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Classroom to Commerce: The Economic Power of Education in the Rio Grande Valley

  • June 04, 2025
  • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Embassy Suites McAllen Convention Center, 800 Convention Blvd., McAllen, TX 78501
  • 0

Registration

  • PLATINUM: Includes 3 registrations + 1 seat at pre-lunch | GOLD: Includes 2 registrations + 1 seat at pre-lunch | SILVER: Includes 1 registration
  • By invitation, only.
Registration is closed

IMPORTANT! LATE REGISTRATION starts May 28!

 Download the latest FLYER!

Education is a cornerstone of economic growth, shaping the workforce and driving regional prosperity. Classroom to Commerce: The Economic Power of Education in the Rio Grande Valley, presented by the Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects (I-LinCP), will explore how education and industry partnerships are preparing students for the future and strengthening the region’s economic landscape.

This engaging program will bring together leaders from higher education, K-12, and vocational training institutions to discuss workforce readiness, skill development, and the role of public-private partnerships in fostering long-term economic resilience.

Join us again in the Rio Grande Valley as we explore the transformative impact of education on workforce development and economic growth in the region.

Discussion Topics:

  • Strengthening the talent pipeline and preparing students for in-demand careers

  • The role of higher education, technical training, and K–12 education in workforce development

  • How public-private partnerships are creating new opportunities for students and professionals

  • Strategies for addressing workforce shortages and bridging skill gaps

Featured Speakers & Panels

Keynote Speakers:

  • Dr. Ricardo Solis, President, South Texas College
  • Dr. Guy Bailey, President, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)

Panel 1 – The K–16 Education Ecosystem:
Exploring how collaboration across K–12, community colleges, and universities is preparing students for academic and career success.


Moderator: Brian Godinez, CEO, ERO Architects

Panelists:

  • Paul Rodriguez, Board Member, South Texas College

  • Ron Garza, Senior Associate Vice President, Governmental & Community Relations, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)

  • Dr. Daniel King, CEO, Region One Education Service Center (K–12)


    Segue:   Eloy Garza, Exec. Board Member at RGV LEAD



    Panel 2 – Career & Technical Education Driving Growth:

    Focusing on the role of technical and vocational institutions in building a skilled workforce and meeting the demands of a growing economy.


    Moderator: Susie Flores, VP Business Recruitment, McAllen EDC

    Panelists:

    • Eladio Jaimez, Provost, Texas State Technical College (TSTC), Harlingen

    • Dr. Stella E. Garcia, Vice President of Institutional Advancement/Chief of Staff, Texas Southmost College (TSC)

    • Daniel Silva, Executive Director, South Texas Vocational Technical Institute  

    Program Agenda

    (DOWNLOAD FULL AGENDA HERE)

    11:00 AM - 11:45 - INVITATION ONLY - Pre-lunch for Speakers and Sponsors

    11:00 AM - General Audience Check-in and Networking

    11:45 PM - General Audience Lunch Begins

    Noon - Program Start 

    2:00 PM - Closing

    Thank You to Our Sponsors!


    SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE!

    Supporting (Unlimited): $250, Incl. 1 registration and event marketing recognition

    Partner ( 2 of 4 available): $500, Incl. 2 registrations, 1 seat at the pre-lunch with Sponsors and Presenters, and event marketing recognition

    SOLD! Collaborator (Exclusive): $750, Incl. 3 registrations, 1 seat at the pre-lunch with Sponsors and Presenters, event marketing recognition, and introduce firm 

    SOLD! Title (Exclusive): $1,000, Incl. 4 registrations, 2 seats at the pre-lunch with Sponsors and Presenters, event marketing recognition, introduce organization, introduce UTRGV presenters.

    BECOME AN ANNUAL SPONSOR TODAY AND BE RECOGNIZED IN PROGRAMS LIKE THIS ALL YEAR LONG!


     
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