Draft:Ivalis Meza Gonzalez

• Comment: fails GNG, NPOL NiftyyyNofteeeee (talk) 15:19, 14 March 2025 (UTC)

---

Ivalis Meza Gonzalez (born 1981) is an American public servant and consultant based in San Antonio, Texas. She is a candidate for the San Antonio City Council District 8 seat in the May 3, 2025, election..

Early Life and Education

Gonzalez was born and raised in San Antonio. She is the daughter of Choco Meza, a political activist and community organizer, and Daniel Meza. Gonzalez’s early exposure to civic engagement, largely influenced by her mother’s involvement in local, state, and national campaigns, shaped her dedication to public service. She earned her law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law in 2015 and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Career

Gonzalez has had a significant career in public service, holding various leadership roles:

• Chief of Staff to Mayor Ron Nirenberg (2018–2021): In 2018, Gonzalez was appointed to work as Mayor Ron Nirenberg's Chief of Staff after Jim Greenwood retired. Gonzalez was pivotal in the city’s response to crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the historical Winter Storm Uri, and the Strategic Housing Implementation Plan.
• Director of Policy and Public Engagement (Prior to 2018): Before becoming the Chief of Staff, Gonzalez played a key role in shaping the city’s policies and public engagement efforts during her tenure as Director of Policy and Public Engagement in Mayor Nirenberg’s office.
• Consultant at Andrade-Van de Putte & Associates: Currently, Gonzalez works as a consultant at Andrade-Van de Putte & Associates, providing her expertise on various public policy matters

Political Activities

In 2022, Gonzalez ran for the Democratic nomination for Bexar County Judge but was not successful.

Community Involvement

Gonzalez has been active in numerous community organizations:

• San Antonio River Authority: She has contributed to efforts related to environmental stewardship and water resource management.
• Board Memberships: Gonzalez has served on the boards of the Empower House (formerly Martinez Street Women's Center) and Healthy Futures of Texas, where she has worked to improve women's health and community well-being.
• Mayor's Commission on the Status of Women: She has advocated for women’s rights and gender equality through her work on this commission.

Recognition

In 2021, Gonzalez was honored as "Woman of the Year" by the San Antonio Business Journal's 40 Under 40 list, for her leadership as Mayor Nirenberg's Chief of Staff during the Covid 19 Pandemic and Winter Storm Uri.

Endorsements

Gonzalez has garnered several endorsements from prominent political figures and organizations, including:

• Mayor Ron Nirenberg: Nirenberg publicly endorsed her candidacy for the District 8 council seat,.
• Former County Judge Nelson Wolff
• Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai
• Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez
• Former District 2 and 8 Councilman Art Hall
• Labor and Community Organizations: She has received endorsements from the San Antonio Police Officers Association, Deputy Sheriff’s Association of Bexar County, San Antonio AFL-CIO, Communications Workers of America Local 6143, Northside AFT, Northeast AFT, and AFSCME.

Personal life

Ivalis Meza Gonzalez resides in San Antonio's District 8 with her husband, Manuel, of eighteen years, and their two children.

Ivalis Meza Gonzalez is a dedicated public servant and community advocate with deep roots in San Antonio, Texas. Born and raised in the city, she and her husband have been residents of District 8 for the past 15 years, where they are raising their two children.

Ivalis holds a Juris Doctor degree from St. Mary's University School of Law. Her professional journey includes serving as Chief of Staff to Mayor Ron Nirenberg, where she played a pivotal role in organizing the community's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In recognition of her efforts, she was named "2021 Woman of the Year" in the San Antonio Business Journal's 40 under 40 list.

Beyond her role in the mayor's office, Ivalis has contributed to the community through her work with Andrade-Van de Putte and Associates, a lobbying firm founded by former Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade and former state Senator Leticia Van de Putte. She has also been actively involved with organizations such as Healthy Futures of Texas and the Martinez Street Women's Center.

In 2022, Ivalis sought the Democratic nomination for Bexar County Judge, demonstrating her commitment to public service and community leadership. She is currently a candidate for the District 8 seat on the San Antonio City Council in the May 2025 election, aiming to bring her extensive experience and dedication to the community to this role.

Throughout her career, Ivalis Meza Gonzalez has been committed to enhancing the quality of life in San Antonio through her professional endeavors and community involvement.​

With her extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, her platform is advocating for safer neighborhoods, improved infrastructure, economic growth, and preserving green spaces in the rapidly growing district.

Her campaign has already earned major endorsements from prominent leaders and organizations, including:

• Mayor Ron Nirenberg
• Former Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff
• Former District 8 Councilman Art Hall
• San Antonio Police Officers Association (SAPOA)
• San Antonio AFL-CIO
• Northside AFT (American Federation of Teachers)
• AFSCME City Employee Union
  

Ivalis Meza Gonzalez is a dedicated public servant and community advocate with deep roots in San Antonio, Texas.