Author: Isabella Cortez

markdown H-E-B Hunger Relief Sponsors 5th Annual Empty Bowls Lower Valley On April 26, 2026, the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley will host the much-anticipated Empty Bowls Lower Valley charity event. This year’s event is buoyed by the generous support of H-E-B Hunger Relief, which has stepped up as the title and presenting sponsor. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to combat food insecurity in the local community and aims to raise vital funds for those in need. Significance of the Event The Empty Bowls event stands out as a significant fundraiser for the Food Bank, which is…

Celebrating Women’s Contributions in the Rio Grande Valley: A Focus on Community Events In the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, community-driven events are essential for fostering connection and supporting local initiatives. A noteworthy celebration highlighting these efforts took place at Sinatra International Cuisine and Bar during the Women with Purpose event, an occasion honoring the accomplishments of women and their roles in various sectors. A Spotlight on Olga Tijerina Olga Tijerina, a key figure at Sinatra International Cuisine and Bar, was honored for her dedication to hosting community-centric events. This year’s seventh annual Women with Purpose gathering, organized by…

Texas Shift: How Donald Trump Reclaimed the Lone Star State Supporter of Donald Trump outside the Travis County Exposition Center in Austin, Texas, during a rally in 2016. Gabriel Cristóver Pérez/KUT News. The recent election results have further solidified the belief that Texas is evolving into a stronghold for the Republican Party. Former President Donald Trump’s decisive victory in the state has raised eyebrows given that his margin of victory increased significantly compared to previous elections. Texas was called for Trump on the night of the election, where he captured over 56% of the vote, marking a substantial gain of…

Felida Villarreal: Championing Education and Workforce Development in the Rio Grande Valley Felida Villarreal, the Executive Director of VIDA, has been making significant strides in advancing educational opportunities and workforce development in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) region of Texas. Her visionary leadership has propelled VIDA to the forefront of initiatives aimed at enhancing economic mobility for underserved communities. The Importance of Educational Accessibility Historically, the Rio Grande Valley has faced numerous economic challenges, often limiting access to quality education and job training programs. Villarreal recognizes the critical need for resources and programs that support education and workforce development, especially…

Webb County Community Action Agency Offers Spring Utility Assistance for Low-Income Families The Webb County Community Action Agency has officially opened applications for its Utility Assistance Program, aimed at supporting low-income households this spring. This initiative, designed to alleviate the financial burden of energy costs, is part of the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), a federally funded scheme intended to assist vulnerable communities with their energy expenses and promote energy conservation. Application Details for Utility Assistance Officials announced that a limited number of applications, specifically 80 per location, will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each household is allowed…

Golazo Soccer: Transforming the RGV Soccer Landscape Introduction to Golazo Soccer’s Vision In the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, Golazo Soccer stands as a beacon for soccer enthusiasts, offering the only dedicated indoor and outdoor soccer stadiums in the area. This facility is set to play a crucial role in the development of young talent in partnership with the FC Dallas Academy, Pre-Academy, and ECNL teams, thereby nurturing the next generation of soccer players in the region. A Commitment to Local Talent Sebastian Sobczak, the founder of Golazo, expresses a profound sense of purpose in this initiative. "It’s kind…

Celebrating Leadership and Service in the Rio Grande Valley Introduction In a remarkable ceremony held recently, Dr. Jennifer Mendoza Culbertson was honored for her extensive public service and leadership in the Rio Grande Valley. As the chief administrator for internal affairs at Hidalgo County Precinct 4, Culbertson has dedicated over three decades to education, government, and community service. This event, organized by the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, showcased not only her achievements but the collective effort of women in leadership roles throughout the region. A Commitment to Collaboration During her acceptance speech, Culbertson emphasized that true leadership is rooted…

Celebrating Success: Dr. Luis Torres-Hostos Addresses Hidalgo County’s Access to Success Program EDINBURG, Texas – The recent banquet organized by the Hidalgo County Community Service Agency (CSA) showcased remarkable achievements of the Access to Success program, with keynote speaker Dr. Luis Torres-Hostos, the founding dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Highlights of the Event On December 12, 2022, the Monza Social Event Center in Edinburg buzzed with excitement as community members gathered to celebrate the completion of the Access to Success program by 19 dedicated adults. The event served not…

Enhancing Economic Development in the Rio Grande Valley: A Look into the RioPlex Deal Structuring Forum On March 11, 2026, the historic Post Office Building in downtown Harlingen, Texas, served as the venue for the RioPlex Deal Structuring Forum. The event brought together influential leaders from various sectors, including banking, government, business, and economic development. The primary objective was to explore strategies and tools to enhance investment opportunities and foster economic growth in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). The Forum’s Opening Remarks The event commenced with Morgan Lamantia, a board member of RioPlex, who provided introductions and an overview of…

RGV Connect Forum: A Catalyst for Infrastructure Development in the Rio Grande Valley The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is poised for significant transformation, particularly in the realms of transportation and trade. The recent RGV Connect Forum’s inaugural Transportation and Trade Session has opened the floor for critical dialogues among regional leaders, aimed at enhancing the infrastructure that supports economic development in this vibrant region. Key Highlights from the RGV Connect Forum Held under the joint auspices of the Mission Economic Development Corporation and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, this event assembled a diverse group of experts and decision-makers to discuss…