It may be hard to believe, but the U.S. Department of Labor still lists more than 100 occupations as “non-traditional careers” for women, which means 25 percent or less of those in the field are female. From computer programmers to engineers, these higher-paying careers have historically been harder for women to enter … unless they have outstanding support.

“South Texas College is committed to student success for all students, whether they are pursuing a non-traditional career or not,” says Sara Lozano, Dean for Business, Technology and Public Safety.

As a woman with a background in architecture who earned her bachelor’s degree from Yale, Lozano is a living testament to the power of education in overcoming gender barriers. She began her journey at STC as an Architectural & Engineering Design Technology (AEDT) instructor and has been opening doors for students ever since.

The AEDT field, in particular, has proved a challenge for women. More than 130 years ago, the first professional female architect, Louise Blanchard Bethune, set up shop in New York. Yet until the emergence of Title IX in 1972, the majority of American architecture schools refused to admit women. Even now, although nearly half of architect grads are women, only 17 percent of registered architects are female, according to the American Institute of Architects.

“One of the challenges students face when they pursue a non-traditional career is that there is often a certain stigma associated with that career about which gender should be pursuing it,” says Lozano.

Fortunately, having good role models can help students hurdle over outdated assumptions. At STC, instructors double as mentors, as they have often gone through the same struggles as their students. It’s not just about being supportive. It’s about having a successful role model that students can relate to and emulate.

According to the dean, “We have faculty, staff and administrators who set excellent examples and serve as primary role models of what success looks like for individuals in non-traditional career fields.”

Margarita Vanguelova, an AEDT Associate Professor at STC for over 14 years, is the perfect example. With a Master of Science in civil engineering from Bulgaria and rich work history from all over the world, the instructor is dedicated to opening new possibilities for all of her students.

“I am passionate about architecture and civil engineering and hope that more young women will choose to follow this career path,” says Vanguelova, who has made unlocking non-traditional fields for women her passion. “Our program’s female graduates are very successful as architectural or civil engineering technicians.”

With greater equality comes increased creativity, according to the instructor. She has seen dynamic diversity firsthand while working with professionals from all across the globe at an international company in New York. Says the instructor, “The free exchange of ideas and different perspectives were reflected in the great quality of the projects.”

When it comes to beating bias, women in architecture, engineering and construction have to debunk the old myth that only males are professionals. It’s a barrier that Vanguelova had to overcome herself:

“As a structural engineer, I have observed construction managers’ surprise that a woman will inspect the construction site and an initial skepticism of my expertise,” recalls Vanguelova, who was only too happy to prove them wrong.

Despite the challenges, the AEDT field offers edifying careers with growing opportunities, exciting specializations and stellar incomes. Architectural and civil drafters command a solid $55,510, on average, in Texas, while those who advance their education and become architects can build salaries up to $80,000 and beyond. For creative, tech-savvy individuals with problem-solving skills, constructing a career in AEDT is rewarding in more ways than one.

“We prepare our female graduates for overcoming these obstacles by instilling confidence in them,” says Vanguelova. In addition to intensive, workforce-relevant instruction, students also complete competitive internships with local firms as part of the program. These long-standing industry connections give STC students a leg up when it comes to building confident careers.

“All of this gives our graduates an advantage in the job market or in their future studies,” says the proud professor. In fact, she says that many alums reach out to their instructors after graduation to let them know just how much their STC foundation “put them ahead of their peers.”

In training to be architectural or civil engineering technicians, STC students master specialized software like AutoCAD, Revit and Civil 3D, as well as Adobe programs like Photoshop and Illustrator. They also create construction documents, practice 3D modeling and animation, and gain exposure to architectural photography.

And if cutting-edge 3D-printing, laser cutting and engraving facilities weren’t enough, many classes also use advanced virtual reality equipment. From designing models to reviewing and walking around plans in a 3D environment, students gain practical, high-tech skills used in virtually every firm. And in some courses, the tech is even used to take computer-simulated “field trips” to ancient cities.

“This technology is very useful for introducing designs to clients and for helping companies win contracts,” explains Vanguelova.

“We prepare our students with some of the latest technology,” adds Lozano. “They can leave our program not only employable but as innovators in their industry.”

For the dean, encouraging future technicians is all about turning a challenge into a tremendous opportunity. She says employers appreciate STC students who pursue non-traditional career fields because they display marked dedication and bring new perspectives to the industry.

“Once students graduate and begin looking for jobs, one of the benefits is that they are in demand because of the diversity they will bring to the field,” says Lozano. “Having women in non-traditional career fields opens doors for more opportunities to show that these career fields are not only limited to one gender.”

While old perceptions can be stubborn, Vanguelova is of a mind that “providing the community with correct information and organizing events promoting the career opportunities in these fields could make a difference.”

That’s why STC hosts several events to encourage women to level the playing field across non-traditional careers. The annual Women in Technology event, for example, showcases all the different programs in the Business, Public Safety and Technology division. It’s an engaging way to get the word out to “we can do it” women ready for the new workforce.

There’s also the She Persists campaign, which draws upon the stories and achievements of female grads in non-traditional career fields to inspire current students. In the fall, AEDT students have the opportunity to attend the Building Communities Conference to network with design, building and construction professionals in local industries. Students also participate in lectures and connect with local branches of professional organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Institute of Architects.

“There are many great architects who happen to be women,” says Vanguelova, who considers creativity, innovation, teamwork, technical know-how, and most of all, hard work to be the most essential traits for an aspiring AEDT professional.

“The qualities of a good professional in the AEC industry are not gender-specific,” says the professor. “Gender should not be an issue.”

Every day, it starts with asking himself several important questions, he said. “How am I making myself a better nurse for my patient today? What can I do better?”

These questions run through his mind and it motivates him to succeed, Braden said.

“My primary goal is to be the nurse that is by my patient’s side, and to do whatever I can to make my patient at most ease,” he said.

Braden is currently pursuing an associate degree in Nursing, and seeks to pass the NCLEX exam to become a certified RN. After graduating from the RN-BSN program at STC, he hopes to acquire a bachelor’s degree, and earn a job on an intense care unit caring for patients who need immediate and efficient care.

“STC was my ideal place because they had something very special to offer,” Braden said. “The ADN program was talked about very highly of amongst my classmates and professors during my prerequisite classes. I wanted a purposeful education, and it’s what STC offered.”

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program prepares students with the skills necessary to become practitioners in the healthcare field, and qualified to work in hospitals, day-surgery centers, rehabilitation centers, physicians’ offices, and home health care agencies.

Braden said STC puts an emphasis on teamwork, which is what he will rely on when he enters the field.

“If I could give advice, I’d say make friends,” Braden said. “Your classmates are aiming for the same goal. I’ve come to know that my classmates have helped me tremendously. Just like in healthcare, we’re a team. We encourage each other, we uplift each other. 

“My experience at STC has been incredible,” he added. “When we go to the libraries, the staff truly aids you towards success. Professors not only give you the relevant information for tests and quizzes but also input on practical situations.”

Citing God and family as his main motivation in life, Armando says he is inspired to become the best version of himself in his personal and professional life.

Attending STC since 2014, Armando says he previously obtained an Associate degree in Arts Communication, and is currently in the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program.

“STC has given me the opportunity to believe in myself, and it helped me realize that everything I desire in life is possible with hard work and dedication,” Armando said. “The staff members and instructors have helped me, and guided me through my educational career path. School can sound stressful, but STC has definitely been the opposite.

“STC provided me with the resources needed to continue my education and accomplish my dreams,” Armando said. 

The OTA two-year program prepares individuals for careers as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA).

COTAs assist patients to develop life skills by providing services with the ultimate goal of increasing their independence in daily functioning.

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.

Armando says his career plan after completing the OTA program at STC is to continue his education, and transfer to a university to obtain a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy while working as a COTA.

“My message to my peers and everyone is to keep dreaming in big, nothing is impossible. Everything in life is possible with God that strengthens us,” Armando said. “Sometimes things might not go as you wanted, but God always has a purpose.

“My recommendation to anyone is to walk with faith in order to succeed in college and beyond,” he said. “Life is beautiful, don’t let anything stop you from dreaming. Chase your dreams, if not you will never catch up to them.” 

Lozano was selected as the Dean for BPST on August 1, 2020. Her new role now has her overseeing all the programs in the division from Culinary Arts to Welding and the college’s Fire Science and Law Enforcement housed at the Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence.

“Opportunity means opening our doors for students to learn in various ways,” Lozano said. “Some students want a traditional education, some don’t have that time. Some students want to find an opportunity to put their skills to use, but need the degree.

“Others are eager to learn new skills to address the needs of our community quickly, so certificates that can be completed in less than a year are the best path for them,” she said. “Reaching out and providing access to all students and potential students is so important.”

Lozano is Ivy League-educated, possessing a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Yale University, and a Master of Higher Education Administration and Leadership from Adams State University.

During her 13-year tenure as South Texas College, she has served as faculty member, as well as Chair of the AEDT program. She most recently served as the Point of Contact for the Business, Public Safety, and Technology Division following the retirement of longtime dean Mario Reyna in January.

Outside of the college, Lozano is a part of the American Institute of Architects – Lower Rio Grande Valley Chapter (LRGVAIA), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the Texas Community College Teachers Association (TCCTA).

Lorna is currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Science Cybersecurity Specialist. Initially entering STC as a dual-enrollment student while attending Valley View High School, Lorna began at STC after graduation in 2019.

Harboring a lifelong fascination with art, Lorna said she began college with the hopes of one day entering a career as a graphic designer. As she took her classes at STC and began to research the job market however she became drawn to careers in IT, she said.

“STC was the ideal place to start. Not only was it financial beneficial, but the college also had professors and deans who truly wanted me to succeed,” Lorna said. “I started in high school and was happy to find teachers who were compassionate and caring when I first started a few of my basic classes.

“In addition, STC helped me grow as a person by helping me start reaching out and seeing the different career plans I could be taking due to the advice of thoughtful professors,” Lorna said. “In addition, becoming a Cybersecurity Specialist seemed ideal for my personality due to always wanting to solve problems and help those around me if I can, so I began the process of enrolling from there.”

The Cybersecurity Specialist Associate of Applied Science and Certificate degrees are designed for students interested in entering the field of cybersecurity technologies.

The degree prepares students to learn practices that are designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage, or unauthorized access. Cybersecurity Specialists at STC are trained in computer security, installing security software, network monitoring for security breaches, and responding to cyber-attacks.

“Success in college – that’s what everyone wants but most see it as hard to achieve, and it can be but they shouldn’t get downhearted from grades and exams. We all have our faults but we also have our strengths, follow your strengths and try to adapt to your faults,” Lorna said.

“My message to my peers is to do their research on their respective careers and find people within the industry who can help you with information about the career plan ahead,” she said. “In addition, before enrolling in a class, look into the professors to see how your semester will look like. Lastly, start looking into interning near the area. The job market is a competition, and if you don’t have any experience in the field, then another competitor could get the respective job just from interning in a minimal tech field.

“Learning doesn’t end with college, but it’s up to you to continue learning after your degree is in your grasp,” she said.

Initially entering South Texas College in the fall of 2010, Monique graduated this past May with an Associate Degree in Architectural and Visual Technology.

“STC was my ideal place to go being that I knew I was probably going to get some or no financial aid (but) by attending STC, I was able to afford to pay my tuition and not be in debt,” she said. “My unique approach to college was to set myself a goal, finish school, and to become financially independent. I implanted that into my mind which gave me the determination and strength to keep going.”

The Architectural and Visual Technology degree that Monique has acquired is one of three specializations within the Architectural & Engineering Design Technology Program at South Texas College along with Architectural & Engineering Design Technology and Architectural & Civil Engineering Technology.

Students with an Architectural & Visual Technology degree are trained to create, manipulate, or enhance computerized images. As technicians, they help prepare the imaging needs for architects, engineers, contractors, and publication agencies.

With their skills learned in the program, students can utilize their skills not only for the creation of technical documents, but also for the creation of computer renderings and animations, digital photographs and video for presentation purposes.

“My experience has been great with STC,” she said. “It may not be a university, but it has its perks such as closer distances from the parking lot to our classes, smaller class sizes which benefits in building a bond with your professors, and affordable tuition.”

As a message for her peers, Monique said that despite several major changes and the years it took to choose the right degree and see it through, it was important to find something she was truly passionate about.

“My message to my peers would be that it's okay if you don't know what you want to major in right after high school,” Monique said. “Once you do, stay motivated! It won't be easy, but the satisfaction you'll get after graduating will be so rewarding and worthwhile.

“Remember, don't wait until you've reached your goal to be proud of yourself,” she said. “Always be proud of every step you take toward reaching that goal.”

Yajaira, a mother of 4 and a military wife, said she has worked in real estate for years, but said she wanted to take the next step and learn how to build homes. 

After her second semester at STC, and with the help of her husband, and the knowledge she received from the Construction Supervision Program, she went out and built her first home. She is currently building her third home as she completes her associate degree. 

After graduation, she plans to transfer in order to continue for her bachelor degree in construction management.

“I decided to go to STC because it has the resources I need to help me through my classes,” Yajaira said. “My experience at STC has been great, from the convenience of the class schedule to my professors, I have learned enough in this program that enabled me in my first semester to move forward and open up my own construction company.”

The Construction Supervision program at STC prepares students for supervision and management careers related to various aspects of residential, commercial, and institutional construction projects.

Graduates of the program are prepared for entry level positions such as assistant construction superintendent, junior estimator, program manager, or general contractor for property owners, developers, or construction management firms

“What I recommend to anyone, is that it's never to late to continue your education, I am a mother of 4, with a husband in the military, realtor and builder,” Yajaira said. “It's is all about time management and dedication to pursuing the career you want. You are the only one who determines how far you want to get in life.”

After working as a physical therapy technician for five years, Jaime said he knew a career as a PTA was his calling in life.

“When I decided to become a PTA, I knew STC had one of the best Physical Therapy Assistant programs,” he said. “They have a 100 percent passing rate in the NPTE (licensure exam) and I knew this would be the right choice to achieve my goals.”

Physical Therapist Assistants are licensed skilled health care providers who work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. They assist the physical therapist to provide treatment programs to help restore or improve function, relieve pain, encourage independence, and educate patients and their families.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at South Texas College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The program has enabled 100 percent of program graduates to obtained positions as PTAs within 12 months of passing the licensure exam.

Once he completes his degree, Jaime said he is excited to hopefully begin work in a sports orthopedic setting, working with athletes to help them recover.

As a message to students looking to enter the program, he says it’s important to take college very seriously. Do not take opportunities you receive for granted, he said.

“My 4 yr old son Mateo and my wife motivate me each and every day. They are the reason I want to succeed and become a PTA to be able to provide them a good life,” he said. “My classmates have also become my family, and together we have been able to help each other throughout the program. Our professors are always willing to assist us when we need them.

“Now , being so close to graduating as a Physical Therapist Assistant(PTA), I am excited to do what I love best which is helping others,” Jaime said.

He wasn’t sure what to study before college, but quickly found the field that aligned with his values.

“When I was in high school, I wasn’t really sure what to study,” Peña said. I decided to pursue a career that helped people get better emotionally and physically. I fell in love with the occupational therapy profession to pursue because it helps people throughout their lifespans; from pediatrics all the way to geriatrics.”

Pena is slated to graduate this year as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) and pending national accreditation will be qualified to work in the field.

The OTA program at STC is a two-year program that prepares individuals for careers as Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants (COTA).

Peña’s said his choice to attend STC gives him the potential to earn good wages and help his family long-term.

“South Texas College provides people of low-income the opportunity to continue their education after high school,” Peña said. “I come from a family that’s not very wealthy or anything like that so STC provided me the opportunity to continue my education. I see their struggles economically. I wanted to pursue a career to not only fulfill my dreams, but to secure my family economically.”

A big part of his college experience is being able to get transportation from Starr County to the NAH campus in McAllen

“If it wasn’t for the Jag Express maybe I wouldn’t have been here at this point in time,” Peña said. “It’s helped me quite a lot to get here and commute back and forth. Transportation is essential to your education and if you’re doing have the transportation how can you further your education.”

He appreciates STC’s option for Starr County residents.

“By helping other students commute to a bigger city and providing travel to the Pecan Campus and the Nursing Campus the Jag Express just provides (Starr County) with something better,” Peña said.

His future plans include more experience as an OTA before pursuing an Occupational Therapist license.

“I want to work in the field first, a little bit and then maybe I’ll pursue to be an occupational therapist one day.”

Peña’s message to fellow students is to push through any obstacle.

“My message would be to never give up on your dreams despite all hardships,” Pena said.You continue going on fighting for what you love, for what you want, for what you believe. With hard work there’s always a great reward.”

Originally from Donna, Brittany says she was inspired to enter a career in diesel technology since age five, traveling with her father, a long-haul truck driver across the nation. Whenever he was home, she was eager to help in the garage as he performed regular maintenance on the truck engine.

Years later, those early experiences with her father on the road have enabled her to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Technology at South Texas College. Brittany now looks ahead to graduation this May.

“I have always wanted to be a diesel technician because of my dad,” Brittany said. “I have been around it my whole life, since I was five years old, and I went all over the United States with him.”

Diesel Technology students at STC receive the skills necessary for the repair of diesel engines, electrical and electronic control systems, hydraulic systems, air brakes, suspension, steering, and transmissions through a combination of lecture, lab work, troubleshooting, and diagnostic procedures.

Students are able to receive their Diesel Technology certificate or associate from the program.

“I’m pretty comfortable in this field,” she said. “I grew up with my dad and three brothers, so I think I get along with guys more than I do girls sometimes. It doesn’t bother me at all.

“To other females wanting to go down this route, I would tell them to not be afraid,” she said. “Don’t be scared to be who you are. I have had plenty of people tell me that I can’t do this or I won’t make it because I’m a girl, but I have to live my life.”

Originally from Chicago, Emily arrived to the Valley in her teens and attended Beta Academy. Upon graduating high school Emily said she attended STC but life happened and she became a mother at 20. She took time away from college to work and raise a newborn.

“I had originally wanted to become an RN but I wasn’t focused on my education as much as I should have been,” she said. “I wanted to come back after I had my son at 20 but it’s really hard to come back because there is not always someone around to help you. I had to wait for four years before I had the chance.”

Emily said she returned to college in the fall of 2018. When she returned, Emily decided to change her focus from nursing to computer networking and now plans to graduate by this summer. She is planning to receive an Associate of Applied Science in Networking Specialist (AAS-BCS-NETS).

“I changed my major and I was looking into IT but there’s so much to it,” she said. “It includes networking, cyber security, computer science, programming but I became highly interested in computer networking.”

The Associate of Applied Science in Networking Specialist enlists a number of Information Technology (IT) skills, starting with business productivity software and then adding a greater emphasis on advanced skills in computer networking through the Cisco Networking Academy.

Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to design, quote, set up, maintain, manage, and upgrade a network. In addition to the networking skills, students also learn technical skills in operating systems, server administration, and information security, while also being exposed to the use of computer virtualization.

Emily hopes to attend the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley and earn her bachelor degree once she completes her associate by summer 2020. Inspired by faculty at STC, Emily said she would love to return to the college and teach students from a similar background.

“Seeing my professors not just in my IT field but in different subjects like English for example; there are some really great professors who are here because they love it so much and want to give back to students,” she said.

“To students struggling to come back like I was I would like to tell them that anything is possible as long as you change your mindset because there is always room for improvement,” she said. “And to my son I would like to tell him to try and always do the best he can, be kind to everyone where ever you go, and even if things do get hard, anything and everything can be done.”

...

After stops in Fort Lee, Virginia and across the Atlantic Ocean in Germany, it’s safe to say he’s seen a lot outside of his sleepy hometown of Defiance, Ohio.

Barrientos says his maturity level was much higher when he exited the armed forces than when he entered the U.S. Army. He believes moving out of his hometown allowed him to expand his mind and expose him to different cultures and opportunities that proved key to his success.

“When I was younger I just joined (the military) to get out of my hometown, but as I started to grow and mature, I started to see the bigger picture,” Barrientos said. “It’s all about serving and helping people. Then I got out and still wanted to help and serve.”

He moved to the Rio Grande Valley in April 2016 and one month later he was in Summer I classes at South Texas College chipping away at his career goal of becoming a nurse.

Two and a half years later, the veteran is slated to graduate with his Associate of Applied Science in Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) this December.

“I knew I had to get my classes done,” Barrientos said. “I didn’t want to be in school for four to five years. So I didn’t take any breaks.”

He said the program and the focus on patient care grew on him. The ADN Program at South Texas College prepares students with basic competencies to become safe practitioners in the healthcare field.

“Coming into the program, I didn’t have this outlook on nursing. I wanted to do it because of the pay in the profession. Now after being around the patients, doing clinical hours and everything, doing holistic care, learning to be a patient advocate,” Barrientos said. “It helped me appreciate the nursing profession in a better way. Taking classes at STC definitely helped with that.”

The Ohioan-turned-Texan said he has family all over the state and the Valley was the perfect landing spot. He did more than just sign up for classes, he spent his free time volunteering at local non-profits.“It kept me from going out and doing the stuff a lot of people my age were doing that was not beneficial to them,” Barrientos said. “I’ve met a lot of people and networked a lot and it’s helped out working at the food bank, the Palm Valley Animal Center…handing out Christmas toys, doing the Turkey Trot. All that stuff has benefited me personally and also the community.”

With service at the forefront of Barrientos’s life, he knew nursing was a calling for him to make a greater difference in people’s lives.

“I also want to get more involved with community health initiatives,” Barrientos said. “It’s kind of hard being a nurse because you have a certain scope of practice. I’d like to go out and educate people on high blood pressure and diabetes.”

Regardless of how he chooses to help his community, the RGV gained a valuable asset when Barrientos decided to put his roots down in the area.

Barrientos thanked personnel at the STC Office of Student Veterans Affairs for being a helping hand through his educational journey. His helping hand urged him to begin volunteering at the center and becoming a guide to other vets trying to navigate through the college system.

He now works part-time in STC’s Office of Student Veterans Affairs.

“You have [veteran] centers like this that a lot of veterans will come into clueless, not knowing what to do,” Barrientos said. “If you go to bigger schools in their VA office they’ll just give you the paperwork and tell you to bring it back, that’s it. Here at STC, we sit down with vets and get them to open up. We try to figure out what they want to do so we can help them make their time at school a smoother process.”

One of the biggest takeaways Barrientos has from nursing school is his ability to think differently. He had to be sharp in the Army but saving lives takes a new approach. A way of thinking that permeates beyond just his future profession.

“Critical thinking is something that we’re never going to get down 100 percent. We’re always learning. That’s what trips up a lot of students is that critical thinking aspect. It’s still a constant learning process,” Barrientos said. “The nursing program at STC has sharped my critical thinking skills.”

Earlier in 2019, Barrientos was featured as a Student of the Week, an ongoing recognition of students excelling at STC which is featured in the local newspaper. He explained his career choice in simple terms.

“What better way to give back to your community than to serve twice, first by serving your country and then by serving as a nurse.”

Janie says she has come a long way since her cheerleading days in high school, and most recently managing a local Chick-fil-A while she considered her career choice. Opting to join STC’s police academy in July, she now graduates this December and hopes to join the Texas Department of Public Safety as a state trooper one day.

“The STC Police Academy is the most amazing program in the Valley because they teach you everything you need to know, not just physically but mentally,” Janie said. “We go through real life scenarios using a simulator that puts you in the center of a real life situation, and your job is to use what you've learned in training and put it to work.”

STC offers two degrees in Public Safety including an Associate of Applied Science- Law Enforcement (AAS-LE) and a Certificate in Law Enforcement (Texas Peace Officer). Each degree helps students jump start their careers with federal, state, and local governmental entities.

The Basic Peace Officer certificate is designed to prepare students for a profession in law enforcement through training on the role and responsibilities of a law enforcement officer as well as knowledge in Texas criminal and traffic law.

Police cadets like Janie can then use the certificate and the completion of two basic courses, Ethics in Criminal Justice & Intermediate Arrest and Search & Seizure, to work towards an AAS-LE degree.

As a message to students considering a law enforcement career, Janie encourages them to take a leap of faith. In the process, students might discover a strength they didn’t know they had, she said.

“There are a lot of people who want to do this, but they're scared and they just don't ever try it out. I encourage everybody who is scared to at least try it,” she said. “This has definitely changed me for the better. I see life a little more differently. I look at my surroundings, I look at people, I look at things going on around me .You have to understand that when you become a cop, all eyes are on you

“It's never too late for any of that. But try it and you'll fall in love with it. As for me, I just can't wait,” she said.

Once she gets to class she puts on her heavy ‘bunker gear’ and gets to work learning the art of fire safety and extinguishing danger.

Firefighting is an industry that women are still trying to break into with more frequency. It’s still rare to see a woman wearing full gear, holding the hose as the designated nozzle person and running into a flaming structure.

The Basic Firefighter certificate she is pursuing is a semester-long program designed to prepare students for the profession according to standards from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.

It’s noticeable that Perez is the only woman taking the course this time around. She said that took some getting used to.

“Honestly I was hoping to see more women in the class,” Perez said. “At first, it was kind of nerve-racking. But the other day we were out here training and I saw the Edinburg Fire Department and they have females, which is really cool because I hadn't seen very many either.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, only four percent of firefighters are women, which is less than in the police or military ranks. There also aren’t many firefighters who run into a burning room and describe the blaze as ‘beautiful’ but on a cold morning at E.E. Sanders Fire Training Field in Edinburg Gina Perez is working against all of those norms.

Her journey to becoming a passionate firefighter-to-be was born almost 20 years ago.

“I remember as a kid we would make our own little bonfires and try to make s’mores and stuff. I had a thing for fires, it’s weird. And no, I didn’t burn any houses down or anything,” Perez joked.

Perez loved to play with fire as a child. However, like all good parents, her mother gave her the stern talk about fire safety.

As an adult, Perez combined her love for fire and the importance of fire safety to pursue her dream profession through the exceptional courses at STC.

On her path to graduating with the certificate, Perez has learned the rules, techniques and strategies that go alongside the heavy equipment.

Even though her current schedule can be a challenge, the allure of working as a full-time firefighter appeals to the busy mother of two.

“Right now it’s not easy,” Perez said while wrapping up the course, “It’s hard because classes are Monday through Friday, 8 to 5, and when you’re in a fire department you work 24 hours on and have 48 hours off. For me, that gives me a lot of time with my family and children.”

Her instructor, Victor Fonseca noticed her love for the field right away.

“We see early on, when the semester starts, you can see the individuals that have that kind of passion,” Fonseca said regarding students like Perez.

She’s worked hard to make her way through the training at South Texas College and add one more woman to the firefighting ranks.

Seeing the representation in the workplace went a long way for Gina who hopes to enter this profession for the long haul.

“I do feel like people see it as a man’s job,” Perez said. “At first it was nerve-racking, now it's like, ‘I can do this.’”

Perez credits STC and Fonesca for teaching a modern approach to a centuries-old practice.

Fonseca, who has been teaching fire science for more than 20 years, said that the Fire Science Program assists with getting students onto the ladder quicker than previous generations.

“Predominantly the old way it used to be to become a fire firefighter you would join a fire department and they would send you to the schooling,” Fonseca said. “South Texas College enables any individual graduating high school to complete the program, pass the exams and you’re eligible to go anywhere in the state and apply for an entry-level position.”

Perez is ready to take the final step in her journey from a volunteer firefighter, to STC graduate and soon a full-time firefighter.

“Honestly, before I thought it was just something that would challenge me,” Perez said. “But after volunteering and going through the academy, I would definitely say it's a calling. Because there's no fear. Nothing but adrenaline, and excitement, and knowing that you have these people behind you that got your back and you got theirs. It's just amazing.”

Now armed with the knowledge of how to succeed academically at the highest level, Lozano, who currently serves as the program chair for STC’s Architectural Engineering Design Technology (AEDT) program, says her experience with college began like many students who come from a small town in the Rio Grande Valley.

Lugging her two big suitcases into the airport on that summer day in 2001, Lozano remembers her encounter with a Valley student as they both boarded the plane to New Haven, Conn. on their way to Yale University. As they waved goodbye to their families, Lozano said there was a sense of accomplishment just being able to break the mold for what was expected from Valley students at that time.

Coming from Edcouch, Lozano had decided early on that she would build a career stemming from her love for architecture and design. Even though she followed in the footsteps of her three older sisters who had all gone on to elite schools, she said adapting to life at an Ivy League institution presented some unique challenges.

“As I arrived at Yale, I looked around the classroom and realized that half the students had gone to private schools or had gone to boarding schools and so they were used to the culture of college, but it was very new to me,” Lozano said. “Luckily I think I adapted well, made good friends, and made progress academically because it was a huge privilege just to get accepted at Yale. And I understood that I was fortunate to be given this opportunity, so I stayed focused on my goals and knew there were people counting on me to succeed.”

She began at Yale in 2001 and within the first few weeks of her first semester in college, September 11 happened.

Suddenly feeling alone and unsure about finding her way home in the aftermath of the tragedy, the experience of 9/11 during her first year at college opened her eyes to the world and made her grow up fast, she said.

This prompted her to make an extra effort to find mentors and she connected quickly with a small but vocal community of Latino students at Yale’s Latino Cultural Center. She associated with Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, and Mexicans, which she says eventually became like a second family.

She also befriended the Assistant Dean Rosalinda Garcia who famously is credited with helping significantly grow Yale’s Latino community. Garcia would go on to become the Assistant Vice President of Student Life at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio in 2014.

On the way to receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture from Yale, Lozano said she studied architectural design, structural concepts, and architecture history as she prepared to enter the workforce.

Yale is considered one of the top architecture schools in the United States, according to Architectural Record, a national trade magazine that since 1891 has been dedicated to architecture and interior design.

Women make up more than 46 percent of the program, while Hispanics and Latinos comprise more than five percent of the total student body. https://www.petersons.com/graduate-schools/yale-university-school-of-architecture-000_10044879.aspx

“In learning architecture and design, there was really this collaborative environment that was created there, which I loved,” Lozano said. “While earning my degree I also worked at the dining hall at one of the residential colleges. I got to know the cafeteria staff really well and really felt like I was taken care of while away from home. As I said, there was always the sense of mentorship and of family.”

Right out of college, Lozano said she began teaching third-grade students before landing her first job at an architecture firm. While there, she was informed about the opportunity to begin teaching architectural drafting at South Texas College and eventually made the transition into academia in 2007.

The decision to teach at STC, she said, derived from her roots in Edcouch and her commitment to education and giving back to the Rio Grande Valley community.

“I share with my students that I never forgot where I was from,” she said. “I never tried to hide where I was from, I never tried to hide my culture, I never tried to hide the things that were familiar to me. I learned a lot about myself while I was at Yale and what influenced me the most to return to the RGV was that sense of community. Even though I had been pulled from my familiarity, you know, from my familiar culture and my familiar home, I was still aware of my responsibility to give back. I don't think that I would have been able to really take a step back and evaluate who I am and value those things about myself.”

More than 12 years later, Lozano is now the Program Chair for the Architectural, Engineering Design Technology (AEDT) Program and utilizes the same concepts of mentorship and family to guide STC students into successful careers.

“The people who we are teaching here, the students, we are preparing them to go out into the community and to not stay in a little bubble. And I think that's what's really important for me,” Lozano said. “In a sense, giving back to them is also telling them to open their eyes and explore the world.

“If I can continue to communicate this idea of giving back, students will graduate from our program knowing they have a responsibility to their community and that designers play a huge role in shaping the environment around them,” Lozano said. “They play a huge role in designing their future.”

In South Texas and beyond, women in technology-focused careers are smashing old stigmas and opening new doors. It’s not just a moment, but a movement… and career education is on the front lines.

“The bridge of success for STEM careers is not only for males anymore,” says South Texas College Manufacturing Tech graduate Samantha Salazar, now succeeding as a Machinist for Priority Tooling Solutions in McAllen. “These women have shown it can be done.”

Salazar is one of many STC alums breaking barriers in the dynamic world of high-tech. With technology driving the new economy, demand for career-educated professionals in future-focused fields like engineering, manufacturing and IT is reaching critical mass… and STC grads are stepping up to the challenge.

“A lot of people think that only men can do the job, but there are a lot of women in technology fields -- and not just office jobs,” says Regal Beloit’s Jessica Adame, who, like Salazar, parlayed her STC degree into a rewarding – if “non-traditional” – living in a tech-focused career. “I’m proud that I’m a girl doing this job.”

As tech-heavy careers in South Texas become more dependent on higher education – not to mention higher-paying – the “dirty jobs” stigma surrounding tech-focused careers has begun to erode. Meanwhile, a national effort to introduce female students to technology-intensive “STEM” careers at a younger age has set a foundation for a seismic shift in the way that young women perceive these careers.

“Females in particular don’t always feel like they fit in when they are outnumbered,” explains Erika Guerra, Advanced Manufacturing Tech instructor at STC. “As a young female student in the STEM field, I did not see many female classmates that I could relate to. … Now that I teach, I still see some of the same statistics with students entering these STEM programs.

“When it comes to helping break stereotypes, I’m all in.”

South Texas College has made a mission of boosting opportunities for female professionals in tech fields, through its Technology Campus. In February, the College hosted its annual “Wonder Women in the Making” event, which invited 170 fifth- and sixth-graders from local school districts to participate. The event included live demonstrations and speakers, covering tech-focused fields like welding, manufacturing, robotics, and more.

This month, STC will host its ninth-annual “Women in Technology Expo,” featuring guest speakers, entertainment, live tech demonstrations, and an awards presentation honoring industry leaders. The event will again incorporate the full resources of career education programs.

“The purpose of the Women in Technology event is to promote careers that are not traditionally pursued by females,” says Angelita Teniente, faculty member in the Information Technology department at STC. “In addition to showcasing the various programs … another component of the event is dedicated to honoring and celebrating women from the community who exemplify the movement toward ‘breaking the glass ceiling’ by excelling in careers normally dominated by their male counterparts.”

Among the surprises for Expo attendees will be mini-cupcakes, baked by the Culinary Arts department, a 3-D printing demo, courtesy of STC Manufacturing Tech students, and even a career education “fashion show,” featuring Fire Science, Police Academy, and Welding students (among others) trolling the runway in full program gear. By seeing other young women succeeding in tech programs, Guerra hopes that the next generation of South Texas professionals will be inspired.

“In order for women to be successful in these fields, they need to be introduced to the opportunities early enough to spark their interest, and they need to be shown that they have an entire support system to help them succeed,” says Sara Lozano, Chair of the Architectural and Engineering Design department at STC. “As a woman and a leader in this field, it is my responsibility to open those doors, especially for women.”

“It’s an amazing event,” adds Dr. Esmeralda Adame, Assistant Dean of STC's Business, Public Safety and Technology Division. “We’ve put a lot more effort into trying to raise the awareness, to educate local females on what tech really is.

“Changing minds, little-by-little, we’re getting there.”

Aside from the obvious benefit of earlier exposure to tech-related opportunities, STC Technology Campus administrators see the annual Expo as a way to raise the profile of specific programs, particularly those seeing sharp increases in workforce demand. These programs include, among others: Computer and Networking Specialists (expected to see an 11% boost in job openings by 2026, with an average annual salary of $52,810); Architectural and Civil Engineering Techs (9% growth / $51,620 average salary); and Emergency Medical Technicians (15% / $33,380).

According to Dr. Adame, who works with local industries to hone her department’s curriculum on an ongoing basis, the key to responding to workforce needs in these critical fields is not being afraid to listen.

“We work very closely with our partners and we listen — they’re the ones that are going to hire our students,” says Adame, who has already seen evidence of the success of STC’s efforts in local hiring. “Everyone is asking: ‘Did you go to South Texas College? … Because we kind of want you to have hands-on experience.’”

Every day, new success stories are surfacing. There’s Christina Aguilar, graduate of the Electrician Technology program and prior Women in Technology Expo attendee, who is now a faculty member at STC, paying her knowledge and inspiration forward. From the Networking Specialists program, there’s Veronica Gonzalez, a U.S. military veteran who has parlayed her tech-focused STC education into a career with a prominent network technologies company. And with more female students connecting to STEM opportunities through events like the Women in Technology Expo and Wonder Women in the Making, the future of South Texas industry will inevitably be driven by tech-savvy women.

“We definitely feel a great responsibility to be part of the STEM movement for women,” says Teniente. “One of our core values at South Texas College is to provide opportunity through access and support for students to achieve their academic and career goals, so we are very committed to supporting and providing success to careers in the STEM fields.”

Salazar agrees, but says there remains work to be done.

“The next stigma that we as women should overcome is the ‘female engineer,’ the ‘female machinist,’ the “female scientist,” suggests Salazar. “As proud as I am for being able to partake in a movement like this, I would like to see it just become a ‘machinist,’ ‘engineer,’ ‘scientist.’

The program, which was organized as an offshoot of STC’s annual Women in Technology event which takes place in April, consisted of speakers, hands-on activities, and tours of various manufacturers in the area.

Much like its sister event, Women in Technology, the new program established for girls is an initiative to build the education and motivation for them to explore opportunities for careers in various technology fields offered at STC’s Technology Campus.

Speakers at the event included STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed, Border Patrol agent Sam Clark, and STC Dean of Business, Public Safety and Technology Mario Reyna.

“Growing up, I learned had to be really tough and I had to be really smart,” Dr. Reed told students. “I learned that I had to run faster, I had to be stronger and get better grades. No matter what it was, I had to be better and it has served me very well throughout my life and my career.

“Today, I will tell every one of you that you have to be tough and you have to be smart because you will have some challenges as you get older but right now you have the opportunity to just dream,” Dr. Reed said.

Attendees were able to take the first step into the world of technology by participating in hands-on activities with Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Welding and Architectural Engineering Design Technology (AEDT) programs and had the opportunity to tour various manufacturing companies.

Students visited companies including Priority Tooling Solutions where they were introduced to plastic injection molds and Royal Technologies, where they learned about injection molding.

“There are plenty of careers out there, and really the choices are endless when it comes to what we have to offer here at South Texas College.,” said Dr. Esmeralda Adame, Assistant Dean of STC's Bsueinss, Public Safety and Technology Division. “Everything we are doing here is an effort to open not only their eyes, but all the pathways that are before them. We want to expose them to what we have and all of the careers so they can see that they can really do anything they want.

“Here, we are jumping at the chance to get them exposed to what there is. STEM is possible, and we want to plant that seed,” Dr. Adame said.

The Business & Technology Division at STC offers a wide range of programs and degree options including Welding, Automotive and Diesel Technology, Heating, Ventilation, A/C and Refrigeration (HVAC&R), Electrician Technology, Architectural and Engineering Design Technology, Police Academy, Fire Science, Culinary Arts, Information Technology, Construction, Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Office Administration, Paralegal, and Computer and Advanced Technology.

For more information on the Women in Technology event taking place in April, contact Angelita Teniente, Business and Technology Division 956-872-3505 or send email to angele3@southtexascollege.edu.

Those interested may also contact Arthur Barber, Program Chair for Advanced Manufacturing at 956-872-6142 or email at abarber@southtexascollege.edu. 

The event is geared towards high school students and will be facilitated via online registration. Students who are interested in learning more about the programs available in Business and Technology can go online to http://bt.southtexascollege.edu/.

Her resilience and tenacity helped her earn an associate in Public Administration in December 2018 despite a full-time work schedule as city clerk for the City of Pharr.

“I didn't have the opportunity to go back to college thirty years ago so when I started working for the city 18 years ago I told myself ‘You know what, it's time for me to further my career’,” Hilda said. “Earning my degree helped with my current job because this position requires a lot of education and a lot of experience. We attend a lot of conferences because we have to keep updated with the laws and what we do.”

The Associates of Applied Science degree in Public Administration program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the public sector and not-for-profit programs.

The program enables students to understand the political, legal, ethical and social context of public administration and includes areas such as public sector management, budgeting, ethics and supervision. The program includes a three credit hour practicum designed to give the student real-world experience related to the area of their career interest.

Hilda says the program has ensured she is ready to complete a bachelor degree in Organizational Leadership or Business Management.

“I love what I do. It's never too late for people to go back to school and get education,” Hilda said. “Nowadays, it's very important to get your education and STC has great programs, great teachers, and my overall experience here has been great.

“The opportunity is here. Everything is in your own hands,” she said. “We just need to learn to take advantage of those opportunities.”