PROGRESO — The Port of Progreso recently observed National Women’s History Month with a program designed to recognize and celebrate women’s achievements in the workforce.
The program, hosted on March 24, emphasized this year’s theme, “Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business,” which recognizes women who successfully challenged stereotypes and sought equality in business and the general workforce and acknowledging the remarkable contributions of American women to our nation.
The program commenced with the posting of the nation’s colors by the Progreso Honor Guard Team which showcased three of Progreso’s female officers.
The Master of Ceremonies, Supervisory CBPO Sandra Cavazos, provided opening remarks and welcomed all the guests in attendance.
She opened the program by pointing out that this is just one day to remember the important role that women play in CBP’s workforce, but that their contributions to CBP can be seen on a daily basis.
The program continued with special guest speaker, Assistant Director, Field Operations Bradd Skinner, Laredo Field Office, who highlighted the achievements of many women such as Shirley Temple Black, the famous actress turned diplomat and first chief of protocol for the President of the United States; Janis Joplin an influential American singer of the 1960s; whose raw, powerful and uninhibited singing style, combined with her turbulent and emotional lifestyle, made her one of the biggest female stars in history.
Skinner concluded with a quote from the renowned female author J.K. Rowlings, best known for the Harry Potter series “We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all of the power we need inside ourselves already.”
Progreso Port Director Carlos Rodriguez welcomed guest speaker, director of bridge operations for B & P Bridge Company, Julie Guerra-Ramirez.
Guerra-Ramirez began by addressing a member of the audience, Sparks, (Owner of B & P Bridge Company) and thanked her for giving her the opportunity to embark on her rewarding career path.
Guerra-Ramirez explained how she began her career in the banking industry as a banker, holding the title of assistant vice president at the Town and Country National Bank from 1985 through 1989.
She then went to work as assistant vice president for Mid Valley bank in Weslaco, Texas.
She stated that in 1989, Mid Valley Bank was acquired by Texas State Bank.
Guerra-Ramirez served as first vice president at Texas State Bank from 1989 through 2000.
In April of 2000, Mrs. Guerra-Ramirez accepted an offer to come and work at the Progreso International Bridge and serve as the director of bridge operations.
In her current position as bridge director, Guerra-Ramirez, oversees an operation that annually serves over a half million vehicles, three quarter of a million pedestrians and over $300 million in commercial trade that enters and exits the United States at the Progreso Port of Entry.
Guerra-Ramirez’s civic accomplishments include membership in numerous boards that include the Border Trade Alliance, Advisory Board of Valley Grande Academy, Governing Board of Rio Grande Girl Scouts, Rotary Club member and the Knapp Medical Center Governing Board.
Progreso PD Rodriguez presented Guerra-Ramirez with a token of recognition and recognized the females in the Progreso/Donna Port of Entry workforce from officers and administrative staff to our unsung heroes, the maintenance staff.
“Events such as this one, serve as great opportunities to remind us of the diversity within our ranks that should be celebrated daily. Our diversity truly makes us a stronger and a more effective agency,” Rodriguez said.
CBP Supervisor Cavazos concluded the celebration by thanking everyone in attendance for coming together to Honor Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business.
