In honor of International Women’s Day, I would like to give a shout out to some amazing leaders. Our community is full of some remarkable women leaders. I have had the privilege of meeting and working with some great ladies. First of all, my current officers: Nadia De Leon (UW President), Erica B. Garcia (Past President), Claudia Camano Rodriguez (Treasurer), Vanessa Frausto (Secretary), and Carolyn M. Schmies († Our 2025 President that passed away in December).
When I first started with United Way, I was blessed to work with Peggy J. Newman (†), Sylvia Bruni, Nora Munoz Leal, Mary Trevino, Graciela Ramirez (†), Candy Hein, Alicia Valdez, Veronica Castillon, Mine Barrera (†), Libby Rhodes, Audrey Plotkin, and Adriana Guardiola (†). Through the years, some other incredible board members have included Natalie Hernandez, Lucy Hastings, Rosie Ramirez, Anna Isabel Alvarez, Fay Mainhart (†), Mayra Ramirez, Roberta Ramirez Trevino, Margarita Flores, Becky Azios, Patricia Hinojosa, Monica Calles, Gracie Medina, Linda Teniente, Ysela Arechiga, Mary Ellen Smyth and so many more.
In honor of International Women’s Day, I would like to give a shout out to some amazing leaders. Our community is full of some remarkable women leaders. I have had the privilege of meeting and working with some great ladies. First of all, my current officers: Nadia De Leon (UW President), Erica B. Garcia (Past President), Claudia Camano Rodriguez (Treasurer), Vanessa Frausto (Secretary), and Carolyn M. Schmies († Our 2025 President that passed away in December).
When I first started with United Way, I was blessed to work with Peggy J. Newman (†), Sylvia Bruni, Nora Munoz Leal, Mary Trevino, Graciela Ramirez (†), Candy Hein, Alicia Valdez, Veronica Castillon, Mine Barrera (†), Libby Rhodes, Audrey Plotkin, and Adriana Guardiola (†). Through the years, some other incredible board members have included Natalie Hernandez, Lucy Hastings, Rosie Ramirez, Anna Isabel Alvarez, Fay Mainhart (†), Mayra Ramirez, Roberta Ramirez Trevino, Margarita Flores, Becky Azios, Patricia Hinojosa, Monica Calles, Gracie Medina, Linda Teniente, Ysela Arechiga, Mary Ellen Smyth and so many more.
With our partner agencies, I’ve work with legends like Barbara A. Kazen (†), Ruthe B. Cowl (†), Sister Maria Teresa Grajeda, Sister Yolanda, Sister Isidra, Sister Vicky, Sister Rose Mary Welsh, Brenda Tisdale, Hilda Barron, Isabel Mendez, Roxana Guerra, Sara Buentello, Lillian Dickenson(†), Rebecca Solloa, Alma Boubel, Nora Murillo, Sandra Salinas, Claudia Guzman, Sandra Solis, Luisa Ortiz, Rosaura Rodriguez (†), Zeina Ramos, Gloria Vasquez, Dr. Severita Sanchez, Monica Bautista, Angie Osterman, Ali Manrique, Vernet Carranza (†), Maria Elena Montemayor, Patricia Argais, Blanca Villarreal, Victoria Rosas, etc…
The list is of superheroes is endless and I’m sure I am leaving lots of astonishing women out (my apologies). There are so many remarkable women in our community. Actually, when I think of International Women’s Day, I think of Dalia F. Martinez. A few years ago, she coordinated an event at IBC for International Women. I fondly remember the endearing way Mr. Nixon described her when she was our United Way president, “Ninety-nine bounds of Dynamite!” She is dedicated, organized, motivated and extremely professional. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Ms. Pamela Juarez. She is another marvelous lady. She is always thinking outside the box and how you can make things better. Beside her astounding work in field of education, she is a remarkable lady of faith.
In this world there are so many women that shine. There are also many who humbly work in the background never seeking recognition. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge two of my co-workers: Norma Lozano and Elizabeth Luna. They have worked with me for more than 20 years. Thank you for your love and service to the people of our community. Carol Sherwood is another inspiring lady. She has been the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Laredo Webb County for many years. It is a non-profit organization that seeks to put God’s Love into action. They bring together people to build homes, communities and hope. Their vision, “A world where everyone has a simple, decent, and affordable place to live.”
With our partner agencies, I’ve work with legends like Barbara A. Kazen (†), Ruthe B. Cowl (†), Sister Maria Teresa Grajeda, Sister Yolanda, Sister Isidra, Sister Vicky, Sister Rose Mary Welsh, Brenda Tisdale, Hilda Barron, Isabel Mendez, Roxana Guerra, Sara Buentello, Lillian Dickenson(†), Rebecca Solloa, Alma Boubel, Nora Murillo, Sandra Salinas, Claudia Guzman, Sandra Solis, Luisa Ortiz, Rosaura Rodriguez (†), Zeina Ramos, Gloria Vasquez, Dr. Severita Sanchez, Monica Bautista, Angie Osterman, Ali Manrique, Vernet Carranza (†), Maria Elena Montemayor, Patricia Argais, Blanca Villarreal, Victoria Rosas, etc…
The list is of superheroes is endless and I’m sure I am leaving lots of astonishing women out (my apologies). There are so many remarkable women in our community. Actually, when I think of International Women’s Day, I think of Dalia F. Martinez. A few years ago, she coordinated an event at IBC for International Women. I fondly remember the endearing way Mr. Nixon described her when she was our United Way president, “Ninety-nine bounds of Dynamite!” She is dedicated, organized, motivated and extremely professional. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Ms. Pamela Juarez. She is another marvelous lady. She is always thinking outside the box and how you can make things better. Beside her astounding work in field of education, she isaremarkable lady of faith.
Last week, Habitat Laredo announced their new Women Build dates on their website. This project, “gives women the opportunity to be a part of something meaningful. It builds homes, empowers women and strengthens our community.” Companies are encouraged to register as a group. The photo gallery on their website shows women from Falcon Bank and Doctors Hospital. They also have groups from State Farm and AEP Texas that have lent a hand.
If you are interested in volunteering but are worried that you have no construction experience…DO NO WORRY IT IS NOT A PROBLEM! They provide training. You just need to have the willingness to help your community and make a difference. Training courses are available that help increase job opportunities. You can learn how to improve your home, information on mortgage lending, construction trade, outreach, retail and there are even internship opportunities. Habitat Laredo recently announced that the Sally Gonzalez Internship in Non-profit leadership was awarded to Anel Espinoza.
There are many ways to help. If you’re not able to volunteer, you can always pick up your golf clubs and join in their “GOLFING FOR ROOFS” event scheduled for March 28 at the Casa Blanca Golf Course. Registration starts at 7 a.m. and the Shotgun starts at 8 a.m. It is a three-person scramble handicapped. The fee is $150 per player, and it includes breakfast, lunch and two beverage tickets. Prizes to be awarded are 1st Place Team $2,400, 2nd Place Team $1,650 and 3rd Place Team $1,350. Check out their website for the different sponsorship opportunities for this event: www.habitatlaredo.org/save-the-date.
My thanks to Carol, Cindy Liendo and all the great ladies at Habitat for Humanity. For more information on how to volunteer email volunteermanager@habitatlaredo.org or call 956.724.3227.
LAREDO THEATER GUILD: JASON ROBERT BROWN’S THE LAST FIVE YEARS
The Laredo Theater Guild proudly presents this romantic musical at the LC Shoebox Theater. It opened on March 12 and runs through March 22. For more information on tickets and times visit their website at www.laredotheaterguild.org
MILEONE: POT OF GOLD WHERE CONNECTIONS GROW
You’re invited to join us on Thursday at 1312 Houston St. There will be food, music, door prizes and powerful connections. Event starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information email mvillarreal@mileone.com
If you have a upcoming community event or information on a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization you would like to share, please email at 956cuidandolaredo@gmail.com.
In this world there are so many women that shine. There are also many who humbly work in the background never seeking recognition. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge two of my co-workers: Norma Lozano and Elizabeth Luna. They have worked with me for more than 20 years. Thank you for your love and service to the people of our community. Carol Sherwood is another inspiring lady. She has been the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Laredo Webb County for many years. It is a non-profit organization that seeks to put God’s Love into action. They bring together people to build homes, communities and hope. Their vision, “A world where everyone has a simple, decent, and affordable place to live.”
Last week, Habitat Laredo announced their new Women Build dates on their website. This project, “gives women the opportunity to be a part of something meaningful. It builds homes, empowers women and strengthens our community.” Companies are encouraged to register as a group. The photo gallery on their website shows women from Falcon Bank and Doctors Hospital. They also have groups from State Farm and AEP Texas that have lent a hand.
If you are interested in volunteering but are worried that you have no construction experience…DO NO WORRY IT IS NOT A PROBLEM! They provide training. You just need to have the willingness to help your community and make a difference. Training courses are available that help increase job opportunities. You can learn how to improve your home, information on mortgage lending, construction trade, outreach, retail and there are even internship opportunities. Habitat Laredo recently announced that the Sally Gonzalez Internship in Non-profit leadership was awarded to Anel Espinoza.
There are many ways to help. If you’re not able to volunteer, you can always pick up your golf clubs and join in their “GOLFING FOR ROOFS” event scheduled for March 28 at the Casa Blanca Golf Course. Registration starts at 7 a.m. and the Shotgun starts at 8 a.m. It is a three-person scramble handicapped. The fee is $150 per player, and it includes breakfast, lunch and two beverage tickets. Prizes to be awarded are 1st Place Team $2,400, 2nd Place Team $1,650 and 3rd Place Team $1,350. Check out their website for the different sponsorship opportunities for this event: www.habitatlaredo.org/save-the-date.
My thanks to Carol, Cindy Liendo and all the great ladies at Habitat for Humanity. For more information on how to volunteer email volunteermanager@habitatlaredo.org or call 956.724.3227.
LAREDO THEATER GUILD: JASON ROBERT BROWN’S THE LAST FIVE YEARS
The Laredo Theater Guild proudly presents this romantic musical at the LC Shoebox Theater. It opened on March 12 and runs through March 22. For more information on tickets and times visit their website at www.laredotheaterguild.org
MILEONE: POT OF GOLD WHERE CONNECTIONS GROW
You’re invited to join us on Thursday at 1312 Houston St. There will be food, music, door prizes and powerful connections. Event starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information email mvillarreal@mileone.com
If you have a upcoming community event or information on a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization you would like to share, please email at 956cuidandolaredo@gmail.com.
Peggy M. Duncan, United Way of Laredo
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