RioProgress The Podcast

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.orgRelevant Links:Our full episode notes can be found at rioprogress.org/episodesResources:JZDRioProgress.orgSupport our work:Donate: rioprogress.org/donateSign up for updates: rioprogress.org/subscribe► For partnership inquiries: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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

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.orgRelevant Links:Our full episode notes can be found at rioprogress.orgResources:Brownsville Independent School DistrictTexas Education AgencyRioProgress College Access ProgramsBISD Bond InformationSupport our work:Donate: rioprogress.org/donateSign up for updates: rioprogress.org/subscribe► For partnership inquiries: [email protected]

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.orgRelevant Links:Our full episode notes can be found at rioprogress.org/ep8Resources:Búho BooksRioProgress.orgBrownsville Chamber of CommerceSupport our work:Donate: rioprogress.org/donateSign up for updates: rioprogress.org/subscribe► For partnership inquiries: [email protected]

In this episode, our executive director, Maria Fernanda Martinez-Donaus, talks with Dariana Leal, a RioProgress Cohort student and high-school senior, about exploring multiple passions and defining success on her own terms. From balancing architecture and law to overcoming essay stress and family expectations, Dariana reflects on learning to communicate, self-advocate, and find joy in the process of growth.Don’t forget to check out our resources on navigating college access, student success, and educational equity at RioProgress: rioprogress.orgRelevant Links:Our full episode notes can be found at rioprogress.org/ep7Resources: Common App Guide | Texas Success Initiative Assessment| RioProgress Cohort Program | College Essay Writing ResourcesSupport our work:Donate: rioprogress.org/donateSign up for updates: rioprogress.org/subscribe► For partnership inquiries: [email protected]

In this episode, our executive director, Maria Fernanda Martinez-Donaus, sits down with cohort student Katia Lui to explore what it means to pursue your dreams and start changing the world. From first encounters with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the joy of finding community with others who share the same mission, this conversation reflects on advocacy, resilience, and the importance of being unafraid of holding onto your goals.Don’t forget to check out our resources on navigating college access, student success, and educational equity at RioProgress: rioprogress.orgRelevant Links:Our full episode notes can be found at rioprogress.org/ep6Resources: United Nations Sustainable Development Goals | UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development | RioProgress Advocacy InitiativesSupport our work:Donate: rioprogress.org/donateSign up for updates: rioprogress.org/subscribe► For partnership inquiries: [email protected]

In this episode, our executive director, Maria Fernanda Martinez-Donaus and parent Sofia Mera leads a candid discussion about the realities students and families face when navigating high school course selection, transitioning to a new district, and making sure students have what they need.Don’t forget to check out our resources on navigating college access, student success, and educational equity at RioProgress.orgRelevant Links:Our full episode notes can be found at rioprogress.org/ep5Resources: FAFSA Application | Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board – Dual Credit | UTRGV Admissions | Scholarships.com | National College Attainment NetworkSupport our work:Donate: rioprogress.org/donateSign up for updates: rioprogress.org/subscribe► For partnership inquiries: [email protected]

In this episode, our executive director, Maria Fernanda Martinez-Donaus, and guest Beatriz Morales reflect on how early experiences with libraries, family, and community shaped their paths in education. They explore what counts as “reading,” the role of cultural wealth, and how support networks make higher education more accessible and meaningful.Don’t forget to check out our resources on navigating college access, student success, and educational equity at RioProgress: rioprogress.orgRelevant Links:Our full episode notes can be found at rioprogress.org/ep4Research mentioned: graphic novels as literacy | cultural wealth | peer support & mentorshipResources: Brownsville Public Library | National Endowment for the Arts reading studies Support our work:Donate: rioprogress.org/donateSign up for updates: rioprogress.org/subscribe► For partnership inquiries: [email protected]

In this episode, our executive director, Maria Fernanda Martinez-Donaus and Noel Rangel, continue the conversation on what it means to pursue higher education while navigating financial, cultural, and personal challenges. From FAFSA and the hidden costs of college, to learning the “academic language” of higher ed, Maria & Noel reflects on the realities students face and the strategies that can make the journey more sustainable.Don’t forget to check out our resources on navigating college access, student success, and educational equity at RioProgress: rioprogress.orgRelevant Links:Our full episode notes can be found at rioprogress.org/ep3Resources:Apply Yourself… to Higher Ed — includes FAFSA support as part of their cohort programNavigating Semester 1: Advice for First-Years — general guidance on navigating college resources and advisingSupport our work:Donate: rioprogress.org/donateSign up for updates: rioprogress.org/subscribe► For partnership inquiries: [email protected]

In this episode, our executive director, Maria Fernanda Martinez-Donaus, and guest Sarah Chavez (future LPC!) discuss what it's like to find your path and work towards it. Don’t forget to check out our resources on navigating college access, student success, and educational equity at RioProgress: https://rioprogress.org/Relevant Links:Our full episode notes can be found at rioprogress.org/ep2Research mentioned: Dual enrollment | Managing expectations | Social support | Sunk cost fallacy |Medical schools w/full rides |Resources: TEA on Dual Credit | Student Loan Exit Counseling | Texas Reality Check |UTRGV Clinical Ph.D program | Vaqueros MD Early Assurance Program | Coach Mario Makes Workouts Fun Support our work:Donate: https://rioprogress.org/donateSign up for updates: https://rioprogress.org/subscribe► For partnership inquiries: [email protected]

In this episode, our executive director, Maria Fernanda Martinez-Donaus, and our Director of Operations, Phil Donaus, discuss what RioProgress is, how it came to be, and where it's going.Don’t forget to check out our resources on navigating college access, student success, and educational equity at RioProgress: https://rioprogress.org/Relevant Links:Our full episode notes can be found at rioprogress.org/ep1Research mentioned: Cohort Model | Parents & Latinx Success | 1000 Books by Kinder | Cultural WealthResources: UTRGV Luminary ScholarshipSupport our work:Donate: https://rioprogress.org/donateSign up for updates: https://rioprogress.org/subscribe► For partnership inquiries: [email protected]

In this short episode, we’ll show you how to get the most out of your podcast experience. Learn how to adjust playback speed, turn captions on or off, and save episodes so you can come back to them anytime.En este episodio corto, te mostraremos cómo aprovechar al máximo tu experiencia con el podcast. Aprende a ajustar la velocidad de reproducción, activar o desactivar subtítulos y guardar episodios para regresar a ellos cuando quieras.