Carolyn Schmies, Laredo educator and community leader, dies

Breaking: Laredo’s Trailblazing Educator Carolyn Schmies Dies at 77, Leaving Behind a Lasting Community Legacy

Breaking news from Laredo: Carolyn Schmies, a renowned educator and devoted community leader who shaped generations of students and local initiatives, has died at age 77.

Schmies spent decades building a life defined by service, breaking barriers in both industry and education. A Seattle native who lived across the United States and India during her youth,she relocated to Laredo in 1994 with her husband,Kenneth Schmies,after a 28-year marriage.

A life marked by service in education and industry

Her professional journey began in indianapolis as a sixth-grade teacher, followed by a stint as a reference librarian. Schmies then joined General Motors, where she built a 36-year career and became the company’s first woman and first African American supervisor. She later earned the distinction of becoming GM’s first female buyer, a testament to her leadership and perseverance.

Relocating to Laredo with GM, Schmies worked in the company’s maquiladora operations in Mexico, again breaking ground as a woman and as a Black professional on staff. After retiring from GM, she served as catering director at the Laredo Country Club and later launched schmies and Associates, a consulting firm focused on training and event planning.

Steadfast dedication to education in Laredo

In 2009, Schmies joined Laredo College as a speech instructor. She began as an adjunct at the South Campus and quickly earned a full-time post, rising to chair the Reading and Interaction Department. The department was later renamed the Business and Communication Department, and Schmies led the department for more than a year before returning to the classroom.

Her leadership journey at Laredo College continued as she moved into administrator roles, becoming interim dean of the South Campus in 2019 and shortly thereafter the dean of the South Campus, overseeing a crucial division within the college.

Community leadership and recognitions

Beyond the campus,Schmies dedicated herself to community service.She held top roles with multiple organizations, including serving as president of United Way of Laredo, president of Literacy Volunteers of Laredo, and vice president of the Optimist Club. She also worked as a regional ambassador for Leadership Women, sat on the Holding Institute board, and chaired the laredo College United Way Committee.

Her contributions were recognized with several honors,such as the 2017 Trailblazing Award for Women in Labour,Business and Education; the 2018 Trailblazing Award at the Young Women’s Student Leadership Summit; the Laredo College Trailblazing Women Award; and a Black History Award from the U.S. Border Patrol.

Tributes from colleagues and city leaders

Following Schmies’ passing, leaders and colleagues highlighted her impact on students and the community. Laredo College President Dr. Minita Ramírez praised Schmies as a lasting influence on both students and the broader community,noting her service and leadership.

Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño emphasized Schmies’ lifelong commitment to helping families through education, compassion and civic engagement, calling her a true servant leader whose legacy will continue to inspire local efforts.

Peggy Duncan, executive director of United Way of Laredo, expressed deep sorrow and lauded Schmies for guiding numerous initiatives and for her enduring dedication to public service. David Ovalle, a longtime United Way supporter, remembered Schmies as a mentor and guiding force who encouraged him to deepen his own community involvement.

Key facts at a glance

Category	Details
Age at death	77
Origins	Seattle native; lived in Ohio, Pennsylvania and India during childhood
Move to Laredo	1994, with husband Kenneth Schmies
Education	B.A. in speech communication and sociology (Anderson University); M.A. in communication (Ball State University)
GM career	More than 36 years; first woman and first African American supervisor; later GM’s first female buyer
Post-GM activities	Catering director at Laredo Country Club; founder of Schmies and Associates
Laredo College roles	Speech instructor; adjunct to full-time; chair of Reading and Communication, later renamed Business and Communication Department; interim dean (2019); dean of the South Campus
Community involvement	President, United Way of Laredo; President, Literacy Volunteers of laredo; Vice President, Optimist Club; Leadership Women ambassador; Holding Institute board member; United Way Committee chair
Awards	2017 Trailblazing Award (Women in labor, Business and Education); 2018 Trailblazing Award (Young Women’s Student Leadership Summit); Laredo college Trailblazing Women Award; Black History Award (U.S. Border Patrol)

What her legacy means for today-and tomorrow

Schmies’ life illustrates how one person can blend public service with professional achievement, breaking barriers in corporate and academic settings while championing access to education and community well-being. Her exmaple offers a blueprint for aspiring leaders in education, industry and nonprofit sectors alike.

As Laredo reflects on Schmies’ decades of impact, the question remains: how can communities sustain the momentum of such leaders and translate their example into ongoing programs that empower students and families?

Engagement questions

1) In what ways can schools and civic organizations collaborate to extend Schmies’ model of service and leadership to today’s students?

2) Which programs or initiatives in your community most effectively foster mentorship and civic engagement for young people?

Schmies’ colleagues and friends remember a life defined by unwavering dedication to others, and a personal beliefs that excellence comes from serving people with integrity and compassion. Her memory will endure in the institutions she helped shape and the countless lives she touched.

Share your thoughts or memories of Carolyn Schmies in the comments. How has her example influenced your own approach to service and leadership?

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