Texas Border Business
By Selene Rodriguez
To foster community engagement and spark important conversations for the growth and development of the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College recently hosted a special conference featuring renowned author Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, Ph.D.
This event marked the launch of a pilot initiative to unite faculty, staff and students in meaningful dialogue on relevant issues that impact our community.
“We are excited to open the dialogue, empower our faculty and students and bring them together to address important issues that affect us, such as the perception of our region,” said STC President Ricardo Solis, Ph.D. “And what better way to kick off this series than with Dr. Correa-Cabrera, an expert on the border and its communities. She has conducted extensive research not only on the challenges we face, but also on the strengths and benefits of our region. We’re thrilled for this opportunity and look forward to hosting more events like this in the future.”
Correa-Cabrera is a renowned scholar, current professor in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University and author of several books on topics such as border studies, U.S.-Mexico relations, migration and illicit networks.
Through two insightful discussions, “Beyond Boundaries: A Dialogue on U.S.-Mexico Border Security” and “Frontera: The Rio Grande Valley Advantage,” Correa-Cabrera, a former resident of Brownsville, shared her unique perspective on both sides of the border, offering insights into the region’s perception relative to the rest of the country, as well as its growth and development.
“We were once called “The forgotten border” because no one paid attention to what was happening in the Rio Grande Valley or northeastern Mexico. It wasn’t until the immigration crisis and concerns over border insecurity that we suddenly became very popular,” she shared with the audience. “People view this region as one they should be fearful of, but we are so much more than that, and that’s not talked about enough.”
Calling the border a “third country” with a unique culture that is binational, bilingual and bicultural, she reflected on her experiences of confronting stereotypes in both the United States and Mexico.
“As a focal point in the last decade, we have the opportunity to show who we truly are—the life and richness of this wonderful region,” she added. “Our people, music, food, history and so much more make us truly unique.”
By sharing images taken over the years from countless trips to every crossable point along the border, she empowered the attendees to change the narrative and represent the “Real-life image that people need to see and know about the borderlands.”
“To have somebody come and speak so positively about the border and its beauty is so refreshing,” said STC student Fernanda Espinoza. “I’m originally from Nuevo Leon, and it’s very eye-opening to hear an outside perspective on the opportunities we have here as a bicultural region. It makes me appreciate who we are and reminds me not to take this for granted.”
During her two-day visit to STC, Correa-Cabrera took the opportunity to connect with students like Espinoza, listening to their stories and learning about their aspirations for the future, while encouraging them to raise their voices and advocate for the region. “I lived in the RGV for many years, and I still call it my home. It’s amazing to see how much it has grown and developed,” Correa-Cabrera said. “At STC, I’ve witnessed growth like nowhere else in the country. This is where you’ll find the biggest opportunities to receive the best education. Yes, challenges still exist, but it’s clear that growth is happening. I can confidently say this is the place of opportunity—right here.”
