🌟 Norma Mercado: A Visionary Leader Driving Community Transformation

In early 2025, Norma Mercado assumed the role of Executive Director at Bastrop County Cares—a pivotal moment for the nonprofit. The Board of Directors praised her strategic focus and said she would lead the implementation of its newly adopted Strategic Plan (bastropcares.org).

From Lived Experience to Leadership

With a Master’s in Social Work from Texas State University and over 24 years in education, Mercado brings a deeply personal and professional understanding of community challenges (bastropcares.org). Having overcome homelessness, teen pregnancy, and poverty herself, her ambition is rooted in lived empathy—fueling a mission to uplift at-risk children, youth, and families throughout Bastrop County (bastropcares.org).

A Collaborative and Innovative Vision

Drawing inspiration from the proverb, “Give a man a fish... teach a man how to fish,” Norma Mercado emphasizes systems change over temporary aid. She aims to foster empowerment through collaboration, innovation, and community ownership (bastropcares.org).

Signature Priorities Include:

• Coalition Pláticas: Hosting regular community conversations—“pláticas"—in partnership with Bastrop County Accountable Communities for Health to surface local needs and co-create solutions (communityimpact.com).

• Mobile & Broadband Access: Leading a broadband mapping initiative that pinpointed underserved areas (like McDade), and providing digital-skills training through Connected Nation partnerships—initiated by Mercado—to bridge connectivity gaps and support telehealth, schooling, and employment .

• Local Food Ecosystem: Conceiving and launching the inaugural Bastrop County Local Food Fair in November 2024, highlighting migrant farmworker contributions and supporting sustainable food systems through the Local Food Action Plan (bastropedc.org).

  
  

Expanding Foundation Through Infrastructure

Mercado spearheaded the lease of a 2.07-acre site at 338 Cool Water Drive in Bastrop to construct a permanent “Community Hub.” This visionary space will host resource centers, youth programming areas, nature trails, and a community garden, enabling coalition partners to deliver coordinated services on-site (elgincourier.com).

Fueling Growth with Funding

Under her leadership, Bastrop County Cares secured a $1.5 million grant from the St. David’s Foundation in January 2025. The funds—split between community engagement work and bolstering local health capacity—will further support collaboration, equity, and innovative programming (communityimpact.com).

Closing the Equity Gap with Bold Leadership

Norma Mercado’s leadership is anchored in:

• Empathy from personal experience, transforming adversity into advocacy.

• Community-driven strategies, uplifting residents in rural and underserved areas.

• Cross-sector collaboration, uniting education, health, tech, and food systems as part of a collective vision.

• Infrastructure investment, establishing a physical hub for accessible, long-term service delivery.

A Message to Bastrop

“My vision is a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive... Focus on collaboration and innovation,” Mercado declared. “We need to be willing to take risks… together we can create a better future for everyone.” (bbtrails.org, bastropcares.org)

📌 In Summary

Norma Mercado embodies the spirit and mission of Bastrop County Cares. She drives a future shaped by systemic collaboration, technological inclusion, localized leadership, and sustainable infrastructure. From mobile “Care-A-Van” outreach to broadband mapping and the creation of a new Community Hub, her leadership is rapidly shaping a more connected, empowered, and thriving Bastrop community.