From Eagle Pass to City Hall: Mayor Aaron Valdez on Service, Leadership, and the Impact of San Antonio College

At 37, Aaron Valdez has built a career that bridges business, public service and community leadership – all rooted in his hometown of Eagle Pass. Born and raised in the border community with deep ties to Piedras Negras, Valdez grew up surrounded by a culture of hard work, family business and cross-border connection.

Today, he serves as mayor while continuing his work as a mortician and business owner. He credits much of his foundation to San Antonio College, where he studied mortuary science and graduated in 2019 – an experience he says shaped his commitment to service, resilience and leadership.

From expanding access to medical services to guiding a growing border city, Valdez’s journey reflects both personal determination and the broader impact of community colleges in preparing leaders across South Texas.

SAC: What made San Antonio College feel like the right choice for you at that moment in your life?
Valdez: I was definitely looking at different options after high school, but once I visited the campus and spoke with the faculty, something just clicked. It gave me a sense of security. I always tell people – you’re not just another student there. You really feel like you’re part of something that’s going to change you as an individual.

At that time, resources were limited, so going straight into a four-year university wasn’t necessarily realistic for me. SAC gave me that opportunity to get started, but also to explore something very specific with mortuary science. I’ll say it was by far one of the best experiences of my life.

SAC: How would you describe your experience as a student, especially coming from Eagle Pass to San Antonio?
Valdez: It was definitely an adjustment at first. Going from a smaller community like Eagle Pass to a bigger city, and doing it on your own, that’s not easy. I remember thinking it felt big at the beginning, and there were challenges – financially, academically, just figuring things out.

But that didn’t last long. What made the difference was the support system at SAC. The professors were incredible. They made it feel personal. It didn’t take long before it started to feel like home. The classroom experience itself created that sense of community. It wasn’t just lectures – it was conversations, mentorship and real engagement.

SAC: What stands out most when you reflect on your time at SAC today?
Valdez: The relationships, without a doubt. Every class felt intentional, and every professor played a role in shaping me – not just academically, but personally. It wasn’t just about passing exams. It was about building character.

We had opportunities to attend conventions, go on field trips and really see the industry up close. But what stayed with me the most is that I still have those relationships today. I still reach out to my professors for advice. I see them as mentors, even consultants.

Even now, whether it’s something related to my business or even when I was running for mayor, I’ve gone back to them for guidance. That says a lot about the kind of environment SAC creates – it’s not temporary. It stays with you.

SAC: In what ways did your education at SAC shape the direction your life took afterward?
Valdez: SAC gave me the foundation for everything that came next. It gave me the basics academically, but more importantly, it gave me confidence and direction. I did go on to a four-year university afterward, but if it weren’t for SAC, I wouldn’t have had that opportunity.

It also exposed me to different ways of thinking. I went in with one idea of what I wanted to do, and I came out with a much broader perspective. It helped me understand that your path doesn’t have to be linear. You can grow, pivot and still move forward.

SAC: How did your background in mortuary science influence your leadership style today?
Valdez: Being a mortician teaches you how to listen – really listen. You’re working with families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and you have to be present, patient and understanding.

That carries directly into leadership. As mayor, I have an open-door policy. People have my phone number. I want them to feel heard. Even something that might seem small can mean everything to someone else, and it’s important to take that time.

I do believe that background has helped me in a big way. It’s about empathy, communication and being able to have difficult but meaningful conversations. That’s something I practice every day.

SAC: Your career spans business ownership and public service – what has helped you succeed across both?
Valdez: A big part of it is listening and then finding solutions. It’s not just about hearing someone – it’s about understanding what they’re really trying to say and figuring out how to address it.

I’ve also taken what I learned at SAC – especially around ethics – and applied it to everything I do. Whether it’s my work as a mortician or running a solar company, it’s about making sure we’re doing right by the community.

SAC: Why do colleges like SAC matter so much for communities like Eagle Pass?
Valdez: They create opportunity. Not everyone has the resources to go straight into a four-year university, and that shouldn’t limit their future.

SAC gave me the chance to get started, to find my path and to build something for myself. It opens doors for people who might not otherwise have that access.

For communities like Eagle Pass and across South Texas, that’s huge. It helps develop local talent and gives people a reason – and a way – to come back and contribute to their communities.

SAC: What advice would you give to students who may feel uncertain about their future?
Valdez: Take that leap of faith and stay consistent. You don’t have to have everything figured out. I didn’t. I just kept moving forward and took opportunities when they came. If something felt right and I felt like I was moving in the right direction, I went for it.

Fortune favors the brave. If you’re willing to try, to learn and to keep going, you’ll find your path.

SAC: As San Antonio College celebrates its 100th anniversary, what does the institution mean to you today?
Valdez: It represents opportunity and growth. It represents people who believed in me and helped guide me at a time when I was still figuring things out.

SAC didn’t just prepare me for a career – it helped shape how I approach life and service. It gave me the tools, the relationships and the confidence to pursue opportunities I never originally planned for.

That’s something I carry with me every day, whether I’m serving my community or making decisions that impact others.

-SAC-