Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
Newly elected to the South Texas College Board of Trustees, Rina Castillo of Edcouch-Elsa is bringing years of experience in education to the table as she sets forth in her mission of enhancing college accessibility and bringing opportunities to those in her district and beyond.
Castillo represents District 7 – Northeast Hidalgo County, North Weslaco, Edcouch, Elsa, La Villa, Mercedes, Monte Alto, Northeast Alamo, Northeast Edinburg and Hargill, with a six-year term ending in May 2032.
“It is truly an honor to be entrusted with this position by my constituents,” said Castillo. “I felt like they needed more representation. My career had recently taken a shift to helping people get out of poverty, and I know education is the way out. This was my chance to serve my community in this capacity.”
Castillo currently serves as a Community and Economic Development agent with Prairie View A&M University Extension, where she leads initiatives focused on small business development, homeownership, financial empowerment and community outreach across Hidalgo and Starr Counties.
Additionally, with an education from STC, a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing and a master’s degree in Public Affairs, Castillo is now working toward a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership.
“I’ve dedicated my career to helping people live a better quality of life,” she said. “STC was my steppingstone, and because of the support I found there, it helped me get closer to my goals. I want to do the same for others.”
Throughout her campaign, Castillo ran on the platform of increasing student support services at STC, in addition to its already established student food pantry, clothing closet, self-care den and parent rooms.
“STC already offers our students so much, but I know we can do more. Being in college is challenging, but even more so, if our students don’t have the help they need for themselves or their families. We need to support them in all aspects, so they can continue their education confidently,” said Castillo.
Castillo recognizes that many STC students come from rural or underserved areas within the community and even in her district. Therefore, she hopes to unify leadership in her district – county, state and federal, to better support these residents.
“We need to push resources and educational opportunities in my district,” she said. As someone who attended STC to get a head start, I still needed that extra support and push to keep going. I understand my community’s struggles and challenges. I want to help alleviate those.”
As she begins her term as a trustee, Castillo wants students to know she is in their corner and offers this piece of advice.
“Never give up in doing what challenges you. Challenges are temporary,” she said. “Throughout my campaign I had many doors slammed, but you need to keep your confidence and believe in yourself and your cause.”
Information source: STC
