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NOT ONE, BUT TWO Val LaMantia and Elizabeth Suarez Named to the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame
By Dr. Kimberly Selber
WhenTexas Governor Greg Abbott and the Governor’s Commission for Women announced the 2023 cohort of the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame, no one was surprised that two of our own Rio Grande Valley businesswomen (and McHi Alumni)—Val LaMantia and Elizabeth Suarez— topped the list of eight remarkable women.
“Nominated by their fellow Texans, they have excelled in business, community service, philanthropy, public service, science, sports and more. What unites them is the difference they have made for others,” said Governor Abbott. “Women of vision, tenacity, and generosity, they are an inspiration for the next generation of leaders who will follow them.”
Established in 1984 by the Texas Governor’s Commission for Women, the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame celebrates women who have made remarkable contributions in fields such as arts, community involvement, education, leadership, health, science, and business. Among those honored are former First Ladies, astronauts, business magnates, and Olympic athletes. The Hall of Fame ensures that the accomplishments and endeavors of Texas women are etched into the state’s history.
Val LaMantia: A Paragon of Business Leadership and Community Service
For more than three decades, LaMantia has been a vibrant force in the South Texas business community. As the dynamic owner and managing partner of L&F Distributors and Favorite Brands, she has positioned L&F as a titan in the beverage distribution space – it stands as the premier Anheuser-Busch distributor along the Texas and Mexico border. This enterprise not only spans 35 counties across Texas and New Mexico but also offers employment to a workforce of over 1,000 individuals.
But LaMantia’s influence extends beyond the corporate sphere. She’s deeply woven into the fabric of community service and philanthropy. Currently, she serves on the Texas 2036 board while simultaneously holding pivotal roles such as Trustee and President at The Center for Alcohol Policy. As a prominent figure, both in the National
& Texas Beer Wholesalers Association, she amplifies her industry impact.
LaMantia’s leadership journey also touches the healthcare sector, evident in her role on the governing board for Driscoll Hospital. Additionally, as the Board Chair for Quinta Mazatlán, her commitment to local culture and heritage shines through. One of her most profound contributions has been as a founding force behind the STARS Scholarship Fund. Since its inception in 2002, this noble initiative has awarded a staggering $39 million in scholarships. This philanthropic endeavor has paved the academic way for nearly 20,000 aspirational students from South and West Texas, offering them the gift of higher education.
A Journey of Unprecedented Achievements: Elizabeth Suarez
Tracing her professional genesis to the year 2000, Suarez embarked on her journey as the inaugural Transit Manager of the City of McAllen. Her visionary leadership catapulted the Metro McAllen into a cityoperated transit behemoth, witnessing a staggering growth from 275,000 to over 855,000 riders in a span of 13 years. Suarez, a relentless force, spearheaded an array of infrastructural expansions and technological modernizations, securing significant federal and state funding in the process.
Further amplifying her trail of successes, Suarez transitioned to the role of Director of Aviation for the McAllen International Airport in 2014. The airport blossomed under her stewardship, registering unprecedented milestones in connectivity, economic resonance, and commercial growth. Among her monumental accomplishments include securing an
exclusive marketing collaboration with the Dallas Cowboys, a first in the history of the revered football franchise, and fostering rich Latino cultural displays at the airport.
Recently, Suarez was named the chief executive officer of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. Her strategic vision, business acumen, and experience in international relations make her a perfect fit for the CEO position.
A proud alumna of St. Mary’s University, Suarez’s rich educational background echoes her profound insights and relentless dedication to public service.
LaMantia and Suarez will be officially inducted into the 2023 Texas Women’s Hall of Fame on November 9 in Austin. The ceremony will be hosted by the Office of the Governor and First Lady Cecilia Abbott.
