2023-2024 Yearbook
I am thrilled to present Teach For America Rio Grande Valley's 2023-2024 Yearbook. Yearbooks are cherished reminders of the connections and moments that shaped a year. For me, they capture the joy of reflecting on a chapter filled with growth and memories. As you explore the pages of this yearbook, I hope you feel the same pride and excitement, knowing that your support was instrumental in the success we’ve achieved this year. If you’re reading this, it’s because your contributions played a vital role in ensuring TFA RGV continues to thrive and make a meaningful impact on our students. Thank you.
This year we have QR codes and links to brief videos that spotlight our programs and people. Make sure to take your time to check these out. Within these pages, you’ll find stories and data that showcase the extraordinary progress we ' ve made together, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our TFA community. Our greatest achievement remains ensuring a high-quality education for all students, especially those from the most marginalized backgrounds.
In the Rio Grande Valley, our bold goal is to double the number of students in our impact districts who are college and career ready. To get there, we’re recruiting top-tier talent, supporting alumni who continue to lead in education, and extending learning through our Ignite program. We've also expanded community initiatives through our Mindful about Equity and Leadership Development (MELD) initiative such as our Cafecito and Conversations, Community of Learning, and Mindful Educator Summit.
The collective power of this community is what fuels our progress and sets our students on a path of endless possibility. The Valley is stronger together, and I am deeply humbled to be part of this movement. It is my privilege to work toward transforming education in a region that educated me, gave me opportunities, and in which I have continued to choose as a home for my family. I invite you to continue supporting and celebrating with us as we shape the future, together.
Juntos podemos más!
Ana D. González Executive Director
Teach For America Rio Grande Valley
By 2030, twice as many students in our Rio will readine are on a a fu
Build authentic partnerships with organizations supporting college and career readiness
Work with community stakeholders to increase diverse equityoriented talent
Collaborate to expand evidence-based teacher efficacy practices
Teach For America Rio Grande Valley is a force of over 400 leaders committed to changing outcomes for students by teaching, leading, and advocating throughout our community.
We train mission-driven leaders from every academic major, occupation, and background to illuminate every learner. Our corps members and alumni commit to creating opportunities for the next generation so all children can lead, learn, and contribute to a thriving Valley.
Students Impacted by TFA Corps Members, Alumni, and Fellows
At Teach For America Rio Grande Valley, we know our corps members (CMs) have the mindsets and passion necessary to become policy and changemakers in many fields on a local and national level. That begins with their experience in the classroom.
We deeply value the corps member experience inside and outside the classroom. Throughout the year, corps members enjoy social events, receive professional development aligned to their interests, and have the opportunity to connect with the community they serve.
of partner school leaders would recommend hiring a corps member to a fellow school leader
of CMs report working in partnership with families and community members
of CMs feel like they are building important skills to ensure that all children have the opportunity to attain an excellent education
of CMs are committed to working, now, and in the future, to ensure that all children have the opportunity to attain an excellent education
“As an immigrant, I know firsthand the barriers students can face. When I first came to the United States, I didn’t know the language, the culture, or how to access the opportunities that seemed available to everyone else. I knew those opportunities were there, but I didn’t know how to make them mine. That’s why I joined Teach For America so I could help students overcome the same challenges I faced. Now, as a teacher, I work to ensure my students have the opportunities and education they deserve.
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned in the classroom is how many roles a teacher plays. We’re not just educators we’re guides, counselors, even nurses at times. It’s a balancing act, but it’s rewarding to be that support system for my students.
If I could change one thing, I would make bilingual education available in high school. Living in a multicultural country, I believe students should graduate with academic and professional language skills in more than one language. This would open so many doors for them.
I’ve also learned that students are most successful when they feel a sense of belonging and connection with those around them, no matter their cultural background. I experienced this as a student myself. My chemistry teacher would stay after school to help me and other students, even though she didn’t speak our language. That effort made all the difference for me, and now I try to do the same for my students. Language should never be a barrier to success.”
Yannira Salinas
TFA RGV ‘22
11th & 12th Grade, Environmental Science
IDEA Riverview Brownsville
Teach For America Alumni working at educationcentered nonprofits
The Mindful about Equity and Leadership Development (MELD) initiative creates spaces for educators, community members, and school partners to engage in meaningful conversations about the needs of their communities.
Grounded in the pillars of wellness, equity, and leadership development, MELD provides opportunities for participants to address the most pressing challenges in education, while fostering collaboration and personal growth.
Through events like the "Community of Learning" series and "Cafecito and Conversation" convenings, MELD cultivates dialogue around change management, equity, and mindfulness. These sessions bring together district leaders to share insights, learn from one another, and take actionable steps to improve their schools.
MELD also hosts the Mindful Educator Summit, a half-day event that invites teachers to reflect on their practices and reignite their commitment to their work. As a vital piece of regional coalition-building, MELD seeks to foster a more equitable, supportive, and innovative educational landscape in the Rio Grande Valley.
We take the best of what we can learn from programs like Teach For America and make it a part of the experience for anyone entering the teacher-field.
Our annual Honor Roll celebration was a vibrant reflection of the incredible spirit of our community. Together with our devoted partners, cherished friends, and steadfast supporters, we proudly highlighted the extraordinary accomplishments of our leaders and gave well-deserved recognition to this year’s Honorees: Educational ChampionGeorge H. McShan, Institutional Catalyst- VAMOS (The Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships), and Alumni Leadership- Aaron Brenner, RGV ’95.
Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for everyone who made the evening unforgettable filled with inspiring classroom stories, he f l ib H d plenty of fun. Every g our students. With attendance united b
$100,000+
H-E-B (multi-region support)
Robert J Kleberg, Jr and Helen C Kleberg Foundation
Texas Education Agency
The Meadows Foundation (multi-region support)
$25,000 - $99,999
Edcouch-Elsa Independent School District
Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District
IDEA Public Schools
OneStar Foundation
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District
Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation
Wells Fargo
$10,000-$24,999
Charles Clark Chevrolet Co
Donna Independent School District
James W. Collins and Kathleen C. Collins
John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation
McAllen Independent School District
PNC Bank
Rio Grande City Grulla Consolidated Independent School District
$1,000-$4,999
Dora and Joe Brown
Mark and Bonnie Brown
Alonzo and Yolanda Cantu
Daniel Chavez
Chick-fil-A Boca Chica & Mercedes
City Of McAllen
City of Pharr
Con Cariño Primary Home Care
Ashley Curran
Bronson del Rio
DHR Health
Domain Development
Educate Texas
Edwards Abstract & Title Company
Escandon Diagnostic Clinic
Robin Farris and Bobby Farris
First Community Bank
David L Fuentes and Yvonne Ortegon
Futuro Clinical Trials
San Benito Consolidated Independent School District
The Peter Jennings Foundation
The Raul and Hortensia Tijerina Foundation
VTX1
$5,000-$9,999
American Electric Power Company, Inc
Brownsville Foundation For Health And Education
Costa de Veracruz
Financial Benefit Services
Frost Bank
Magic Valley Electric Cooperative
Patrick McDonnell
Mission Economic Development Corporation
Peña Eye Institute
Nolan and Sandy Perez
Point Isabel Independent School District
Rhodes Enterprises
Roma Independent School District
Serafy Foundation
The Trull Foundation
Vanguard Academy
Vantage Bank Texas
$1,000-$4,999
Atlas, Hall, & Rodriguez, L L P
Bank of America
Ben and Jerry's
Boggus Lincoln Ford McAllen
Teach For America Rio Grande Valley is deeply grateful for the support of the following individuals, corporations, foundations, and public entities that contributed $250+ to our efforts in our most recent fiscal year (June 1, 2023-May 31, 2024).
$1,000-$4,999
Rios of Mercedes Boot Company
SafeGuard Insurance
SESA Fleet Services
Roger and Norma Solis
South Texas College
South Texas Health System
Starr County Industrial Foundation
Texas A&M University
Texas Digestive Specialists
Texas Gas Service
Texas National Bank
Texas Regional Bank
Texas State Technical College
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies
Fabiola Urgel-Caporusso and Joseph Caporusso
Karla and Victor Garza
Cynthia and Carlos Garza
GO Car Wash
Jessica Godinez
Ana and Gilberto Gonzalez
Ambrosio and Cristina Hernandez
High Point Home Health
Illuminations
Independent Insurance Agents of the Rio Grande Valley
International Bank of Commerce
KGR Psychological Health Service
Kirby Real Estate Team
Law Offices of Aurelio Garza
Leadership McAllen
Leah Wise Law Firm
Lone Star National Bank
Anne Mahle
Armando and Sonia Marroquin
Bill and Margie Martin
McDonald's- Fred Del Barrio Franchise
Melden & Hunt Inc
Millennium Copier Systems and Supplies
Mireles Psychological Health Services
Mission Regional Medical Center
Noble Texas Builders
North Park Lexus Rio Grande Valley
Marilyn and Dave Osborn
Pharr Economic Development Corporation
Bobby Pulido
Raise Your Hand Texas
Region One Education Service Center
RGV College
Rio Bank
Rio Grande Regional Hospital
Rio Grande Valley Partnership Foundation
Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement
Valley International Airport
Valley Regional Medical Center
Village in the Valley
Walsh McGurk Cordova Nixon, PLLC
$250-$999
Guillermo and Lori Aguilar
Sharon Almaguer
B2Z Engineering
Mr Robert and Ms Rachel Carreon
City Of Harlingen
Contreras Gutierrez and Associates
Diann Bartek and Richard Cortez
Bob and Ann Dunkin
Gina and Gus Garcia
Aaron Garcia
Ramiro Garza
Steven and Dawn Gering
Francisco Guajardo
Jessica and James Hess
Jacob and Leslie Hill
Audrey and Matt Hooks
Aimee and Richard Jones
Kendra Scott
Leona
Andrew Mandel
Melissa Osio Martinez
Deanna and Michael Murphy
Priscilla Noriega
Juan Padron and Adrienne Howell
Suzanne Pena
Ramón Worthington Law Firm
Timothy J Sears
South Texas Federal Credit Union
David Stevens
Tipton Hyundai LLC
Priscilla Torrero
Valley Land Title Co
“I hope you enjoy this yearbook, which reflects the remarkable progress we’ve made together and celebrates the power of community. Each milestone we’ve reached this year is a testament to the collective commitment we share to ensure every child across the Valley has access to an excellent education, regardless of their zip code or background.
As I begin my first year as board chair, I am excited to continue to invest back into the community I call home. I have chosen to dedicate time to Teach For America's mission because I strongly believe that education is the linchpin of all our efforts towards progress and growth in the region. The Valley is a unique place, rich in culture, resilience, and potential. It is also an area that faces significant challenges, especially in education. Yet, when I look at the progress we’ve made over the past year, I am filled with immense pride. We are not just addressing those challenges; we are reshaping the narrative for what is possible for our students. This is because of you our supporters, donors, educators, and community partners who continue to show up and invest in the future of our children.
The strength of our community is our greatest asset. It is the force that drives us forward and fuels the dreams of the next generation. As we continue this journey, I am inspired by the possibilities ahead and confident that, together, we will continue to empower our students to achieve great things.
On behalf of the Teach For America Rio Grande Valley Advisory Board, thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your belief in the future we are building together. I look forward to all we will accomplish in the year to come.
With gratitude!”
Deborah Cordova Regional Advisory Board Chair Teach For America Rio Grande Valley
Deborah Cordova Board Chair Partner, Walsh, McGurk, Cordova, and Nixon
A. Raquel Limas
Board Vice-Chair Director of Operations, Con Cariño Primary Home Care
Juan Padron
Board Vice-Chair Partner, Safeguard Insurance
Rose Benavidez President, Starr County Industrial Foundation
Daniel Clark Partner, Clark Chevrolet/Clark-Knapp Honda
Christian Corrales
Assistant Vice President for Community Engagement, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Julian Alvarez III
Senior VP and Director of Business Development, Lone Star National Bank
Rebeca López
Director, RGV Focus Strategy, Educate Texas Communities Foundation of Texas
Juan Loya RGV Market Executive, PNC Bank
Priscilla Noriega Staff Attorney and Medical Legal Partnership Manager, Rio Grande Legal Aid
Marilyn Osborn Education Consultant
Robert Rosell Director of Community Development, UMOS
Daniel Silva President & CEO, Rio Grande Valley Partnership
Gina Garcia Chief Operating Officer, MDG Investments, LLC
Have limited time?
Check out our brand new video, which shares the impact of Teach For America Rio Grande Valley!
