Texas Border Business
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas — August 2026 — Village in the Valley (ViVa) has named Dina Sabnani its new Director of Development & Community Engagement, strengthening the nonprofit’s commitment to building relationships, expanding community partnerships and creating sustainable support for its work throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Founded in 2019, Village in the Valley is a multicultural nonprofit dedicated to elevating and uniting the Black community while connecting cultures in the Rio Grande Valley. Its work is built around three pillars — Culture, Community, and Commerce — and includes scholarships and youth support, cultural celebrations, community service initiatives, networking events, business visibility and other programs serving residents across the region.
In her new role, Sabnani will focus on cultivating relationships with donors, sponsors, members, businesses, civic leaders and strategic community partners. She will also help expand ViVa’s year-round visibility, membership and revenue opportunities while identifying new avenues of support for the organization’s programs and mission.
“Dina has been a genuine supporter of ViVa and our work in the community, and she understands the importance of relationships in moving a mission forward,” said ViVa Co-Presidents Marsha Terry and Dr. Theresa Gatling. “Her energy, connections and ability to bring people together make her a natural fit for this next stage of ViVa’s growth.”
Sabnani is a keynote speaker and facilitator on Human Energy & Workplace Wellbeing, known as The Joy Activator™. Through her company, Joyfull Wellthy Living LLC, she works with companies, municipalities, educational organizations and nonprofits throughout the Rio Grande Valley and beyond, helping people and workplaces strengthen energy, connection, trust, wellbeing and engagement.
Her work is rooted in a simple belief: work is human, joy is a strategy, and energy changes everything. Sabnani brings that same people-first approach to her new role with ViVa, where she has already been an active supporter, including serving on the organization’s Juneteenth planning efforts.
“ViVa is special because its work isn’t only about celebrating culture — it’s about creating connection, opportunity and a genuine sense of belonging,” Sabnani said. “I’ve supported this organization and these women for years, so stepping into a role where I can help deepen relationships, bring more people to the table and support ViVa’s long-term growth feels incredibly meaningful. There is so much good already happening here, and I’m excited to help more of the Rio Grande Valley know about it and become part of it.”
ViVa’s programs include its annual Juneteenth “Perfecting Unity” Celebration, scholarships and youth support, the Community Closet, Thanksgiving Meals for Seniors Program, MLK Day of Service, Heritage Gospel Festival, Sole to Soul 5K, and First Friday networking events.
To learn more about Village in the Valley, become a member or explore partnership and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.villageinthevalley.org.
About Village in the Valley
Village in the Valley (ViVa) is a Rio Grande Valley nonprofit founded on the belief that “it takes a village.” ViVa elevates and unites the Black community while connecting cultures throughout the Rio Grande Valley through Culture, Community and Commerce. ViVa’s vision is to build bridges of community and commerce that unite the region’s diverse cultures. ViVa is a membership-based organization open to all, regardless of race or ethnicity.
