Milliken Garza: STEM Nation 2025 was not just a gathering, it was a call to action

EDINBURG, Texas – The RGV Philanthropic Foundation has produced a video to say “thank you” to the 5,000 students that participated in STEM Nation 2025, along with their school districts and sponsors. 

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

The student conference took place May 20 at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg. Among the keynote speakers were Kathy Lueders, general manager of Starbase, Norman Garza, Jr., executive director of the Texas Space Commission, and Col. Michael E. Fossum, a Rio Grande Valley native, retired astronaut and vice president of Texas A&M University.

“We are grateful to our visionary sponsors. The energy was palpable and contagious as 5,000 students showed their enthusiasm for the inspiring presenters of STEM Nation,” said RGV Philanthropic Foundation CEO Diane Milliken Garza.

“STEM Nation isn’t just a gathering, it’s a call to action. It’s about showing our students that they can break barriers and thrive in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and the careers of the future.”

Randy Perez, economic development director for Hidalgo County, Norman Garza, Jr., executive director of the Texas Space Commission, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, RGV Philanthropic Foundation board member Marcela Ronquillo Hinojosa, and Starbase General Manager Kathy Lueders. (Photo credit: Hidalgo County)

Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez attended the student conference. In a posting on social media, he said he was mightily impressed.

“It was an honor to attend the STEM NATION 2025 Student Conference event for students,  where over 4,000 bright young minds gathered under one roof to explore the future of science, technology, engineering, and math,” Cortez said.

“The energy was inspiring, the message was powerful, and the need is clear: we must continue building awareness and access to STEM opportunities, especially in underrepresented communities. Huge thanks to the organizers, sponsors, and all the visionary presenters who made this event so impactful.”

Milliken Garza tells the Rio Grande Guardian that buoyed by the success of the 2025 event, the RGV Philanthropic Foundation board of directors plan to host a STEM Nation student conference in 2026.

“Let’s continue to champion and support our students in STEM because their future is bright. They are the innovators of tomorrow,” Milliken Garza said.

Editor’s Note: Here is the RGV Philanthropic Foundation’s STEM Nation 2025 “Thank You” video:

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