For the first time ever, Presidents Bailey and Solis will be co-keynote speakers

MCALLEN, Texas – Don’t miss an opportunity to be part of a critical conversation shaping the future of the Rio Grande Valley.

That is the advice of Brian Godinez, CEO of ERO Architects. Godinez was referring to “Classrooms to Commerce: The Economic Power of Education in the Rio Grande Valley,” a forum being held at the Embassy Suites in McAllen on Wednesday, June 4.

The forum is being hosted by the Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects (I-LinCP), with ERO as the title sponsor.

“This event brings together education, industry, and community leaders to explore how partnerships are fueling workforce development and economic growth across the region. We would love to see you there,” Godinez said. 

Godinez said the forum will “explore the transformative impact of education on workforce development and economic growth in the region.” Among the topics set to be discussed, Godinez said, are:

• 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

“There is remarkable synergy between our educational institutions, industry and economic development organizations across the Rio Grande Valley,” Godinez said. “This event will unveil the numerous programs and opportunities provided to students, equipping them for workforce demands and career path development. ERO is proud to be a part of it.”

“We have an amazing set of panelists,” said Carol Warkoczewski, CEO and founder of I-LinCP. By way of an example, Warkoczewski referenced the two keynote speakers: UT-Rio Grande Valley President Guy Bailey and South Texas College President Ricardo Solis. They have never shared the stage as co-keynote speakers, Solis confirmed to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.

The first panel discussion will be moderated by ERO’s Godinez. It is titled: The K-12 Education Ecosystem. The panelists are Paul Rodriguez, board member of South Texas College, Ron Garza, senior associate vice president of government relations at UTRGV, and Dr. Daniel P. King, executive director of Region One Education Service Center.

The segue to the second panel will feature Eloy Garza, executive board member for RGV LEAD.

The second panel will be moderated by Susie Flores, vice president of business recruitment for McAllen Economic Development Corporation. It is titled: Career & Technical Education Driving Growth. The panelists are Eladio Jaimez, provost of Texas State Technical College in Harlingen, Dr. Stella E. Garcia, vice president of institutional advancement and chief of staff at Texas Southmost College, and Daniel Silva, executive director of South Texas Vocational Technical Institute. 

“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 will explore how education and industry partnerships are preparing students for the future and strengthening the region’s economic landscape,” Warkoczewski said.

“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.”

Carla Bingaman, executive director of I-LinCP, said that throughout the program, discussion will center on how regional collaboration, aligned training, and public-private partnerships are strengthening the talent pipeline, addressing workforce shortages, fostering long-term economic resilience, and producing the demand for more advanced learning environments.

“As the Rio Grande Valley continues to grow, investing in education and workforce alignment is key to sustainable prosperity,” Bingaman said. “We’re excited to bring people back together for another impactful program that fuels dialogue and inspires action.”

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