Texas Border Business
Experienced PSJA ISD Educators Mentor Future Teachers
Texas Border Business
ALAMO, Texas — Through a partnership with Teach For America (TFA), this summer several Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) veteran teachers are helping mentor over 25 future educators soon-to-be serving classrooms throughout the Rio Grande Valley as part of a rigorous summer training program.
For the first time in Teach For America’s 30-year history, all its incoming educators will complete their summer teaching experience in the communities where they will be serving, including the Rio Grande Valley. The educators participating at trainings being held at PSJA Memorial Early College High School in Alamo and Raul H. Yzaguirre Middle School in San Juan are part of 245 new TFA educators who will be teaching in classrooms throughout Texas this fall.
As part of the rigorous summer training, 12 experienced PSJA ISD educators were identified to provide this practicum experience by serving as mentors, sharing insightful classroom knowledge, high-quality instruction, learning environments, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, and leadership development. In addition to serving as mentors, five PSJA ISD educators and current TFA Corps members were also hired to serve as coaches and support operations during the training.
“PSJA ISD has a really clear pathway for teachers and leaders in their district for how they think about career progression and leadership development,” said TFA Senior Managing Director Jon Stevens. “We’re excited that our new teachers are grouped with veteran teachers in the district to work in a supportive, supervised classroom environment, gradually spending more time developing their ability to instruct and lead a classroom on their own.”
For Jessica Vela, current Mathematics Teacher at Yzaguirre Middle School serving as a mentor, getting to play a role in training and shaping future educators is a rewarding experience. In addition to having over 16 years in education, Vela was named the 2019 PSJA ISD District Secondary Teacher of the Year.
“These teachers are getting to see first-hand what it’s really like doing the lessons, preparing, and gaining in-depth learning of what it’s like to be a teacher,” said Vela. “It’s a great feeling to be part of this. I still remember that first teacher who took the time to help me when I first started. Now we’re getting to share the love for the craft and show them what teaching can be.”
Gaining firsthand knowledge and advice from experienced teachers will be a life-changing opportunity for future educators. Oscar Padron, a PSJA ISD graduate and new TFA Corps Member going through the training program, expressed gratitude for the experience as he looks forward to starting his first year of teaching soon.
“Coming back to the Valley and getting to learn from the teachers that were once around me is just so motivational,” said Padron who graduated from PSJA Southwest Early College High School in 2016. “I hope to offer a safe space of learning for my future students. Thank you to all educators, we really appreciate all the help and feedback.”
Manufacturing Goes International
Texas Border Business
South Texas College is extending its workforce development training and services for the first time ever to manufacturers south of the border.
After nearly a decade of trying, STC is finally making ground with the maquiladoras, or factories, in Mexico, according to Luisa Fernanda Rodriguez, who was hired as the college’s new Global Market Development Coordinator in January.
Operating out of STC’s Office of Industry Training and Economic Development (ITED), Rodriguez said she is at the forefront of a brand-new binational initiative, the vision of STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., who has pledged to make the college the number one provider for workforce and economic development in the region.
Drawing upon experience in international trade, from international bridges to industrial parks in diverse regions including Mexico, South America, China and finally the Rio Grande Valley, Solis said it’s the community colleges that are now perfectly positioned to provide the next generation of skills providers in the nation.
“Our expansion for this campus has been rooted in our strategic masterplan, that addresses both training and academic program needs for the future,” Solis said. “We are looking to capitalize in becoming the No. 1 provider in advanced manufacturing along the U.S. and Mexico border region and state. The new expansion of facilities will position us to achieve and succeed in assisting businesses with their training needs and contribution to the regional economy.”
Key to the initiative has been the college’s agreement recently signed in conjunction with Index Reynosa, which enabled faculty to begin providing training onsite and in Mexico to the maquiladoras including core manufacturing companies.
Index refers to the maquiladora industry trade association comprised of over 150 manufacturers in 14 industrial parks representing more than 130,000 employees in Reynosa alone. The agreement with the association was the first with Mexican manufacturers in the history of the college, Rodriguez said.
“Our goal is to provide maquiladoras with resources and easy access to training, as well as support, connect and create local and global markets,” Rodriguez said. “The most important thing for me is to develop this vision and to understand the intricacies of the industry as it develops. As the two countries join forces, the formation of the binational initiative has huge potential for both sides to prosper.”
Born in Reynosa, but raised in the United States, Rodriguez says she has crisscrossed the border on a regular basis since her middle school years.
A world traveler and fluent in English, Spanish and Italian, Rodriguez said she spent a year traveling across Europe analyzing different economic development markets and understanding their global economic impact.
The experiences abroad enabled her to thrive in her current capacity as she hosts international visitors to the college on a daily basis, she said.
“The fact that I have seen all these different world perspectives and that I share cultures from both the U.S. side and the Mexican side has all been key for my job and to develop this binational relationship with Mexico,” Rodriguez said. “Implementing these different projects and trainings will benefit those living and working in communities in the Rio Grande Valley, Reynosa and soon throughout key regions in Mexico. This is more than a job to me, it’s my passion. Among the most important things that will come from this will be the research of industry that will give us the best picture for the future of the maquiladoras.”
Since the beginning of the year, Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) staff at STC have worked diligently behind the scenes on the international initiative organized by STC’s workforce training, non-credit sector.
IAM has taken the lead by offering a diverse set of courses meant to satisfy employer and student needs for customized training including manufacturing, robotics and automation, logistics, cold storage and related industries.
Customized training includes over 300 courses at STC that have been tailored for the needs of industry. The strength of the college lies in modifying and customizing these courses, or developing new courses that companies need in order to thrive in the region.
In the short-term, STC has been emphasizing its huge range of capabilities coming from its in-house training facilities to the private sector including everything from manufacturing petrochemical sales, construction and logistic transportation to food and beverage processing.
“Our goal is to help the business and industrial community in Mexico just like we help those communities here in the Valley,” said Carlos Margo, Ph.D., STC associate dean for Industry Training and Economic Development. “In turn, we at the college build our capacity. We continue to grow and we continue to innovate as a result of offering this international training so it’s a mutual benefit. Our goal is to expand further into Mexico and this international initiative means we can really go anywhere, but these first steps are serving as a model for potential future growth.”
As the partnership with manufacturers in Tamaulipas develops, the college will soon be looking at regions with a large maquiladora presence, according to Margo including Nuevo Leon, Chihuahua, Sonora, Baja California and eventually El Bajio, which includes the states of Aguascalientes, Jalisco, Guanajuato and Queretaro.
For more information about STC’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and the work the institution is doing in Mexico please visit www.southtexascollege.edu/entrenamiento-global/.
First Statewide Driving with Disability Program
Texas Border Business
Governor Greg Abbott announced the Texas Driving with Disability (DWD) Program that provides an opportunity for law enforcement personnel to interact more appropriately and successfully with Texans who may have a communication challenge.
This first-in-the-nation program is a statewide collaborative effort between the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD), Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) that gives Texans the option to identify communication impairments on both driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations. The program also makes available training modules for law enforcement officers to better understand how to interact with Texans who have a communication challenge or deafness.
“Texas is proud to once again lead the nation with our first-of-its-kind Driving with Disability Program,” said Governor Abbott. “The State of Texas takes pride in ensuring every Texan can drive safely and confidently on our roads, and I thank the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Texas Department of Motor Vehicles for their collaborative efforts that will facilitate better interactions between law enforcement and Texans with communication challenges across the Lone Star State.”
“We thank everyone who worked tirelessly to give law enforcement this important tool to do their jobs more effectively,” said DPS Director Steve McCraw. “This simple addition to a driver’s license or vehicle registration removes a potential barrier and can give officers the knowledge they need to help make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe.”
“We all share responsibility for promoting safe and positive interactions on Texas roads,” said TxDMV Executive Director Daniel Avitia. “Adding a communication impediment notation to a vehicle record provides law enforcement access to the information they need when approaching a driver during a traffic stop, ensuring the interaction is productive and safe for all parties.”
In 2019, Governor Abbott signed the Samuel Allen Law establishing the DWD Program, formerly known as Driving with Autism. The program is administered by the GCPD, DPS, and TxDMV to facilitate stronger communication between law enforcement personnel and Texans who are deaf or have a communication challenge, such as Autism. Through DWD, Texans have the option to disclose their communication challenge when registering their vehicles through TxDMV in addition to DPS’ Communication Impediment code on state issued driver’s licenses and IDs. Communication Impediment will be privately placed in the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (TLETS), alerting law enforcement officers of communication challenges before approaching vehicles in pull-over scenarios.
Visit TexasDrivingWithDisability.com to learn more or register for the program.
Small Business Grant Program Success
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas — The City of Laredo Economic Development Department has officially reported the Small Business Grant Program’s success through LiftFund. On January 2021, the Laredo City Council approved and appropriated $2 million from the City’s American Rescue Plan to fund this program, which aimed at strengthening Laredo’s small business community that was negatively impacted by COVID-19. In 2022, the City of Laredo and LiftFund teamed up to launch the Small Business Grant Program with approximately $2 million, granting between $5,000 to $25,000 to micro and small businesses in the community to cover operational expenses such as payroll, working capital, inventory, and more. This program mainly prioritized businesses owned by women, minority groups, and veterans.
The launch of the Small Business Grant Program marks the City’s second small business support partnership with LiftFund. Key achievements include:
- Approximately 180 small businesses were awarded a grant
- Funds were granted in the amount of $1,840,000
- Applications received came from business owners in all zip codes
- Transportation/warehousing, retail, and accommodation/food services were the top industries that submitted applications
“The City of Laredo Economic Development Department acknowledges the commitment and leadership of our City Council towards this program, which contributes to the economic vitality and job retention by directly supporting the operational costs for small businesses,” states Miriam Castillo, Interim Economic Development Director. “We are extremely thankful to our partners at LiftFund for their collaboration and exceptional support in running this program.”
The City of Laredo has engaged in similar programs with the objective of funding small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the City received $1.7 million in grant funds from the CARES Act Funding, which supported 104 businesses in the community. The City looks forward to continuing working with LiftFund to support local entrepreneurs as the community recovers from the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.
RGV Agents Continue Disrupting Illicit Activity
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – This week, Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents encountered 512 migrants in three large groups and disrupted a human stash house.
Over the last 48 hours, RGV agents encountered three large groups totaling 512 migrants in Starr and Hidalgo Counties. The groups were comprised of 276 family members, 146 unaccompanied children, and 90 single adults. The migrants are from Cuba, Central and South America.
RGV agents have encountered over 100 large groups illegally entering the United States since October 2021, resulting in more than 15,000 migrant apprehensions. The logistics required to transport and process groups of this size continue to place a strain on manpower and resources, as often they are encountered in desolate areas often inaccessible to large transport vehicles. A group of more than 100 migrants is considered a large group.
On June 14, RGV agents, with assistance from the Rio Grande City (RGC) Police Department, apprehended five subjects in a human smuggling stash house located in RGC. Agents identified all subjects to be illegally present in the United States. The subjects were citizens of Mexico and Honduras.
Border Patrol processed all subjects accordingly.
Governor Abbott Reappoints Monson Chief Administrative Law Judge
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Kristofer Monson as the Chief Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) for the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) for a term set to expire on May 15, 2024. The Chief ALJ oversees SOAH, which is a forum for the conduct of adjudicative hearings in the executive branch of state government.
Kristofer Monson of Driftwood has served as the Chief ALJ since April 2019 and previously served as Assistant Solicitor General in the Office of the Attorney General of Texas, where he spent 15 years working as an expert in Texas administrative practice and procedure. He is board certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Fifth Circuit Bar, United States Supreme Court Bar, and the Western District of Texas Bar. Monson received a Bachelor of Arts from Wabash College and a Juris Doctor Degree from The University of Texas School of Law.
El Paso’s First Special Event Coordinator
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – The Downtown Management District (DMD) welcomes, Patricia Martinez, as its first Special Event Coordinator.
Events are a major driver of Downtown activity and engagement. In recent years, the DMD has grown the number of Downtown events in support of Downtown revitalization. Patricia has joined the Downtown Management District as its first Special Event Coordinator and is responsible for event planning and implementation, sponsorships, and management of all promotional events produced by the DMD. Patricia has long been an advocate for downtown history, architecture. Through ongoing DMD revitalization efforts, she hopes to also highlight the present and future of El Paso’s emerging downtown.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to attract visitors to Downtown with exciting events like Fiesta de las Luces and the upcoming Restaurant Week that showcase the vibrant shopping and foodie scene. Personally, I also hope to help create the kind of experiences that plant lifetime memories that stay with you, like the trips I enjoyed when visiting Downtown with my grandma growing up,” said Patrcia Martinez, DMD Special Event Coordinator.
Patricia Martinez is a 3rd generation El Pasoan with 16 years engaging the community as part of the fabric of El Paso radio on the Mike and Tricia Morning Show on 93.1 KISS FM.
For more information on DMD programs please visit, downtownelpaso.com.
Graduate Impresses with Electrical Knowledge In Career
Texas Border Business
HARLINGEN, Texas – Among the life-changing decisions that Texas State Technical College alumna Dora Vasquez has been satisfied with was her choice to transition from being a call center supervisor to enrolling in the Mechatronics Technology program at TSTC’s Harlingen campus.
Vasquez, a former Harlingen resident who now resides in McKinney, earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics Technology from TSTC in May.
She accepted an electrician internship six months ago with Oncor Electric Delivery in north Dallas and recently was promoted to an electrician level II position at the company.
Her duties consist of maintenance and electrical work in several substations throughout north Dallas and some surrounding areas.
“I work with high-level voltage that is up to 345,000 volts in substations,” she said. “That is through the transmission side before it reaches the customers in distribution. I also perform maintenance on transformers, breakers, insulators and several other components.”
Vasquez said her experience with the company has been rewarding.
“During the first week of my internship, everyone was surprised with my knowledge of tools and how well I retained information,” she said. “My first experience on the job began when there was snow and a freeze. My husband educated me when he used to work in substations. So I knew what I was getting myself into. I remained inquisitive, diligent, and I excelled.”
Terrill Allen, a crew foreman for Oncor Electric Delivery, said Vasquez often takes the lead in assignments given to the crew.
“She has a great mindset,” Allen said. “The transition for her from college to field work was seamless. That aided in her progression to become a full-time electrician. TSTC trained her with the knowledge of tools and how to read some schematic diagrams. Her motivation is excellent.”
Vasquez added that she is pleased with Oncor’s work culture.
“In a male-dominated job, everyone is approachable,” she said. “I strongly feel that is one of the best ways to work with other individuals.”
She credits her career success to TSTC’s Mechatronics Technology instructors.
“The instructors motivated me to succeed because I demonstrated strong leadership with my peers,” she said. “I was also a work-study student in the same program. Being in that work-study job allowed me to learn the backbone of mechatronics.”
Carlos Reyes, a TSTC Mechatronics Technology instructor, said Vasquez’s leadership with her classmates shone.
“She wants to excel at everything,” he said. “Her ability to retain theory of technical information and apply it in the lab activities was impressive.”
Vasquez’s interest in the program was piqued when she saw the career success of a close friend who is also an alumna of the program.
“My friend Wendy graduated from TSTC’s Mechatronics Technology program five years ago,” she said. “She has experienced great success with the utility company American Electric Power. My husband was also very supportive. I did some research and learned about the electrical, mechanical and robotics elements. It was fascinating to me, and the career outlook was promising. So I enrolled.”
Vasquez has some advice for prospective students interested in pursuing Mechatronics Technology at TSTC.
“The Associate of Applied Science degree you can earn from this program can be a life-changer,” she said. “You will have a great outcome in the end if you pursue it.”
In Texas, electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians can earn around $63,260 a year. The number of these jobs in the state is expected to increase 8% by 2028.
TSTC offers Mechatronics Technology at the Harlingen campus, where students can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree or a Basic Electromechanical Automation (PLC) occupational skills award.
Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.
Dusty & Coco, Laredo’s 1st Certified Police Therapy Dogs
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – The City of Laredo hosted a press conference in collaboration with Laredo Animal Care Services, the Laredo Police Department, and Webb County District Courts. The City of Laredo introduced an initiative in which shelter dogs are adopted to become therapy dogs for children that have been abused and are currently in a court proceeding.
This initiative was originally led by Council Member Alberto Torres, Jr. in 2020. As this program continues to gain nationwide popularity, more dogs are saved from homelessness and euthanasia as they are trained to make a big impact on child abuse victims.
“Judge Oscar Hale came to us with the idea of this program after adopting a dog from the local shelter himself”, said Council Member Alberto Torres, during the presentation. “Two years later, here we are seeing how successful and fruitful this initiative was for the City, the judicial and justice system, but above all for the lives that we start to save of our four-legged friends”.
The Laredo Police Department has been vital in order to make this program take its course by the leadership of Deputy Chief, Enedina Martinez, under the direction of Chief Claudio Trevino. Officers Cesar Esquivel and Vito Cardenas recently completed their training together with their shelter dogs, Dusty and Coco. These dogs were selected from the local animal shelter to train with K-9 handlers in Florida, making them the first-ever certified police therapy dogs and handlers in Laredo, Texas.
“When we were presented with this idea, although it is not something new in policing, it is new here in South Texas, especially in Laredo. We knew how important it is to expand the service beyond the contact that we have with victims on the streets and being able to task these officers with their canine partners”, said Police Chief Claudio Trevino. “After selecting the officers, we were to identify the canines from the Laredo Animal Care Services facility; although many would like to adopt a puppy in an effort to teach and see it grow into a therapy dog, it is not impossible to get a mature dog, that needs to be saved, that needs a home, for this opportunity to serve the community of Laredo.”
In an effort to ease intimidation and anxiety, child abuse victims are allowed to testify in a courtroom with trained therapy dogs beside them in the witness box. In 2019, the Senate passed Texas Senator John Cornyn’s Courthouse Dogs Act, allowing comfort dogs into the courtroom to help upset witnesses to testify. The act clarified the authority of judges to allow trained and certified emotional assistance animals into their courtrooms.
