McAllen Chamber of Commerce, Legendary Women, women leaders, McAllen Convention Center, community leadership, economic development
Staff Report
MCALLEN, Texas — The McAllen Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Legendary Woman event from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, April 10, at the McAllen Convention Center, recognizing women whose leadership, service and professional achievements have contributed to the McAllen community and region.
The event highlights women representing fields including business, health care, philanthropy, the arts and civic service.
Legendary Woman Honorees
T
he 2026 Legendary Woman honorees include Debbie Crane Aliseda, Velma De Leon, Dr. Sandra Esquivel, Morgan LaMantia, Maria Luisa Salcines, Thelma Santos, Sandy Tawil and Ellie Torres.
Organizers state the recognition celebrates individuals whose work demonstrates dedication to leadership, community advancement and service.
Women Breaking Barriers Honorees
The event will also recognize the 2026 Women Breaking Barriers recipients, honoring individuals identified as leaders advancing innovation and service in their professions.
This year’s Breaking Barriers honorees include Ximena Villarreal, Monica Martinez, Lorena Lopez, Laura McCreery Pulido, Victoria Guerra, Kristalee Guerra Mata, Dr. Sandra Hansmann and Sylvia Morales-Billings.
Elizabeth Suarez, president and CEO of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and McAllen Economic Development Corporation, stated the honorees represent leadership that contributes to the continued development of the region.
Keynote Speaker
The luncheon will feature keynote speaker Veronica Gonzales, senior vice president of Governmental and Community Relations at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Gonzales is a former Texas state representative and attorney with more than 30 years of leadership experience in education, public service and economic development.
Event Details
Legendary Woman 2026 will take place in the ballroom of the McAllen Convention Center, 700 Convention Center Blvd.
Presenting sponsors include the City of McAllen, State of the City McAllen and South Texas Health System Clinics. Additional sponsors include L&F Distributors, McCreery Aviation, South Texas Health System, CIL Logistics, Memorial Funeral Home and Santos International.
Additional information and ticket details are available through the McAllen Chamber of Commerce.
Source - McAllen Chamber of Commerce