Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
At a Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas Rio Grande Valley event, Lizzy de la Garza Putegnat delivered remarks on behalf of Dr. Linda Treviño Burke, combining the honoree’s message with personal reflections on mentorship and professional influence.
Treviño Burke, a pediatric dentist and community leader, was recognized during the event but was not present. In a written statement read by Putegnat, she said she was “incredibly honored and grateful” for the recognition and reflected on more than 30 years of caring for children in the Rio Grande Valley. “Your voice matters, your dreams matter, and you’re capable of more than you know. Never give up,” the statement read.
Putegnat expanded on that message by describing her personal relationship with Treviño Burke, emphasizing the difference between professional reputation and personal impact. “You impress people at a distance, but you impact people up close,” she said, explaining that her understanding of Treviño Burke changed after developing a friendship with her.
She described Treviño Burke as a mentor whose influence extends beyond formal roles. “She has truly had a huge impact on my life,” Putegnat said, adding that Treviño Burke is someone who “supports, empowers, and elevates women around her.” Her remarks framed leadership as something expressed through daily interactions as well as professional achievements.
Putegnat also reflected on how relationships evolve over time, noting that adult friendships are often intentional and shaped by shared values. She said people choose to surround themselves with individuals who “challenge us to grow” and “believe in you” during difficult moments. She described Treviño Burke as someone who fit that role in her own life.
In addition to mentorship, Putegnat highlighted Treviño Burke’s ability to balance multiple responsibilities, including her career, family, and community service. She noted that Treviño Burke is a mother of six and has maintained long-term professional and personal commitments, describing her as an example of sustained leadership.
Her remarks connected Treviño Burke’s influence to a wider network of women in the Rio Grande Valley, emphasizing how mentorship can shape careers and perspectives. Putegnat said that Treviño Burke’s example has encouraged others to pursue leadership roles and contribute to their communities.
Throughout the presentation, Putegnat maintained a tone that combined formal recognition with personal testimony, reinforcing the award’s significance while illustrating its meaning through lived experience. Her delivery reflected the event’s broader focus on mentorship, community, and the importance of supporting future generations.
The tribute positioned Treviño Burke not only as a professional leader but also as a mentor whose impact is measured through relationships and influence. By sharing both the honoree’s words and her own experiences, Putegnat provided a perspective on leadership grounded in connection, support, and long-term impact.
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