NLC South Texas Frontera

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Laredo, TX
NLC South Texas Frontera

NLC recruits Fellows from outside traditional power structures & equips them with the skills necessary to be civic leaders in their communities & workplaces.

Our mission is to recruit, train & promote future progressive political leaders of South Texas.

04/01/2026

This is it- the FINAL ROUND of the Capstone Clash!!! 🔥🔥🔥

Manuel Juarez (2025) is representing the South Texas Frontera chapter of the New Leaders Council as a finalist in the Capstone Clash!

We are proud to support Manuel and his capstone Farming For Me in the final round of the contest!

HOW TO VOTE:🗳
Comment "Farming For Me" on 's latest post about the final round of the Capstone Clash.

That's it- your vote counts!!!

⏰️Voting starts Wendesday, April 1 at 11am CST and ends Friday, April 3 at 12pm CST.

Let's make sure Manuel gets the support he needs to bring the win home to our South Texas Frontera chapter!!!

03/19/2026

NLC STX Frontera familia- it's time to cast your vote in the Capstone Clash! 🗳

We're proud to support Manuel Juarez (2025 Alumni) and his incredible capstone: "Farming For Me." This work is about empowering families to learn how to grow their own food and be more self-reliant while strengthening local food systems and
resilient communities- exactly what NLC is all about. 🔥

HOW TO VOTE:
Comment "Farming For Me" on latest Capstone Clash post. That's it- your vote counts! ✅️

⏰️Voting is open now until Friday, March 20 at 3pm CST

Let's make sure Manuel gets the support he deserves and let's get the chapter to the next round!!💪🏼

02/23/2026

This weekend, the 2026 NLC South Texas Frontera cohort came together for their first in-person gathering: LEAD Weekend.

During LEAD, Fellows begin building community, mapping their leadership goals, reflecting on their journeys, and starting to imagine the Capstone Projects they’ll bring to life to serve South Texas.

This is where connection begins.
This is where leadership takes shape.
This is where the movement grows. 💙

A special thank you to Helena Berbano (NLC Boston, 2017) for traveling to Laredo and leading a powerful and inspiring LEAD experience for our Fellows.

And thank you to for generously providing the space to make this weekend possible.

The future of South Texas leadership is here — and this is just the beginning.

CommunityPower MovementBuilding

12/24/2025

Meet Xiomarra — a 2026 New Leaders Council South Texas Frontera Fellow!

Xiomarra Milann is a borderland storyteller, multidisciplinary artists, activist, and educator whose roots lay in Laredo, TX. She holds her MFA in Creative Writing from UTEP and her BA in English Literature from TAMIU, hoping to serve her hometown community through the arts. Her writing has been published with entities such as Tragaluz Magazine, Infrarrealista Review, Sybil Journal, Querencia Press, and Acentos Review, among others. She has been the recipient of fellowships with MoveTexas, the Rowan Foundation, and The Heart of It. She was nominated for Sundress Press' Best of Net 2025, a finalist for the Jack McCarthy Book Prize in 2024, shortlisted for the 2024 Peach Pit Grant, and nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2023.

As part of the NLC Institute, Xiomarra will spend the next six months developing the skills, mindset, and connections needed to lead with purpose — and to turn vision into action.

We’re proud to welcome Xiomarra the 2026 NLC South Texas Frontera cohort! 💙

👇 Drop a comment to welcome her to the !

12/23/2025

Meet Osvaldo Grimaldo— a 2026 New Leaders Council South Texas Frontera Fellow!

Osvaldo Grimaldo is a first-generation Mexican American born and raised in Roma, Texas. From a young age, he has been a mariachi musician, performing the music of his ancestors as a way to stay connected to his roots and heritage. Through music, Osvaldo witnessed firsthand how art can bring people together, transcending political differences.

Driven by his passion for empowerment, Osvaldo works to help individuals from all backgrounds recognize the power of their voices and how they can use them to create meaningful change.

Osvaldo holds a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

As part of the NLC Institute, Osvaldo will spend the next six months developing the skills, mindset, and connections needed to lead with purpose — and to turn vision into action.

We’re proud to welcome Osvaldo to the 2026 NLC South Texas Frontera cohort! 💙

👇 Drop a comment to welcome him to the !

12/22/2025

Meet Maximiliano Zapata — a 2026 New Leaders Council South Texas Frontera Fellow!

Maximiliano Zapata is a government professor, community organizer and former city commissioner of El Cenizo, elected at age 23. He donated his salary during his tenure to support the impoverished community he served. He later served as a municipal court judge and holds a master’s degree in political thought. Zapata founded the Zapata Merit Fellowship to expand academic opportunities for local students and led the Service Leadership Society, guiding youth in public policy debates and presenting student-written legislation at the Texas Capitol. A Golden Apple nominee, he is recognized for his commitment to civic education and mentorship.

Zapata is a devoted husband and man of faith who openly acknowledges his shortcomings while striving to serve with purpose and integrity.

As part of the NLC Institute, Maximiliano will spend the next six months developing the skills, mindset, and connections needed to lead with purpose — and to turn vision into action.

We’re proud to welcome Maximiliano to the 2026 NLC South Texas Frontera cohort! 💙

👇 Drop a comment to welcome him to the NLC Familia!

12/19/2025

Meet Jose Mendoza — a 2026 New Leaders Council South Texas Frontera Fellow!

Jose Isidro Mendoza Jr. is an economic, racial, and environmental advocate. He believes that the world produces enough so that everyone can have a comfortable life, free of want and harm. Jose attended Texas A&M International University where he started his journey in organizing when he joined his brotherhood of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Incorporated, through which he began to see the needs of Laredo, Texas.

He graduated with a bachelor's in History in 2021 which he uses to advance the various organizations that he aligns himself with. In his free time, he likes to hangout with his friends, read theory based books, and go to the gym to stay strong.

As part of the NLC Institute, Jose will spend the next six months developing the skills, mindset, and connections needed to lead with purpose — and to turn vision into action.

We’re proud to welcome Jose to the 2026 NLC South Texas Frontera cohort! 💙

👇 Drop a comment to welcome him to the !

12/18/2025

Meet Jesus Garcia Jr. — a 2026 New Leaders Council South Texas Frontera Fellow!

Jesus Garcia (he/him) was raised in the border town of Laredo, Texas. He earned his B.B.A in Accounting from Texas State University and a Master’s in Accountancy from Texas A&M International University. He currently works for a community bank in Laredo as a Loan Review Analyst. Jesus is passionate about advocating for the local community and staying informed about the issues it faces.

He enjoys spending time with friends and loved ones, catching new movie releases at the movie theater, and relaxing with his cat, Luna. He is excited to begin this journey with his cohort and to enhance his skills to better serve the community.

As part of the NLC Institute, Jesus will spend the next six months developing the skills, mindset, and connections needed to lead with purpose — and to turn vision into action.

We’re proud to welcome Jesus to the 2026 NLC South Texas Frontera cohort! 💙

👇 Drop a comment to welcome him to the !

12/18/2025

Meet Héctor Ibarra — a 2026 New Leaders Council South Texas Frontera Fellow!

Héctor Ibarra is a pre-med student and community advocate from Laredo, Texas. He serves the TAMIU community through leadership roles, including Greek Council president and Honors Council member, and works to expand educational and health opportunities for underserved families. Ibarra has experience in public health through internships with the Laredo Health Department, the JAMP program, and the USDA Science Influencers initiative. He aims to become a physician focused on improving access to care in South Texas. Ibarra has earned multiple academic recognitions and is committed to uplifting first-generation and Hispanic students.

In his free time, he enjoys community service, research, and developing citizen-science projects that engage the public in environmental awareness.

We’re proud to welcome Héctor to the 2026 NLC South Texas Frontera cohort! 💙

👇 Drop a comment to welcome him to the !

12/16/2025

Meet Dr. JJ Flores— a 2026 New Leaders Council South Texas Frontera Fellow!

Juan “JJ” Flores serves communities in Laredo, Texas, and Southern Arizona through his work in healthcare operations, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement. He is a Director of Strategic Operations at Chiricahua Community Health Centers, where he supports initiatives that strengthen access to care for underserved populations. Flores holds a Doctor of Business Administration from Trident University International and an MBA in Healthcare Management from Western Governors University. He is president of the Webb County Master Gardeners and treasurer of Keep Laredo Beautiful, roles that reflect his passion for sustainability and community education.

Flores is committed to expanding food access, promoting green spaces, and empowering future leaders through mentorship and service.

We’re proud to welcome JJ to the 2026 NLC South Texas Frontera cohort! 💙

👇 Drop a comment to welcome him to the NLC Familia!

12/15/2025

NLC South Texas Frontera trains the people who change the world. Meet our 2026 NLC Institute Fellows on our website. They are:

⭐ Dr. JJ Flores

⭐ Francisco Diaz

⭐ Hector Ibarra

⭐ Jesus Garcia Jr.

⭐ Jose Mendoza

⭐ Maximiliano Zapata

⭐ Osvaldo Grimaldo

⭐ Xiomarra Milann

Alumni, help us welcome our newest members of our !

newleaderscouncil.org/chapter/stx-frontera/

Address

Laredo, TX
78040–78046, 78049

Website

https://www.newleaderscouncil.org/apply

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