Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – Pharr-San-Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) is taking great strides to empower young women through events such as the district’s first PSJA Cultivating Young Women’s Leadership Summit that was held on Tuesday, December 19 at the Radisson Hotel in McAllen, Texas.
The conference attendees consisted of senior female students from all the district’s high schools and are first-generation early college students pursuing an associate degree, college certificate, or are part of the PSJA Academies.
The summit led by the PSJA College Readiness Department in collaboration with numerous departments aimed to help students acquire leadership skills, enhance their confidence, and build their networks. Esteemed women and community leaders who have paved the way for others shared their inspiring stories with the students during numerous breakout sessions.
Dr. Alejandro Elias, PSJA Superintendent of Schools, welcomed the students to the leadership summit.
“You can change the world. You just have to believe in what you are doing and always have a vision and a goal in mind,” said Dr. Elias. “Ensure that what you take away from the breakout sessions today, you utilize or keep it in your tool bag. PSJA is helping you fill your bag so that you may take those tools and apply them to your future endeavors.”
During the summit, PSJA students heard from several speakers, including School Board Member Dr. Cynthia Gutierrez, Hidalgo County Judge Renee Bentancourt, and Attorney Leah Wise to name a few. Among the session topics included entrepreneurship, leadership, and breaking barriers.
“The inspiration for this event is to ensure that our first-generation girls have the skills and feel empowered to work together. As they transition into the real world, they may face challenges,” said Dr. Linda Uribe, Executive Officer for College and Career Readiness. “We want to ensure that these girls have the skills to break that ceiling and empower them to get ahead in life.”
PSJA ISD is an open enrollment school district serving over 30,000 students. The district welcomes students living anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley. Parents interested in having their children take advantage of the opportunities offered and can learn more at www.psjaisd.us.
