United Way of South Texas proudly recognized Joni J. Vicinaiz Garza of Hidalgo County – Precinct 2 as the 2025 United Way Company Coordinator of the Year, at the Annual Awards Ceremony held at the Mission Event Center.
More than 200 volunteers serve as Company Campaign Coordinators at financial institutions, retail stores, manufacturing and utility companies, municipalities, and other businesses throughout the region. These dedicated individuals play a vital role in leading successful workplace campaigns, while educating their colleagues about the critical services available through United Way partner agencies and funded programs. Their leadership and commitment help support essential health and human services that benefit families across Hidalgo and Starr Counties. Joni J. Vicinaiz-Garza, Director of Internal Operations, Hidalgo County-Precinct 2, was selected as the Company Coordinator of the Year, for her exceptional leadership, dedication and outstanding campaign success.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition, but this award truly belongs to the incredible employees of Hidalgo County, who make this work possible. Their generosity reflects a genuine commitment to lifting others up and strengthening our community,” Mrs. Vicinaiz-Garza said. “Every contribution represents not just a donation, but a belief in making a difference. I’m grateful to play a role in amplifying their impact and supporting the mission of the United Way of South Texas.”
During her first year serving as a Campaign Coordinator, the organization conducted its most successful workplace campaign to date, resulting in a remarkable 19% increase and 79 Pillar Club members. Jaime Salazar, Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1, was also deeply involved with the Campaign and assisted Mrs. Vicinaiz-Garza throughout the process. Collectively, Mrs. Vicinaiz-Garza and Mr. Salazar conducted more than 40 presentations across various departments.
The United Way Board of Directors expresses gratitude to Mrs. Vicinaiz-Garza and all Company Coordinators for their dedication to United Way’s mission: to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good.
About United Way:
United Way of South Texas invests in programs that address critical services in the areas of Healthy Communities, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resilience. The organization supports 21 non-profit agencies in Hidalgo and Starr Counties that serve a minimum of 225,000 local residents annually. Services provided by United Way of South Texas through Partner Agencies include emergency shelter, family violence counseling, character-building programs, child victim advocacy, and infant stimulation classes. To learn more, visit www.unitedwayofsotx.org. If you would like to support United Way programs with a monetary donation, you may mail a tax-deductible check to United Way of South Texas at P.O. Box 187, McAllen, TX 78505-0187 or pledge online at https://unitedwayofsotx.org/donate-now/. For volunteer opportunities, visit volunteersotx.org.