Texas Border Business
By Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas — South Texas Vocational Technical Institute honored Estela Flores for 40 years of service in vocational education during a ceremony at the STVT McAllen campus.
Vanessa Pardo, STVT McAllen campus president, recognized Flores during the event, describing her four decades of service as a legacy of commitment to students, colleagues, and the institution.
“Forty years is more than a milestone,” Pardo said. “It represents an incredible legacy of service and a commitment to STVT’s mission that deserves to be celebrated.”
Flores reflected on a career spanning decades of changes in vocational education and said the relationships she developed along the way remain among its most meaningful aspects.
“I’m not sure where the time went,” Flores said. “When you enjoy what you do and have good people around you, the years go by quickly.”
Flores thanked STVT leadership and colleagues for their support and the opportunities she has received throughout her career.
“To everyone here, our leadership and extended leadership, thank you for being part of this journey,” she said.
Flores also credited her family for supporting her throughout her career. She spoke of her pride in her children, including her son, a civil engineer, and her daughter, who is continuing her education to become a nurse practitioner. She also expressed gratitude for her two grandchildren.
“I’m very proud of them for accomplishing their dreams,” Flores said. “I truly couldn’t have done this without them.”
Looking back on her four decades in vocational education, Flores said she has witnessed significant changes and accumulated many memories and accomplishments, but the people she has worked with and served remain central to her experience.
“Forty years have brought so many changes, memories, growth and accomplishments, but the people I’ve worked with and the lives we’ve touched are what make it worthwhile,” Flores said.
Flores said she remains proud of her years with STVT and looks forward to seeing the institution continue its work in vocational education.
“I’m incredibly proud of these 40 years with STVT, grateful for the journey and excited to see what comes next,” Flores said.
