Texas Border Business
By Veronica Salinas
For Olga Arriaga, the South Texas College (STC) Continuing Education and Advanced Training Real Estate program provided more than the education needed to earn a real estate license; it also laid the foundation for a successful career built on leadership, service and lifelong learning.
Now, 17 years after beginning her journey in real estate, Arriaga is the broker and owner of Dolce Vita Realty, leading a team that serves buyers, sellers and investors across South Texas while mentoring the next generation of real estate professionals.
“My foundation in business and real estate began at STC,” she said. “I continue to focus on leadership, service and professional growth in the industry.”
Arriaga chose STC’s program because she wanted an in-person learning experience that would prepare her for success in the local market.
“I valued the local and hands-on classroom experience it offered,” she said. “While many real estate courses are available online, I preferred being able to learn in person, ask questions in real time and gain insight from instructors and peers who understand our local market.”
The program equipped Arriaga with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to build a successful career in real estate, from understanding contracts and legal requirements to serving clients with confidence.
“The education I received laid the groundwork for my career, and the lessons I learned continue to guide me today,” she said.
In addition to completing the Real Estate program, Arriaga credits her Business Management education at STC with helping her develop leadership, organization and decision-making skills she relies on every day.
“Combined with my real estate education and ongoing professional training, it gave me the confidence to analyze situations, provide solutions and guide clients through important financial and real estate decisions.”
Since completing the program, Arriaga has transformed her career from working as an individual real estate agent to becoming a broker, business owner and mentor.
“Earning my broker’s license and growing Dolce Vita Realty into a respected brokerage with a talented team of agents has been a significant milestone,” she said. “What makes this achievement meaningful is not just the business growth, but the opportunity to help families achieve homeownership, support investors in building wealth and mentor agents as they develop their own successful careers.”
She encourages others to consider STC’s Continuing Education and Advanced Training programs as a pathway to career advancement.
“It provides a practical, career-focused education that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed,” she said. “The program offers flexible learning opportunities, experienced instructors and training that is relevant to today’s workforce.”
For future students, Arriaga hopes her story serves as a reminder that success begins with taking the first step.
“I hope my story shows future students that success is achievable with dedication, perseverance and a willingness to keep learning,” she said. “You do not have to have everything figured out when you begin your educational journey. Every class, certification and learning opportunity is a step toward building the future you envision for yourself.”
For more information on STC’s Continuing Education and Advanced Training programs, visit southtexascollege.edu/cpit/.
