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HCC chancellor calls for collaboration with Houston consular corps to expand opportunities for students

Jun 28, 2024

HCC Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D., presented a certificate of recognition to the Honorable Herbert Espinoza Consul General of Costa Rica, for his term as dean of the Consular Corps of Houston. The occasion was the Consular Corps of Houston luncheon at HCC. Shown here from left to right are Trustee Charlene Johnson of District 2, Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth of District 9, Espinoza, Chancellor Ford Fisher, and Board of Trustees Vice Chair Laolu Davies-Yemitan of District 4.

Representatives from the Consular Corps of Houston heard Houston Community College (HCC) Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D., call for closer collaboration to find and train international students for meaningful workforce jobs in the region’s robust economy.

To an audience of 150 attending the event earlier this week at the HCC System office auditorium, Dr. Ford Fisher said, “Let us work together to extend opportunities to our international community, those in the Houston area as well as those abroad. There is no better investment that we can make to raise the aspirations and achievements of our residents than an investment in education.”

Dr. Ford Fisher cited the college’s long history of partnership with the Consular Corps of Houston and the college’s 171 workforce programs as reasons for increased partnerships.

“We value this relationship and all that it affords those who seek to advance educationally and economically,” the chancellor said. “With Houston’s international population growing, it is our desire to continue our work with you to expand educational opportunities—opportunities that will develop workforce skills, provide access to meaningful jobs and elevate the lives of those within our diverse community.”

Joining the chancellor in addressing consulate representatives were Adrienne Moeller, vice chair of the Chancellor’s Business Advisory Council and director of Strategic Planning and Business Development for Houston Methodist Hospital, and Ed Fierro, vice chair of governance for the HCC Foundation Board.

Moeller cited HCC as the pipeline to jobs for Houston employers. Fierro spoke of the HCC Foundation’s work raising funds for student scholarships, which enable thousands of students to pursue their educational dreams.

The Honorable Herbert Espinoza, dean of the Consular Corps of Houston and Consul General of Costa Rica, received a proclamation from the chancellor for his past service to the Corps.

“With more than 90 nations represented, Houston is home to the third largest consular corps in the United States,” Dr. Ford Fisher said. “HCC values the vital role the consulates play in making Houston the global city it is today. Our goal is to improve the lives of all who call Houston home. Together, we can make a difference.”

Please click here to see photos from the event.