Overcoming Diversity and Obstacles Through Empowerment

Weslaco TX- Workforce Solutions (WFS) in partnership with BCFS Health and Human Services, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, WFS-Cameron hosted the 2023 Mission and Obstacles Vary in Everyone (M.O.V.E) Youth Conference on Wednesday, February 8th at the Tropical Texas Behavioral Conference Center. The focus of the conference brought together local experts, professionals, and young adults to inspire youth by providing them with tools and resources to succeed in the workplace and forge lasting career paths.

“We have young adults working towards completing high school and many face challenges along the way, our job is to help remove barriers. This conference was designed to support youth transitioning into the workforce by equipping them with knowledge and resources needed for success” said Francisco Almaraz, WFS Chief Executive Officer.

The conference provided an opportunity for youth ages 16-24 to learn about the skills employers are looking for and the resources available to continue their education as they transition into the workforce. According to the Carnegie Foundation and Stanford Research Center, “85% of job success has to do with soft skills such as critical thinking and effective communication and 15% from technical skills” the conference workshop topics included how to efficiently cope with stress, articulate ideas, and discover available programs to successfully transition to work or post-secondary education.

“The Rio Grande Valley youth are the driving force of tomorrow and it is imperative we provide them with the necessary guidance and resources to succeed,” said Marissa Cano, Regional Director, BCFS Health and Human Services.

WFS serves as the governing body for the workforce development area that includes Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties. The primary goal of the WFS Board is to respond to the needs of local employers and workers through locally designed demand-driven workforce development initiatives to ensure economic prosperity in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

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See more coverage on the M.O.V.E Youth Conference here: https://youtu.be/0W6JLPijSKI