Derek Castillo

Derek serves as the senior writer and content developer at Raise Your Hand Texas. He joined the organization after serving as a strategic communications leader at IBM, where he collaborated closely with marketing and software vice presidents to develop internal communication strategies and organize impactful events. He is a member of the communications team working to further the storytelling and mission of the organization.

Before IBM, Castillo was the business development director and senior producer at Castleview Productions, an Austin-based agency. His work focused on driving new business and producing video content for corporate clients. He also worked for his alma mater, The University of Texas at Austin, as the assistant director of development for the Moody College of Communications, where he helped secure funding and grow meaningful relationships for the Belo Center for New Media.

Castillo’s primary career was in broadcast journalism as a news and sports anchor and reporter in major markets like Dallas, Philadelphia, San Diego, Portland, and Austin. Along the way, Castillo won two Emmy Awards and several local honors for his exceptional reporting and on-air work.

Castillo is a product of Texas public schools and a Terry Foundation Scholar at the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned his Bachelor of Journalism. He and his wife live in downtown Austin.