Veronica De La Garza

Veronica E. De La Garza is the Director of Governmental Relations at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), leading a team to develop and implement strategic government affairs initiatives at local, regional, state, and federal levels.

With a robust background spanning over 25 years in political, government, and nonprofit sectors, Veronica has held key roles such as Public Affairs Director at VIDA, Regional Coordinator for No Kid Hungry, and Director at LATINA Style Inc., where she managed operations and established impactful campaigns.

Veronica's expertise extends to youth civic engagement and voter turnout efforts, having led the Youth Vote Coalition in organizing a highly successful electoral and public awareness campaign that contributed to a record-breaking youth voter turnout increase in Election 2004.

She holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Texas-Pan American, complemented by a postgraduate certificate in International Law and Politics from Universidad Rey Juan Carlos and an Executive Certificate in Public and Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University.

Veronica De La Garza is fluent in both English and Spanish, and her professional experience includes advisory roles on several boards and significant contributions to organizations like the Citizens' Debate Commission and Young Democrats of America.