Elvia G. Hernandez

Elvia G Hernandez has devoted her life to public service, community leadership, and cultural advancement in El Paso and beyond. With a career spanning more than three decades, she has combined her skills in event coordination, public relations, and tourism with a deep commitment to civic engagement and advocacy.


Professional Journey


Elvia began her professional career in Midland, Texas, where she served as President and CEO of the Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (1986–1993). Under her leadership, membership grew from 65 to 380 members, and she spearheaded innovative programs such as the Annual Mex-Tex Menudo Cook-Off, the Midland Partners in Education Program, and the Step Up to Success Educational Program. She also coordinated the record-setting 1988 Texas Association of Mexican-American Chambers of Commerce State Convention and secured $1.9 million in housing funds for low-income and senior citizens.


Relocating to El Paso, Elvia continued to shape her community through roles in tourism, government, and business. As Director of Tourism and Conventions for the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (1994–1996), she brought over $25 million in tourism and convention business to the city and coordinated major events, including the First Annual International Mariachi Festival, which drew more than 30,000 attendees.

Her leadership extended into elected office when she served as City Council Representative for District 8 (1996–2000). She was instrumental in organizing El Paso’s first Downtown Children’s Christmas Light Parade, the Millennium Celebration, and leading delegations to Washington, D.C., securing vital Empowerment Zone funding for the community.


Elvia’s versatility in the private sector included positions with the El Paso Diablos Baseball Organization, the Cliff Inn Hotel, and as owner of Tigress Enterprises, a firm specializing in special events, public relations, and convention coordination. She also served as Special Events and Marketing Director at LULAC Project Amistad, and in 2009, she became the official spokesperson for Physician’s Health Choice.

Since 2012, Elvia has been retired, though she continues to serve the public as an Election Official.


Civic Leadership


Elvia’s civic involvement reflects her lifelong dedication to community service and advocacy. A leader in the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), she served as District Director for El Paso LULAC, District 4 (2006–2010), President of LULAC Council #4875, Deputy Director for the Elderly (Texas LULAC, 2010), and Vice-President of the LULAC Education Fund of Texas (L.E.F.T.).

Her influence extends across numerous boards and organizations, including the El Paso International Museum of Art, El Paso Convention & Visitors Bureau, Mayor’s Consortium for Tourism, and various planning, cultural, and civic initiatives in both Midland and El Paso.


Honors & Recognition


Elvia’s outstanding contributions have earned her numerous awards and hall of fame inductions. Highlights include:

  • El Paso Democratic Party Hall of Fame (2004)

  • El Paso Women’s Commission Hall of Fame (2000)

  • LULAC National Women’s Hall of Fame (2009)

  • City of El Paso Conquistador Award (2000)

  • Texas Hispanic Magazine Brillante Award (1996) — named one of the Top 75 Most Influential Hispanics in Texas

  • National Women of the Year IMAGE Award (1997)

  • El Paso Times Top Five “Best of the Border” Women (2008)


Her accolades also include recognition from the YWCA, El Paso Del Norte Folklorico Association, MAES, and the American Business Women’s Association.


In 2021, Elvia was honored by her alma mater as an El Paso High School Outstanding Ex, a testament to her lifelong dedication to her community and legacy of excellence.


Personal Life


Above all, Elvia is most proud of her family. She is the loving mother of two sons and two daughters, and affectionately known as “Guela” to her eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Her legacy is one of service, leadership, and love for family and community.