Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement - VIDA

Don’t let the first step stop you 🎓

The journey to a degree starts long before graduation day. It starts with deciding you’re ready for something more.

If you’ve been thinking about your future, this is your sign to take action! ✨
📞 (956) 903-1900
🌐 vidacareers.org

This weekend, VIDA was a proud sponsor of the 6th Annual Juneteenth “Perfecting Unity” Celebration hosted by Village In the Valley 🌟

The event was a meaningful celebration of Juneteenth, honoring freedom, culture, and unity across our community. We are grateful to stand alongside local leaders, families, and partners in recognizing this important day.

Proud to support spaces that bring our community together and strengthen connection across the Rio Grande Valley.

This week, VIDA welcomed the Workforce Development Division from UnidosUS for a two-day site visit to learn more about our organization, workforce development model, and the impact of our programming across the Rio Grande Valley.

During their visit, our participants engaged in meaningful conversations about the growing role of AI in education and workforce development and shared how the Muévete initiative has helped them advance their career goals. Through funding awarded to VIDA in 2025, the Muévete program provided participants with access to industry-recognized credentials and professional certificates from leading institutions, including Harvard University, Rice University, and Columbia University.

We were honored to host Sebastian Ameriso, Program Manager, and Adrean Vargas, Director of Adult Education and Workforce Development at UnidosUS. Their visit created valuable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and connection with our participants and staff.

We are grateful for our partnership with UnidosUS and their continued support of VIDA’s mission to create pathways to economic mobility through education, training, and workforce development opportunities.

Together, we are building a stronger workforce and expanding opportunities for families across the Rio Grande Valley. 💙

Imagine where you could be a year from now 🎓

A degree, new opportunities, and a future you can be proud of all start with one decision.

Don’t just imagine it, start working toward it with VIDA Careers! ✨
📞 (956) 903-1900
🌐 vidacareers.org

Last week, the VIDA team was on the road 🛣️

Our Director of Development & Communications, Amanda Rodriguez, and Director of Compliance, Honesty Martinez, attended the annual convening with The Moody Foundation in Galveston, TX, connecting with fellow grantees driving meaningful impact across rural communities throughout Texas.

Our President & CEO, Felida Villarreal, attended the IDEA Public Schools Key Gala: Unlocking Possibilities in Austin, celebrating the power of education to transform lives and engaging with partners committed to expanding opportunity for students across the state. ✨

From Galveston to Austin, our team is proud to stay engaged in spaces that advance opportunity, equity, and economic mobility for the communities we serve.

At VIDA, we remain committed to building pathways that empower individuals and strengthen the Rio Grande Valley workforce.