See how Diego turned growing up in a rural border town into a career helping entrepreneurs and communities across the country build opportunity of their own.
Growing up in Del Rio, Texas, Diego Rubio learned early that talent exists everywhere, even when opportunity does not. In a rural border community with limited resources, he saw firsthand how geography can shape access to education, careers, and economic mobility. Rather than following a traditional path, Diego built his career through entrepreneurship, public service, professional certifications, and continuous learning. As a STAR, he discovered that creating opportunities for others could become a pathway to creating opportunity for himself.
Entrepreneurship became the foundation of Diego's career journey. Early in his career, he helped launch and lead a business incubator for the City of Del Rio, supporting local entrepreneurs, securing major grant funding, and helping revitalize the city's Main Street district. Through this work, he saw how small businesses and local innovators could transform communities when given the right support. The experience sparked a passion for economic development and reinforced his belief that innovation is not limited to major cities or traditional career paths.
Today, Diego serves as a Senior Program Manager for Entrepreneurship at the Center on Rural Innovation, where he helps communities across the country build inclusive and sustainable technology economies. He has also taught entrepreneurship at The University of Texas at Austin, mentoring students and startups while helping future innovators turn ideas into action. As a STARs Advisory Council member and Advocacy Subcommittee Lead, Diego continues to champion alternative pathways to success and economic mobility. His story is a reminder that talent is not defined by geography, degrees, or circumstance. It is defined by what people build, who they serve, and the impact they create along the way.
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