By Amanda Alaniz

EDINBURG, TEXAS – OCT. 31, 2025 – Veronica Gonzales, UTRGV senior vice president for Governmental and Community Relations, has been named Edinburg Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Woman of the Year.

Gonzales oversees local, state and federal governmental relations for UTRGV, as well as community engagement, and workforce and economic development programs. A recognized leader in the public and private sectors, she has more than 20 years of experience in negotiating and advocating for change.

She said the recognition is an honor and underscores that her endeavors are reaching her community.

“Being named Woman of the Year by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is an incredible honor that touches me deeply. This recognition is not just about my work. It’s about the community that has shaped me, supported me and inspired me every step of the way,” she said.

Each year the Edinburg Chamber opens nominations for this prestigious recognition, and winners are chosen by a committee assembled by the Chamber of Commerce.

The nominees are evaluated on four key areas of community service and leadership:

• Volunteerism.
• Community commitment.
• Civic endeavors.
• Involvement in community service organizations.

Prior to joining higher education, Gonzales spent 20 years practicing law, and in 2004 was elected the first woman to represent any Valley district in the Texas House of Representatives, where she served for four terms.

She joined legacy institution UT Pan American in 2012 as vice president of University Advancement where she also oversaw alumni relations and marketing and communications. In 2014, UTRGV announced her role as vice president for Governmental and Community Relations.

Gonzales, the first in her family to go to college, credits education for her success and the many opportunities she has received. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Southwest Texas State University and a law degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She currently sits on numerous boards across the Rio Grande Valley and statewide, including the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation and previously was a director and president of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce.

“Edinburg and the Rio Grande Valley have given me a sense of purpose and belonging, and I’m proud to serve and advocate for a region that embraces its people with such heart and resilience,” she said.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey said Gonzales continues to be an important liaison for the university and a central figure in South Texas life and politics.

“Just about everyone I meet knows Veronica Gonzales,” he joked, “and that’s really not that far from the truth. She is Valley through and through, and UTRGV is grateful to have her represent us, from the Valley to Austin and beyond.

“We congratulate Veronica on being named 2025 Woman of the Year and thank the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce for recognizing her lifelong investment in the Rio Grande Valley community,” he said.

Gonzales, along with the 2025 Man of the Year, Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr., will be honored at the Edinburg Chamber’s Centennial Installation and Awards Banquet, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Region One Education Service Center in Edinburg.

For more information, visit edinburg.com or call 956-383-4974.