Trevino's work in Texas colonias garners Women's Progress Award

For encouraging women’s achievement in the workplace and striving to improve female work environments, Laura Trevino, regional director of the Texas A&M Colonias Program’s Lower Rio Grande Region, earned a Women’s Progress Award from the university’s Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Diversity.

Her program, a outreach initiative for the state of Texas overseen by the Texas A&M College of Architecture, serves people who live in colonias — impoverished, relatively undeveloped villages, near population centers on the U.S. side of the Texas-Mexico border.

Trevino was nominated by coworkers who recognized the passion and drive she has for staff development.

“I'm honored to be the recipient of this award,” said Trevino. “I'm very aware that this is because of the phenomenally, dedicated and committed individuals that I have the privilege to work alongside of.”

Trevino guides a team of 12 promotoras — colonias women who are specially trained to reach out and assist their neighbors with health, education and employment programs that improve their quality of life.

She is also helping the promotoras implement a new Colonias Program initiative, De Mujer a Mujer ” (From Woman to Woman), focusing on women’s mental health issues.

“This award honors my parents and the values by which they lived each day: treat everyone with kindness, have pride in who you are, and remember your responsibility to those around you,” said Trevino. “I'm humbled that my colonias program colleagues initiated my nomination.”

Since 1994, the Women’s Progress Award has recognized Texas A&M University students, staff, faculty, and administrators who encourage and promote sensitivity to and awareness of issues that relate to women. The nominee for the staff category must be a non-faculty employee who strives to positively promote women in the workplace. The award is sponsored by the university’s Women’s Resource Center.

Sarah Wilson
swillson@arch.tamu.edu