Agnes Rivera-Garza

Past Women’s Commissioner

Agnes Rivera-Garza, League of United Latino American Council (LUAC) #4969 President, LULAC National Women’s Commission member, and LULAC District 18 Deputy for Women, is the Founder and Executive Director for Decidete Mujer. Agnes attained a Master degree in Human Services Administration and Bachelor of Arts degree from Springfield College. Agnes is currently the Community Outreach Team Leader for the Boston Medical Center Health Plan. This is a position she earned after serving as the Health Plan’s Community Outreach Representative I and II positions between 2007 and 2010. Agnes was also the Training and Community Relations Specialist for the Great Book Valley Health Center and her other experience includes being a Health Education Specialist and Teacher for Worchester Public Schools, Community Health Specialist for the Massachusetts Prevention Center and District Sales Manager for Avon Products. Each of these positions required Agnes to coordinate, organize and develop strategic plans to maximize participation and exposure during major community and regional events, train community outreach staff, facilitate healthcare provider and community meetings, and consistently seek opportunities to conduct outreach and provide education to specific target populations using both a Virtual Gateway that included electronic applications and manual enrollment processes.

Agnes is also a sought after radio commentator for Univision and Telemundo. Agnes spearheads and hosts web casts targeted toward the Latino and Hispanic communities. Agnes also created a weekly faith-based radio segment for Radio Alleluya and has worked organize min-expos at the 17 Hispanic Consulates in Harris County and the Latino Learning Center, and make presentations at the Hispanic Elderly Counsel. Other media initiatives launched by Agnes include implementing a YouTube web series that will air at regular times on specific dates, linking web-based videos and educational materials that address issues related to Latino and Hispanic populations to ensure these communities have access to a continuous resource for obtaining education and training 24/7. Under grants from the Ford Foundation and LULAC national council, Agnes is also managing and overseeing programs specifically targeted toward young girls and providing immigration services to low-income Hispanics and Latinos.

Agnes has received the National Minority AIDS Conference’s Community Recognition Award and Centro Las Americas’ Community Service Award for Latino Voter Registrations as well as recognition from the Walmart Foundation for her community service and outreach efforts.

Agnes’ other skills and experience includes:
 Languages – Professional level in reading, writing and speaking in Spanish and English
 Computer Skills – Microsoft Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, Excel, and Photoshop
 20 years of proven experience in program planning an implementation
 Excellent training and group facilitation skills
 Effective communicator and advocate
 Effective in planning media and awareness campaigns
 Successful in planning and implementing fundraising events
 Successful in developing staff wellness programs
 Successful in implementing employee recognition programs
 Interests and Activities – Violence prevention programs, youth educational and career ladder programming; innovative educational practices

Agnes is married to Attorney Baldemaro Garza and is the mother of two children and grandmother of Kalleia.

Panel Information

Saturday, December 5

11:50 AM EST

Mindfulness inclusion in the Golden Age of Latina Women

Older Latinas play an essential role in our culture, from reminding us of our values and keeping our traditions alive through music, cuisines, and history, yet are often forgotten when policies and programs are developed. This conversation will address older adults’ state and the importance of healthcare, retirement, and other programs that reduce the hardship that many face. It will also highlight the leading role our elders have taken around COVID-19 to take care of their families and communities.