Garza, Gonzales Named Edinburg Chamber’s 2025 Man and Woman of the Year

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce has named Ramiro Garza Jr. and Veronica Gonzales as the recipients of its 2025 Man and Woman of the Year awards, recognizing two longtime community leaders whose careers have helped shape the city’s growth and civic identity.

Both honorees will be celebrated at the Chamber’s Centennial Installation and Awards Banquet on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at the Region One Education Service Center. The “Roaring 20s”-themed event will mark 100 years of Chamber history, celebrate community achievement, and welcome new board president Aaron “Nick” Cantu.

Garza, the outgoing mayor of Edinburg and founder and publisher of the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal, is being honored for more than two decades of public service. Before his election as mayor in 2021, Garza served as the city’s economic development director and later as city manager, roles in which he oversaw major infrastructure projects and helped attract investment to Edinburg.

Decades of service

Under his leadership, the city earned recognition as a four-time All-America City, a reflection of Garza’s emphasis on community collaboration and long-term planning. His advocacy through the Edinburg 2040 Vision Plan has guided improvements in infrastructure, transparency, and quality of life across the community.

Garza’s story of resilience has also resonated beyond city hall.

His openness about his battle with prostate cancer has inspired many residents, reinforcing his commitment to health awareness and community service. Over the years, Garza has been recognized with numerous honors, including induction into the Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame and the Vice President Al Gore Hammer Award for Government Innovation.

Legislative advocacy

Gonzales, Senior Vice President for Governmental and Community Relations at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), was named Woman of the Year for her leadership in education, government, and public service. A former state representative, Gonzales has spent her career advancing legislation and initiatives that expand access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity throughout South Texas.

At UTRGV, Gonzales has helped guide the university through a decade of growth, strengthening ties with community and government partners and ensuring the school’s role as a driver of regional progress. Her work has extended beyond the campus to include numerous nonprofit and civic boards, where she has championed initiatives benefiting students, families, and small businesses.

Gonzales, the first in her family to graduate from college, earned her law degree from The University of Texas at Austin. Her career, colleagues say, embodies the same determination and advocacy that have made her a respected voice in public service and higher education across the Valley.

The Chamber’s annual banquet will also recognize outgoing board president Ruben James De Jesus for his service and usher in a new year of business and civic leadership.

For more information or reservations, contact the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce at (956) 383-4974 or visit Edinburg.com.