Texas Border Business
In March, the City of McAllen celebrated Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day to highlight the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The City of McAllen is proud to have an equal number of men and women as directors in the organization. The city posted activities throughout Women’s History Month to recognize the contributions, abilities, and potential of the workforce of women in McAllen and throughout Hidalgo County and the Rio Grande Valley. The event celebrates and encourages women to find their passion and shape their future; it provides some insight into what that means to the female workforce of the City of McAllen.
This year, there were two extraordinary women in business that presented views of their life in business. One of them was Jessica Delgado who entered the restaurant industry at the age of 16. She began her 10-year career with Carrabba’s Italian Grill when she was 18. By the time she was 26, she had become the company’s youngest female Managing Partner. While working with Carrabba’s, Jessica fell in love with the industry and most importantly, her husband, Larry Delgado.
In 2008, the couple moved to McAllen to openhouse. wine. & bistro.; it is a boutique wine bar. Following the success of house. wine. & bistro., the Delgado’s opened a second restaurant, SALT-New American Table in December 2013. With SALT, they created a platform where cultural cuisine meets regional sourcing.
In March 2019, the Delgado’s opened their third restaurant, Salome on Main. That concept offers more modern interior Mexican cuisine using pre-Hispanic and modern cooking methods, a Mexican wine list, and Agave Spirts. The Delgado’s unwavering attention to detail and genuine commitment to world class service and community has translated to 14 years of successfully bringing the culinary diversity of McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley. Between balancing 3 restaurants, operating as the COO for their restaurant group Delgado Collective, and running a full household, Jessica remains committed to her passion for the industry and for her community.
Also, the City of McAllen invited Martha Garza, the Franchise owner of Breadsmith on north McAllen. She was born in Cali, Colombia, to parents Angel and Gloria Alzate. Martha is married to Luis Garza, together they have three children, four grandchildren, and will soon be celebrating their 36th wedding anniversary. Growing up Martha’s parents emphasized the value of an education. Martha and her sister attended a private Catholic School in Colombia before coming to the United States with her family at the age of 14. They arrived in Houston where Martha graduated from Woodlands High School. She attended North Harris Community College, where she met her husband.
Martha’s desire to learn led her to pursue a career in business that would allow her to interact with others. After moving to McAllen in 1994, Martha started working for Saladmaster, a company where she was a Direct Dealer for 10 years. In 2004, she changed careers to become a Certified Builder and opened a construction company. In 2014, Martha sold her company and decided to retire, which allowed her the opportunity to travel the world.
While traveling in France, Martha was presented with an opportunity to purchase Breadsmith, a company she had been a faithful customer off for many years. In 2017, she purchased Breadsmith and in the coming years opened satellite locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Martha’s company prides itself on their healthy bread options which have no bleached flour, no additives, no preservatives, no lard, and no corn syrup. Martha’s desire to help the community continues as her Breadsmith locations donate to local organizations daily.
Both Martha and Jessica shared with the women attendees what it takes to be in business. At the end of the session conducted by Xochitl Mora, Director of Communication of the City of McAllen, they stayed to answer questions.
McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos also attended and said that it was his first time attending this event and he felt “Bendito entre las Mujeres” (Blessed among the women).
According to City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, there are more than 1,800 city employees and approximately 28% of them are women, that’s a total of 545 female employees, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal. Some of these women admit, they’re always trying to find a balance at home and at work.
Whether you start working at the city as a teenager, as a seasonal worker, or full-time until retirement, you’ll always find mentors who have some expert advice while you find your way up that career ladder.
With its annual observation of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day and these are activities that mentor and encourage all employees to grow. The City of McAllen is continuing to create a working environment for women to thrive, and it is a place where women can find their passion and shape their future and the world.
