“Beauty and Brains” was the theme for this month’s roundtable, and the ladies in attendance were treated to makeup and hair tips, a fashion show including Gaby Ruiz, Cecilia Mascorro, Maribel Flores, and Maria “TIti” Elizondo.
Guest Speaker Ana Chong, PA-C spoke on her experience of her journey of becoming a physician’s assistant. Chong moved from Guadalajara to Los Angeles, back to Guadalajara and then to Piedras Negras where she started school early. In the fourth grade, Chong moved to Eagle Pass where she was moved back to second grade because she didn’t speak English. Negative comments about her young age continued, often from unsupportive teachers. Despite the lack of support from educators as well as financial struggles, she was able to graduate from one of only three PA programs in Texas at the time, and has been working for UMC for 14 years.
“Even though all those things happened I’m still here talking to you about my career,” said Chong. “That just goes to show you if you really set your mind to it and you want to achieve something, you can do it no matter what the obstacle is.”
The confidence that Chong had to follow her dream of working in the medical field was central to the theme the roundtable wished to share: that beauty comes from within.
“Don’t ever let anybody bring you down, if they’re trying to do that they’re trying to bring you down to their level because they’re beneath you,” said MC Sandra Ruiz. “If you ever need anymore empowerment, reassurance, you come here to SBDC.”
Sponsors for this month’s roundtable included United Medical Center, Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce, Gamabi Celebrations who donated desserts, and Luby’s who provided the meals.
Door prizes were also donated by local businesses Gigi’s Lashes, Harumy Berain Distributor Mayra Guevara, Snoodie Nutrition Connie Ernest, Blooming Cactus Boutique Owner Catherine Castañeda, Blue Crafted Moon, JC Creations. A special thanks goes to Lynn Flores of Casa de Jacinthe, Melody Farias of Thairapy Studio, and Mary Kay Representative Sararose Moody who were instrumental in the fashion show.
The SR-RGC-SBDC Women With Vision Leadership Roundtable is held every third Thursday of the month.