It is no secret that bilingualism is a powerful tool among border communities. As daily lives are ingrained with U.S. and Mexican culture, Laredo College and H-E-B continue their partnership to empower H-E-B Partners through the Adelante Program, an initiative designed to strengthen interpersonal communication skills.
On Tuesday, the latest Adelante cohort celebrated the completion of the program among friends, colleagues and LC staff. Since its inception, 10 H-E-B Partners have completed the program and have been equipped with stronger communication skills and the confidence to strive for future leadership opportunities.
“Adelante reflects H-E-B’s commitment to inclusivity, development and, of course, creating pathways for every single Partner to succeed. The program removes that language barrier and supports Partners’ growth within our stores,” H-E-B Border Region Talent Manager Alexandra Leal said. “Feedback from our graduates says that they feel much more prepared for those conversations at stores and at home, with their kids and family.”
According to LC Workforce Development Coordinator Melissa Santos, the Adelante Program is a continued effort to support workforce development and professional growth through a 72-hour course delivered at the Ft. McIntosh Campus. Held twice a week in three-hour sessions, the program focuses on equipping H-E-B employees with essential communication tools to enhance their interpersonal communication skills.
“This opportunity provided by H-E-B, in conjunction with Laredo College, opens you up and helps you let go of fear. The confidence you feel when speaking English is something really beautiful,” H-E-B Partner Silvia Ambriz said after receiving her certificate. “We had the best teacher, who gave us the confidence to try our best. Even when we made mistakes, he was always there, encouraging us to keep moving forward.”
After a successful rollout during the summer of 2024, the partnership evolved to include the Adelante Program. This collaboration not only supports the growth of H-E-B Partners but also reaffirms LC’s commitment to community education and workforce readiness. Both organizations have expressed strong interest in continuing and expanding the partnership in the future.
The LC Continuing Education Department remains committed to offering customized training solutions for the business community and their employees. For more information on customized training opportunities, contact Melissa Santos at
melissa.santos@laredo.edu or (956) 721-5374.
