In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Minita Ramirez, President of Laredo College, to explore how history, community, and purpose converge to shape one of the most impactful community colleges in South Texas.

As the first woman president in Laredo College’s 78-year history and a proud alumna, Dr. Ramirez’s journey has come full circle from student to educator to president. Leading an institution rooted in the historic Fort McIntosh and located at the nation’s largest inland port of entry, she shares how Laredo College has evolved from reskilling returning WWII veterans to preparing today’s learners for careers in logistics, trade, healthcare, law enforcement, and emerging AI-driven industries.

Ben and Dr. Ramirez discuss the critical role community colleges play in workforce development, especially in geographically isolated regions, and how applied bachelor’s degrees, industry-aligned programs, and strong employer partnerships are creating affordable, career-advancing pathways for students. Dr. Ramirez also reflects deeply on her personal journey from teaching and publishing to enrollment leadership—and how lived experience informs her student-centered approach to access, equity, and holistic support.

This conversation dives into the real barriers students face financial insecurity, self-doubt, food and housing instability, and mental health challenges—and how removing those barriers can transform lives. Dr. Ramirez closes with a powerful reminder of the responsibility educators carry, and how belief, opportunity, and persistence can change the trajectory of generations.