Maria C. Gonzalez is of Native American (Navajo) decent, born and raised in El Paso, TX. She served in the U.S. Army for 22 years. Is the Executive Director and Founder of the El Paso Texas Women Veterans organization. She founded the organization because there was a need in our city for women veterans to meet other like women. The organizations mission is: To Empower, Advocate, provide Awareness, Resources and Education to women veterans. We started last January, 2023 with 18 women veterans and now 168 strong in 2024 and growing. During this first year the organization has accomplish major projects such as the women veterans of El Paso will have a standalone Women Veterans Healthcare clinic to include Behavioral health for women veterans in this building.
Maria is a dedicated volunteer with Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 187, as a Claims Service Officer where she assists veterans and family members with their V.A. benefits, also helps combat veterans with Combat Related Special Compenstion submissions. Specializing with Women Veteran PTSD due to MST claims. She has planned, organized and executed various community outreach projects, such as sending food to Deported Veterans, providing PACT Act assistance in “El Segundo Barrio” and many other PACT Act clinics. She is the Women Veterans Advocate for DAV Chapter 187. Has assisted homeless women veterans and women veteran victim to Domestic Violence.
She is also an active member of the Woman’s Club of El Paso serves as a board, member, the United American Veterans Organization (UAVO), has participated in the American G.I.Forum , American Legion, and LULAC over the years. She volunteers over 2000 hours a year.
Military education includes Primary Leadership Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer course, Advance Non-Commissioned Officer course, Equal Opportunity course. Military Occupational courses: Medical Specialist course, Practical Nurse course, Practical Nurse Instructor course.
Civilian education includes 2 Bachelor’s degrees which she worked on close to 18 years while serving active duty in various post. She has 2 Masters degrees which she graduated Cum Laude while working on both degrees simultaneously from Webster University. Her masters’ degrees are, 1- Counseling Psychology, 2- Business Administration.
Military Awards: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Accommodation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal (3), Army Good Conduct Medal (6), National Defense Service Medal (2), Non-Commissioned officer’s Professional Development Ribbon (3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), Marksmanship medal, Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar, Bronze German Army Marksmanship Badge. Maria was honorably discharged after 22 years of service, is a disabled veteran.
Civilian Recognitions: Senator Blancos Texas Women Veterans Day Honoree, 2024
Family Status: has 3 adult children, 6 grandchildren, all great productive citizens and loving children.
