud Brownsville, Texas native, is a leader shaped by family, community, and an unwavering belief in the power of service. From the softball field, where she competed from ages 8 to 22 to her work in education, child investigations, and nonprofit leadership, Alexa has dedicated her life to protecting, uplifting, and empowering children.
Her career began in child investigations, where she gained firsthand insight into the hardships children and families face behind closed doors. Through advocacy, crisis response, and securing access to essential resources, Alexa witnessed how deeply systemic barriers disrupt a child’s safety, stability, and long-term success. These experiences ignited her lifelong mission: to break cycles before they begin.
Transitioning into education, Alexa brought that same fire and compassion into the classroom. In her very first year of teaching, she earned the Regional Core Value Award for Equity after launching a school-based community closet at her IDEA campus, a closet she still manages to this day. What started as a shelf of hygiene products and emergency essentials has grown into a trusted, judgment-free space where children across campus naturally come to her room when they need anything at all. No hesitation. No stigma. No questions asked. Just safety, dignity, and love.
Her classroom became a sanctuary and her presence a steady source of comfort on campus. Alexa’s belief is simple but transformative: real change begins when children know they have somewhere safe to turn.
By her third year, she was leading her region academically in 2nd grade Wit & Wisdom and earning recognition beyond education. She was nominated for the Changemaker Award for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, honoring her commitment to equity, youth empowerment, and grassroots innovation. In 2025, The Endless Project became a participating organization with the Valero Texas Open Champions fore Charity Program, securing a place among organizations making significant impact.
Alexa is also known for her ability to build community in a way that is deeply human. When she launches campaigns like Endless Christmas, backpack drives, and athletic support initiatives, she intentionally partners with small businesses that are often overlooked, shining a light on local owners who give back quietly and consistently. She believes that partnerships should be rooted in people first, not transactions, and that true growth begins with authentic connection long before business ever enters the conversation.
Today, Alexa channels her combined experience in investigations, education, community programming, and project management into The Endless Project, a nonprofit devoted to closing the gaps in education and athletics before they become barriers. She leads initiatives that provide basic needs, athletic support, and community-rooted resources to children who often fall through the cracks, not because of lack of potential, but lack of access.
Her work is building sustainable pathways for children across Texas, strengthening families, empowering young athletes, supporting teachers, uplifting small businesses, and mobilizing entire communities to show up for kids the way she always has.
Alexa’s journey is a testament to service, resilience, and the belief that love, when lived out loud, changes everything. Through The Endless Project, she is creating a legacy of opportunity and impact, ensuring that the work, the hope, and the kindness never end.
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JOANN MARCHAN-BRIONES
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
JoAnn Marchan-Briones is a woman of unwavering love, dedication, and resilience. With over 31 years of service in education, she has shaped countless lives, nurturing not just academic success but also instilling confidence, perseverance, and purpose in her students. Beyond the classroom, she extends her passion for helping others into real estate, guiding families toward finding homes where they can build their futures.
At the heart of everything she does is family. As the proud mother of Alexa and Ian, JoAnn has led by example, teaching them the power of hard work, compassion, and integrity. Her tireless efforts and sacrifices have paved the way for her children to chase their dreams while remaining rooted in the values she has instilled in them.
Now, JoAnn brings her wealth of experience and heart for service to The Endless Project, where she serves as the Chief Financial Officer. In this role, JoAnn’s expertise in both education and real estate will be instrumental in creating safe spaces, providing vital resources, and ensuring sustainable pathways to success for children and families in need. Her deep understanding of financial stewardship will guide the project’s growth, helping secure the resources necessary to support students and families in their pursuit of a brighter future.
What truly makes JoAnn’s impact unique is her ability to lead with love, especially as a mother. Working alongside her two children, Alexa and Ian, in a team built on family and love, JoAnn demonstrates that the heart of The Endless Project is grounded in values that go beyond just service. As a mother, she embodies the importance of nurturing relationships, building trust, and making sacrifices for the greater good—all of which will enrich the community The Endless Project serves.
JoAnn’s journey is a testament to the belief that love, hard work, and service can change lives. With her at the helm of The Endless Project’s financial strategy, alongside her children, her legacy of empowerment will continue to grow, ensuring that every child has the resources and support they need to thrive. Together, as a family, they are helping to shape a future where opportunities are endless.
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IAN BRIONES
GRANT WRITER
Ian Briones, a proud Brownsville, Texas native, is a visionary with a deep commitment to using his voice to create a lasting impact. As a student at Texas A&M in College Station, majoring in Communications with a minor in Technical Writing, Ian hones his ability to craft powerful narratives that inform, inspire, and connect people. His passion for storytelling extends beyond the classroom into his role as a Grant Writer for The Endless Project, where his writing plays a key role in securing essential funding to support the organization’s mission.
In his role, Ian’s skills in communication are crucial for forging partnerships and securing resources to expand The Endless Project’s reach. His ability to tell compelling stories and connect with potential supporters ensures that the mission of empowering children and families reaches the right people. Ian’s dedication to growth—whether through his intellectual pursuits, physical training, or personal journey with his dog Louie—reflects his strong values and determination to make a difference.
As The Endless Project continues to grow, Ian’s work as a grant writer remains integral to building the resources necessary to provide students with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. Through his visionary approach and unwavering commitment to his values, Ian actively brings the project’s mission to life, securing a brighter future for children and families in need, one grant at a time. His journey is well underway, and with his passion for communication and family by his side, Ian continues to make an impact through his words, forging pathways to a better future for all.