RioProgress The Podcast

Ep. 12 What does it take to succeed?

In this episode, our executive director, Maria Fernanda Martinez-Donaus, talks with Jen and Vero, founders of JZD, a Brownsville-based lifestyle and apparel brand celebrating Latina and LGBTQ+ identities. Together they explore the journey from selling a single "Latina Power" t-shirt on Etsy in 2016 to collaborating with national retailers — and how a desire for safety and representation led to a brand rooted in the everyday art form of Spanglish. Jen and Vero reflect on the heavy expectations placed on the eldest children in Mexican-American households, while sharing how the resilience they developed navigating adult responsibilities and college access barriers helped them build an unapologetic business. The conversation dives into the harsh realities of corporate tokenism, the importance of demanding your worth as a marginalized creator, and why you should stop waiting for the perfect moment to start chasing your dreams. Don’t forget to check out our resources on navigating college access, student success, and educational equity at RioProgress: rioprogress.org [https://rioprogress.org] Relevant Links: Our full episode notes can be found at rioprogress.org/episodes [https://rioprogress.org/episodes] Resources: JZD RioProgress.org [https://rioprogress.org] Support our work: Donate: rioprogress.org/donate [https://rioprogress.org/donate] Sign up for updates: rioprogress.org/subscribe [https://rioprogress.org/subscribe] ► For partnership inquiries: info@rioprogress.org [info@rioprogress.org]

Ep. 11 ¿Cómo impulsamos el éxito de nuestros estudiantes?

En este episodio, nuestra directora ejecutiva, María Fernanda Martínez-Donaus, conversa con Olga Méndez, maestra, bibliotecaria y apasionada promotora de la lectura, sobre cómo impulsamos el éxito académico y personal de nuestros estudiantes. Juntas reflexionan sobre el papel que juegan las familias en fomentar el hábito lector, la importancia del ejemplo en casa y la manera en que la lectura nutre la curiosidad, el pensamiento crítico y la confianza de los jóvenes.La conversación destaca la relación entre educación, cultura y comunidad, subrayando cómo las bibliotecas, los maestros y el acceso a los libros pueden transformar oportunidades y abrir caminos. Olga también comparte su trayectoria como inmigrante, educadora y líder escolar, ofreciendo consejos prácticos para apoyar a los niños en un mundo donde la tecnología y la información cambian rápidamente.Support our work:Donate: rioprogress.org/donateSign up for updates: rioprogress.org/subscribe► For partnership inquiries: info@rioprogress.org

Ep. 10 ¿Cómo se hereda una cultura?

En este episodio especial, nuestra directora ejecutiva, María Fernanda Martínez-Donaus, conversa con Nubia Nava, educadora, escritora y soñadora, sobre la importancia de preservar el idioma español como una forma de preservar nuestra cultura. Juntas reflexionan sobre el papel que juegan las familias en transmitir el idioma, cómo los padres pueden apoyar a sus hijos en este proceso, y la relación entre el lenguaje, la identidad y los sueños.La conversación destaca la conexión entre educación, cultura y propósito personal, invitando a la comunidad a valorar el poder de nuestras raíces lingüísticas y culturales. Nubia también comparte su experiencia como educadora bilingüe y ofrece consejos sobre cómo mantener vivo el español en casa mientras se fomenta la confianza y la creatividad en los jóvenes.No olvides visitar nuestros recursos sobre acceso universitario, éxito estudiantil y equidad educativa en RioProgress: rioprogress.orgEnlaces relevantes:Las notas completas del episodio están disponibles en rioprogress.org/podcast

Special Episode: How do schools shape our community?

In this special episode, our executive director, Maria Fernanda Martinez-Donaus, sits down with Dr. Jesús Chávez, Superintendent of the Brownsville Independent School District (BISD), to discuss how strong public schools build strong communities. Together, they explore the journey from classroom to leadership, the importance of family engagement, and how Brownsville is preparing students for college, careers, and life. The conversation highlights the district’s focus on math and reading readiness, early college and CTE programs, and how parents can help students make the most of every educational opportunity — from elementary through high school. Dr. Chávez also shares insights on supporting teachers, investing in the arts, and what true progress looks like for Brownsville’s students and families. Don’t forget to check out our resources on navigating college access, student success, and educational equity at RioProgress: rioprogress.org [https://rioprogress.org/] Relevant Links: Our full episode notes can be found at rioprogress.org [https://rioprogress.org/special] Resources: * Brownsville Independent School District [https://www.bisd.us/] * Texas Education Agency [https://tea.texas.gov/] * RioProgress College Access Programs [https://rioprogress.org/programs] * BISD Bond Information [https://www.bisd.us/] Support our work: Donate: rioprogress.org/donate [https://rioprogress.org/donate] Sign up for updates: rioprogress.org/subscribe [https://rioprogress.org/subscribe] ► For partnership inquiries: info@rioprogress.org [info@rioprogress.org]

Ep. 08 Do Entrepreneurs need college?

In this episode, our executive director, Maria Fernanda Martinez-Donaus, talks with Gilbert Hernandez, founder of Búho Books, Brownsville’s independent bookstore. Together they explore the journey from engineering to entrepreneurship — and how a single question led to the revival of a bookstore culture on the border. Gilbert reflects on the lessons college taught him about problem-solving, community, and resilience, while sharing how those same skills helped him build a business rooted in accessibility and belonging. The conversation dives into what it really takes to create change in your city, the role of education in entrepreneurship, and how to balance purpose with sustainability. Don’t forget to check out our resources on navigating college access, student success, and educational equity at RioProgress: rioprogress.org [https://rioprogress.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Relevant Links: Our full episode notes can be found at rioprogress.org/ep8 Resources: * Búho Books [https://www.instagram.com/buhobtx/] * RioProgress.org [https://rioprogress.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Brownsville Chamber of Commerce Support our work: Donate: rioprogress.org/donate [https://rioprogress.org/donate] Sign up for updates: rioprogress.org/subscribe [https://rioprogress.org/subscribe] ► For partnership inquiries: info@rioprogress.org [info@rioprogress.org]