MISSION, Texas - Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Center for Education & Economic Development in Mission on Nov. 28.
The Weslaco-based educational institution has opened an outreach center in the CEED building.
The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service interviewed VGI President & CEO Anabell Cardona soon after the ribbon cutting ceremony had ended. Here is what she had to say:
https://youtu.be/fXCcCa1SC4E
VGI has been able to draw down $240,000 through the help of two different hospitals, Mission Regional and Valley Baptist. Each hospital received $120,000 to pay for the education of 40 VGI students. They will be trained at the respective hospitals, with the students learning while they are earning $14 per hour. Once they have completed the program they will be able to earn $18 per hour.
The arrival of VGI at the CEED building means Mission Economic Development Corporation has been able to place four educational institutions in the building this year. The others are UT-Rio Grande Valley, Wayland Baptist University, and Texas Women's University. And, there is the promise of South Texas College to come, probably in the new year.
Other groups that office in the CEED building include Teach For America, RGV First, and COSTEP.
Among the speakers at the ribbon cutting ceremony were Aaron S. Demerson, president and CEO of Texas Economic Development Corporation, former Texas Workforce Commissioner Julian Alvarez, and Mission Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Brenda Enriquez.
“Providing access to education is vital for our workforce and our quality of life. We are super excited to welcome Valley Grande Institute to Mission,” Enriquez told the Guardian.
Here are some of the remarks VGI President & CEO Anabell Cardona made from the podium:
The Valley Grande Institute has a biography on Anabell Cardona on the About Us page of its website. Here is what it says:
Anabell Cardona, a visionary leader and the driving force behind Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies (VGI), has dedicated over two decades of her life to transforming lives, communities, and the future of healthcare. Her journey, rooted in the heart of Weslaco, Texas, has been marked by an unwavering commitment to uplifting individuals, bridging divides, and fostering a brighter tomorrow.
A Humble Beginning, A Bold Vision
Born and raised in Weslaco, Anabell Cardona’s life story embodies the values of hard work, determination, and the pursuit of a better life. Her upbringing on the “other side of the tracks” gave her a unique perspective, shaping her understanding of unity and shared effort. She recognized early on that collaboration, driven by a common purpose, could transcend barriers and inspire greatness within a community.
Influenced by dedicated teachers who ignited her passion for learning and instilled the belief that innovation knows no bounds, Anabell Cardona was encouraged to embrace her individuality and think beyond convention. Her personal journey of growth and empowerment laid the foundation for what she fondly refers to as the “hustle” – an innate drive to achieve and uplift those around her.
Empowering the Healthcare Visionaries of Tomorrow
Anabell Cardona’s mission is to nurture a generation of healthcare professionals who are not only equipped with the finest skills but are also driven by compassion, resilience, and a sense of purpose. At VGI, her visionary leadership has resulted in groundbreaking partnerships and initiatives that enrich the educational landscape and address the critical shortage of allied health professionals.
Under her guidance, VGI established a transformative collaboration with the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, aimed at strengthening the pipeline for training allied health professionals. This alliance exemplifies Anabell Cardona’s dedication to fulfilling the mission of serving the region and empowering students to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Innovation Amidst Adversity
The COVID-19 pandemic tested Anabell Cardona’s resilience and determination, leading her and VGI to embrace innovation like never before. In the face of unprecedented challenges, VGI continued to provide unwavering support and education to nursing students, ensuring their training remained uninterrupted. Anabell’s unwavering commitment and adaptability paved the way for the establishment of multiple vaccine clinics, underscoring her dedication to community well-being.
A Beacon of Hope and Opportunity
Anabell Cardona’s impact extends far beyond academic excellence. She recognizes that some students face obstacles that hinder their journey to success, be it financial constraints, familial responsibilities, or other challenges. With an empathetic heart, Anabell and her team at VGI work tirelessly to provide a nurturing environment where every student’s dream of becoming a nurse is nurtured and supported.
Whether through flexible educational plans, healthcare apprenticeships, or personalized guidance, Anabell Cardona ensures that no student’s potential is left untapped. Her unwavering belief in the power of education, combined with her genuine care for each individual, has helped countless aspiring nurses overcome barriers and realize their aspirations.
Join the Journey
Anabell Cardona’s legacy is a testament to the transformative impact that one individual can have on an entire community. Her vision, leadership, and tireless dedication inspire us all to dream bigger, work harder, and uplift those around us. As we look ahead to the future, we invite you to join us on this journey of empowerment, innovation, and excellence, where Anabell Cardona’s spirit continues to shine brightly, guiding us toward a brighter tomorrow.
