Meet the CREW Team

Aranza Torres, LMSW

Project Director

Aranza Torres, LMSW (she/her) is a first-generation immigrant from Mexico but who claims Waco as her home. Aranza has 10 years of social work experience working with diverse and often vulnerable populations. Aranza has been active in the Waco community participating in local organizations, events and engaging in work that promoted local community wellness alongside organizations that include; Hispanic Leaders Network, Waco Immigrants Alliance, United Way of McLennan County, La Puerta, and Habitat for Humanity. Aranza currently serves as Project Director for Student Resources at McLennan Community College, managing the Basic Needs Grant. In this role Aranza oversees all Basic Needs programming on the campus—often seeking innovative ways to address student needs. In her free time Aranza enjoys spending time with her 4 dogs, reading and working on puzzles.

What do you enjoy most about working at McLennan?
I love working at MCC because I can see and know how much other staff and faculty care about our students and the work we are doing. MCC is one of Waco’s most undervalued resources, I LOVE to see alumni out in their businesses and with their families they are a wonderful example of what a great institution MCC is.

What excites you most about working with the CREW?
I love the team I work with. We are creative, innovative and often challenge each other. We make things happen and that is just amazing to see.

What is an inspirational quote you like?
"Creating is an act against dying." Sandra Cisneros

What is your favorite thing to do in Waco?
I love all our local restaurants, we have some great hole in the wall places that are incredible. I love food.

LaTasha Davis

Resource Specialist

LaTasha Davis received her Associate of Arts from McLennan Community College in 2008 and her Bachelor of Science from Tarleton State University in 2010. Her employment includes having served as a Veteran Case Manager for Caritas of Waco, as a Case Manager for the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network, and as a CPS Case Manager for the Department of Family and Protective Services in Waco. LaTasha brings valuable and relevant work experience to this position, including assisting clients in learning how to cope with mental/physical illness, substance abuse, poverty, unemployment, homelessness, and food instability/insecurity.

What do you enjoy most about working at McLennan?
Where do I start? I enjoy my coworkers and engaging with the students. MCC’s leadership team is supportive of staff and cares about our needs. I do enjoy the professional development class opportunities, workshops, and informational sessions. Not to mention the scenery, the campus is beautiful.

What excites you most about working with the CREW?
Being able to assist students and help connect them to the resources they need. It’s rewarding to be their support system and help them navigate through college and the real world.

What is an inspirational quote you like?
"People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together.” Michelle Obama

What is your favorite thing to do in Waco?
I love going to Cameron Park Zoo, Cameron Park Skate World and Practically Pikasso with my children. I’m a foodie so I love trying new local restaurants. I enjoy wondering downtown, looking at the new murals and visiting local shops.