Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
Norma Sepulveda said her path to public office did not follow a traditional route but was shaped by a decision to act despite uncertainty. She shared those remarks during a Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas Rio Grande Valley event honoring women leaders.
Sepulveda, an attorney, is currently the first female mayor of the City of Harlingen. During her remarks, she said she had not initially planned to enter politics. “I had no intention of getting into politics. I had no roadmap,” she said, explaining that she had not followed the typical steps often associated with running for office.
She said her decision to run was driven by a willingness to take action rather than wait for ideal circumstances. “If you want to do something, you can’t wait for the perfect time. You just gotta jump in, and you gotta do it,” Sepulveda said. She added that many women hesitate because they believe they must be fully prepared before pursuing leadership roles. “We think that we have to be overly qualified to be able to step into the room,” she said, noting that this perception can delay or prevent participation.
Sepulveda framed her role as mayor as a responsibility to represent others, particularly young women. “It’s not about me,” she said. She explained that she aims to demonstrate that leadership positions are attainable. “I’m gonna show up for all of the young women that are looking at me and thinking, ‘I want to do that too, and maybe I can.’”
She also emphasized the importance of creating opportunities within local government. Sepulveda said the City of Harlingen currently has “more women directors than we do men,” highlighting a shift in leadership representation. She pointed to this as an example of how leadership roles can expand when organizations intentionally support inclusion.
At the same time, she acknowledged the role of collaboration across genders. Sepulveda said support from male colleagues has been part of her experience in public service. “Men have to also step up and they have to understand that women can lead and support them,” she said, adding that leadership is strengthened when both men and women contribute.
Sepulveda also described the influence of mentorship and encouragement in her decision to run for office. She said individuals who supported her early on played a role in helping her consider the possibility of serving as mayor. Reflecting on that support, she expressed gratitude for those who encouraged her candidacy.
Her remarks focused on visibility, participation, and accountability in leadership. She encouraged women to use opportunities when they arise and to make their presence known in decision-making spaces. “Your voice matters, you belong at every single table,” she said. She added that when entering new spaces, individuals should “make sure you make some noise and make sure that they remember you.”
Sepulveda’s comments presented leadership as an active choice shaped by effort, support, and a willingness to step forward without waiting for certainty. As mayor, she said her role is to serve the community while also demonstrating that leadership positions are accessible to others who choose to pursue them.
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