Mayor Martinez named Woman of Distinction

Corpus Christi Mayor Nelda Martinez was named a Woman of Distinction by the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce at  the Women of Distinction Awards luncheon in Austin May 8. The award recognizes Latinas whose careers have included contributions to their professions, community service, leadership and mentoring. 
Martinez was one of 12 Texas women recognized. 
“I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition from such a prestigious state organization,” Martinez said. “TAMACC has been instrumental in contributing to the Texas Miracle in their mission of promoting business and economic opportunities, community leadership and legislative advocacy for our great State of Texas.” 
The Texas Miracle is a term coined by state business boosters to describe the booming economy of the last decade. 
The state-wide chamber began recognizing Women of Distinction in 2012 with its first ever luncheon. The group's mission is to promote the growth, development and success of local Hispanic chambers of commerce and serve as the leading advocate of Hispanic business in Texas.
 “TAMACC recognizes that Texas has one of the largest numbers of Hispanic women-owned businesses in the United States at approximately 140,000 and is continuing to grow,” said Roland Barrera, TAMACC Board Chair. “It is important to recognize the Latinas who are making great contributions in their professions and communities.”
The 2015 Women of Distinction include:
Janet Aguilar, CIC, AAI, Vice President and Sales Executive, USI Southwest, El Paso
Linda V. Alaniz, M.A.I.S., President, Educational Research Institute, Harlingen
Rose Benavidez, M.P.A., President and CEO, Starr County Industrial Foundation, Rio Grande City
Emily Calderon-Galdeano, Ed.D., Director of Research, Excelencia in Education, San Antonio
Sonia Clayton, President and CEO, Virtual Intelligence Providers, LLC, Houston
Nora de Hoyos Comstock, Ph.D., President and CEO, Las Comadres Para Las Americas, Austin
Marlene DiLillo, M.S., Executive Director, Greater Killeen Free Clinic, Killeen
Adela N. Gonzalez, Ph.D., Healthcare Consultant, San Antonio
Teresa Granillo, Ph.D., M.P.A., Executive Director, Con Mi Madre, Austin
Maria J. Martinez, B.B.A., President and CEO, Border Federal Credit Union, Del Rio
Nelda Martinez, B.A., Corpus Christi Mayor, City of Corpus Christi
Anita Ramirez, McAllen