A Message from Lizzy de la Garza Putegnat, RGV LEAD Board President

A building is only as strong as its foundation. The same holds true for any organization. Thanks to a solid foundation, RGV LEAD has been successful throughout the last 29 years. Having a well-defined mission and vision, deep-rooted organizational values, a clear strategic plan to serve as a roadmap, and a team of strong, passionate leaders always looking to improve, is paramount to lead a successful organization. We are only as good as our people, and that is why we believe in training and developing our team to be the best we can be.

In March, the Board had its first of three Board Training Sessions that’ll lead to our Strategic Planning Session this summer. Our 1st training focused on the basics, “Board Roles and Responsibilities.” This training was very valuable, not only for new board members but also for those of us who have been on the board for several years. In order to ensure we, as an organization, are accomplishing our mission and working toward our vision, it’s vital that board members know and are reminded of our roles and responsibilities.

After a year of meeting virtually, it was so great to see some Board Members face-to-face. The training was a hybrid session, giving board members the option to meet in person or virtually. Leading the board training and future strategic planning session is Sabrina Walker Hernandez, a consultant who’s had a lifetime of experience leading nonprofit organizations. We have a great opportunity to build on what RGV LEAD has accomplished these last 29 years and take our organization to the next level. Her guidance will be critical in this process.

And the exciting part is that this is not taking away from our existing budget. My employer, Schneider Electric, is a huge advocate for educational opportunities. In late 2020 and early 2021, I applied for 2 new grants from the Schneider Electric Foundation, and we were so fortunate to have been awarded both, creating the funds necessary to hire our consultant for a one-year contract of training and development services for our Board and Executive Director.

I’m so proud that our Board has committed to RGV LEAD the 3 T’s: Our Time, Talents, and Treasure. Last year the Board agreed unanimously that if we expect foundations, businesses, and community members to donate to our organization, we must set the example and believe in our “product” first. I want to thank all our Board Members, who exemplify true leadership in the education, workforce, and business sectors, for generously serving on the RGV LEAD Board on top of their busy schedules. I’m so grateful for the invaluable knowledge and insight they provide and the overall commitment and engagement. Some of our board members have been serving RGV LEAD since it was established in 1992 (formerly known as Tech Prep). The commitment I’ve seen on this board is second to none.

Pictured are several RGV LEAD Board Members attending the 1st Board Training Session at the RGV Partnership. The remaining Board members participated virtually.