OUR MISSION

After a McAllen Mayoral election full of hostility in 1981, there was a universal concern that the community was more divided than ever. Trust from every side of politics was shattered.

Luckily, not everyone got lost in the noise of the debate. Dr. Charles Wilson, Danny Boultinghouse and Joseph Garza saw the crisis as an opportunity to unite the city of McAllen once more. Over the course of a few months, they looked into programs surrounding the lone star state and the nation. They met with community and business leaders and embarked on a completely risky process filled with potential to succeed, with its risks. They discovered an idea that worked well within their local communities. This idea then became known as Leadership McAllen.

Leadership McAllen evolved from an initiative to unite a divided McAllen into a leadership launchpad that continues to shape our community. In the past 40 years, our outstanding network of alumni have truly shone the power of what can happen when you connect business, education, healthcare, and civic leaders.

The Leadership McAllen curriculum is designed to give class members tools to develop their leadership skills while gaining a better understanding of what makes our community tick. Participants gain “behind the scenes” insight including unique opportunities for open communication with government and private sector key players. Graduates have, and continue, to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley by serving on the City Commission, Public Utility Board, and City Advisory Boards as well as taking on leadership positions with nonprofits and religious organizations.