MCALLEN, Texas - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization was named 2025 Global Chapter of the Year at the 42nd Annual CEO Global Conference.
Held in Tampa, Florida, the group was recognized out of over 200 other CEO chapters from across the country for their innovative approach to student entrepreneurship.
Skyler Howell, UTRGV CEO president, credited the chapter’s partnership with the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for their win. The group became the first student organization to join the chamber with the goal of connecting its inspiring entrepreneurs with people and resources to bring their ideas to life.
“That’s a pretty remarkable achievement for CEO UTRGV to be recognized out of the hundreds of chapters as the most outstanding chapter, and I think it’s because, not only what we do for our members and our university, but for the community as well,” said Howell. “And that’s why we were so proud to have our partnership with the RGV Hispanic Chamber [of Commerce], and I think initiatives like that really took us over the top and really made us competitive when they were considering who would win this award.”
This year, the chapter held campus talks, workshops and company tours for its members. Now, through its partnership with the chamber, it hopes to launch a mentorship program that will match students with experienced businesspeople that will guide them through the process of starting and running a business.
Cynthia Sakulenzki, president and CEO of the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said she is happy to lead and facilitate where she can so that students are prepared and successful after graduation.
“This is our future,” said Sakulenzki. “This is America’s future here. So, we need to get it started on the right foot, you know, and let them learn from our mistakes, and that way, there won’t be any pitfalls.”
While business is the group’s main focus, Howell was quick to note that members from across different majors are also part of the chapter. He says that they, too, are seeking guidance and resources to propel their careers forward.
“People think entrepreneurship is only for business owners who are trying to start a law firm or anything like that, but we have a bunch of members who either want to be musicians, cooks or just want to brand themselves, and so what we’ve tried to do as an organization is kind of re-word what entrepreneurship means,” said Howell. “It’s not just about owning a business; it’s about creating value for your community.”
Howell says that he is proud to lead the organization at a time when investment and innovation in the Valley is rapidly growing. Using SpaceX and Zoho as examples, he said talent from every discipline will be needed for the jobs of tomorrow.
“We’re in a critical state in our region right now where entrepreneurship is blossoming, and so we need to make sure that the future is prepared for what the region is going to bring,” said Howell.
When asked about his own career plans, Howell said he was unsure, but that he would like to lead an organization that is giving back to the community in the same way he has been helped.
With her potential protégé at her side, Sakulenzki said that paying it forward is one of the best things one could do for their community and encouraged everyone to see where they could make a difference.
“Not only do we want to educate the students on how to start, and how to begin, and what to do, and what not to do, but also to give back,” said Sakulenzki. “You know, be back. Be part of the community. Donate your time and your resources to other nonprofits, to schools, to churches – whatever. But, be involved in your community.”
Editor's Note: Here is a podcast featuring Sakulenzki and Howell:
