Achieving goals amid obstacles: Community leaders inspire students

Dahlia Guerra, UTRGV assistant vice president for Public Art and Projects, spoke about her life and career experiences at the “I Am Woman” luncheon, held in observance of Women’s History Month. 

The Civic Engagement Alliance collaborated with the Center for Student Involvement, Campus Activities Board and the Student Union to host the first International Women’s Day Luncheon, “I Am Woman,” on March 8 in the University Ballroom on the Edinburg campus.

The luncheon was also held at the same time in the PlainsCapital Bank El Gran Salón on the Brownsville campus, where Veronica Gonzales, senior vice president for Governmental and Community Relations, was the guest speaker.

During her presentation, Guerra said the challenges she encountered while trying to achieve her goals were the lack of resources for the mariachi program and multitasking as a faculty member, mother and caretaker for her father.  She also spoke about the challenges she faced as dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, the largest at the time at legacy institution University of Texas-Pan American.

In an interview with The Rider after the luncheon, Guerra said the mariachi program has been one of the projects that are her pride and joy. Her accomplishments range from creating the mariachi program and leading them to performing in the White House to spreading literacy through the founding of FESTIBA, the Festival of International Books and Arts.

“It’s important to hear about successful women that came from your community and understand what it’s like to break off the typical mold that is forced on us,” said English senior Jessi Mata, who attended the luncheon.

Yailen Gomez, the CEA community engagement vice president, said in previous years most of their events were done online due to the pandemic.

“We had never been able to host events such as this one,” Gomez said. “We are setting the foundation for what we want this organization to be.”

She said the purpose of the “I Am Woman” luncheon is not only to create a fun environment for students but also a learning one.  

“I hope students are able to see the big contribution that women play within our entire university–see how a lot of the times these women come from the ground up,” Gomez said. 

Guerra also shared advice with female students about choosing their own paths and not being influenced by their parents to choose a major they do not like. 

“You need to really discover who you are and what you want to do and make a significant mark on the world,” she said. “Change the world in some way, your way.”