Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
A night to remember in the Rio Grande Valley unfolded at the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA)’s third annual gala. Themed “Winter Wonderland,” the event was a celebration and gave hope to hundreds of students in the local community. Felida Villarreal, CPA President and CEO of VIDA, set the tone for the evening with her heartfelt words, welcoming everyone to celebrate the Winter Wonderland GALA experience.
This gala was more than a festive gathering; it was an important fundraiser with proceeds to support students pursuing higher education. Recognized were the invaluable contributions of community partners who have tirelessly worked to expand educational opportunities among the region’s most underserved populations, including single parents and at-risk students.
As the evening progressed, J. Chris Coxon, the managing director of programs for Educate Texas, was introduced as the keynote speaker for the event. With a background in biology and education, Coxon has been a driving force in promoting college access and career readiness, particularly for low-income, minority, and first-generation students across Texas. His dedication is evident through his involvement in various educational boards and his relentless focus on academic achievement.
Coxon’s keynote address highlighted three critical themes: success by numbers, the importance of partnerships, and the potential and hope of the region. He shared inspiring data from the 2022 scorecard released by RGV Focus, marking a decade of concerted efforts to uplift the educational landscape of the Rio Grande Valley. The Valley has shown significant progress, now meeting or exceeding state averages in several educational indicators, demonstrating the power of collaboration and shared vision.
Coxon emphasized the transformation witnessed over the past ten years, referred to as “Una Década de Cambio” (A Decade of Change). This period saw the Valley’s students make impressive strides in key indicators like third grade reading and eighth-grade math scores. The collaborative efforts of school districts, higher education institutions, and community-based organizations were essential in this achievement.
The keynote also highlighted VIDA’s role in preparing a skilled workforce for high-demand jobs, underscoring the organization’s success in training individuals and securing employment with family-sustaining wages for its graduates.
Coxon drew attention to the cultural richness of the Rio Grande Valley, emphasizing its bilingual, bicultural community as a significant asset for the state and the nation. He underscored the importance of education as the foundation for improving the quality of life in the region.
Concluding his address, Coxon shared the inspiring story of Paloma Noyola, a Matamoros student who achieved extraordinary academic success despite living in a challenging environment. Her story was a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within each student and the transformative power of education and hope.
The gala, therefore, stood as a celebration of collective achievements and a reminder of the ongoing journey toward educational excellence in the Rio Grande Valley. It was an evening where the community came together to raise funds and reaffirm their commitment to nurturing the hopes and dreams of the region’s youth, ensuring a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
The Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA), established in 1995, is a collaborative effort between Valley Interfaith and industry leaders dedicated to fostering workforce development. VIDA’s inception was driven by a need to provide comprehensive support services to populations traditionally underserved in higher education, thereby addressing significant obstacles to college completion.
VIDA offers a range of tailored support services. These include financial assistance covering tuition, textbooks, tools, uniforms, and additional necessities such as childcare and transportation costs. Beyond financial aid, VIDA employs an intensive case management approach. This model encompasses a thorough student profile assessment and career advisement. It also involves monitoring academic performance for timely interventions alongside ongoing mentoring.
Furthermore, VIDA’s support extends to include both individual and group counseling sessions, with an emphasis on mental health awareness. Financial literacy workshops and soft skills development are integral to the program, equipping students with essential skills for academic and career success. Post-graduation, VIDA continues its engagement with students, assisting in job placement and tracking their earnings for three years, ensuring a holistic approach to student development and success.
