Building Impact Beyond Age: My Ongoing Journey in Leadership

Written by Skyler C. Howell How did you get to where you are today?

At 21 years old, my journey as a young leader has been shaped by a deep love for my community and a lifelong immersion in public service. Growing up in a family of community leaders, I was surrounded by examples of service and sacrifice, which instilled in me the value of creating impact for something larger than yourself. From early on, I knew that leadership was not about titles, it was about responsibility and purpose. Every opportunity I pursued became part of a larger process of self-discovery and finding where my passions aligned with leadership and where I could make a meaningful difference. That journey has opened doors for me to grow as both a leader and a servant to my community.

At 19, I became the youngest director to be named Director of the Year at the Mercedes Chamber of Commerce. Soon after, I had the privilege of representing 34,000 students as a UTRGV Senator. I also had the privilege of interning for leaders such as State Senator Morgan LaMantia and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez..

Today, I serve over 250,000 students statewide as a UT System Student Advisory Council Representative and currently lead as President of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization at UTRGV. Additionally, I serve on the boards of organizations dedicated to equity and education, including: the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Foundation, the H. Boyd Hall Foundation, and the Eddie Howell Sr. Foundation. On a day-to-day basis, I work in the City Manager’s office within The City of Weslaco and continue to serve as a Director for The Mercedes Chamber of Commerce.

My experiences have led me to be featured in various outlets like the PBS Newshour, The Rio Grande Guardian Business Journal, The Valley Business Report, and more. Along the way, I’ve had the honor of speaking at events across the Rio Grande Valley and mentoring the next generation of leaders through programs like Texas Boys State. Each step that my journey has taken me on; whether legislative advocacy, organizational leadership, or community service, has helped me establish credibility not by age, but by contribution.

My story isn’t about arriving at leadership positions quickly; it’s about building a track record of service that reflects my belief in creating something larger than myself, and using that foundation to look ahead at the impact still to be made.

A defining moment or challenge that shaped you.

One of my greatest challenges has been convincing not only others, but also myself, that I had something to offer despite my age. Walking into boardrooms and leadership circles as the youngest one in the room often came with doubt, sometimes from others, most times from within. What pushed me forward was a simple conviction: belief matters more than fear. By exploring my passions and talents, I found confidence in what made me unique. That belief carried me

through moments where I felt out of my depth, such as running for student senate at UTRGV or accepting my appointment to the Mercedes Chamber of Commerce Board. Saying “yes” to those opportunities, even when I was uncertain, became my defining moments. Every leap outside my comfort zone built resilience and opened doors. And while overcoming doubt shaped me personally, my proudest moments came from seeing my community benefit from my involvement through groundbreaking ceremonies, new legislation, or collaborative projects that improved lives. That impact, not titles, has been the most rewarding part of

leadership and the clearest reminder of why I choose to keep saying yes.

Lessons you’ve learned and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders.

The lesson I return to most is this: it’s not enough for young leaders to simply be in the room….you must add value once you’re there.

Too often, young leaders feel the pressure to prove they belong. But belonging is only the first step. What changes the room is your ability to contribute fresh perspectives, lived experiences, and innovative solutions. In the Rio Grande Valley, where collaboration is more important than ever, young leaders must step forward as active participants, not passive observers. As leaders, we must challenge ourselves to define ourselves as more than an age range.. When you lead with confidence rooted in purpose, your ideas rise above any label. The key is to

define your voice and share it with the world, because leadership isn’t about how long you’ve been at the table, but about what you bring to it.

Young leaders need to focus on emphasizing what they bring to the table, not just that they belong there. At a time where the Rio Grande Valley’s leaders are being called to come together, it is crucial to have the brightest voices at the table. This is why it is no longer enough to be content to just sit and observe as a young leader, it is time to add value and perspective during this time.

Your leadership philosophy and how it impacts you and your team.

My leadership philosophy is simple: leadership is not a title, it’s an action. More specifically, the act of inspiration. Leadership should not be measured not by authority, but by how you inspire others to believe in themselves and take action. Behind every impactful action that is undertaken, lies the self-belief that someone can make a meaningful change. For me, true leadership is about multiplying leaders, not followers. That could mean empowering others through mentorship, leading by example in the community, or simply practicing everyday kindness. The goal is always to leave behind more leaders than when you started.

This philosophy shapes how I work with teams. I encourage others to take ownership of their projects and trust them to practice their own leadership skills. My job as a leader is to push people forward, not hold them back. My leadership style is not to dictate, but to create space for initiative and give them that opportunity to grow, even when they do not have that self belief in themselves yet. I strive to model the same energy I hope they’ll bring to others. After all, true leadership is contagious.

Share a personal story or unique perspective that aligns with your leadership experience. My story as a leader is still unfolding, but what I know so far is that each chapter, whether success or setback, adds value. Every experience becomes a lesson worth carrying forward and sharing with others.

What excites me most is the constant opportunity to learn. I see leadership as a journey without a finish line. I’m always observing others in my community and throughout history, borrowing lessons to refine my own style. My favorite saying is: Never stop being a student. That perspective reminds me that leadership is less about reaching a final destination and more about continuing to grow, adapt, and help others do the same. Looking ahead, my focus is on creating an even greater impact: building spaces where young leaders can thrive, where communities can prosper, and where service continues to be a source of strength for generations to come. Skyler C. Howell

President of The Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization at UTRGV Director for The Mercedes Chamber of Commerce