TAMACC E-Newsletter

Advocacy Leadership Commerce

TAMACC E-News: Friday, July 11, 2025 TAMACC Announces 2025 Women of Distinction Honorees and Launches New Rising Star Award   AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) is proud to invite the public to a powerful and inspirational event: the 2025 Women of Distinction Luncheon, a celebration honoring 12 phenomenal Latinas who are transforming industries, breaking barriers, and uplifting communities across Texas. More than a luncheon, this annual event is a tribute to the bold leadership, cultural pride, and unshakable resilience of Latinas who are shaping the future. Attendees will be moved by the personal journeys of these trailblazing women and leave inspired and empowered. This year’s honorees are dynamic leaders in public service, education, media, health, law, and community development.  Their accomplishments are only matched by their unwavering commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities. The 2025 Women of Distinction Honorees: § Susana Renteria Almanza – Founding Member and Executive Director, People Organized in Defense of Earth and Her Resources (PODER), Austin § Monica “Moni” Avila – Senior Program Analyst / Professional Development Coordinator, City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, San Antonio § Ana Cortez – President, Manor Independent School Board, Manor § Nancy Flores – Editor and Publisher, Austin Vida; Founder, Cultura Media, Austin § Vanessa Fuentes – Mayor Pro-Tem, Austin City Council, Austin § Dalilah Garcia – President, FemCity Brownsville, Brownsville § Dr. Esther Garza – Chair of Department, Educator and Leadership Preparation; Professor, Bilingual and ESL Education, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio § Gloria Leal – Attorney at Law; General Counsel, National League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Austin § Rosalinda Martinez – Community Connector, Tarrant County College District, Fort Worth § Dr. Bianca Abigail Tarango, Executive Director, University Medical Center Foundation of El Paso and El Paso Children’s Hospital Foundation; President, Fundación UMC de México, El Paso § Lourdes G. Zuniga – Executive Director and Founder, Financial Health Pathways, Pflugerville Introducing the Rising Star of Distinction This year’s nomination process uncovered something extraordinary—a young woman whose vision and leadership captured our attention, even as she continues her academic journey.  Although not selected for primary recognition due to limited professional experience, her impact was undeniable. Because of her, TAMACC is proud to introduce a new honor: the Rising Star of Distinction. This recognition will celebrate young Latina leaders whose passion and drive are already making a difference. The inaugural Rising Star of Distinction honoree is: § Mariana Casarez, Student, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Corpus Christi Her initiative, spirit, and commitment to uplifting her community have set the foundation for a future of impactful leadership. “We are proud to honor not only today’s changemakers but also the emerging voices of tomorrow,” said TAMACC President and CEO, Pauline E. Anton. “Together, they represent the strength, vision, and future of the Latina community in Texas and beyond.” Tickets and sponsorships for the luncheon are now available.  For more information, please visit www.tamacc.org or contact (512) 444-5727. The event will take place on: Friday, August 1, 2025 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Austin Southpark Hotel, 4140 Governors Row, Austin, TX 78744 | Ballroom Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Walmart Foundation Commit Up to $500,000 for Texas Flood Relief Bentonville, AR - In response to the catastrophic flooding across Central and South Texas, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and the Walmart Foundation have announced a combined commitment of up to $500,000 in grants and in-kind donations to aid in ongoing relief efforts. The contribution includes a customer and member donation match of up to $250,000 through an upcoming campaign in partnership with The Salvation Army. Texans will soon be able to contribute to the effort both online and at participating Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs across the state. Beyond financial support, the Walmart family of companies is mobilizing key partnerships and critical resources to directly assist affected communities. At the Walmart Supercenter in Kerrville (Store #508), Operation BBQ Relief began distributing free hot meals on July 7, with service times at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. In addition, mobile units from Tide’s Loads of Hope and showers provided by Matthew 25: Ministries, Procter & Gamble, and Walmart are being deployed to flood-stricken areas. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have also supplied food, water, and emergency essentials to trusted relief partners, including the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. “We are heartbroken by the devastation our associates, friends and neighbors in Texas are facing, especially the families of those who have lost loved ones,” said John Furner, President and CEO of Walmart U.S. “We’re working hand-in-hand with local leaders and first responders to ensure help reaches those who need it most.” Chris Nicholas, President and CEO of Sam’s Club, echoed the sentiment: “Our hearts go out to the families, associates, and members affected by this disaster. We will stand by the Kerrville community and help provide the resources and support they need as they recover and rebuild.” READ MORE: Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation Commit up to $500,000 to Support Texas Flood Relief Efforts Verizon Donates $100,000 and Offers Relief to Central Texas Flood Victims   IRVING, TX (July 11, 2025) - In the wake of catastrophic flooding across Central Texas, Verizon has announced a $100,000 donation to Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR) and a wide-ranging relief initiative to support its customers and the communities hardest hit by the disaster. TEXSAR, a volunteer-led first responder organization, will use the funds to continue its critical search, rescue, and recovery efforts across the state. The group is known for deploying highly trained professionals during some of Texas’s most challenging emergencies. Beyond the donation, Verizon is waiving all domestic call, text, and data usage from July 7 through August 3 for both consumer and small business customers, including prepaid users on metered plans, who are located in 95 zip codes across 28 Central Texas counties. The offer extends to Verizon’s prepaid brands, including Straight Talk, Total Wireless, Walmart Family Mobile, Tracfone, Simple Mobile, Net10, Page Plus, Safelink, and Go Smart. Customers in the affected areas will automatically receive the relief—no action required on their part. A full list of eligible counties and zip codes is available at Verizon.com. “Our hearts go out to those impacted by the heartbreaking scale of the Central Texas floods,” said Michelle R. Miller, Senior Vice President at Verizon. “We are committed to providing the resources and connectivity our neighbors need for safety and recovery. This donation and relief offer are how we can help when it matters most.” Beyond aiding search and rescue operations, satellites play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity for customers. With select Android and iOS devices, customers can access satellite messaging and emergency SOS features, including location detection, in areas where traditional cellular coverage is unavailable. To learn more about satellite messaging: https://www.verizon.com/wireless-devices/smartphones/messages-via-satellite/. Find the latest updates at the Verizon Emergency Resource Center: https://www.verizon.com/about/news/emergency-resource-center. The move underscores Verizon’s ongoing efforts to support communities during natural disasters by providing both financial support and uninterrupted connectivity during times of crisis. READ MORE: Verizon donates $100,000 to support Texas Search and Rescue and waives call/text/data usage for hardest hit customers | News Release | Verizon   TAMACC | (512) 444-5727 | Website | Podcast

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Women of Distinction Nomination Deadline is Monday

Advocacy Leadership Commerce

TAMACC E-News: Friday, June 27, 2025 TAMACC Seeks Nominations for 2025 Women of Distinction Awards — Deadline June 30 The Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) is accepting nominations for its 2025 Women of Distinction Awards. The deadline to submit nominations is Monday, June 30, 2025. This annual recognition honors twelve exceptional Latinas across Texas who demonstrate professional excellence, leadership, and community service. Award recipients will be celebrated at TAMACC’s Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon—one of the organization’s most prestigious and inspiring events. Nominations, including self-nominations, are open to the public. A panel of Latina leaders and past honorees will select this year’s recipients based on integrity, innovation, and impact. Now in its 11th year, the awards program highlights the achievements of Latinas in a range of fields, from business and education to public service and the arts. To submit a nomination or inquire about sponsorship and tickets, contact TAMACC at (512) 444-5727 or go to https://tamacc.org/women-of-distinction-awards/ For More Information or to Apply   TAMACC | (512) 444-5727 | Website | Podcast

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TAMACC E-Newsletter

Advocacy Leadership Commerce

TAMACC E-News: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 TAMACC Seeks Nominations for 2025 Women of Distinction Awards — Deadline June 30 The Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) is accepting nominations for its 2025 Women of Distinction Awards. The deadline to submit nominations is Monday, June 30, 2025. This annual recognition honors twelve exceptional Latinas across Texas who demonstrate professional excellence, leadership, and community service. Award recipients will be celebrated at TAMACC’s Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon—one of the organization’s most prestigious and inspiring events. Nominations, including self-nominations, are open to the public. A panel of Latina leaders and past honorees will select this year’s recipients based on integrity, innovation, and impact. Now in its 11th year, the awards program highlights the achievements of Latinas in a range of fields, from business and education to public service and the arts. To submit a nomination or inquire about sponsorship and tickets, contact TAMACC at (512) 444-5727 or go to https://tamacc.org/women-of-distinction-awards/ For More Information or to Apply TAMACC Applauds ACC Trustees for Defending Texas Dream Act ACC Becomes First College to Join Lawsuit Supporting Dreamers AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) is commending Austin Community College (ACC) for taking decisive action in defense of Dreamers following a federal court ruling that struck down the Texas Dream Act. Speaking before the ACC Board of Trustees, TAMACC Director J.R. Gonzales joined students, alumni, and educators in urging the college to oppose the ruling, which threatens in-state tuition access for undocumented students. Gonzales emphasized the significant economic impact of Dreamers in Austin and across the state. “Dreamers are vital to our economy,” Gonzales said. “Affordable education helps develop the skilled workforce Austin businesses rely on.” He noted that more than 13,000 DACA-eligible individuals in the Austin area contribute $74 million in taxes and hold $238 million in spending power. Repealing in-state tuition, he warned, could cost Texas $461 million annually. Just days after Gonzales’s testimony, the ACC Board voted unanimously in a special meeting to join a lawsuit challenging the repeal, becoming the first community college in Texas to take such legal action. Trustees stated the court’s ruling came without proper input and jeopardizes both students and the region’s workforce pipeline. Texas became the first state to adopt in-state tuition for undocumented students in 2001. The policy requires students to have lived in Texas for at least three years, graduated from a Texas high school, and signed an affidavit promising to seek legal residency. According to Texas Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser, approximately 19,000 students have signed this affidavit. With more than 70,000 students enrolled, ACC is Central Texas’s largest workforce educator. College officials estimate that around 500 of its current students could be forced to drop out if in-state tuition is revoked. Across the state, roughly 57,000 undocumented students are enrolled in higher education institutions. ACC Board Chair Sean Hassan emphasized the importance of protecting these students. “We’re asking the court to reconsider a decision that harms our students and our future workforce,” he said.  TAMACC remains steadfast in its support of the Texas Dream Act and applauds ACC’s leadership in standing up for immigrant students and the economic well-being of Texas. Southwest ADA Center The Southwest ADA Center is the leading regional resource on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related disability rights laws. As a neutral, non-enforcement organization, our mission is to promote voluntary compliance with the ADA by providing free technical assistance, training, and information in both English and Spanish. We serve businesses, employers, educators, government agencies, and individuals with disabilities—anyone seeking to understand their rights or responsibilities under the ADA. All calls are confidential, and our knowledgeable staff offer expert guidance, educational materials, and training sessions. Contact us at 800-949-4232—we’re your trusted, impartial ADA resource. Need FREE training for your business or staff? Call Us Today! More info at www.southwestada.org or email swdbtac@ilru.org. Governor’s Small Business Summit — Bastrop The Governor's Small Business Summit — Bastrop aims to help Texas small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs reach new heights by connecting them with the resources and information needed to start, strengthen, and grow a business. This event offers a variety of sessions bringing together local, state, and federal resource partners to provide key insights on critical business topics. It is also an opportunity to network with other business owners and meet experts who will share timely, relevant, and actionable advice on a multitude of small business subjects. Panel Topics Include: • Grow or Go: Knowing When to Scale or Sell Your Small Business • Strategies for Growth: Leveraging State & Local Programs • Harnessing the Power of Technology for Your Small Business Keynote: Clint Howard, Artist & Owner, Pyrology Foundry & Studio Featured Speaker: Alberto Treviño, Commissioner Representing Labor, Texas Workforce Commission When: June 26, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Where: Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center, 1408 Chestnut Street B, Bastrop, TX 78602 Registration and Information Leadership Tejas Cohort Explores Energy Epicenter in West Texas MIDLAND, TX — The Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce’s (TAMACC) Leadership Tejas program continued its dynamic journey this past weekend with an immersive learning experience in Midland and Odessa—two cities at the heart of the global oil and gas industry. The cohort participated in a series of expert-led briefings on topics ranging from hydraulic fracturing and energy economics to the hazards of roughnecking. Industry professionals—from major oilfield service providers to independent operators—offered firsthand insights into the complexities and significance of the energy sector, both to Texas and the world. As part of the weekend, participants toured the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, where they explored over 230 million years of geological and industrial history. The museum provided valuable context about the evolution of oil exploration and the vital role West Texas continues to play in powering the globe. Leadership Tejas, one of TAMACC’s premier programs, is designed to cultivate the next generation of Latino business and civic leaders through adventure learning across Texas’s most influential industries.   TAMACC | (512) 444-5727 | Website | Podcast

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