UTRGV Students Gain Mentorship from RGV Hispanic Chamber

New partnership connects budding entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:39am

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The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization at UT-Rio Grande Valley to provide mentorship opportunities for students interested in entrepreneurship. The first event was held on March 10 at the RGVHCC offices in McAllen, Texas, connecting students with experienced business leaders who can help bring their ideas to life.

Why it matters

This partnership aims to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs in the Rio Grande Valley region by providing students access to valuable mentorship and resources from the local business community. Nurturing young entrepreneurial talent is crucial for economic development and innovation in the area.

The details

The Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization at UTRGV has joined forces with the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to launch a new mentorship program. The goal is to connect UTRGV students interested in entrepreneurship with experienced business leaders and chamber members who can provide guidance, advice, and connections to help turn students' ideas into reality.

  • The first event for the new mentorship program was held on March 10, 2026 at the RGVHCC offices in McAllen, Texas.

The players

Skyler Howell

President of the UTRGV Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization.

Cynthia Sakulenzki

President and CEO of the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Julio Johnson

An electronics engineer and one of the mentors in the program.

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What they’re saying

“The goal is to connect budding entrepreneurs with the people and resources able to bring their ideas to life.”

— Skyler Howell, President, UTRGV Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization

What’s next

The UTRGV Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization and RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce plan to continue hosting regular mentorship events to connect students with experienced business leaders in the region.

The takeaway

This new partnership demonstrates the RGV business community's commitment to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs and supporting the growth of local startups and small businesses in the Rio Grande Valley.