Story by Joycelyne Fadojutimi 

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER  – The women who made it happen 

The inaugural 2025 Education by Design Educators Awards Gala event shimmered with success—an unforgettable celebration of teachers, our true champions in the classroom. But behind the flawless flow, the warm atmosphere, and every thoughtful detail stood a powerhouse team: the Fund-Raising Committee. 

Their devotion. Their determination. Their countless unseen hours. 

Together, they transformed EBD gala from a vision into a magnificent, hitch-free reality. 

Now, it’s time to meet the women who made it all possible—discover who they are, what they do, and why they poured their hearts into supporting EBD gala 

*Linda Felix. 

*Christie Hernandez. 

*Sylvia Cardenas. 

*Malva Rodriguez. 

Four remarkable women. One unforgettable event. 

LINDA FELIX: IMPACTING FUTURES – Honoring exemplary teachers who inspire students  

At VIVE Mental Health Coaching, Linda Felix focuses on helping individuals develop emotional resilience, strengthen self-worth, and build practical tools for navigating life’s inevitable challenges. Her work emphasizes creating supportive environments where people—especially children—can reconnect with their potential, rebuild confidence, and discover their capacity to take on difficult tasks. When that foundation is laid early, the result can be transformative, influencing not only a child’s emotional well-being but the trajectory of their future opportunities. 

Felix’s role on the Education by Design Fundraising Committee became a natural extension of this mission. She believes firmly that a strong education empowers individuals to shape their own futures, yet she is deeply aware that many students begin at a disadvantage. Life circumstances beyond their control, diverse learning styles, or the challenges of learning English as a second language can all impact academic progress. 

“Supporting an organization that helps students bridge those gaps, while also empowering them to believe in themselves again, is incredibly important,” Felix said. “Witnessing children rediscover their confidence, dream big, and regain hope in their future was both an honor and a privilege—and it resonated profoundly with my purpose and values.” 

ETX TREE CLEARING AND DIRT WORK – Clearing land, Lifting hearts one student at a time🌱 

In the quiet mornings of Longview—where the sun filters through tall pines, cold fronts move in without much warning and neighbors still wave as they pass—ETX Tree Clearing & Dirt Work begins each day with more than machinery and plans. They begin with purpose. 

ETX isn’t just another name on a truck or a business in the community. They are neighbors who grew up on these backroads, mentors shaped by the lessons life didn’t always make easy, and supporters who know firsthand what it feels like to need a hand and not have one. 

Moreover, their roots run deep in  the East Texas soil. And those roots were planted long before the company ever existed—back when resources were scarce, guidance was limited, and dreams felt a little too far out of reach. Those early challenges carved strength, built perseverance, and taught them the power of community. And it’s that lived experience that fuels everything they do today. 

So, when ETX Tree Clearing & Dirt Work partnered with Education by Design, a local nonprofit offering free tutoring and diverse educational support to underserved elementary school students, it wasn’t just a sponsorship. It was personal. It was hope—hope that no child in Longview would have to face obstacles alone, hope that every young mind could grow with the support they once went without. 

Every day, ETX works to move earth, clear land, and open space—but their mission goes far deeper than the soil. They’re helping create new paths for brighter futures. They’re showing the next generation that someone believes in them. And through compassion and commitment, they’re building a stronger, more connected Longview and East Texas.  

Because here, when one of us grows, we all rise together. 

SYLVIA CARDENAS AND AEP SWEPCO – Opening doors, changing futures in the community 

When Sylvia Cardenas joined the planning committee for the inaugural 2025 Golden Apple Educators Gala, it wasn’t just another volunteer opportunity—it was a calling. She’d long believed that education is the key that unlocks possibility, and being part of SWEPCO only strengthened that conviction. Working for a company committed to community and the future, she saw the gala as a chance to help students reach heights they might not otherwise imagine. 

As the committee gathered to shape the event, Sylvia felt the impact of their mission grow. Every meeting, every idea, every detail stitched together a promise—resources and programs that could truly change lives. And with each step, she found herself surrounded by people who cared just as deeply as she did. Collaborating with passionate, community-minded individuals reminded her that service isn’t just something you give; it’s something that connects. 

Through this experience, Sylvia saw SWEPCO’s values come alive. Doing good isn’t a slogan—it’s a shared effort. And when people come together for something bigger than themselves, the community becomes stronger, brighter, and full of new opportunity. 

LA MALVA – Where bakery and creative craft meets community 

To Malva Rodriguez, La Malva has always been more than a small bakery and creative studio. It’s the heartbeat of her family’s story — a place shaped by memories, love, and the community that has lifted her up since the very beginning. 

“Giving back is a core part of who we are,” Malva often says, her hands dusted with flour as she speaks with unmistakable pride. Supporting Education by Design isn’t just a gesture for her; it’s a promise. “Helping our teachers, students, and local schools is an honor. When our community grows, we all grow.” 

And in every loaf, cookie, or other scrumptious delicacies she bakes and every project she creates, that commitment to her community shines through. 

BUILDING WEALTH  – How Tarango Financial Group turns financial chaos into financial peace

Tarango Financial Group LLC is reshaping how East Texans build wealth—starting with real estate and ending with long-term financial peace. With more than 50 years of combined expertise, the firm delivers a clear, actionable roadmap that helps clients take control of their finances and design the life they want. 

The Tarango team anchors its process in six power steps: 

1. Own Your Situation — Financial transformation begins the moment clients accept responsibility for where they stand. 

2. Stay Accountable — Consistency fuels progress. 

3. Create a Plan — Direction determines destiny, without a plan, people drift. 

4. Fortify the Four Pillars — Excellent credit, strong insurance coverage, a solid Will, and a disciplined budget form the backbone of financial stability. 

5. Prepare for Emergencies — With the right emergency fund and insurance, crises become inconveniences—not catastrophes. 

6. Build Wealth Through Homeownership and Investing — A home remains the most powerful wealth-building asset for the average American, and strategic investing elevates that foundation into a legacy. 

Tarango Financial Group goes beyond advising—they walk the journey with their clients. Their services span tax planning, financial coaching, credit analysis, lending, and investment strategies. Through their sister company, Tarango Properties LLC, they also bring more than a decade of construction expertise to clients ready to build or expand their real estate footprint. 

The firm actively educates the community through monthly seminars, ensuring clients understand their options and gain the tools to achieve financial peace. 

Core Services Include: 

• Tax Preparation
• Business Consulting
• Personal Financial Coaching
• Credit Analysis
• Notary Services
• Investment Options
• Lending Services
• Residential Construction (via Tarango Properties LLC)

Why Tarango Champions Education 

Tarango Financial Group proudly supports Education by Design and the recent 2025 Educators Awards Gala  recognizing that teachers shape the future workforce, economy, and community. They stand behind EBD’s  mission to empower students with resources that unlocks full potential. 

Tarango acknowledges a hard truth: teachers pour extraordinary energy into their work, yet they often go underrecognized and undercompensated. By supporting EBD’s gala, the firm aims to honor their commitment and amplify their impact. 

To the educators  – Thank you. Your dedication drives the success of our communities—and our future. 

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Thank you for reading our Women Today December 2025 publication. Please feel free to share this link with your network, family, friends, and on your social media page(s). We hope you stay warm and enjoy the upcoming holidays with loved ones. – infinitieplus Magazine

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To learn more about the services Education by Design provides and how you can donate and/or volunteer, please visit: ebdlongviewtx.org

To advertise with us, you can contact:

Gregg County – Joycelyne Fadojutimi, (903) 918-7706

Smith County – Paula Jimenez, (903) 431-7927

infinitieplus Magazine publishes monthly in hard copies and online daily.