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Rose Benavidez sworn in to represent Starr County on STC Board

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009


Rose Benavidez is sworn in by Starr County Judge Eloy Vera to serve on South Texas College's Board of Trustees as the District 1 representative for Starr County.

Texas Border Business

Many Starr County residents came out to South Texas College’s Starr County Campus on the evening of Nov. 19, 2009 for a special event – the swearing in of Rose Benavidez to represent the constituents of the county on STC’s Board of Trustees.

Surrounded by family, friends and community supporters, Benavidez was sworn in by Starr County Judge Eloy Vera. Business associates and supporters helped mark the occasion by congratulating Benavidez on choosing to serve in public office.

“When I drove into Rio Grande City for the event this afternoon and I saw all of the growth, it floored me,” said Bonnie Gonzalez, CEO of Workforce Solutions. “Every time I see it, it floors me. The opportunity that exists here is phenomenal and Rose has played a large part in helping to bring about that growth and opportunity. Starr County and South Texas College are very fortunate to have her on their side.”

A native of Starr County, Benavidez is familiar with the challenges many of us face when growing up in a rural region, but also values the cultural enrichment it provides an individual.  Her belief in the power of education to transform minds, lives, and communities was part of the reason why she chose to run for the vacant District 1 seat on STC’s Board of Trustees.

“I have witnessed firsthand the challenges our community has faced battling high unemployment and poverty levels and have seen how education can be a driving force in leading our community and its residents to prosperity,” said Benavidez. “At a young age I was taught the value of an education and began to understand the barriers many face, especially in Starr County, to achieve their educational goals. I want to work hard to make certain that those obstacles are eliminated.”

Benavidez is also the executive director of the Starr County Industrial Foundation, a role she began in 2003, and one that will prove an integral component in her work as an STC trustee.

“My job involves promoting economic development and developing workforce training opportunities for our area and I know the knowledge I have gained and the partnerships I have made will directly benefit the college and the community,” said Benavidez. “I look forward to working with STC to develop a technology-based workforce that can attract new industries to the county, bringing with them opportunities for higher-skilled, higher-paying jobs.”

She looks forward to serving all the constituents of STC and continuing to ensure that the community continues to progress in becoming a “college going culture,” where attending college is possible and expected for all.

“When I started to consider serving on the board, I saw it as an opportunity to utilize my experience and knowledge in economic development for the benefit of the college and the communities it serves,” she concluded. “I hope to bring a fresh perspective and work closely with my colleagues on the board to help continue expanding and improving STC.”

Benavidez earned her bachelor’s in political science and is completing her master's in public administration from The University of Texas-Pan American. She is a member of numerous civic and professional organizations, including as a board member of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Workforce Development Board, vice-chair of the Border Region Mental Health and Mental Retardation Board, a founding member of the Rio South Texas Economic Development Council, a member of the Texas Workforce Commission Industry Task Force, a member of the Texas Business and Education Coalition, Member; and a member of the Career Employment Advisory Committee of South Texas.

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