The eyes of Texas are upon HBS Principal Myra Leo today as the University of Texas at Austin honors her with its Distinguished Alumnus Award. Each year, six alumni who have distinguished themselves professionally and through service to the university are honored with this prestigious award.

Myra is a ninth generation Texan, a member of the William B. Travis Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and a descendant of two Texas legislators who represented the south Texas region in the 1800s. Myra has more than 25 years of experience in and out of government and started her career at the Texas Capitol with then Lt. Governor William P. Hobby before becoming chief of staff to former State Rep. Irma Rangel, the first Hispanic woman elected to the Texas Legislature.

Myra was recently selected as one of the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce 2022 Women of Distinction. She is a Board member of the Senate Hispanic Research Council (SHRC), a non-profit research group that supports internships for college students in the offices of members of the Texas Senate. She also serves as past Chair of the Advisory Council to the premier Latin American Studies program in the country – LLILAS Benson at UT Austin – and sits on the Executive Committee of Austin PBS.

Myra was honored at an event in Austin and said when receiving the award, “I am beyond honored to receive this Award by the University of Texas Exes.  My alma mater has played a significant role in my professional career and community involvement interests.  I look forward to continuing my work with the best University in the World.”