RGV LEAD Director's Corner
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Volume 1, Issue 10 June 2020
RGV LEAD Director’s Corner
Partnering to Engage Students in College-and-Career
Focused Learning Opportunities
RGV LEAD - Rio Grande Valley Linking Economic & Academic Development
RGV LEAD and Region One Continue Fall GEAR UP Planning
RGV LEAD, in conjunction with the will be on 21st Century Skills, Employability Skills? Our goal is
Region One GEAR UP program, is otherwise known as Employabil- for Rio Grande Valley students to
busy preparing for the fall 2020 Am- ity Skills. graduate from high school, not only
bassador training sessions. Current- According to Texas CTE, with a diploma, but with “solid per-
ly, the plan is to do online training via “Employability skills are general sonal and interpersonal skills” nec-
virtual sessions to ensure that all in- skills that are necessary for suc- essary for them to have successful
coming freshmen in the Region One cess in the labor market at all careers.
GEAR UP cohort have access to the employment levels and in all “The U.S. Department of Education
training sessions. sectors. These skills have a compiled the Employability Skills
Each year, the GEAR UP Ambassa- number of names - soft skills, Framework and developed related
dors are introduced to a new RGV workforce readiness skills, ca- tools, media and resources. The
LEAD strategy that will help develop reer readiness skills - but they Employability Skills Framework is a
the students’ leadership abilities. all speak to the same set of core one-stop resource for information
When the Ambassadors were in 7th skills that employers want. Indi- and tools to inform the instruction
grade, they attended sessions on viduals require many skills to be and assessment of employability
leadership development and in 8th college and career ready, includ- skills. Log on to: http://cte.ed.gov/
grade, the GEAR UP Ambassadors ing academic knowledge, tech- employabilityskills” to see the Em-
learned and practiced Sean Covey’s, nical expertise, and a set of gen- ployability Skills Framework.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective eral, cross-cutting abilities called (Source: Texas CTE)
Teens. As they are entering high employability skills.
school in 2020, RGV LEAD’s training Why is RGV LEAD focusing on
Education & Career EXPO Planning Continues
Members of the 2020 Education & 5 minutes for opening remarks the TEA website.
Career EXPO Leadership Commit- 30-minute video showcase (two RGV LEAD will facilitate communica-
tee held a virtual video conference 10 minute segments for employers tions to set up the next EXPO commit-
on Tuesday, June 16 at 1:30 p.m. and one 10-minute segment tee meeting, in which members will
Naomi Perales, EXPO Chair, wel- for higher ed), and 5 minutes for discuss the use of virtual sites to use
comed the participants and then Closing remarks and request of for the EXPO.
handed the platform to Luis Rodri- Completion of an online evaluation. Contact Eliza Groff, RGV LEAD Pro-
guez, RGV LEAD Executive Direct- The first four days of presentations gram Coordinator, if you have sug-
or. Luis shared RGV LEAD's plan will be broken down by Foundation gestions regarding
to host a virtual 5-day event, which High School Program Endorsements the Education &
will begin on October 26 and end (Monday-Thursday) and the Career EXPO:
on October 30, 2020. The virtual last day (Friday), will focus on soft egroff@rgvlead.org
sessions will be offered 4 times a skills and employability kills.
day: 9 A.M., 10 A.M., 11 A.M., and Ed Garcia of Region One ESC sug-
1 P.M. The 45- minute sessions gested that the EXPO incorporate
will be broken down as follows: the 14 career clusters that are on
June 2020
RGV LEAD Director’s Corner
Thoughts from Luis Rodriguez
RGV LEAD Executive Director
Volume 1, Issue 10
“It seems like just yesterday it was Eliza and team are working hard to If you need any assistance, do
my first day as the Executive Director plan our P-16 Council Meetings. We not hesitate to reach out. We
for RGV LEAD. However, since April are praying that in January we can are all working and available
1st, we have made many meaningful all come together for our annual by phone and email. We're
steps to make sure that we at RGV conference, but that is a decision still doing a lot of work remote-
LEAD are safe and prepared to pro- that will be made by October. Final- ly, doing our part to flatten the
vide excellent service to our commu- ly, our Education & Career EXPO is
curve.
nities served. off and running. Thank you to Nao-
As of early June, we have many initi- mi Perales, our committee chair, in Luis Rodriguez,
atives that we are working on with leading the charge for the meetings RGV LEAD Executive Director
our partners and committee mem- that we have had. We are at a point
bers. Dr. Norma Salaiz and Janie where we can honestly say that we
Johnston Lopez are currently working have the finalization of format and
on our GEAR UP initiative with Re- content for this year’s virtual event.
gion One. Due to the Covid-19 pan- Many blessings to all that have been
demic they are about to begin the working hard to make sure that RGV
process of learning Google Class- LEAD continues to provide services
room, as they prepare for virtual for the Rio Grande Valley.
meetings and assignments.
Career Preparation Begins at Home
In honor of Mother’s and Father’s our first job begins at home. more importantly, to be happy with
Day, RGV LEAD reached out to James Lehman, co-developer of the careers they choose.
several of its community partners the foundational parenting pro- As Rodney Atkins’ country song
and asked them to share how they, grams offered by Empowering Par- says, "I've been watching you, Dad,
as parents, are teaching their chil- ents.com, states, “Your kids watch ain't that cool? I'm your buckaroo, I
dren the value of hard work and the you for a living. That’s why it’s so wanna be like you.”
employability skills needed to face important to try your best to be a The following pictures and quotes
future careers. As educators, busi- good role model.” are from of RGV LEAD partners.
ness owners, community leaders, or Suffice it to say that parents want Here’s to all parents!
whatever career role we may have, their children to be successful, but
Isabella and I during our night We often tell our children that
routine, after dinner and bath having a positive attitude,
time It’s never too early to being kind, helping others,
teach our children the joy of and taking responsibility is
reading and the beauty of key to having success in
being a lifelong learner. whatever career they choose
and in life!
Lizzy de la Garza Putegnat
Account Executive at Eliza Groff
Schneider Electric RGV LEAD
RGV LEAD Board Chair Program Coordinator
Career Preparation Begins at Home - cont’d. June 2020
The advice we gave our own children was that I often talk to my three boys about the importance of a Employers want employees to be positive, en-
they need to research jobs of the future because college education and ask them what is something they gaged with their team members, and someone
it is a very competitive global economy. Stay would like to do in the future that will make them happy. I who takes the initiative. Taking the initiative re-
ahead of the curve by preparing for jobs that will explain to them that after high school they will have to fers to doing something at work before you are
be in demand within the next ten years. “The key select a university to pursue their future career. When I asked to do it. Remember to keep moving and
to success is when preparation meets opportuni- drive by UTRGV, I tell them that Dad came to this school motivate others to do the same. Your character
ty.” Edna Gutierrez - ECISD Robert Vela High and one day they will either come to this university or is best seen when the manager isn't watching.
School CTE Teacher another one of their choice. For me, it is important to -Renee Huddleston, Sharyland Pioneer High
Dr. Réne Gutierrez - BISD Superintendent of instill in my kids the importance of completing a college School CTE Counselor,
Schools education at an early age. RGV LEAD Ambassador Sponsor
Ernesto Villarreal, CEO College 1st
In regard to the student advice, I always share with
students that the educational experiences we provide
at the high school level are stepping stones into
something much greater in life; also, respect yourself
and others; doing so shows that one is humble and
appreciates those that are less fortunate and aspires
to help them. Additionally, be humble enough to help
those less fortunate but aggressive enough to move
forward with your dreams being a blessing to those
around you; with this in mind, be the best welder,
nurse, architect, doctor, teacher, administrator, or
police officer; however, never, never, forget to be the
best servant.
Jorge Flores, La Joya ISD CTE Director
Take advantage of educational opportunities
whenever they present themselves. Education
is what you make of it, so take advantage of
those opportunities to continue to better yourself
as you pursue your career path. Upon comple-
tion of a Bachelor of Science from the University
of Texas-RGV, our son Zachary elected to take
advantage of an opportunity extended to him to
enter into a program at the Texas Heart Institute
in Houston. He is now a Founding Partner in
Cardiovascular Perfusionist serving the medical
community throughout Austin, Texas.
Perry A. Vaughn, Consultant, Rio Grande Val-
ley Chapter AGC
“Sometimes as a parent I over-complicate things Sandra Avila, Weslaco ISD CTE Director, takes time to discuss the skills that are needed to stay
wanting the best for them,” but he adds that they have ahead of the game as we experience the “new normal.” She says she is concerned with the effects that
family meetings on the kids’ jobs in the house even if the Coronavirus is having on our youth and wants to be sure to share Forbes’ “8 Job Skills To Succeed
it’s removing carpet and laying down flooring. “What In A Post-Coronavirus World”: Adaptability and Flexibility, Tech Savviness, Creativity & Innovation, Data
kind of father would I be if I didn’t teach my kids some Literacy, Critical Thinking, Digital And Coding Skills, Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and Commit to
life skills?” Trung Nguyen, Plant Manager Royal a Lifetime of Learning.
Technologies, RGV LEAD Employer of the Year
Volume 1, Issue 10
“Where Are They Now” Series
Reflections from RGV LEAD 2018-2019 Scholarship Recipient
Brianna Salinas, Edinburg High School 2019 graduate and RGV LEAD Scholarship recipi-
ent, took time from her busy schedule to share these stories with RGV LEAD:
My first year as a college student at UTSA went very well. I faced challenges that gave me
wisdom and created wonderful experiences that are irreplaceable. I maintained a 3.8 GPA
and a job as a medical scribe at the Children’s ER of San Antonio. The COVID-19 breakout
cut my second semester unexpectedly short and has influenced my decision to attend
UTRGV this coming fall.
I am still so appreciative of the RGV LEAD scholarship money. I was able to comfortably
participate in events with Alpha Epsilon Delta, an organization for pre-med students. With
this organization, I networked and participated in volunteer experiences that never failed to
fulfill my heart. One of my favorites was “Labor Serena,” a beautiful small school that of-
fered education to the elderly and young children in the surrounding underserved neighbor-
hood. Unfortunately, the owners got a bit too old to keep up with the landscape regularly, so “I am still so appreciative of the
we bought some gardening tools, gathered a good group of people and pulled weeds, raked RGV LEAD scholarship money. I
was able to comfortably participate
leaves, trimmed trees, cleaned up the garden and added some fresh mulch. It was already in events with Alpha Epsilon Delta,
a great day considering the nice breeze and positive environment, and then the neighbors an organization for pre-med stu-
surprised us with homemade Mexican dishes plus containers to take leftovers! It’s crazy dents.”
how even around complete strangers, I felt so much pure happiness and fulfillment just by
everyone’s willingness to be whole-heartedly present. I was able to learn that you make a
living by what you get, but a life by what you give. In just one year, I’ve had the funds to put
myself in situations that have given me indescribable perspective, heart and passion that
can’t be obtained in a classroom thanks to the RGV LEAD scholarship.
Sincerely,
Brianna L. Salinas Pictured right: Brianna and Alpha
Epsilon Delta volunteering with
“Labor Serena”
RGV LEAD “Teacher of the Year” Pays Tribute to Student
It is easy to understand why Teshawn Leslie, RGV LEAD Student Ambassa-
dor sponsor at PSJA Sotomayor ECHS, was inspired to share her student’s
story. “I am proud of all our students, especially this young lady, because
she managed to overcome all obstacles that would make anyone quit. She
grew up with none of her parents. Yulissa Ibarra was raised by her grand-
mother, along with her other siblings. Yulissa had no (postsecondary educa-
tion) role model and no motivation for school until she discovered So-
tomayor. Not only was she able to obtained her Associate Degree from STC
in Human Resources Management, but a certificate in Recruiter Assistant.
She has made the school and PSJA ISD shine throughout the year. A few
of her accomplishments are that she is an RGV LEAD Student Ambassador,
BPA State qualifier - 2nd year in a row, BPA National qualifier - 2nd year in
a row (only 1 of 2 students from the entire school district to be National qual-
ifier in a competitive event), PSJA Scholarship Foundation recipient, BPA
National Scholarship recipient, 1st place honors in the Entrepreneurship
PSJA Institute competition and the UTRGV Sustainability Initiative, and 2nd
place in the PSJA PITCH competition.
Yulissa will be attending UTRGV this year, where she will major in Business
Management, with a minor in entrepreneurship.
Regional P-16 & Counseling
Leadership Team Hold June Meeting
Luis Rodriguez, RGV LEAD Executive Director, welcomed the
Regional P-16 & Counseling Leadership team to the Virtual-
Zoom meeting, which was hosted by the Weslaco Area
Chamber of Commerce. Eliza Groff, RGV LEAD Program
Coordinator, announced the tentative P-16 calendar meeting
dates: October 14, February 24, 2021, and May 5, 2021.
Also, on the agenda was the annual RGV LEAD Regional
Conference. Traditionally, it is held in December at South
Padre Island. This year, however, the date has been set for
January 14-15, 2021 at the Mission Event Center. January
14 will be dedicated to school personnel and business repre-
sentatives; and the January 15 half-day session will focus on
RGV LEAD Ambassadors. Ambassadors will have an oppor-
tunity to meet with local business representatives. They will
be able to learn more about interviewing techniques - The
Do’s and Don’ts.
All P-16 Council members have been asked to submit their
areas of interest for future meetings. Pictured left: A list of
suggested topics has been sent to all members. Members
are encouraged to indicate which topics they want to see
more of in future meetings. For more information, contact
Eliza Groff, RGV LEAD Program Coordinator:
egroff@rgvlead.org
Local Businesses to Participate in RGV LEAD Video Series
Several businesses from across the to enjoy the fruits of their labor their school work the same way.
Rio Grande Valley will be participat- later. Some of the businesses participat-
ing in the RGV LEAD Video Series, Dr. Erica Perez, clinical psy- ing are Margie Willingham from
designed to present employability chologist, stresses the im- EllaBellaStella Party Planners, The
skills to local high school students. portance of asking questions. City of McAllen, Christina Garza
The presenters will discuss their ca- She mentions that it isn’t a sign from State Farm, Abel Garza from
reers and what it took for them to get of weakness because if you Amigo Propane, and other targeted
there. In addition, the presenters will don’t ask, how will you learn? occupations-related businesses.
share tips on what students should Sydney Salas, a senior RGV RGV LEAD is excited about this
be taking in high school to prepare LEAD Ambassador, also created new project and looks forward to
for their future careers. Tips shared a video with advice for incoming expanding the series!
by Vito Chavana, Assistant District freshmen. She said to think of
Attorney for the County of Hidalgo, their high school education as
relate to developing good communi- their job and the importance of
cation skills. He mentions that at a time management. She has “Don’t be
time while students are communi- small side jobs, like bathing a afraid to ask
cating through texts, they need to fine dog and working with an antique questions.”
tune their face-to-face communica- dealer, so she says that organi- Dr. Erica Perez
tion skills. In addition, he mentions zation and getting to work early
the importance of completing post- are critical to the success of her
secondary education early to be able projects. Students should treat
RGV LEAD June 2020
Upcoming Events
RGV LEAD Staff & Support
Luis Rodriguez - Executive Director
Pat Bubb - Interim Director
Lilia Perez - Administrative Assistant RGV LEAD will continue planning for a virtual
Eliza Groff - Program Coordinator 2020 Education & Career EXPO and publish
Lupita Vallejo - Receptionist/
Office Assistant the complete calendar of events for 2020-2021.
Contract Services During this COVID-19 period, Naomi
Dr. Alda Benavides If you have any great ideas you’d like to share, Perales wants to remind everyone,
Janie Johnston Lopez
Dawn Quinn contact us! adults and students, to wear their
Dr. Norma Salaiz masks and practice safety at all times.
Note: School districts and businesses will be notified of upcoming
Felipe Salinas, Contexto Consulting
events in August. Naomi Perales RGV LEAD Board VP
322 S. Missouri Ave. Follow us on Facebook and the RGV LEAD website! Community Relations Manager for
Weslaco, Texas Texas Gas
78596
956-405-3091 * Fax: 956-405-3082
www.rgvlead.org
Visit our website!
“If all that we see are the scattered pieces of ‘what was,’ the story of ‘what
www.rgvlead.org is yet to be’ will never be told. If, however, we are able to envision the
pieces as what they are now freed to be, the story of ‘what is yet to be’ will
stand among the greatest ever told.” ― Craig D. Lounsbrough
RGV LEAD Board Members
Attend Quarterly Meetings
RGV LEAD Mission Statement
RGV LEAD builds the intellectual capital of the region by facilitating collaboration between employers, com-
munity leaders, and educators from public schools, colleges, and universities to assist students in
acquiring the academic and career skill-sets necessary for success in higher education, careers, and life.
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