Texas Border Business
Natalia Velázquez’s journey from working alongside her father as a young electrician to becoming the City of Edinburg’s Chief Building Official reflects persistence, technical expertise, and leadership in a field long dominated by men. At the “Women Leading with Purpose” luncheon, Velázquez shared how determination, preparation, and resilience helped her advance from the trades to one of the most respected positions in regional building safety. Her story reveals how setbacks, certifications, and mentorship can shape a career that opens doors for others. Please share this article. Read this Premium article for FREE by subscribing for FREE.
Natalia Velazquez Rising from Electrician to Building Safety Leader
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
Natalia Velazquez told City of Edinburg employees that persistence, preparation, and patience helped her build a career in construction and building safety, a field where women have historically been underrepresented. Velazquez shared her experiences during the City of Edinburg Human Resources Department’s “Women Leading with Purpose” luncheon on March 9, 2026, where she participated in a panel discussion with other regional leaders.
Velazquez currently serves as the City of Edinburg’s chief building official, the first woman to hold the position. During the event, the moderator noted that her career includes several regional milestones, including becoming the Rio Grande Valley’s first female Master Electrician and later earning the Master Code Professional certification. The designation places her among the top code professionals worldwide.
Velazquez said her path into the construction trades began early. She explained that she started working with her father as a young person and learned the electrical trade through hands-on experience. “I started as an electrician at a very early age,” Velazquez said. She later became a licensed electrician and eventually owned her own company before continuing into inspection and building safety work.
Working in a male-dominated profession brought challenges and skepticism, she said, but those experiences pushed her to strengthen her expertise. “Pushback has always been something that encouraged me to continue,” Velazquez said. She explained that preparation and technical knowledge helped her address criticism or doubts about her role. “Preparing for those codes and being an expert… knowing that you’re confident with the literature that you’re preparing with,” she said, allowed her to respond to questions or disagreements about regulations and safety standards.
Velazquez said she built her reputation through observation, field experience, and continuous learning. While technical training and written codes are essential, she emphasized that daily work in construction environments also provides valuable knowledge. “The theory is one thing, the experience in the field is another one,” she said.
Her career later led her into public service with the City of Edinburg. Velazquez explained that when she first arrived, the city did not yet have a dedicated building safety department. Building safety responsibilities were handled through planning and zoning and code enforcement divisions. She said she saw an opportunity to develop a more specialized department focused on construction oversight.
Velazquez said the proposal initially faced resistance, particularly due to budget constraints and competing priorities. “There was a lot of pushback,” she said. Despite the challenges, she continued presenting the idea and refining her proposals. “Every budget I would present with a different presentation, but at the end of the day it was the same presentation,” she said, explaining that persistence and data helped support her case.
In 2022, the City of Edinburg established the building safety department. Velazquez said the department now includes a team of 20 staff members focused on inspections, certifications, and construction oversight. She described the team as a key part of her leadership approach and said she encourages employees to pursue professional certifications. “If I did it, you can too,” she said, explaining that certifications help employees develop expertise and advance in their careers.
Velázquez also spoke about the personal responsibilities that come with leadership positions. She said the role requires constant availability and attention to the needs of employees, contractors, and residents. That level of commitment can be demanding, she acknowledged, but she believes the work is worthwhile. “There are a lot of sacrifices when you take on the role of leadership,” she said.
Family support, she added, has been essential in balancing professional responsibilities with life at home. Velazquez said her husband and children have supported her career as she took on more demanding roles and responsibilities within the city.
Throughout the discussion, Velazquez framed obstacles as opportunities for growth. She said that hearing “no” repeatedly forced her to refine ideas and think creatively about solutions. “Setbacks are a blessing,” she said, explaining that challenges often encourage new approaches and stronger preparation.
In her closing advice to the audience, Velázquez encouraged patience and perseverance. She said progress sometimes requires waiting for the right moment and continuing to work toward long-term goals. “There’s always a perfect timing for everything,” she said, adding that determination and patience help people recognize opportunities when they appear.
Her remarks presented technical expertise and steady persistence as key elements of leadership. Through her career in electrical work, code enforcement, and building safety administration, Velazquez described a professional path defined by preparation, resilience, and a commitment to building opportunities for others in the field. Please share this article
See related stories:
