Meet Our Team
Sebastián Ribas-Normand
Director
[email protected]
(915) 212-3271
Sebastián Ribas-Normand holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from the University of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca, Spain. After working at the Deià Archaeological Museum and Research Centre, several heritage preservation projects, and research at the 13th century Bellver Castle, Mallorca, Spain, he moved to the United States in 2003, relocating to El Paso in 2006 to work at the El Paso Museum of History (EPMH). While at EPMH, he worked as Operations, Facility Supervisor, and Preparator for 15 years. In 2022 he was appointed as the Museum Director of the El Paso Museum of Archaeology (EPMArch). Since then, he has worked in upgrading exhibits, and new programming, with a focus on the Chihuahuan Desert outdoors, and the Native American communities from our region.
Diane Vera-Ureño
Membership & Outreach Coordinator
[email protected]
(915) 212-3273
Diane Vera-Ureño currently serves as the Membership & Outreach Coordinator. She conducts outreach, coordinates public events, as well as the museum’s social media. Prior to joining the EPMArch team, Diane was an art educator in the El Paso community. She earned both her Bachelor and Masters of Arts from the University of Texas at El Paso. In addition, she has recently earned her Masters in Fine Arts from MassArt in Boston, Massachusetts. As an artist, educator and community advocate, Diane strives to reach out to the community in this unique archaeological museum setting at the foot of the Franklin Mountains.
Emma Garcia
Museum Secretary
[email protected]
(915) 212-3274
Emma Garcia was born and grew up in El Paso, Texas. In 2021, she became a Museum Secretary at the Museum. Prior to this role, she worked for 7 years as a Development Assistant at the El Paso Museum of Art, and subsequently moved to El Paso Water Utilities, where she held the position of Senior Office Assistant for 3 years.
Brooke Thorson
Education & Curatorial Associate
[email protected]
(915) 212-3272
Brooke Thorson moved to El Paso in 2024 and currently serves as the Education and Curatorial Associate. A lifelong museum lover, Brooke graduated magna cum laude from Texas A&M University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a minor in Museum Studies, and continued her education, receiving a Master of Arts in Heritage and Museum Sciences from Texas Tech University in 2023. Brooke is passionate about sharing the stories of the past through artifacts and exhibits and creating safe spaces in museums for learners of all ages through hands-on, place-based educational programming.
Evelyn Cervantes
Visitor Services Assistant
[email protected]
(915) 212-3270
Evelyn Cervantes was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Leadership Studies with a minor in Communication. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she plans to continue her education by earning a master’s degree in business. She has always enjoyed working with and helping people of all ages. Her experience teaching elementary school children helped her to discover how much she enjoys supporting, encouraging, and connecting with others. Although I decided to pursue a different career path, that experience strengthened my passion for helping people. I enjoy taking on leadership roles, listening to others, and providing support whenever she can. Evelyn believes strong leadership begins with effective communication, understanding, and a willingness to help others succeed. As she continues her education and career, she hopes to grow as a leader, develop her skills, and make a positive impact on her workplace and the El Paso community.