My Energy (Andrew Lopez): TAMACC E-Newsletter

Thursday, February 20, 2025

TAMACC E-Newsletter

TAMACC E-News: Thursday, February 20, 2025

Applications Open for Leadership Tejas: Elevate Your Leadership to the Next Level

Hispanic professionals looking to refine and expand their leadership skills now have an exciting opportunity—applications are open for the prestigious Leadership Tejas program. Designed for individuals who have already demonstrated leadership potential and career success, this program offers an advanced learning experience to enhance leadership capabilities and expand influence.

Leadership Tejas goes beyond the basics, providing expert-led training, peer collaboration, and real-world leadership challenges to sharpen decision-making, strategic thinking, and community impact. Through interactive workshops, mentorship, and networking with accomplished leaders, participants will gain the insights and skills needed to take their leadership to the next level.

“This program is for leaders ready to elevate their impact,” said J.R. Gonzales, program director of Leadership Tejas. “We focus on sharpening the skills of those who already have a strong foundation in leadership and want to grow further.”

Why Apply?

Advanced Leadership Training: Build on your existing leadership skills with high-level strategies and insights.
Exclusive Networking: Connect with a select group of experienced professionals and influential leaders.
Community & Organizational Impact: Develop the tools to drive meaningful change in your field and beyond.

Applications are now open and must be submitted by March 14, 2025. Since spots are limited and the demand is high, interested candidates are encouraged to apply soon.

For more details and to apply, visit https://tamacc.org/leadership-tejas/.

Take the next step in your leadership journey—apply today to join Leadership Tejas!

El Paso Women’s Business Border Center and the U.S. Small Business Administration Offer Free Training

Is your business compliant with I-9, E-Verify, and IMAGE requirements? Join our free training session, available in person and virtually, to get expert advice and ensure compliance with all regulations.

Homeland Security representatives will be on hand to explain the forms and programs, and you will have the chance to get your questions answered.

To register, contact Suzanne Aguirre at Suzanne.Aguirre@sba.gov or call her at (915) 834-4634.

Greater Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 36th Annual Gala Celebration

The annual Greater Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Gala is on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The festivities begin at 6:30 PM at Magnolia Ranch & Co. for cocktail hour and networking, followed by awards, speakers, and a dance. The evening features U.S. Army Colonel Andrea Rosales delivering the keynote address.

Do not miss out on this night of community, fellowship, and fun! Call the office at (5120 398-9600 or contact any board member to secure your tickets for the event!

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Statewide Unity Summit to Tackle Higher Education Challenges in Texas

Austin, TX – On Saturday, March 1, 2025, students, educators, policymakers, and community advocates from across Texas will gather at Austin Community College’s Rio Grande Campus for a pivotal event—the Statewide Unity Summit on Higher Education, hosted by For the Love of Texas (FLOT).

Running from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the summit aims to address pressing issues in higher education, including free speech, faculty, and student rights, and the future of academic freedom in Texas. Kicking off the event, members of the Texas Legislature and community leaders will share insights and strategies on safeguarding the right to learn and fostering an open, non-partisan academic environment.

This free Unity Summit includes a complimentary breakfast and lunch for all registered attendees.

Following the opening remarks, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in engaging breakout sessions, where they will gain practical tools to advocate for higher education policies that ensure fairness and accessibility for all Texans. The summit seeks to mobilize a unified front in response to legislative challenges affecting students and educators across the state.

“With higher education in Texas facing unprecedented challenges, this summit is a crucial moment for all of us to come together and take action,” said Dr. Angela Valenzuela. “We encourage everyone who cares about the future of education in Texas to attend.”

The event is expected to draw a large and passionate crowd ready to launch a coordinated campaign in favor of just and equitable policies for higher education. The summit will conclude with a final discussion session to reinforce key takeaways and strategies for moving forward.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice heard. Secure your spot today by registering at fortheloveoftexas.org.

Texas Micro-Business Disaster Recovery (MBDR) Loan Program

In times of emergencies, it is always best to be prepared, especially for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Texas Micro-Business Disaster Recovery (MBDR) Loan Program is now open and accepting applications from Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) interested in participating. Eligible micro-businesses should reach out to a lender on our approved CDFI participant list to inquire about loan details. Micro-businesses may also reach out to a preferred CDFI to encourage participation.

If you are a micro-business in an area that has been affected by a local, state, or federal declared disaster in Texas, we encourage you to explore this program and see how it may benefit your business. Please check the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s disaster webpage to find updates on state disaster declarations. You should also check local disaster declarations (e.g. a declaration by a county judge or mayor) and federal disaster declarations in your area.

If you are a CDFI interested in applying to participate in the program, we encourage you to do so now so that you can be prepared before a potential disaster strikes.

The Texas MBDR Loan Program has available funding of up to $5,000,000 through August 31, 2025.

Do not hesitate to reach out to the Texas MBDR Loan Program team at MBDR@gov.texas.gov if you have any questions.

Texas MBDR Loan Program Team

Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office

Office of the Governor

The Higher Education Coordinating Board’s

TXWORKS Internship Program

The TXWORKS Internship Program is a state-funded initiative to increase the number of paid internship opportunities in the community, provide students with valuable work experience, connect employers with emerging talent, and contribute to overall community growth and development.

TXWORKS reduces costs for employers by reimbursing half of the wages paid to interns earning $15 per hour or more, promoting more paid internship opportunities for Texas students.

Help spread the word about TXWORKS by sharing this information with employers in your community: TXWORKS Program Overview.

Thank you for your time and collaboration in advancing workforce development opportunities in Texas. We look forward to working with you!

If you have any questions or would like to set up a meeting to learn more about TXWORKS, please contact us at: TXWORKS@highered.texas.gov