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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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