Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
The Mujeres Líderes Binacionales (MLB) “Leadership Without Borders” Women’s Economic Summit in Pharr, Texas, concluded with heartfelt remarks and future-focused announcements. The summit, founded in 2022 by Ingrid Ulloa, Industrial and Economic Development Manager at CIL Capital, and Astrid Salazar, Director of Institutional and Government Relations at CIL Group, has become a cornerstone for women’s empowerment in the RioPlex region. With its mission to foster collaboration and support professional development, MLB connects female entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals across sectors and generations to drive economic growth and social impact.
The event, sponsored by CIL Logistics and RioPlex, drew over 120 participants and featured compelling discussions, panels, and networking opportunities. Ingrid Ulloa and Astrid Salazar’s vision was evident in the seamless organization and the summit’s overarching themes of unity and progress. The two founders spoke at the event’s conclusion, expressing gratitude and setting the stage for MLB’s continued expansion.
“So together, we’ve created a space to share our experiences, build connections, and continue pushing boundaries in our industries and communities,” said Astrid Salazar. “Our work here is only the beginning of a much larger movement that will continue to grow and transform our binational region.” She also announced the host city for next year’s summit. “We are thrilled to reveal that the 2025 summit will be hosted in Edinburg, Texas. We’ve also received interest from Coahuila (a state in Mexico), Arizona, and Brownsville, which shows how much this initiative resonates across borders. Let’s keep growing together.”
The announcement underscored MLB’s commitment to inclusivity and its dedication to creating a lasting impact. Salazar encouraged attendees to spread the word and help identify more women to join the initiative. “This is about all of us going forward together,” she added.
Ingrid Ulloa reflected on the day’s success, thanking the panelists and attendees. “To conclude, we thank our panelists for sharing their stories, visions, and dreams for future generations. You’ve inspired us with your strength and ambition. This event is not just about today but about continuing to grow as professionals and as a community. Let’s keep inspiring each other as we build a better future together.”
The summit showcased a range of voices, from economists like Mayra Maldonado to corporate leaders such as Erika Avalos, each emphasizing the power of collaboration and mentorship. Women in fields as diverse as industrial real estate, human resources, and regional development brought their expertise to the table, reinforcing MLB’s mission of breaking barriers and fostering growth.
Salazar and Ulloa’s emotional closing remarks highlighted the personal and professional significance of the summit. “Thank you to everyone who made this possible,” Ulloa said. “This event reflects the unified efforts of women supporting women. Let’s continue this momentum and make an even greater impact in Edinburg next year.”
As the summit drew to a close, attendees left energized, inspired, and ready to build on the connections and lessons learned. The MLB summit reaffirmed its place as a vital platform for advancing women’s leadership and economic empowerment in the binational RioPlex region. With sights set on Edinburg and beyond, MLB’s journey is far from over — it’s just beginning.
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