Monday, November 16, 2026 · 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Forum Program

A focused morning of international dialogue at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce — one keynote and three panels moving from global context to local action.

November 16 McAllen Chamber of Commerce · 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM ⇩ Download Program (PDF)
9:00 – 10:00 AM

Registration & Coffee

Delegate check-in and a welcome coffee to begin the day.

10:00 – 10:15 AM

Opening Remarks

Welcome to Women Economic Forum RGV 2026 and words from the forum's president.

Dr. Mariana Guedea, President, Women Economic Forum RGV 2026
10:15 – 10:35 AM

Keynote — Women, Leadership & the New Global Economic Opportunity

Setting the international context for leadership, competitiveness, innovation, and inclusive growth.

Keynote Speaker — To Be Announced
10:35 – 11:20 AM

Panel I — Diplomacy Without Borders: Trust, Cooperation & the Architecture of Shared Futures

Theme: International cooperation, institutional trust, economic diplomacy, mobility, and women in global leadership.

Moderator To be announced
  • Dr. Judith ArrietaConsul of Mexico in Brownsville
  • Dr. María Elena OrantesConsul General of Mexico in Houston
  • Jesús Alejandro Cano SánchezDeputy Consul of Mexico in McAllen (Acting Consul)
  • Gloria RosadoVice President, Fusión Québec
11:20 – 11:30 AM

Break

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Panel II — From Enterprise to Impact: Business & Economic Development

Theme: Trade, investment, innovation, and binational economic development across the Valley.

Moderator To be announced
  • Elizabeth SuárezPresident & CEO, McAllen Chamber of Commerce & McAllen Economic Development Corporation
  • Grace LingowExecutive Director, AmCham Mexico Northeast Chapter
  • Mario ReynaExecutive Director, RioPlex & Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force
  • Yolanda RuizNational President, Mujeres del Mezcal y Maguey de México
  • Glenn HamerVice President, The American Society of Mexico
12:15 – 12:45 PM

Lunch

Networking and relationship-building among delegates.

12:45 – 1:30 PM

Panel III — Academia & Future Leaders: Investing in the Next Generation

Theme: Youth leadership, education, mentorship, and the civic and academic pipelines shaping the Valley's future.

Moderator To be announced
  • Skyler HowellFounding Member, Hidalgo County Youth Future Leaders Council
  • Amy De la HozEconomic Development Coordinator, McAllen Chamber of Commerce
  • Roberto GonzálezFounder & President, Liga Telmex Telcel Basketball Youth League
  • Vero MarcosFounder, Terapia Insight®
1:30 – 1:45 PM

Awards & Recognitions

Honoring the women and leaders advancing economic opportunity across the Rio Grande Valley.

1:45 – 2:00 PM

Closing Remarks & Call to Action

Closing commitments to continued engagement and inclusive progress across the Valley.

Save Your Place

Delegate seating is limited for November 16.

Register today to confirm your seat for the full morning program at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce.

Reserve Your Seat