Texas Border Business
By Selene Rodriguez
A proud South Texas College alumna, Felicia Barragan has turned childhood inspiration and military discipline into a life of service in her hometown of Edinburg.
At just 26, she’s a full-time patrol officer, U.S. Army veteran, self-defense instructor and founder of the Blue Heart Initiative, a youth outreach program that connects law enforcement with elementary school students at a critical age.
Driven by a deep desire to uplift others, Barragan stands as a powerful role model, proving that leadership, compassion and strength can thrive in uniform.
“Growing up, I always dreamed of being a pillar in my community, someone who makes a difference, gives back and helps others, even in the smallest way,” she said. “I’ve always taken pride in wearing the uniform, first in service to my country and now in service to the city where I was born.”
Raised as one of five sisters and one brother, Barragan grew up in a home where strength, independence and service were everyday values. Her father, a prison lieutenant, made sure his daughters were held to the same standard as his son, teaching them self-reliance, discipline and pride in who they are.
However, her desire to serve began in a classroom at De La Viña Elementary, when a female police officer visited her class.
“That’s when I realized, that’s what I want to do,” she said. “I want to be somebody powerful. A leader for women, for my community.”
After graduating from Robert Vela High School in 2017, Barragan chose to serve her country first, enlisting in the U.S. Army for three years of active duty. When she returned home, she searched for a path to continue serving others and, after a year working at the Hidalgo County jail, she was ready to become a peace officer.
Barragan started STC’s Police Academy in January of 2021.
“I had taken classes at STC before joining the military. When I returned, I knew exactly where I wanted to go for my academy,” she said. “Thanks to my military education benefits, I was able to cover my tuition and choosing STC turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It changed my career forever.”
Just as she was inspired by a female officer as a child, Barragan found herself inspired once again, this time by STC faculty member Jennifer Rosillo, who from the start became a mentor and ultimately, a trusted peer and guide.
“She was the first person I met and I remember thinking, ‘I want to be like her.’ You could just see the grit and professionalism in her,” she said. “All the instructors had a way of being strict and professional, but also approachable. They didn’t just guide us through the academy, they encouraged us to keep going with our education and helped us all find jobs after graduation.”
Graduating from the 21-week academy in June of that same year, Barragan was hired by Edinburg Police Department in October 2021 and has since become an outstanding patrol officer with the agency, recognized as one of this year’s nominees for Officer of the Year.
Beyond her patrol duties, she serves as a certified RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) instructor, leading self-defense classes for women in the community and has launched the Blue Heart Initiative, a program focused on building trust between law enforcement and elementary-aged students at a pivotal stage in their development.
“I started this project at my old elementary school as a way to honor and thank all the teachers who’ve played a pivotal role in my journey,” she explained. “They were always uplifting. I think they saw something in me and helped me stay focused. I want to be that for our youth and leave a mark the way they did for me.”
Through school visits, candid conversations and even basketball games with students, Barragan’s initiative breaks down barriers and reminds both youth and officers why community connection matters. It has already reached every elementary campus in Edinburg.
“As cops, we want our community to trust us, to come to us and believe that we’re here for them, their families and their future,” she said. “We also remind them that their counselors and teachers are there to help. I had my own struggles growing up and I know how much that kind of support can matter.”
Barragan is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Human Dimensions of Organizations at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) while continuing to work full-time, with a goal to also pursue a master’s and doctorate degree in the future.
“My instructors at STC set the example for what I hope to become, pursuing graduate school is part of that path,” she said. “I’m grateful to be part of a department where officers uplift one another, where I’m seen not just as a female in a male-dominated field, but as an officer with the potential to achieve more. And I’m proud I went to STC, because if I hadn’t, none of this would’ve been possible.”
For more information on STC’s Police Academy, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/law-enforcement/ or call 956-872-4208.
