City of Brownville City Manager, Helen Ramirez, AICP, was the keynote speaker at the Leadership Brownsville Class 38 graduation.

Over a period of nine months, the 22 members of the Leadership Brownsville Class 38 spent one session each month learning about government operations, the environment, media, the history of Brownsville, the Port of Brownsville, Brownsville Public Utilities Board, economic development, education, and non-profits. 

“I learned that leadership takes work, that it takes effort from the full team, not just myself, and that leadership skills are an asset and that we all must learn how to work together to accomplish a goal,” said Salia Castillo, a graduate of Leadership Brownsville Class 38.

The Leadership Brownsville Class 38 also completed two projects that addressed the needs of the community. They held fundraisers to help benefit the Brownsville Animal Defense, a non-profit, volunteer dog rescue organization.

In addition, Class 88 helped the non-profit group YouthBuild Brownsville by constructing a “Dress for Success” closet and filling it with 100 professional outfits for men and women. The donation provides YBB graduates ready-to-wear professional attire for job interviews.

Lizzy de la Garza Putegnat Leadership Brownsville Class 26 was recognized as the 2023 Distinguished Alumni at the Leadership Brownsville Class 38 graduation.

De la Garza Putegnat said she dedicated 10 years to Leadership Brownsville serving on the board for nine years with her last year serving as chairwoman.

“What I tell people is that there is no other way where someone can become so educated on Brownsville, on the inner workings of Brownsville and how everything works, no other program where someone can become so engaged in city affairs, and no other program that really empowers people to make a difference in their city,” de la Garza Putegnat said.

“The network that is established is amazing. You come out of this program with a sense of appreciation for your city and with a sense of really wanting to make a difference and give back to your community and make Brownsville a better place,” de la Garza Putegnat said.

Leadership Brownsville provides potential leaders the knowledge to effectively participate in community affairs, to learn the history and demography of our community, to understand its financial and political difficulties and promises, and to become a part of the solution rather than a part of the problem.

Leadership Brownsville’s mission is to foster leadership development by educating community members about the different sectors of Brownsville, exposing them to challenges and opportunities, and empowering them to make a positive impact. 

The City of Brownsville congratulates the Leadership Brownsville Class 38.