Everything Brownsville ISD student Emily Galvan said at GBIC's 2023 Rally in the Valley Conference
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - On Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) hosted their second annual Rally in the Valley Conference.
The networking event, held at the Brownsville Events Center, connected high school students from Brownsville ISD with prominent industry partners offering student internship opportunities.\xa0
The Texas Workforce Commission participated, including Aaron Demerson, the commissioner representing employers on the TWC board.
Brownsville Mayor and GBIC Chairman of the Board John Cowen, Jr., said the dynamic networking event aimed to connect local high school students with prominent industry partners offering student internship opportunities. He said students attending will gain invaluable insights into potential career paths, engage with industry experts, and could even secure an internship with one of Brownsville\u2019s leading employers.
\u201cWith the annual Rally in the Valley 2.0, GBIC emphasizes the importance of interactions between local students and industry leaders,\u201d Cowen said. \u201cSuch engagements not only enlighten students about internship opportunities, but they also help them recognize and articulate their professional interests.\u201d
Bret Gardella, CEO and executive director of GBIC, was just as enthusiastic about the event.
\u201cThis event, encapsulates our commitment to fostering the future of Brownsville,\u201d said Bret Gardella, CEO and Executive Director of the GBIC. \u201cWe recognize the unmatched potential of Brownsville students. These young individuals are not just the future of our community, but also the key drivers of innovation and growth for the entire region.\u201d
One of the panelists was Emily Galvan, a senior at Porter Early College High School who is taking dual enrollment courses at Texas Southmost College. In her junior year, Galvan was given the opportunity to attend a paid internship at Tipton Ford Motors via Workforce Solutions for ten weeks. During her internship she was offered a position at Diesel Technology as a helper in the service department.\xa0
Galvan recommended other students to take an internship.\xa0
The panel discussion was titled: Bridging the Workforce Gap Between Industry and Education.
Here is an audio recording of everything Galvan said during the panel discussion. GBIC\u2019s Gardella was the panel moderator.
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