RGV LEAD - Rio Grande Valley Linking Economic and Academic Development

10/14/2026

Thank you, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, for inviting RGV LEAD to participate in a Congressional Roundtable Discussion on Education!

RGV LEAD remains committed to collaborating with elected officials, educators, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to strengthen educational opportunities, advance workforce development, and build a brighter future for students throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

What a wonderful morning of meaningful conversations and collaboration!

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, thank you for your continued engagement with our South Texas community and for bringing stakeholders together to discuss the future of education in our region.

Together, we are empowering today’s students and building tomorrow’s workforce! 🎓

10/14/2026

We have been doing amazing work at through our Ambassador and Scholar Programs!

What makes us most proud is our commitment to bridging education and industry through meaningful workforce development opportunities.

Our Workforce Pipeline Initiatives in Criminal Justice & Legal Studies, Advanced Manufacturing, Energy, Cybersecurity, and Architecture & Construction are creating pathways for students to explore careers, develop essential skills, and connect with industries shaping the future of the Rio Grande Valley.

These initiatives serve as the foundation for aligning education, career readiness, and lifelong success for our Member School Districts and the students we proudly serve.

We are especially grateful to PNC Bank for believing in our mission and investing in opportunities that strengthen our students, our workforce, and our communities.

Together, we are empowering today’s students and building tomorrow’s workforce—right here in the Rio Grande Valley! ❤️

10/08/2026

We recently hosted our Fall 2026 Leadership Workshop, bringing together hundreds of student ambassadors from across the Rio Grande Valley for an immersive day of career exploration and leadership training.

Students had the chance to engage directly with industry partners, experience innovative workforce technologies, and gain valuable life insights from keynote speaker Jonathan Medina.

Special thanks to our sponsors, district leaders, and venue host for making this event possible.

Together, we are bridging the gap between education and industry across South Texas! 🤝💼

10/08/2026

Grateful to have been part of the conversation at PNC’s Building Brilliant Communities – Community Stakeholder Meeting for the Texas Border Region in McAllen, TX!

Meaningful conversations and strong community partnerships are essential to creating opportunities, strengthening our regional workforce, and investing in the future of the Rio Grande Valley.

Thank you, PNC, for bringing community stakeholders together and for your continued commitment to building stronger, brighter communities! 💙

10/06/2026

Empowering Today’s Students. Building Tomorrows Workforce.

10/06/2026

On behalf of the RG LEAD Board of Directors and Board President Eloy Garza we are excited to kickoff the 2026-2027 Academic Year.

We are hosting over 350 attendees and workforce industry partners in Mission Texas this morning for Fall Leadership Workshop.

Thank you to our sponsor PNC for their commitment to students and their future careers. More pics to follow. RGV LEAD Executive Director Maricela "Mari" De León, RGV LEAD Project Coordinator Dr. Diana Ybanez, Board President Eloy Garza, Vice President Esmeralda Adame, Executive Board Member Jonathan Eric Medina, Board Member Frank Almaraz.

Career Industry Partners City of Pharr DHR Health CareerViewxr Workforce Solutions Rio Grande Valley Builders Association Professional Women in Building

10/03/2026

As we prepare for our upcoming RGV LEAD Fall Leadership Workshop – LEAD Forward, we are grateful to our corporate sponsor, PNC Bank, for investing in our mission and supporting opportunities for students across the Rio Grande Valley.

A special thank you to our in-kind sponsors and Career Expo exhibitors for helping us create a meaningful and memorable experience for students from 13 RGV LEAD Member School Districts.

It takes strong partnerships between education, industry, and community to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s workforce—and we are grateful to have you alongside us.

Enjoy the weekend, and we look forward to seeing everyone next week!

Empowering Today’s Students. Building Tomorrow’s Workforce.

10/02/2026

🎙️ RGV LEAD is ready for 2026–2027!

Our Executive Director, Maricela De Leon, recently joined 710 KURV - The Valley's News/Talk Station to share how RGV LEAD is preparing for another impactful year of programming across the Rio Grande Valley—from Starr County to Cameron County.

With 19 Member School Districts partnering with RGV LEAD this academic year, we are focused on delivering meaningful opportunities that strengthen student leadership, employability skills, career readiness, and Work-Based Learning.

Through formal MOA partnerships with industry, our Workforce Pipeline Initiatives are designed to connect students with real-world career exploration, preparation, and expanded learning opportunities aligned with the workforce needs of our region.

Thank you to 710 KURV for highlighting RGV LEAD’s commitment to preparing our regional students for success in an increasingly competitive global workforce.

Together, we are connecting education, industry, and opportunity.


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09/25/2026

🎉 REGISTRATION IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED!

We are incredibly grateful to our RGV LEAD Member Districts for the tremendous response to our Fall 2026 Student Leadership Workshop — LEAD Forward!

This year, more than 300 students from across the Rio Grande Valley are registered to join us for a day focused on leadership, career readiness, and preparing the next generation of our regional workforce.

We look forward to creating a meaningful and memorable experience for our students as we continue Empowering Today’s Students. Building Tomorrow’s Workforce.

📣 LAST CALL FOR SPONSORS!
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for organizations and industry partners interested in supporting this year’s workshop and investing in the future workforce of the Rio Grande Valley.

📞 For sponsorship information, contact the RGV LEAD office at 907-1227.

LEAD Forward 2026
Empowering Today’s Students. Building Tomorrow’s Workforce.

09/24/2026