Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo appoints first Hispanic to Executive Committee

HOUSTON – The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo added a Hispanic to its executive committee this year for the first time in its 92-year history.

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Garcia grew up around rodeo, with former president and chairman Louis Pearce Jr. being his inspiration.

“I got involved since I was a little kid because my dad worked for a very dedicated gentleman, Louis Pearce Jr., so I grew up out here,” Juan Garcia said. “I was always proud because I could always say I knew him.”

After graduating from law school, Garcia joined the HLSR Legal Advisory Committee and, shortly thereafter, the Go Tejano Committee.

“We have a direct impact on the Hispanic community and, more importantly, the Hispanic children and families that are here, and that was my calling,” Garcia said.

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In 2023, the Go Tejano committee awarded $20,000 in scholarships to nearly 30 students. This is also where Garcia met his wife Isela during his first year.

“I have always had a great passion for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo,” she said. “It was a dream coming from a small town.”

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Garcia has served as an officer and vice president for the past four years. That year, the Executive Committee elected him as its newest member, making him the first Hispanic to be accepted onto the HLSR Executive Committee.

“To actually achieve this is huge for me and a great honor,” Mr. Garcia said.

He said he couldn’t have done it without the support of his family.

“I was obviously very happy and proud,” Ms. Garcia added.

The term of office of the Executive Committee is nine years. It is responsible for decisions that affect the future of rodeo.

“At the committee level, you plan for this year,” Mr. Garcia said. “On the Executive Committee, you’ll be dealing with additional strategic decisions for the next 10, 20 to 50 years, decisions that will impact our community, the show and of course the grantees who will receive them for years to come.”

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Juan and Isela Garcia said this is an opportunity for others in the Hispanic community.

“We are paving the way for this generation to strive to be the best,” said Isela Garcia.

Mr. Garcia said he is looking forward to his first rodeo season as a member of the executive committee.

“It doesn’t really matter that I’m first,” he concluded. “It’s more that it gives others who come behind me hope that they can do it too.”