Texas Border Business
MISSION, Texas – The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted a sold-out Hats Off to Women of Distinction Awards & Business Expo on March 5, honoring women whose leadership and service are shaping communities across the Rio Grande Valley.
The event was led by Cynthia Sakulenzki, president and CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who said the evening celebrated women whose leadership continues to strengthen the region. “Tonight we celebrate remarkable women whose leadership, innovation and commitment continue to move our communities forward,” Sakulenzki said.
The program was emceed by Tawny Davis, anchor for NBC 23 / CBS 4 / KGBT and ValleyCentral.com, and included a business expo featuring local vendors, along with dinner and an open bar for attendees.
Guests attended from across the region, including South Padre Island, Rio Grande City, Mission, McAllen and Pharr, reflecting strong regional support for celebrating women leaders across the Rio Grande Valley.
The 2026 Women of Distinction honorees were:
· Susie Neaville, JPMorgan Chase — Financial Leadership
· Sonia Quintero, A.S.I Advocates Searching for Independence LLC — Diversity & Inclusion
· Karla Garza, VMK Materials — Emerging Leader
· Benita Mendell, My RGV — Media & Journalism
· Wendy Knight, Sea Turtle Inc. — Environmental & Agricultural Achievement
· Dr. Cristina Villalobos, UTRGV College of Sciences — STEM & Digital Innovation
· Judge Renee Rodriguez-Betancourt — Justice & Legal Advocacy
· Rashmi Chandran, AltaCair Foundation — Community & Social Leadership
· Dr. Jennifer Mendoza Culbertson, Hidalgo County Precinct 4 — Educational Innovation
· Thalia Muñoz, Starr County Memorial Hospital — Healthcare Champion
The chamber also recognized the support of event sponsors ERO Architects, Hidalgo County Commissioner Ellie Torres and VMK Concrete, whose contributions helped make the evening possible.
