The word mentor has a rich history that dates back to the ancient world, yet its meaning is timeless. The term originated in Greek mythology from the character Mentor in Homer’s epic, The Odyssey. Mentor was a close friend of the hero Odysseus, who entrusted him with the care and guidance of his son, Telemachus, during his long absence. Mentor’s role was one of wisdom, support and nurturing leadership, guiding Telemachus through challenges and…
McAllen resident Rachel Tauli Batallang works as a patient sitter, a health-care worker with specialized training to intently monitor and assist patients requiring close supervision. When she started in this position, Batallang earned $9.30 an hour; however, her pay has increased to $12.07 per hour. Batallang enjoys this job but longed to be a nurse. Former classmates of Battalang told her about the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement. This…
The Texas Workforce Commission has announced the dates and locations for the 2025 Texas Conference for Employers series, with a stop coming to Mission on Feb. 21. Sponsored by TWC’s Office of the Commissioner Representing Employers, the TCE series provides businesses with a wealth of resources. Attendees can learn about the latest employment laws, earn education credits, network with their peers and speak with employment attorneys. The TCE offers practical,…
South Texas College Associate Vice President of Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships Rebecca De Leon is making history as the first from STC to be appointed as president-elect on the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships board of directors. “This was unexpected. I’m still taking it all in, but it is exciting and I’m honored. It could not have come at a better time, as we kickoff 25…
Texas ports contribute more than $713.9 billion in economic activity for the state accounting for 28 percent of Texas’ gross domestic product, further advancing ports as a catalyst for state economic growth and job generation, according to a recent economic impact study by the Texas Ports Association. TPA’s most recent economic impact study was conducted by Martin & Associates, using data from fiscal year 2023. Since the association’s last report,…
South Texas College Trustee Dalinda Gonzalez-Alcantar was honored this year as the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber Business Woman of the Year for her role as chief executive officer of the McAllen Boys and Girls Club. “I was super shocked and then immediately pleased because it’s been less than 20 years since social entrepreneurship has been clearly defined and embraced by the business community,” she said. “It’s a blessing to…
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce will once again be hosting Brownsville Day at the Capitol in Austin from Jan. 28-30. The two-day event offers an opportunity to represent Brownsville and advocate for key issues impacting the community while also engaging with Texas legislators and state officials. Topics of interest and priority include water advocacy, infrastructure development, transportation and healthcare. Attendees of Brownsville Day at the Capitol will not only connect…
The American Advertising Federation Rio Grande Valley is now accepting student and professional entries for the American Advertising Awards, home of the ADDY Award. Regular entries are accepted through Jan. 8. Jan. 9 submissions will be accepted with a late-entry fee. The ADDY Award is one of the industry’s largest creative competitions, attracting nearly 35,000 professional and student entries each year through competitions offered through local AAF clubs. The mission…
Kristyna Mancias spent eight years at the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department in seeing the impact a range of events can have on a city. Her last job in McAllen was superintendent of athletics of the city’s park and recreation department. In June 2023, Mancias decided to make the move to run and manage her own department as the city of Elsa’s director of recreation and communications. It represented a…
Gaby Cueva doesn’t mind being seen as a disruptor. In fact, she wears the label with pride. A disruptor was formerly referred to as an individual who causes disturbances or chaos. Today, the term also denotes a person who causes a noticeable or even radical change in a market through innovation. Cueva has been disrupting the taco and café scene in the upper Rio Grande Valley in recent years, and…