Keynote: Power Through Perseverance
Rick Venecia, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Mission
As far as a session description, I really just want to share my story and how our environment doesn’t determine our outcome. I want to highlight the people that were of vital importance to me as kid when I didn’t have much, and share my experience in beating the widow maker heart attack and not battling heart failure but always finding a reason to keep fighting. Most importantly, how I use what I’ve been through to connect with our kids and show them that there is always hope.
Optimal Teen Health
Amparo Gil-Ortega, Health Educator
Joette Garza-Garibay
UT Teen Health
Session Description Coming Soon!
The Female Factor in Adolescent Mental Health
Jennifer Newell, Founder & CEO
Bettys’ Co
This session discusses how some mental health conditions disproportionately or uniquely affect adolescent females, gives an overview of the menstrual cycle and its effects on physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing along with recommendations for supporting adolescent females.
Learning Objectives: In this session, participants will
- Identify mental health conditions that disproportionately affect adolescent females in special populations.
- Learn about the importance of incorporating menstrual cycle education into comprehensive mental health care for adolescent females.
- Develop strategies for supporting adolescent females experiencing menstrual cycle-related challenges.
Sexual & Reproductive Health Among Hispanic College Students
Paris Rangel, DHS, MEd, CHW, Healthy Futures of Texas
Lucas E. Espinoza, PhD, CHW, The University of Texas RGV
Luis E. Espinoza, PhD, MPH, MCHES®, CPH, CHW; Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
This session will present the findings of an outcome evaluation of the Talk About It Texas program, a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) initiative powered by Healthy Futures of Texas. It provides a comprehensive overview of SRH topics tailored to the needs of young Hispanic adults to promote informed decision-making and healthy practices.
Learning Objectives: In this session, participants will
- Enhance Understanding of Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Ensure Cultural Relevance and Inclusivity regarding the young adult Hispanic community
- Understand the Health Belief Model (HBM) and how it can be applied to their health behaviors
- List Resources and Referrals available to them for additional support about sexual and reproductive health issues and matters.
Navigating Vicarious Trauma
Lucero Chavez, LMSW, Psychotherapist
Roxanne Ramirez, Executive Director
Hope Family Health Clinic
In this engaging presentation, we will explore the concept of vicarious trauma, a phenomenon that affects individuals who support or care for those who have experienced trauma. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of vicarious trauma through case examples and they will learn about practical tools and techniques for self-care, resilience building, and creating supportive environments within teams and organizations.
Learning Objectives: In this session, participants will
- Explain and define vicarious trauma using case examples to illustrate its impact in work and personal relationships.
- Identify symptoms that can occur in personal and professional settings. stress the importance of early recognition to prevent burnout.
- Identify coping strategies to sustain emotional well-being while supporting others.
Innovative Programs in the RGV
Mathew Briones, Chapter Leader; Majesty Outdoors
Officer Jacklyn Rodriguez; Pharr Mental Health Unit
Annie Romero, Deputy Director; Cameron County Juvenile Justice Department
Discover initiatives making a difference in the lives of adolescents and young people in the Rio Grande Valley. This session will highlight three innovative programs currently underway, each tailored to meet the unique needs of the RGV community. Attendees will gain insights into the strategies, challenges, and successes of these programs, and receive valuable lessons and inspiration for replicating these models. Join us to explore how local efforts are empowering the next generation in the RGV. Programs include:
- Majesty Outdoors
- Pharr Mental Health Unit
- Summer Programming for Siblings at the Cameron County Juvenile Probation Department
Learning Objectives: In this session, participants will
- Identify best practices and lessons learned from these program
- Understand how similar approaches could be applied in their own communities
Sex Education for People with Disabilities
Jackie Joy Ho-Shing, CHW, Community Program Coordinator
Access Esperanza Clinics, Inc.
Genesis Lazaro, VAIL
Professionals working with adolescents may feel inadequately prepared to address healthy romantic relationships, sexual health and sexual consent concerns when working with people with disabilities. Discussing sexual topics is already seen as taboo, but adding disability as an additional layer of complexity may seem completely insensitive. In this presentation we will discuss the history of reproductive justice, disability justice and eugenics, plus the importance of sexual health education and consent.
Learning Objectives: In this session, participants will
- Participants will learn of the history of reproductive health movement, eugenics, and the progress that must still be made, as it relates to people with disabilities.
- Participants will learn to promote, teach, and discuss sexual consent with people with disabilities that they serve.
- Participants will learn to address sexual health concerns with people with disabilities that they serve.
Empowering Youth for Healthy Social Media Use
Britny Rodriguez
UT Teen Health
In today’s digital age, social media plays a significant role in the lives of adolescents and young adults. This session will equip participants with the tools and strategies needed to guide young people towards healthy, balanced, and responsible social media use. We will explore the impact of social media on mental health, self-esteem, and relationships, and discuss practical approaches for fostering digital literacy and resilience. Attendees will gain insights into how to empower youth to navigate the digital landscape safely, while promoting positive online behaviors that contribute to their overall well-being.
Learning Objectives: In this session, participants will
- Identify the potential effects of social media use on adolescents’ and young adults’ mental health, self-esteem, and social relationships.
- Develop strategies to teach digital literacy skills that help youth critically assess and navigate social media content.
ICYDK: The Texas Legislature 101
Jen Biundo, MPaff, CPH, Sr. Director, Policy & Research
Healthy Futures of Texas
High school civics class may have been a long time ago, so it’s time for a refresher! This friendly and interactive session will provide an overview of the Texas legislature and the legislative process. Attendees will learn how to find their elected officials, check the status of bills, and use their voice to support issues they care about.
Learning Objectives: In this session, participants will
- Recall basic information about the Texas legislature and the steps of the legislative process
- Identify their elected officials, including name and contact information
- Identity impactful methods of advocacy outreach
Webinar: Reshaping Conversations: Language, Practices, and Strategies for Change
Learning Objectives: In this session, participants will
- Define respectful communication and its importance.
- Identify common barriers that hinder effective communication.
- Demonstrate the use of empowering language in discussions.
- Identify and apply two strategies for improving communication practices.
GPS Your Way to Wellness
Elsa Roman, LPC, PS
Connection Center RGV
Session Description Coming Soon!
It Takes a Village: Working with Young Parents
Angela Tanguma MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Amanda Rodriguez
Miguel A. Garza, MS, LCDC, BHSST
Supporting pregnant and parenting youth requires a collaborative approach that leverages the expertise of many. This session will explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by young parents and highlight best practices for providing comprehensive support. Attendees will gain insights into effective strategies for engaging and empowering young parents, fostering resilience, and promoting positive outcomes for both parents and their children. Join us to learn how a multidisciplinary team can make a lasting impact on young families in your community.
Learning Objectives: In this session, participants will
- Identify effective multidisciplinary strategies for supporting young parents in their roles as caregivers and students.
- Apply best practices in fostering resilience and empowerment among young parents to improve outcomes for both parents and children.