The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce has named Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. and Veronica Gonzales as the recipients of the 2025 Man and Woman of the Year Awards. Both honorees will be recognized at the chamber’s Centennial Installation and Awards Banquet on Nov. 1.
Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr.
Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. has served the City of Edinburg for more than two decades. His leadership includes roles as executive director of the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation and city manager for nearly 16 years, where he helped drive economic growth and strengthen the city’s foundation for future success.
Garza is being recognized for his 20 years of dedicated service to the City of Edinburg and his involvement in community outreach programs, including the 20/40 Committee. His leadership has also contributed to Edinburg’s recognition as a four-time All-America City. Additionally, his advocacy during his battle with prostate cancer has inspired many, serving as a reminder of resilience, purpose, and the importance of health and community engagement.
As mayor, Garza has prioritized infrastructure investment and quality-of-life improvements across all parts of the city via the Edinburg 2040 Vision Plan.
Throughout his career, Garza has received numerous honors, including his induction into the Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame (2015), recognition as Honorary Chair of the Boys & Girls Club of Edinburg RGV Annual Benefit (2017), and the Vice President Al Gore Hammer Award for Government Innovation (1999).
He is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma and holds both a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Brownsville.
He is married to Maria Esquivel Garza and is a father to two children, Ramiro Andres and Juliana Audrina. Garza was elected Mayor of Edinburg in 2021.
Veronica Gonzales
Veronica Gonzales is a leader with over two decades of experience in law, government and higher education. As senior vice president for Governmental and Community Relations at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, she oversees local, state and federal governmental relations, as well as community engagement, workforce and economic development initiatives.
Gonzales’ dedication to government and community relations at UTRGV has been extensive, both within and beyond the university. She is a leader in the public and private sectors, demonstrating commitment to education, governmental affairs, community engagement, economic development, and numerous non-profit organizations in Edinburg and throughout the region. Her tenure at UTRGV has been instrumental in shaping the institution’s growth, helping it reach the milestone of its 10th anniversary, and leaving a legacy for future generations of students.
Gonzales was also the first in her family to graduate from college. She earned a Bachelor of Arts with honors from Southwest Texas State University and a Juris Doctor from The University of Texas at Austin School of Law.
Prior to her tenure at UTRGV, Gonzales served as a Texas State Representative, where she championed legislation to improve education, healthcare and economic opportunity across the Rio Grande Valley. She continues to serve on numerous boards throughout the state and is married to Rick Villarreal, a local business owner.
The Edinburg Chamber’s Centennial Banquet will bring together business and community leaders to celebrate this year’s accomplishments and recognize the remarkable individuals and businesses shaping Edinburg’s future.