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By Ron Whitlock
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Linda Ufland Romo, director of entrepreneurship, innovation, and commercialization at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center, has been awarded the prestigious Ohtli Award (Reconocimiento Ohtli), one of the highest honors bestowed by the Mexican government to individuals living outside Mexico.
Nominated by the Consulate of Mexico in Brownsville, Ufland Romo received the award during a ceremony on September 12 in recognition of her ongoing work fostering economic growth, supporting local entrepreneurs, and building binational partnerships across the Rio Grande Valley and northern Mexico.
The Ohtli Award is administered by Mexico’s Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores – SRE) through the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior – IME). The selection process relies on local Mexican Consulates identifying leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to Mexican and Mexican-American communities abroad.
Deriving its name from the Nahuatl word for “path” or “road,” the Ohtli Award honors civic, academic, political, and business leaders who have dedicated their careers to clearing pathways and empowering future generations.
“The word ‘Ohtli’ means ‘path’ or ‘road’ in Nahuatl, which makes this recognition especially meaningful to me,” Ufland Romo said. “Throughout my professional journey, my purpose has always been centered on creating opportunities, connecting people and resources, supporting entrepreneurs, and building partnerships that strengthen our communities.”
Ufland Romo emphasized that the recognition reflects a collective effort across the university and the broader binational region. She also extended her appreciation to university leadership, mentors, community partners, and the Mexican Consulate in Brownsville for the nomination. Writing on her social media platform, Ufland Romo stated:
“On September 12th I had the honor to accept the Ohtli Award presented through the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IMME) of Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ohtli Award recognizes individuals whose work has helped “open paths” and create opportunities for Mexican origin communities living abroad.
“The word “Ohtli” means “path” or “road” in Nahuatl, which makes this recognition especially meaningful to me. Throughout my professional journey, my purpose has always been centered on creating opportunities, connecting people and resources, supporting entrepreneurs, and building partnerships that strengthen our communities.
“This recognition is not mine alone.
“I am especially grateful to my team. Their commitment, hard work, creativity, and dedication are behind everything we accomplish. I have the privilege of working alongside a team that believes deeply in the entrepreneurs, students, businesses, and communities we serve and that works every day to create pathways for others to succeed.
“I am also thankful to my University leadership, the mentors, colleagues, community and partners, friends, and family who have supported me throughout my journey. Every partnership, opportunity, challenge, and lesson has helped shape the path that brought me to this moment.
“Receiving an award whose very meaning is about opening a path for others is humbling . I accept it with gratitude and with a commitment to continue supporting our binational region, and creating opportunities for those who will follow.
“A very special thank you to the Mexican Consulate in Brownsville for your nomination and support.
“Thank you to everyone who has been part of my Ohtli, my path.”
Photo credit: Linda Ufland Romo
Joining a Legacy of Texas Trailblazers
By receiving the Ohtli, Ufland Romo joins a distinguished group of prominent Texas leaders, educators, public servants, and advocates who have received the award since its inception.
Notable past recipients from Texas and the Rio Grande Valley include:
- Dr. Hector P. Garcia (Corpus Christi) – Civil rights pioneer and founder of the American GI Forum (1996).
- Carlos Truan & Gonzalo Barrientos – Former Texas State Senators (1996).
- Kika de la Garza – Former U.S. Congressman representing South Texas (2000).
- Filemon Vela Sr. (Brownsville) – Former U.S. District Judge (2000).
- Dr. Juliet V. García (Brownsville) – Former President of UT Brownsville (2000).
- Blanca Vela (Brownsville) – First female mayor of Brownsville (2002).
- Roberto Alonzo, Pete Gallego, Rafael Anchia, and Miguel Wise – Former and current Texas State Representatives (2006-2011).
- Dr. Francisco G. Cigarroa – Former Chancellor of the University of Texas System (2012).
- Charlie Gonzalez, Henry Cisneros, and Julián Castro (San Antonio) – Prominent Texas political figures and community leaders (2012, 2013, 2016).
- Eva Longoria (Corpus Christi) – Actress, advocate, and philanthropist (2015).
- Dr. Denise Trauth – Former President of Texas State University (2016).
- Dr. Minita Ramírez (Laredo) – President of Laredo College (2026).
With her recognition, Ufland Romo continues the tradition of South Texas leaders using innovation, education, and cross-border collaboration to open roads for regional prosperity.
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