Valley Baptist Health System invites you to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with us. Lasting from mid-September through October, Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to explore the vibrant cultures, enduring traditions and impactful contributions of Hispanic Americans.

Every day, across our organization, teammates with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives collaborate to deliver high-quality care and services. Our collective knowledge and strong teamwork drive the challenging work we do.

During this month, we will share the stories of members of our Valley Baptist Health System family who play vital roles in our mission to provide compassionate, award-winning care to our communities. We conclude our series with Gabriela Garza, MSN, RN, Director of Nursing at Valley Baptist-Brownsville.

Gabriela Garza, MSN, RN,
Director of Nursing at Valley Baptist-Brownsville

How does this year’s National Hispanic Heritage Month theme – “Together, We Are More / Unidos, Somos Más” – resonate with you?

Very early in my career, I came to realize that one of our greatest assets in providing quality, safe, and cost-effective care to our community is what each of us uniquely brings to the table. Our different perspectives, life experiences, knowledge, and innovative ideas are not simply differences — they are our strength.

There is no doubt that we are a strong and resilient community. I have seen firsthand what we are capable of when we work together, learn from one another, and remain focused on a shared purpose.

Y cuando estamos unidos, no solo somos más—somos más fuertes. Our collective reach becomes greater, our possibilities expand, and what we can accomplish together is immeasurable.

How has your heritage or personal experience influenced how you approach your work?

The people we care for are not simply patients, and they are certainly not strangers. They are our neighbors, our friends, and our family. That connection is at the heart of the care we provide and of our continued efforts to make healthcare better, safer, and more compassionate for everyone we serve.

I truly love what I do, but what makes it even more meaningful is the opportunity to give back to the community that helped shape the person and professional nurse I am today.

After nearly three decades of service, I still consider it a blessing and a privilege to care for this community. Brownsville has given me so much, and I am grateful to now be in a position where I can give back, serve others, and help make a difference in the place I will always call home.