Diego Simões Silva

About Diego Simões Silva

With over 13 years of dedicated service at Buckner International, I have built a career as a global economic strengthening leader, committed to creating resilient, sustainable communities where families are empowered, and children thrive. Throughout my tenure at Buckner, my focus has always been on developing strategies that combine family strengthening services with economic development solutions, which I firmly believe is the key to creating measurable, long-term change.As Director of Economic Strengthening at Buckner International, I spearhead numerous initiatives focused on family empowerment, community partnerships, and sustainable economic solutions, both in the U.S. and internationally. By building strategic relationships with government entities, faith-based organizations, and local nonprofits, I helped expand Buckner’s global impact and supported efforts that strengthened families in vulnerable communities across Texas and 8 other countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Kenya, and Ethiopia. My passion for advocacy and policy has driven my efforts to engage in national and international conversations on issues related to economic mobility, family support, and community empowerment. As a Founding Fellow of the USDA’s Inaugural Faith and Opportunity Fellowship, I gained invaluable experience working with USDA subject matter experts to develop Centers of Community Prosperity. This opportunity enabled me to connect with thought leaders and stakeholders at the national and international levels, furthering my work on economic development and local prosperity councils, especially in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.Throughout my career, I have been deeply inspired by my Christian faith and calling to serve families in need. I have led initiatives focused on empowering families through economic strengthening, advocacy, and policy development. I have seen firsthand how family-based care combined with economic development solutions—including impact investment for sustainable business creation and acceleration—drives real, measurable social change. I am driven by the belief that true transformation happens when families are given the tools to succeed and opportunities to thrive. By combining economic development with family strengthening solutions, we can create a foundation for resilient, self-sustaining communities. This continues to be my mission—to see families empowered, children thriving, and communities living out their fullest potential.

Experience

1. Director of Economic Strengthening

   Buckner International

   Mar 2025 — Present · Austin, TX, US

   As Director of Economic Strengthening at Buckner International, I have the privilege of advancing economic opportunities for families and communities in vulnerable situations, creating pathways to sustainability, dignity, and hope. Rooted in Buckner’s Christ-centered mission, my work focuses on developing innovative strategies that empower families through job creation, entrepreneurship, and community development.I lead efforts to expand Buckner’s global impact by building strategic partnerships with government agencies, nonprofits, donors, and investors. Together, we design and implement family economic strengthening initiatives that drive long-term, systemic change—helping families transition from survival to stability, and from institutional care to family-based solutions.At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to aligning economic development with social impact. I believe that true transformation happens when economic opportunity and family strengthening go hand-in-hand. That’s why we focus on scalable, sustainable solutions—such as job training, business incubators, and community-driven enterprise models—that not only generate income but also foster resilience and dignity within families. By integrating economic strengthening into the broader continuum of family services, we help create stable, nurturing environments where children can thrive. This alignment ensures that our initiatives are not just interventions, but catalysts for lasting change that honors the God-given potential in every family we serve.If you share a passion for empowering communities through sustainable, faith-driven initiatives, I’d love to connect.

Education

• The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

  Master of Public Administration (MPA), Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management

  2015 — 2016

• Hendrickson High School

  High School Diploma, General Studies

  2004 — 2006

• Baptist University of the Americas

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Biblical/Theological Studies

  2008 — 2010

Skills

• Spanish
• Pastoring
• Volunteer Management
• Fundraising
• Brazilian Portuguese
• Leadership Development
• Discipleship
• Preaching
• Church Growth
• Pastoral Care
• Community Organizing
• Program Development
• Community Outreach
• Higher Education
• Youth Leadership
• Nonprofit Management
• Missions
• Teaching
• Nonprofits
• Public Speaking
• Church Administration
• Leadership
• Biblical Studies
• Event Planning
• Grief Counseling
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Youth Ministry
• Poverty Reduction
• Volunteer Recruiting
• Social Justice