August 1, 2025
The energy was high, and hearts were full as 360 AVANCE-Houston staff members reunited to kick off a week of learning, reconnecting, and preparing for the year ahead. More than just training, this gathering was a celebration of our people, our purpose, and the impact we achieve together.
The morning of July 14 began with a warm welcome from AVANCE CEO Dr. Teresa Granillo and strategic updates from the leadership team. Their message set the tone for the days ahead and provided clarity and inspiration for the new program year.
This year’s theme, Unity is Strength, echoed throughout the day. From shared laughter and learning to the connections among colleagues, the sense of community and common purpose was clear.
One of the most moving moments came during the Service Awards Ceremony, where we celebrated team members with 15, 20, and even 25 or more years of service. These incredible individuals have grown with the organization and continue to serve as mentors, role models, and pillars of the AVANCE-Houston community.
We also had the honor of welcoming Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia to the Mt. Houston Head Start Center. Her visit was a strong show of support for early childhood education and the important work our team does every day.
As the week continued, staff engaged in a variety of sessions focused on ethics, communication, safety, and more. These sessions provided staff with the tools, knowledge, and renewed confidence to start the year strong.
Here’s to learning, growing, and continuing the journey together. Because truly, unity is strength.