I-LinCP announces The Economic Power of Education in the Rio Grande Valley forum

MCALLEN, Texas – The Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects is hosting a forum at the Embassy Suites in McAllen on June 4 titled: “Classroom to Commerce: The Economic Power of Education in the Rio Grande Valley.”

The title sponsor is ERO Architects. ERO’s chief executive officer, Brian 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.”

The mission of I-LinCP is “to evolve the capital projects industry through the sharing of knowledge for optimized leadership, delivery, and performance.” Its founder and CVO is Carol Warkoczewski, of Synergy Builders Consulting. Warkoczewski said of the McAllen event:

“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.”

The keynote presenters are Dr. Guy Bailey, president of UT-Rio Grande Valley, and Dr. Ricardo Solis, president of South Texas College.

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. 

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,” said Carla Bingaman, Executive Director of I-LinCP. “We’re excited to bring people back together for another impactful program that fuels dialogue and inspires action.”

Editor’s Note: Click here to learn more about the “Classroom to Commerce: The Economic Power of Education in the Rio Grande Valley forum.

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