About
OUR HISTORY
A group of concerned graduate students from South Texas College and the University of Texas Pan American (now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley) founded Border Issues of Texas, Inc. in December 2014 to improve and empower the quality of life of our border region communities.
The IRS recognizes us as a Section 501(c)(3) registered public charity, enabling our sponsors and donors to claim a tax exemption.
The initial meeting of the group allowed them to discuss the need to empower marginalized zones through educational initiatives. The group additionally recognized the importance of establishing an independent social research center to provide a comprehensive yet accessible look at the state of affairs in our border region.
OUR MISSION
Inform, Educate and Empower
To inform, educate, and empower our Southern U.S.– Mexico border communities by promoting solutions through media, social research, and actions that advance the common good.
OUR VISION
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Embrace change and innovation.
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Ensure recognition as a quality community services provider.
OUR VALUES
Education - Inspire citizens to ask fundamental questions, engage with ideas, explore the world and reflect on the great issues of our times.
Commitment – We are dedicated to the success of our clients and partners.
Dedication – If we want to achieve something, we find a way.
Inclusion - We value equity, inclusion, and dignity for all.
Accountability - We accept responsibility for our actions.
Learning - We learn from every opportunity and every person we have the joy to come to know.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Juan R. Ramírez, President
Dr. Ramírez is a full-time professor at South Texas College. He specializes in public education. His training
includes undergraduate and graduate work in education at the University of Texas - Pan American and Texas A&M University at Kingsville.
Cesar E. Quintanilla, Vice - President
Mr. Quintanilla is a graduate of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. His training includes undergraduate
and graduate work in education, kinesiology, and health at the University of Texas at the Rio Grande Valley. He
has a devoted passion for civil rights, humanitarian relief, education, and social services.
Manuel A. Alonso, Treasurer / Secretary
Mr. Alonso serves as our secretary. He was a part-time professor at the University of Texas-Pan American and a
Spanish-language media contributor. Mr. Alonso is a graduate of South Texas College and the University of Texas
-Pan American. His training included undergraduate and graduate work in public education and literature.
ADVISING COMMITTEE
Dr. Miguel A. Nevárez
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University President Emeritus
Former University of Texas – Pan American President
Sister Norma Pimentel
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Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley
Mr. Alonzo Cantú
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Business Owner/Developer
Cantu Construction & Development Company
Mr. Mario Reyna
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Former Academic Dean for Business and Technology
South Texas College
Ms. Sara M. Lozano
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Academic Dean for Business, Public Safety and Technology
South Texas College
STAFF
Marco A. Córdova, Executive Director
Mr. Córdova is a South Texas College and University of Texas-Pan American graduate. He has general
knowledge of public education, microbusiness development, and health issues. His training includes
undergraduate and graduate work in education, health, Spanish language journalism, literature, and
English/Spanish linguistics.
He reports to the Board of Directors and seeks advice from the Advisory Committee. Mr. Córdova has the overall strategic and operational responsibility for our nonprofit's staff, programs, expansion, and execution of its mission. Mr. Córdova is thoroughly committed to our nonprofit's mission.
Felipe A. González, Project Outreach Coordinator
Mr. González has extensive knowledge of international law, border affairs, and human rights. His training includes
undergraduate and graduate work in law at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León in Mexico. Mr. González has presented numerous United Nations workshops in Latin America.
