Rio Grande Valley Broadband Coalition Welcomes New Program Manager
The Rio Grande Valley Broadband Coalition has appointed Ricardo Saenz, MPA, as its inaugural Program Manager. The announcement was made by Jordana Barton-Garcia, the coalition’s director, in a recent newsletter.
Introducing Ricardo Saenz
Ricardo Saenz, a resident of Donna, Texas, brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit program management, community outreach, and health initiatives to the coalition. He is passionate about empowering underserved populations, a mission he has dedicated his career to through various health and community projects.
Background and Experience
Saenz has held significant positions within the nonprofit sector. At MHP Salud, he transitioned from Program Manager to Senior Program Director, where he led diverse teams engaged in vital programs focusing on nutrition, health insurance, and aging in place. His leadership has made a tangible impact in the community, fostering partnerships across numerous grants and counties.
Moreover, Saenz has previously directed a digital equity program in the Rio Grande Valley and Maverick County, targeting the digital divide among underserved older adult populations. His certification as a Digital Navigator underscores his commitment to technology accessibility.
Ricardo holds a Master of Arts in Public Affairs from The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley. He aims to leverage digital inclusion as a means for social transformation. In his personal life, Ricardo enjoys family time, movie outings, and playing with his dog, Kovu.
Enhancing Connectivity in the Rio Grande Valley
In her newsletter, Barton-Garcia stated that the coalition is set to hold regular meetings to strengthen partnerships in developing the RGV Broadband and Digital Opportunity Plan. She indicated that they expect to release the plan by mid-August.
Barton-Garcia highlighted the contributions of young participants in the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA)-A Resource In Serving Equality (ARISE) Adelante Digital Ambassador Program, where students imparted digital skills to colonia residents. The coalition aims to expand this impactful program through future grant funding.
For more on this initiative, you can read about the Adelante Digital Ambassador Program.
Upcoming Grant Applications and Initiatives
Furthermore, Barton-Garcia mentioned that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has recently opened applications for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The deadline for submissions is September 23, 2024.
The objective of this grant program is to enhance community access and skills for full participation in the digital sphere, irrespective of background or circumstance. Barton-Garcia emphasized their intention to prepare a joint submission for this collaborative regional effort.
Funding Opportunities Ahead
With $2.75 billion earmarked for the Digital Equity Act’s three grant programs, additional funding opportunities are anticipated from the Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) later this fall for Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Opportunity grants.
The inclusion of plans from Willacy and Starr Counties in BDO’s Technical Assistance Program signifies further advancements in the region’s broadband infrastructure. This program will assist in creating a Strategic Engineering and Feasibility Study, aligning with economic development and digital equity goals.
Barton-Garcia expressed her excitement about this development, stating, "Congratulations to Willacy and Starr Counties for being selected by BDO for the TAP program, which aims to expand broadband infrastructure and digital opportunity programs."
Future Directions for the Coalition
As the Rio Grande Valley Broadband Coalition prepares for its upcoming meeting and grant submission plans, both Saenz and Barton-Garcia will be reaching out to stakeholders to finalize schedules. They encourage coalition members to actively participate in this initiative.
For inquiries or further information, you can contact them directly:
Contact Information:
Jordana Barton-Garcia
Director, Rio Grande Valley Broadband Coalition
ConnectHumanity.Fund
Ricardo Saenz
Program Manager, RGV Broadband Coalition
Email Ricardo
The Rio Grande Valley Broadband Coalition is committed to forging stronger connections in the community and ensuring that all residents have the resources they need to thrive in the digital age.
