Texas Border Business
MISSION, Texas – Teach For America Rio Grande Valley, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all students receive an excellent education, will host its annual Honor Roll Gala on April 4, 2025. The event will celebrate the work of educators, changemakers, and organizations across the Valley that are making a profound impact on education. This year’s gala will be co-chaired by local leaders Julian Alvarez III and Tom Castañeda, both of whom are deeply committed to the region’s students and educators.
Tom Castañeda, a Rio Grande Valley native, is the System Director of Marketing and Public Relations for South Texas Health System. An award-winning journalist and marketing executive, he has led numerous community health initiatives and outreach programs. After a career in broadcast news and marketing across the U.S. and abroad, he returned home to the Valley to drive impactful change, demonstrating his commitment to education, community development, and supporting students across the Valley.
“It’s an honor to serve as the co-chair of this year’s Honor Roll Gala and recognize those who are helping shape a brighter tomorrow for students in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Tom Castañeda. “The Gala also allows us to shine a spotlight on the important work of Teach For America locally to ensure educational equity for all students and to empower our future leaders to reach their full potential.”
Julian Alvarez III serves as Executive Vice President – Director of Community Relations at Lone Star National Bank and has dedicated his career to strengthening the local community. In addition to his role with Teach For America RGV, he has championed workforce development and education initiatives across the Rio Grande Valley. Alvarez remains a steadfast advocate for expanding educational opportunities, ensuring that students across the Valley have the resources and support needed to thrive.
“Access to quality education is essential for the long-term success of our students and our region,” said Julian Alvarez III. “Teach For America RGV continues to play a crucial role in ensuring that every child has the opportunities they deserve, and I encourage our community to rally behind this year’s Honor Roll Gala.”
“Tom Castañeda and Julian Alvarez III exemplify outstanding leadership and an unwavering commitment to our community. Their dedication to educational excellence and community development aligns seamlessly with the mission of Teach For America RGV,” said Ana Gonzalez, executive director of Teach For America RGV. “With their guidance, this year’s Honor Roll Gala will be a powerful celebration of our shared commitment to expanding opportunities for all students in the Rio Grande Valley.”
The Honor Roll Gala will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Mission Events Center. The evening will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, live auction, music, and more. This year’s honorees include Dr. Annabelle Palomo, Region One Education Service Center, and Pablo Mejia (Teach For America corps 1999).
For more information, please visit www.teachforamerica.org/HonorRollGala.
About Teach For America Rio Grande Valley
Teach For America Rio Grande Valley (TFA RGV) works in partnership with local districts and charter schools to expand educational opportunities for children. Founded in the Rio Grande Valley in 1991, Teach For America recruits and develops a diverse corps of outstanding leaders who make an initial two-year commitment to teach in high-need schools and become lifelong leaders in the effort to end educational inequity. Today, TFA RGV is a force of about 275 alumni and corps members impacting more than 4,000 students in pursuit of profound systemic change. From classroom to school-systems positions, these leaders are reimagining education to realize the day when every child has an equal opportunity to learn, lead, thrive and co-create a future filled with possibility. Teach For America is a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. For more information, visit www.teachforamerica.org/rio-grande-valley and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
