Virtual Panel Discussion - Developing a Mentorship Program - A Case Study with the City of McAllen, Texas

An intrepreneur turned entrepreneur, that successfully infuses a pragmatical, diverse, and dynamic goal-oriented approach to Organizational Training & Development, DEI practices, Talent Acquisition, and HR by getting it done with an emphasis on professionalism, coaching, innovation, and collaboration. I strive to build sustainable and successful partnerships and business relationships that convert customers into clients, candidates into employees and employees into leaders. I absolutely love working with government agencies and start-up organizations that are seeking to build a thriving and successful employee-centric culture. I’m known as internal entrepreneur and have always had the personal motto of “People first, Business always”.

As an OD/DEI Professional, I strive to help build development programs that inspire true learning of self that awakens the awareness of our greatest gifts, capabilities, and strengths, while also understanding those areas that are our opportunities for growth.

Specialties: Leadership Farming, Organizational Training & Development, Business Coaching, Talent Acquisition, DEI & HR program development, Employee Relations, Business Relationship Building, Business & Social Networking, Event Planning, Information Security, Public Speaking, and Client & Customer Service.

Elvira Alonzo has over 37 years of public service experience with the City of McAllen. She has served as Director of Public Works for the City of McAllen for five years and manages 277 employees within 14 departments in Public Works including an operating budget of over $40 million.

Elvira graduated from South Texas College with a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Technology Management and is a Certified Public Manager by the State of Texas.

She currently serves as a board member for the United Way of South Texas and the Texas Solid Waste Association of North America (TXSWANA) and has served in multiple community organizations over the years. 

In 2015, she received the National Professional Manager of the Year from the American Public Works Association and most recently has served as a mentor in the City of McAllen’s Mentoring program the last two years.

Christina Flores, a native of the Rio Grande Valley, has 10 years of experience in the field of human resources with a broad range of expertise including safety & risk management; worker’s compensation; employee benefits, and civil service.

She has served as Director of Human Resources for the City of McAllen for five years.  In her time as Director, she has led the launch of a City-wide mentoring program and has been one of the key organizers of an Annual International Women’s Day Symposium.  She is the newly elected chairperson for the Rio Grande Valley Human Resources Consortium, serves as a board member of both the IPMA-HR Texas Chapter and the Texas Public Employers Labor Relations Association. 

Christina graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor in Business Administration and a Bachelor in Psychology.  She also holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.  

Ysabella Ortegon, born and raised in McAllen Texas, is experienced in organizational communication, recruiting, and team development, and is passionate about public service and servant leadership.

Upon graduating from Oral Roberts University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, she served as a Human Resources Recruiter for the City of McAllen for two years and was promoted to the role of HR Generalist.

In her time with the City of McAllen, Ysabella has facilitated City-wide tours for new and existing employees, created monthly content for Employee Newsletters, and was a member of the Alpha class of the City of McAllen’s Mentoring Program. 

Roy Rodriguez has over 30 years of public service experience. Has served as City Manager for the City of McAllen since March of 2014 and was previously General Manager of the McAllen Public Utility and Assistant City Manager.

Mr. Rodriguez previously worked as a City Engineer, Assistant City Manager, and City Manager for the City of Harlingen, Texas. He has also served as City Engineer in Weslaco, Jefferson County Engineer, and as Area Engineer in Oklahoma.

Mr. Rodriguez holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A & I University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas-Pan American.