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Best of Texas: Adult Learner Persistence & Retention

Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas brings together local experts to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. 

Read more about the Best of Texas monthly online series.

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BASIC DETAILS

This online session will be held on:

Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT).

The Zoom room will open to registered attendees at 9:50 AM.

Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins.

This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.

ABOUT THIS MONTH'S TOPIC

Most adult students know what they need and why they want to learn. How can we always put them at the very center of their own learning process, and make the learning experience one they actually look forward to?

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No other info available at this time.

GUESTS THIS MONTH

Borjon, Ashley

Ashley Borjon
Adult Education Program Director
Literacy Council of Fort Bend County

Ashley Borjon brings over 20 years of experience in management, instruction, and facilitation, with a career dedicated to adult education, workforce readiness, and community engagement. She currently serves as Program Director with the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, where she leads initiatives that strengthen adult education and community partnerships.

A skilled consultant and instructional designer, Ashley’s focus includes program development, digital literacy, and career readiness training. Passionate about creating equitable learning opportunities, she champions innovation and empowerment through education. 

Delgado, Diana

Diana Delgado
Manager of Socioeconomic Mobility
BakerRipley

Diana Delgado holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Zulia, Venezuela, providing the foundation for her passion for empowering individuals through opportunity. She is a results-oriented leader and subject matter expert in adult education, workforce development, and socioeconomic mobility.

Currently, she serves as the Manager of Socioeconomic Mobility at BakerRipley (since November 2022), providing strategic leadership to a cross-trained team. Diana drives the development and implementation of high-impact support services, leveraging data-driven strategies for positive participant outcomes, including Internationally Trained Professionals and adult students. Previously, she guided underrepresented residents toward tech careers as a Mobility Mentor Coach. Her expertise in financial stability and community partnerships, honed at Memorial Assistance Ministries and Literacy Advance, consistently expands access to vital resources.

Spruce, Gloria

Gloria Spruce
President & CEO
Adult Education Center

Gloria Taylor Spruce is an accomplished nonprofit executive, public speaker, trainer, mentor, and fundraiser with more than a decade of experience advancing education, workforce development, and economic mobility across the Houston–Galveston region.

She serves as President & CEO of the Adult Education Center in Pearland, Texas, where she leads programs that connect adult learners to training, employment, and career growth through strong partnerships with employers, workforce boards, and community organizations. Under her leadership, the Center has expanded collaborations with corporate, civic, and educational partners and increased fundraising capacity to support equitable access to education and workforce opportunities.

Gloria is also the founder of Refined Solutions Group, a consulting firm specializing in organizational development, leadership training, and strategic planning for nonprofits and small businesses. Deeply committed to community service, she serves on multiple boards and advisory committees that focus on education, equity, and systemic change.

Recognized for her dynamic leadership, collaborative approach, and engaging speaking style, Gloria empowers individuals and organizations to overcome barriers, strengthen partnerships, and lead with purpose, vision, and measurable impact.

Host:

Aguilera-Jackie-2-v2-300px

Jacqueline Aguilera
Community Liaison & Program Host
Literacy Texas

Jacqueline “Jackie” Aguilera has logged 38 years of diverse experience across educational and non-profit sectors. With a focus on adult literacy, she has left an indelible mark on various initiatives and projects in the multi-layered field of adult literacy.

As an experienced adult education innovations designer, she earned a 2021 Ford Foundation Mujeres Legendarias Award for creative ed tech applications in adult education. Her service impact also extends beyond the classroom into the workforce. She empowers both employers and employees through worksite literacy training and independent consulting. She leads a local fellowship of adult education providers called the Houston Area Adult Literacy Collective (the incredible HAALC), serves on many committees, boards, and projects impacting adult learners and families, and most recently served as Project Manager for Houston’s Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy.

In summary, Jacqueline’s multifaceted career reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing literacy and education across diverse communities and platforms. Currently on a journey through breast cancer treatment, she is more than ever committed to advancing the lives of all those she serves, making her a messenger of inspiration, innovation, and evolution.

FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION

REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM

Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive, please check your junk mail!

PD CERTIFICATES

Someone who completes the full session will receive 1 hour of PD credit.

Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email in the days following the training.

SPECIAL THANKS

Ashley Borjon

Diana Delgado

Gloria Spruce

The Texas Workforce Commission

Checked/updated 11/13/25

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