Education and Workforce

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Mission: Lead partnership development efforts between business and education leaders and advocate for meaningful policy change in order to enhance education and workforce development in El Paso.

2010 Chair, Beth Senger, Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Paso
2011 Chair-Elect, Hector de Santiago, Parkhill Smith & Cooper, Inc.
2009 Chair, Bill Terrell, Western Technical College

View recent changes taking place at the EDWD

View the TRE Resolution

Internship position available with the Government Relations Division

Accomplishments:

• Merging business and education- securing a 20% survey response rate to provide needed guidance to align Chamber efforts with those of educators in the region
• Advocating for area school districts, Region 19, UTEP, EPCC and technical schools
• Leading Community Efforts to Disseminate Information on School Bond Initiatives and Tax Revenue Elections
• Active Business member of the Collaborative for Academic Excellence at the University of Texas at El Paso
• Advising the Upper Rio Grande Workforce Solutions Board in developing a demand-driven system
• Connecting military spouses to the community through the El Paso Job Register
• Board member for the Borderland Area Health Education Center

Division Activities:
State of Higher Education Address: This annual event brings the business community up to speed with the long-term strategic goals and vision of local post-secondary institutions. The keynote speaker for 2010 was Dr. Diana Natalicio, President of the University of Texas at El Paso who outlined the benefits of having a Tier One university in the region.
View UTEP’s Pursuit of Tier One Status

State of the School District Address: This annual event provides a venue for Region 19 Superintendents to present their district’s strategic plan and showcase educational initiatives and student achievements to the business community. The keynote speaker for 2010 was Dr. Lorenzo Garcia, Superintendent of the El Paso Independent School District who highlighted district accomplishments and stressed the importance of interrelationships between families, educational institutions, and businesses.
View EPISD’s Successes

Chamber Staff:
Ana Luz Villalobos
Director of Policy and Programs
avillalobos@elpaso.org