Author: Isabella Cortez
Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza Takes Leadership of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council Introduction Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza of Mission, Texas, has recently been elected President of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council (LRGVDC). This influential organization is dedicated to promoting regional cooperation and planning across the counties of Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy. Established in 1967, the LRGVDC provides critical support and guidance for local governments, ensuring a focused approach to development in South Texas. Role and Responsibilities of the LRGVDC In her new position, Mayor Garza will chair both Council and Board of Directors meetings, sign contracts,…
BCIC: A Catalyst for Entrepreneurial Growth in Brownsville The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) has been a vital force in fostering entrepreneurship and business growth within the Brownsville community. Over the years, BCIC has garnered both regional and national attention for its dedicated efforts in supporting small businesses and innovative startups. Partnership with UTRGV A significant milestone was marked recently when the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) honored BCIC with the Community Partner Recognition Award. This prestigious recognition underscores the longstanding collaboration between BCIC and UTRGV’s Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center. This partnership plays a crucial role in providing…
Vannie Cook Children’s Cancer Clinic Launches 16th Annual Radiothon to Support Pediatric Cancer Care The Vannie Cook Children’s Cancer Clinic has officially kicked off its 16th annual Radiothon, a vital initiative aimed at raising funds and bringing attention to the urgent need for local pediatric cancer care in the Rio Grande Valley. This year’s event underscores the clinic’s ongoing commitment to providing top-notch healthcare services to children battling cancer. The Importance of Local Pediatric Cancer Care The Vannie Cook Clinic was established to ensure that children suffering from cancer can receive specialized treatment without having to leave the Rio Grande…
Celebrating Community Leadership: Brownsville City Commission Honors Mike Hernandez In a significant event during the February 3rd City Commission meeting, the Brownsville City Commission honored Mike Hernandez for his remarkable contributions and unwavering service to the community. This recognition not only highlights Mr. Hernandez’s dedication to educational advancement but also emphasizes the importance of community involvement in fostering growth and development. Mike Hernandez: A Catalyst for Educational Advancement Mike Hernandez has become synonymous with educational progress in Brownsville. With a clear vision and a commitment to change, he has worked tirelessly to bridge gaps in education and empower the youth…
FIT4MOM McAllen: Empowering Mothers Through Community and Fitness Introduction to FIT4MOM FIT4MOM McAllen is a pivotal branch of the national fitness franchise dedicated to supporting mothers in their fitness journey. Founded by a community-focused individual, Thompson, this initiative aims to bridge the gap between fitness and motherhood. Recognizing a lack of maternal fitness options in McAllen, she set out to create a nurturing environment for moms seeking both physical wellness and community connection. Addressing the Gap in Maternal Fitness The closest FIT4MOM location before McAllen was over 150 miles away in San Antonio. This distance highlighted an unfulfilled need in…
Vannie Cook Children’s Cancer Clinic’s 16th Annual Radiothon: A Call to Support Pediatric Cancer Care in the Rio Grande Valley The Vannie Cook Children’s Cancer Clinic has unveiled its 16th annual Radiothon, a vital initiative aimed at raising funds and awareness for local pediatric cancer care in the Rio Grande Valley. This year, the Radiothon is set for February 17, where young patients will take center stage as they visit the station to “become DJs for a day.” The Vital Role of the Vannie Cook Clinic Established to ensure children in the Rio Grande Valley receive the best pediatric oncology…
Mentoring Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs: The Impact of the Rio Grande Valley Angel Network Introduction In the bustling entrepreneurial landscape of the Rio Grande Valley, mentorship plays a crucial role in nurturing innovation and driving economic growth. The Rio Grande Valley Angel Network (RGVAN) is stepping up to fill this vital need by connecting aspiring business owners with experienced investors who can help them navigate their entrepreneurial journeys. What is the Rio Grande Valley Angel Network? The RGVAN is a collaborative group of angel investors dedicated to supporting early-stage ventures. Their mission is to facilitate introductions between entrepreneurs and potential investors, fostering…
Empowering Motherhood Through Fitness: Amanda Thompson’s Mission in McAllen For many women, the journey through motherhood brings unique challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining physical fitness and mental well-being. Amanda Thompson, a South Texas College (STC) alumna, understands these challenges intimately. At just 28, she not only owns FIT4MOM McAllen, a dedicated fitness studio for mothers, but also leverages her training in Kinesiology to foster a supportive community for women navigating the complexities of motherhood. A Foundation in Kinesiology Thompson graduated from STC in 2018 with a degree in Kinesiology, a choice that came naturally due to her lifelong…
Preparing the Rio Grande Valley for Future Catastrophes: Lessons from Hurricane Helene As communities across the southeastern United States grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which unleashed devastation through historic rainfall and destruction, the question rings clear for those of us in the Rio Grande Valley: Are we ready for a catastrophe of this magnitude? Understanding the New Normal of Extreme Weather Recent events serve as a stark reminder that severe weather incidents are no longer rare anomalies but rather the “new normal.” Scientists at NOAA warn that storms are becoming increasingly intense due to climate change, resulting in…
STHS GME Consortium: A Beacon of Hope for the Future of Medicine in the Rio Grande Valley The South Texas Health System (STHS) is actively working to address the critical shortage of physicians in the medically underserved communities of the Rio Grande Valley. With an ambitious vision, STHS launched the STHS Graduate Medical Education (GME) Consortium in 2022, aimed at recruiting, training, and retaining a new generation of physicians. This initiative is crucial for the region, which faces significant healthcare challenges. Continued Accreditation by ACGME Earlier this month, STHS’s GME program proudly received re-accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate…