Texas Border Business
By Rubie Cedillo
Leadership McAllen is helping South Texas College spread confidence through a recent clothing donation made to the college’s Threads Closet, a student resource that provides students with the professional clothing they need to prepare for job interviews, internships or career opportunities.
The Threads Closet at STC was established in 2019 and has since expanded across multiple STC campuses. The closet powered by the Office of Career and Employer Services, provides students with access to professional business attire at no cost. This initiative prevents students from carrying the financial burden of purchasing professional attire as they pursue career opportunities.
Lorena Martinez, a former student and now current staff member at STC and a current member of Leadership McAllen Class 45, played a key role in this project. As a former student, she understands the struggles students face heading into the workforce.
“The opportunity to give back to students was there. I just needed to take action,” Martinez said.
She pointed out the importance of looking professional when applying for jobs, remembering her own experience when she had her first interview.
“Perception matters when applying for a job,” said Martinez. “When I interviewed for a work- study position, I went in wearing jeans and a nice blouse, and although it looked clean, it wasn’t professional.”
Leadership McAllen is a nonprofit organization that allows participants to learn and become leaders in the city of McAllen and surrounding communities, by creating a network that builds community leaders to engage and inform. This program equips participants like Martinez with the knowledge and skills to take on leadership roles in the community and learn from various industries like health care, education and manufacturing.
“On behalf of South Texas College, Office of Career & Employer Services, we are grateful to Leadership McAllen for their donation. Donations like these truly empower our students to present themselves professionally and pursue career opportunities with confidence. When students feel prepared, they perform better,” said Joanna Nino-Montes, coordinator for STC Career Services. “The Threads Closet helps remove obstacles so they can focus on achieving their goals.”
STC’s Threads Closet serves more than 200 students per year. STC alumni are also welcome to use the closet. Accessibility to professional attire helps them become prepared to follow their career goals.
For more information on STC’s Thread Closet or to donate, visit southtexascollege.edu or call 956-872-6318.
Information source: STC
