By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
The fourth annual Women’s Empowerment event, presented by Gilbert Mercado’s Money Concepts, is set for Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Del Rio Civic Center’s Pecan Ballroom.
“This event is meaningful to us because it uplifts not only our team, but also our community,” said Irmarie Mercado. “We believe events like this inspire confidence, create connections and spark the energy needed to keep moving forward.”
The program will feature two speakers, Cynthia Hernandez Alatorre and Donna Martinez.
Cynthia Hernandez Alatorre, a cardiology nurse practitioner at Val Verde Regional Medical Center’s Cardiology Clinic, has been a registered nurse for more than 28 years, including 18 as an advanced practice nurse in cardiology in San Antonio and Del Rio. She is the only cardiology nurse practitioner in Del Rio and the surrounding area. Hernandez said caring for her neighbors gives her a strong sense of purpose. Away from work, she is a marathoner, triathlete and mentor who encourages students to pursue nursing careers.
Donna Martinez, founder and president of the Homero Martínez Heart Failure Foundation, has nearly two decades of experience in advanced heart failure care. Her career has focused on intensive care, mechanical circulatory support and heart transplant programs in the United States and Latin America. Inspired by her late father and brother, she launched the foundation to improve access to care for patients in rural and underserved communities. She is pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Detroit Mercy, continuing her mission to expand patient-centered care.
Organizers said they expect strong participation from across the community. Their goal is to inspire attendees while highlighting local leaders serving the community through health care and advocacy.
A light lunch will be served consisting of Chick-fil-A providing mini subs and nuggets. Frosted Kitchen and Boricuasweet Bites will be sponsoring a dessert and HTeaO will be sponsoring the drinks, said Mario Rodriguez, Marketing Director for Gilbert Mercado Financial Services, Inc.
The event is sponsored by Money Link Financial Services, BCFS–Health and Human Services, Amistad Bank, Frosted Kitchen, Eagle Pass Plumbing Supply LLC, Cadena Family Practice, Happy Balloons, Boricuasweet Bites, HTeaO, the City of Del Rio, The Tire Shop and Chick-fil-A of Del Rio.
