Raya Receives 2024 TAMACC Woman of Distinction Award

Ginger Raya, EdD, MHA, MPA, an associate professor at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in El Paso who leads the George McMillan Fleming Center for Healthcare Management, has been recognized by the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) as a 2024 Woman of Distinction.

Raya is one of 12 Latinas chosen by TAMACC for their outstanding accomplishments and positive impact on their communities. She will receive the award at the 10th annual Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon hosted by TAMACC to honor the contributions of Latina women to the economic, political, and social fabric of El Paso communities and the state of Texas. The event will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024 in Austin.

“I am deeply humbled to be recognized as a TAMACC Woman of Distinction alongside such an extraordinary group of Latina leaders,” Raya said. “This award is a testament to the power of community and collaboration in driving positive change. Through the work at the George McMillan Fleming Center for Healthcare Management, I am committed to advancing health care and empowering others, and I am grateful for this opportunity to inspire the next generation of leaders.”

Raya is engaged in the Texas health care sector, serving as president-elect for the Southwest Healthcare Executives Association chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives, as well as the 2024-25 El Paso Chamber Healthcare Coalition Chair. She is also a faculty member of the MPH in Healthcare Management program in the department of Management, Policy and Community Health at the School of Public Health.

Kristina Mena, PhD, MSPH, regional dean of the El Paso location of the School of Public Health, celebrated the accomplishment. “Dr. Raya is a remarkable leader within UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, who has made tremendous impacts throughout the health care industry,” she said. “She has transformed the way UTHealth Houston trains the next generation of health care professionals through her shared experiences. Congratulations to Dr. Raya for this well-deserved recognition.”  

A selection committee consisting of Latina peers and previous Women of Distinction recipients meticulously reviews numerous applications each year. Pauline E. Anton, TAMACC President and CEO, expressed her enthusiasm for recognizing and celebrating the exceptional successes of women year after year. “We are honored to induct these distinguished women into TAMACC’s Women of Distinction,” Anton said. “These women are true role models, and we are excited to hear their inspiring narratives.”