TAMIU Grad Turns Community Work-Study Experience into Full-Time Career
At Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), the impact of our students extends beyond the classroom and into meaningful career pathways.
Rafael Ortíz, a Fall 2025 grad who completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, turned his real-world experience in the TAMIU Community Work-Study Program into a full-time career serving Laredo.
As a student, Ortíz spent over a year working at the South Texas Food Bank through the University’s Community Work-Study Program. At the agency, Ortíz supported critical operations including client registration, database management, inventory organization, and food distribution, with a special focus on assisting elderly community members to ensure they received food accurately and respectfully.
Ortíz also volunteered at St. Peter’s Church, where he assisted with the Emergency Assistance Food Program (TEFAP) by helping distribute food and providing translation services to Spanish-speaking families.
Through these experiences, Ortíz strengthened essential professional skills including time management, communication, and working in fast-paced environments, all while making a tangible difference in his community. His growth and dedication did not go unnoticed.
As a result of his outstanding performance, Ortíz was recently offered and accepted a full-time position as the Grants and Projects Coordinator at the South Texas Food Bank, a powerful example of how experiential learning can lead directly to career success.
“What I really like about my new position with the South Texas Food Bank is the opportunity to really flex my creative muscles. As the new Grants and Projects Coordinator I act as a connection between the various departments at the food bank and the Marketing and Development team. I do graphic design for marketing materials, grant outreach and compliance, and large-scale event planning like Laugh Out Hunger. It’s a challenging role but I feel like I can take it on with the skills I’ve learned,” said Ortíz.
These experiences serve as a testament to the power of community engagement and service, emphasized Priscilla Cadena, TAMIU Office of Student Affairs program manager and TAMIU Community Work-Study Program supervisor.
“This is exactly the type of outcome we hope for our students. Rafael’s story shows how meaningful community engagement, combined with professional development, can open doors and create real-world impact,” said Cadena.
Currently, the TAMIU Community Work-Study Program continues to offer students paid, career-building opportunities with nonprofit and public-service organizations across Laredo. Currently, several positions remain available with agencies, including South Texas Food Bank, Serving Children and Adults in Need, Inc. (SCAN), Laredo Crime Stoppers, and Laredo Main Street.
These placements provide students with hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector while helping them build résumés, professional networks, and career-ready skills.
Students interested in learning more about the Community Work-Study Program and available placements are encouraged to apply through Jobs @ TAMIU and explore how they can turn service into professional success.
For more information on the TAMIU Community Work-Study Program, visit https://www.tamiu.edu/studentaffairs/cwsp.shtml, or contact Cadena at priscillaa.cadena@tamiu.edu
More of the University’s story is at tamiu.edu, or its social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
