Gardella: When you think about workforce development, you think of Karla De La Riva

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Bret Gardella, the new executive director and CEO of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, was fulsome in his praise of his colleague, Karla De La Riva, for organizing the 2023 Rally in the Valley Conference.The networking event, held at the Brownsville Events Center, connected high school students from Brownsville ISD with prominent industry partners offering student internship opportunities. The Texas Workforce Commission participated, including Aaron Emerson, the commissioner representing employers on the TWC board.“I’m really grateful for Karla, who has put this together and I'm going to ask you all to not just give her a round of applause but I want to see a standing ovation for Karla De La Riva for putting this together for you guys,” Gardella told the packed ballroom. The students obliged. They stood up and gave De La Riva an ovation.Gardella continued: “I'm going be very sincere when I tell you, when you think about workforce development you're going to think about Karla De La Riva as you move forward. Not just here in Brownsville but in the state of Texas. She is an amazing woman.”Aiming his remarks at the students, Gardella said: “If you're thinking about a career, and if you need a mentor, you call our office you ask for her. And she will take the time to have that conversation with you and do everything she can to help you. And what she can't help you with, she will engage you with one of our local employers who can.”Gardella added: “So that is a pledge for me to you, and I hope you take advantage of it.”Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.