Rio Grande Valley

Region

Thank you for joining us

We’re honored to have celebrated this inspiring day with you as we recognized the outstanding women and advocates shaping the A/E/C industry. Explore event highlights, award recipient stories, and moments captured from the celebration below.

Luna Austin Awards Recipients

A/E/C Firm of the Year

D&J Site Construction LLC
Karla Goldammer

A second-generation, woman-owned business, D&J has been a trusted name in site preparation and paving for over 50 years. Under Karla’s leadership, the firm continues its legacy of excellence while expanding its impact across the region.

Service Firm of the Year

Walsh McGurk Cordova Nixon, PLLC
Deborah L. Cordova

With more than two decades of legal expertise, Deborah guides A/E/C businesses through complex legal challenges, offering the advocacy and insight needed for success in a competitive industry.

Rising Star A/E/C Firm of the Year

SHE IS
Priscilla Torrero & Marie Salazar Garcia

Founded in 2023, SHE IS has rapidly grown into a dynamic organization empowering women in A/E/C through mentorship, education, scholarships, and advocacy.

Business Advocate of the Year

Stephanie M. Cardoza, MBA
Terracon

A trailblazer in the RGV A/E/C industry, Stephanie became the first woman to serve on the RGV AGC Board. At Terracon, she champions women through mentorship, leadership development, and industry advocacy.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Sarah J. Sagredo-Hammond
Atlas Electrical, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Plumbing Services, Inc.

Sarah has transformed her company while opening doors for women in skilled trades. As a national leader in Women in HVACR, she champions scholarships, mentorships, and advocacy shaping the future of the industry.

Woman of the Year A/E/C

Carolina Civarolo
ORANGE MADE architecture

As Co-Founder and Principal Architect, Carolina leads her firm with vision and resilience, growing ORANGE MADE into a respected, client-focused practice delivering innovative design solutions across multiple sectors.

Outstanding Professional of the Year

Marie Salazar Garcia
SAMES, Inc. – Surveying & Engineering

Marie’s 15-year journey at SAMES reflects dedication and leadership. She has advanced business development, strengthened client partnerships, and empowered women in A/E/C through initiatives like SHE IS.

 

Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year

Erika R. Benavidez
Texas Gas Service

With 26 years of service, Erika is a cornerstone of her organization. Her leadership in operations support, reporting, and community engagement demonstrates both excellence and heart.

Special Thank You

Special Thank You To Our Sponsors

Meet the Nominees

Andrea Acosta
TxDOT
A/E/C Woman of the Year
Business Advocate of the Year

Mary Ann Alvarado
Raba Kistner, Inc.
Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year

Pilar Anzaldua-Garza
D. Wilson Construction Company
Outstanding Professional of the Year

Esbeidy Arambula
Carbon Asset Developer Associates LLC
Business Advocate of the Year

Gladys Barrera
ERO Architects
A/E/C Woman of the Year

Myrna Barriga
VKR Landscaping
A/E/C Woman of the Year

Erika R. Benavidez
Texas Gas Service
Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year

Stephanie Cardoza
Terracon Consultants Inc.
Business Advocate of the Year

Krista Chapa
MEMCO
Business Advocate of the Year

Carolina Civarolo
Orange Made Architecture
A/E/C Woman of the Year

Deborah Cordova
Walsh McGurk Cordova Nixon, PLLC
Service Firm of the Year

Adamari T. Davila
Raba Kistner, Inc.
A/E/C Woman of the year

Cristina Doty
Best Block
Outstanding Professional of the Year

Victoria Esquivel
Maximus Construction LLC
Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year

Emperatriz Garza
Texas Gas Service
Outstanding Professional of the Year

Karla Garza
VMK Concrete
A/E/C Woman of the year

Anna Garcia
Colair Inc
Outstanding Professional of the Year

D & J Site Construction
Karla Goldammer
A/E/C Firm of the Year

Brian Godinez
ERO Architects
Business Advocate of the Year

Flower Guerrero
Colair Inc.
Outstanding Administrative
Professional of the Year
A/E/C Woman of the Year

Lori Hernandez
Holchemont
Outstanding Administrative
Professional of the Year

Kristina Leal
Halff Associates, Inc.
Outstanding Professional of the Year

Katrin Leonard
Raba Kistner, Inc.
Lifetime Achievement Award

Jessica Maldonado
SAMES, Inc.
Lifetime Achievement Award

Candida Marroquin
J C M Squared LLC
A/E/C Woman of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Rising Star A/E/C Firm of the Year

Yahaira Marroquin
TxDOT
Outstanding Professional of the Year

Maria Janie Moreno
A&E Paving Construction LLC
Lifetime Achievement Award

Katia Navar
TxDOT
Outstanding Professional of the Year

Veronica Ontiveros
NextHome Construction, LLC
A/E/C Woman of the Year

Naomi Perales
Texas Gas
Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year

Sylvia Quinones
Terracon Consultants Inc.
Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year

Mary Ramirez
Chris Ryan Homes and Investments
Lifetime Achievement Award

Haven Homes Construction, LLC
Crystal Rangel
A/E/C Firm of the Year

Veronica Reyna
Reyna Homes LLC
A/E/C Woman of the Year

Selena Rivas
Central Air & Heating Service LLC.
Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year

Tirzah Rivera
SAMES, Inc.
Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year

Monica Rodriguez
ERO Architects
Lifetime Achievement Award

Maria Rocha
AMMO & Sons, Inc
Outstanding Professional of the Year

Sarah Sagredo-Hammond
Atlas Services, Inc.
Business Advocate of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award

Adriana G. Salazar Ibarra
Tiki Land Company, LLC
Lifetime Achievement Award

Marie Salazar Garcia
SAMES, Inc.
Business Advocate of the Year
Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year

Lucy Salinas
AT&T
A/E/C Woman of the Year

Anna Sanchez
Colair Inc.
Lifetime Achievement Award

Ruben Sanchez
Colair Inc.
Business Advocate of the Year

Airika Stevens
Gerlach Builders, LLC
Outstanding Professional of the Year

Liz Sturgill
Maximus Construction LLC
A/E/C Woman of the Year

Karissa A. Tijerina
Sherwin-Williams
Outstanding Professional of the Year

Yessenia Tijerina
ERO Architects
Outstanding Professional of the Year

Priscilla Torrero
TORO Developments
Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year
Business Advocate of the Year

Hive Roofing
Yarathzeth Valdez
Rising Star A/E/C Firm of the Year

Delia Vasquez
Raba Kistner
Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year

Paolina Vega
Hanson Professional Services Inc.
A/E/C Woman of the Year

Tiffany Villarreal
Excel Contractor Solutions LLC.
Outstanding Professional of the Year

The Warren Group
Laura Warren
A/E/C Firm of the Year

Courtney Wilson-Villarreal
D. Wilson Construction Company
Outstanding Professional of the Year

Award Criteria

To view the full criteria for each of the categories click on the category to see the details.

For any questions regarding the nomination process, please contact:

Yolanda Tafoya:
972-365-9758

Ernesto Uranga:
214-919-5384

Main office:
972-786-0909

Winners of the Luna Awards are selected using Award Force, an award-winning cloud-based software designed to manage nominations, submissions, and judging processes online. Known for its speed, security, and user-friendly design, Award Force ensures a seamless experience for entrants, judges, and program managers by automating workflows and maintaining strict confidentiality throughout the process.

To preserve the element of surprise and ensure impartiality, all judges, nominees, and involved parties remain unaware of the total scores and the identities of the winners until they are revealed during the Luna Awards Luncheon in the host city.

A/E/C Firm of the Year

Honors a leading woman-owned firm in architecture, engineering, or construction that exemplifies innovation, growth, and industry leadership. This company has taken bold risks, set new trends, and made a lasting impact in the A/E/C sector.

Eligibility Criteria:
Operates within the A/E/C industry (Architecture, Engineering, or Construction).
At least 51% woman-owned and controlled.
Under current ownership for a minimum of 5 years.
The Nominee must be based or operate in the award region: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Rio Grande Valley/South Central, or San Antonio.

Honors a woman-owned business that provides essential services or products to A/E/C firms. These businesses play a vital role in supporting the industry through consulting, workforce solutions, printing, specialty products, equipment, training, and more.

Eligibility Criteria:
A non-A/E/C business supporting the A/E/C industry.
At least 51% woman-owned and controlled.
Eligible industries include accounting, consulting, legal, marketing, HR services, printing, signage, janitorial, and specialty supplies.
The Nominee must be based or operate in the award region: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Rio Grande Valley/South Central, or San Antonio.

Recognizes an emerging woman-owned A/E/C firm that is breaking new ground with innovation, bold leadership, and strong potential for future growth.

Eligibility Criteria:
Operates within the A/E/C industry.
At least 51% woman-owned and controlled.
Under current ownership for less than 5 years.
The Nominee must be based or operate in the award region: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Rio Grande Valley/South Central, or San Antonio.

Recognizes a dedicated administrative professional whose behind-the-scenes contributions strengthen and support an A/E/C firm’s success. This award honors individuals in office management, accounting, executive support, marketing, IT, and related fields.

Eligibility Criteria:
At least 3 years of experience in the A/E/C industry.
Employed in an administrative role such as Office Manager, Accountant, Executive Assistant, Business Development, Marketing, IT Support, etc.
The Nominee must be based or operate in the award region: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Rio Grande Valley/South Central, or San Antonio.

Recognizes a standout professional in A/E/C who plays a pivotal role in project execution, leadership, and innovation. Honorees include Superintendents, Engineers, Architects, Project Managers, Schedulers, Estimators, and Maintenance Supervisors who ensure successful project delivery.

Eligibility Criteria:
Employed in a professional A/E/C role (Director, Architect, Engineer, Project Manager, Scheduler, Estimator, Maintenance Supervisor, Office Manager, etc.).
The Nominee must be based or operate in the award region: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Rio Grande Valley/South Central, or San Antonio.

Celebrates an exceptional woman who has significantly contributed to the architecture, engineering, or construction industry. A visionary leader, she drives business success, fosters teamwork, and shapes the industry’s future.

Eligibility Criteria:
At least 5 years of experience in the A/E/C industry.
Plays a key leadership role in company growth and team success.
Holds a senior executive position (CEO, CFO, COO, President, VP).
The Nominee must be based or operate in the award region: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Rio Grande Valley/South Central, or San Antonio.

Honors an individual or company dedicated to advancing and empowering women in A/E/C. This award recognizes champions who actively promote inclusion, create opportunities, and drive progress for women in construction, architecture, or engineering.

Eligibility Criteria
Open to both individuals (female or male)
The Nominee must be based or operate in the award region: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Rio Grande Valley/South Central, or San Antonio.

Pays tribute to a trailblazing woman with 20+ years of dedication and impact in the A/E/C industry. This award honors a career of leadership, contributions, and lasting influence.

Eligibility Criteria:
At least 20 years of experience in the A/E/C industry.
Has made significant contributions to the field.
The Nominee must be based or operate in the award region: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Rio Grande Valley/South Central, or San Antonio.