Texas Lyceum director: There is still time to co-sponsor our upcoming conference in Mexico City

HARLINGEN, Texas – A director of the Texas Lyceum says there is still time – just about – to be a sponsor for the group’s upcoming three-day conference in Mexico City.

Rio Grande Valley-based marketing specialist Lizzy de la Garza Putegnat says the conference is titled ‘Beyond Borders, Immigration and the Texas Economy.’ She says it is taking place July 9-11.

“There’s still time to be a sponsor for this event and be able to take part in what will be a phenomenal experience. If you’re interested or have any questions, please email me at LizzyDLG@gmail.com,” de la Garza Putegnat said.

De la Garza Putegnat said she has two “courageous and amazing” co-chairs for the conference – Monica Perez and Mario Porras from El Paso. “With the support of our wonderful honorary alumni co-chairs and conference committee, we have an incredible conference lined up with amazing speakers and experiences.”

Editor’s Note: Here is an exclusive and in-depth video interview with Rio Grande Valley-based marketing specialist Lizzy de la Garza Putegnat about the Texas Lyceum and its upcoming conference in Mexico City:

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The Texas Lyceum is a non-profit, non-partisan organization in Texas dedicated to identifying and developing future leaders by fostering civil discourse on important state issues. De la Garza Putegnat has been one of its directors for the past two years.

Asked how the Lyceum arrived at this topic of immigration for the conference, de la Garza Putegnat said:

“For the past 15 years, the Texas Lyceum Poll has consistently shown that Texans are most concerned with three key issues. These three are immigration, border concerns and the economy. In recognition of their significance and the importance of engaging in civil discourse as we discuss some historically contentious topics, we’ve dedicated this year’s summer conference to exploring these interconnected topics.”

De la Garza Putegnat pointed out that Mexico is Texas’ largest trading partner and a vital contributor to the state’s economy.

“Texas-Mexico trade accounts for 10.4 percent of Texas’ GDP – about $281 billion – representing a greater share of GDP than in any other U.S. state,” de la Garza Putegnat said. “And Trade between Mexico and Texas has created over eight million jobs, many of which are concentrated in Texas.”

De la Garza Putegnat also pointed out that Texas and the U.S. are facing a declining birth rate.

“By 2030, baby boomers in the U.S. will be 65 or older, so you’ll have more people retiring and less people filling those jobs. The labor shortages we are currently experiencing now will only be exacerbated, even with AI at the forefront, if we don’t invest in safe and strategic immigration reform,” she said.

De la Garza Putegnat said “Beyond Borders” will delve into the complexities of immigration and economic growth in Texas. She said it is a topic that transcends borders.

“We’ll talk about the ripple effect of immigration and its impact on education, healthcare in the workforce. We’ll have a panel on Bordernomics – the past, present and future of Texas-Mexico commerce, as well as a panel featuring industry leaders on the frontlines of Texas-Mexico trade; and lots more,” she said, previewing the conference.

“As a pivotal platform for government officials, public policy experts and industry leaders, this gathering will facilitate robust discussions, innovative solutions and meaningful collaborations that will hopefully bridge security, opportunity and prosperity on both sides of the Texas-Mexico border.”

In addition to the “rich content” that will be provided during the panels and speeches, de la Garza Putegnat said, the Lyceum offer will offer elite access and unique experiences.

“The conference will kick off with a welcome reception at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence. We will have tours of some of the world’s top museums located in Mexico City, and throughout the conference, we will hear from renowned speakers, including the former President of Mexico, Vicente Fox,” de la Garza Putegnat said.

Asked why the Lyceum chose Mexico City, de la Garza Putegnat said: “With his rich history, vibrant culture, stunning architecture, world class cuisine and warm people, we thought Mexico City would be the perfect setting for this landmark event.”

De la Garza Putegnat said the Texas Lyceum prides itself on organizing conferences that are relevant and impactful.

“We always aim to present all angles of a public policy issue. And for topics that can be a bit polarizing at times, we always strive to present both sides of the issue.”

De la Garza Putegnat said she has walked into Lyceum conferences that have been extremely eye opening. “And I’ll be completely frank… I’ve also walked into conferences with preconceived notions, and every time I have found those notions challenged. I’ve learned to set aside those preconceived notions so that I can fully embrace the learning experience and get a deeper understanding of the issue at hand.”

Lyceum conferences aren’t just run of the mill conferences, de la Garza Putegnat argued.

“They are a convening of influence, insight and impact. We host five conferences a year, four in Texas and one outside of Texas. This is the first time since 2019 that we go international, so we are really excited to be hosting our upcoming summer international conference in the dynamic metropolis of Mexico City.”

De la Garza Putegnat added: “The Texas Lyceum is about civil discourse and finding solutions to some of our state’s most pressing challenges. Well, we couldn’t have chosen a more relevant and contentious topic for this precise moment in time.”

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