Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
On April 18, 2024, Texas Woman’s University (TWU) celebrated the grand opening of its new outreach center located in the Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED) in Mission, Texas. This strategic move will recruit students from the Rio Grande Valley and support the region’s women-owned businesses.
The new outreach office at 801 Bryan Road opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. The event was a formal inauguration and a significant step towards making higher education and entrepreneurial resources more accessible in the Valley.
Dr. Javier Flores, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Texas Woman’s University, expressed enthusiasm about the center’s dual mission. “We are thrilled to be in a position to help Rio Grande Valley students explore higher education opportunities elsewhere in Texas while at the same time helping women entrepreneurs in the valley be more successful,” he stated.
With existing Denton, Dallas, and Houston campuses, TWU’s extension in Mission is particularly focused on easing the admissions process. Prospective students can find guidance on enrollment, financial aid, scholarships, and transferring, among other critical matters.
Moreover, the outreach office collaborates with the university’s Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership and its Center for Women Entrepreneurs. This partnership aims to provide free business advising, networking opportunities, training, and funding to women-owned businesses throughout the Valley.
Shannon Mantaro, the Executive Director and Chief Officer of the Jane Nelson Institute, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “The Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at TWU is thrilled to collaborate with the enrollment office to empower women in the Rio Grande Valley with the essential resources for launching or growing their businesses.”
One of the significant upcoming initiatives includes launching a free 12-week program called AccelerateHER. This program is designed for women-owned startups and aims to provide early-stage entrepreneurs with the resources and education necessary to scale their businesses successfully.
The event also stressed the local impact of TWU’s efforts. Dr. Javier Flores shared a personal narrative about the project’s inception, emphasizing the importance of public education and leadership development in transforming lives.
Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza of Mission, Texas, expressed her enthusiasm during the opening ceremony of Texas Woman’s University, highlighting the event’s significance for the city of Mission and the surrounding region. She noted that Texas Woman’s University, established in 1901 by the Texas Legislature, is a prestigious institution with a long history. Mayor Gonzalez expressed her pride and humility in Mission being chosen as the university’s location. She emphasized the importance of the university not only for women, who make up over 80% of the enrollment but also for men, as the university is inclusive. Mayor Gonzalez underscored the role of education as a crucial equalizer in society, contributing to both improved educational outcomes and economic development, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life in the area. She concluded by offering her congratulations, reaffirming the city council’s commitment to support and foster partnerships with higher education institutions, and extending her gratitude to all involved.
Establishing the outreach center is expected to forge stronger connections between TWU and the Rio Grande Valley, fostering educational advancement and economic growth in the region. This new venture is a demonstration of TWU’s commitment to not only educating future leaders but also actively participating in community development.
With the city council’s backing and the enthusiastic participation of local and university leaders, the outreach center is poised to become a key player in the educational and economic landscape of Mission, Texas, and beyond.
