Brownsville City Manager Inspires Women Leaders

Helen Ramirez, the first female City Manager of Brownsville, shared her journey and vision for leadership at the Women in Leadership Signature Series hosted by the Turknett Leadership Group. The 21st annual event brought together prominent women in business, from CEOs to organizational leaders, to engage with Ramirez’s story of breaking barriers and leading in a complex and dynamic environment.

Ramirez, who oversees a city of approximately 186,000 residents, reflected on her historic role as the first woman to manage Brownsville since its incorporation in 1853. During her address, she offered insights into her leadership style and the challenges of managing a growing border city influenced by binational economic and cultural factors.

“Leadership is about empowering people and fostering collaboration,” Ramirez said, referencing her leadership philosophy inspired by Jim Collins’ quote, “Great vision without great people is irrelevant.”

Ramirez highlighted Brownsville’s evolution as a hub for innovation and aerospace, driven by its partnership with SpaceX. She spoke about the economic ripple effects of hosting Starship test flights and preparing the city for future opportunities in both aerospace and LNG (liquefied natural gas) industries.

Her remarks underscored Brownsville’s “ONE City” values, a guiding principle that prioritizes breaking silos and uniting departments to achieve city-wide goals.

Ramirez also delved into her personal journey, drawing on over 20 years of experience in municipal government, urban planning, and economic development. Before becoming City Manager in 2022, she served as Deputy City Manager and Executive Director/CEO of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation after joining the city in 2019.

During her talk, she credited her tenure in both the public and private sectors with shaping her strategic approach. She also shared personal reflections on the importance of resilience, vision, and the role women play in shaping the future of their industries.

Ramirez’s participation in the Signature Series highlighted the transformative role of women in leadership and the importance of fostering collaboration to address the challenges of modern governance.