Meet our 2020-2021 President: Sueli Tovar-Villarreal

Sueli was born and raised in Harlingen, TX and attended Harlingen High School South. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with her Doctorate Degree in Pharmacy (Pharm D) and completed a post graduate pharmacy residency at the Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center in Houston, TX. In 2010, she moved back to Harlingen and established the first PharmD run Medication Therapy Management (MTM) clinic for the Harlingen Veteran Affairs Outpatient Clinic where she currently works. Recently, Sueli was promoted to a Supervisor position as the Pharmacy Pact Clinical Program Manager for the Harlingen Veteran Affairs Outpatient Clinic. She is an active member of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church and serves as a lector during Sunday masses. She joined the Junior League of Harlingen in 2014 and has served on various committees and placements including the South Texas Sizzler committee, 70th Anniversary Committee, Grant Writer, Strategic Planning and Placements Director and is currently serving as the 2020-2021 President of the Junior League of Harlingen. Sueli and her husband, Gabriel, have two beautiful daughters, Elise and Mia.

Why Junior League? I joined the Junior League of Harlingen (JLH), like many, to volunteer and give back to my community. Growing up, my Mother was an active member of the American Red Cross and instilled in me at an early age the spirit of volunteerism. I have served within my church community for as long as I can remember and after I returned home from college I wanted to find an organization to expand the impact of my efforts in my community.

I was drawn to JLH because I saw the opportunities to connect with other women from different backgrounds and varied interests. Anytime JLH women come together you will find a room full of women in all different stages of their lives with diverse perspectives. I quickly learned that great things happen when this highly motivated group of women come together to reach a common goal.What I did not anticipate were all the ways JLH would help me in my own personal growth and development.  JLH allows me to broaden my horizons in ways neither my job nor other social circles has allowed. It has provided me opportunities to step out of my comfort zone and develop important skills in leadership, fundraising, organizing events and even grant writing.

In addition to personal growth, I have made lifelong friendships with so many women. Our friendships continue to grow as we welcome new members, organize events, and work on projects to benefit our community.  The support these women have added to my life is invaluable.