Bobbie Garza Hernandez: Advocating for inclusion and empowerment through pink PR

 By Ashley Waters

News Reporter

As Women’s History Month celebrates women across various fields, one name stands out in the realm of public relations and community engagement: Bobbie Garza Hernandez.

A San Marcos native with deep Indigenous and Mexican American heritage, Hernandez is the founder of Pink PR, a firm dedicated to giving voice to minority communities, advocating for fair business practices and ensuring that historically marginalized groups have a seat at the table.

Hernandez was born into a family with seven generations of history in San Marcos, and her upbringing was shaped by her parents’ commitment to civil rights and community activism.

“Both of my parents established successful businesses when we were children,” said Hernandez. “We grew up working in those businesses while living in a home that was at the center where diverse neighborhoods connected.”

Her early experiences instilled in her a strong sense of justice, hard work and the value of education. Hernandez graduated from St. Edward’s University in Austin and began her career working with youth programs before transitioning to policymaking and community organizing for Austin City Council Member Gus Garcia. These experiences laid the foundation for what would become Pink PR.

The firm was initially founded after Hernandez was contacted to help the Austin Hispanic Contractors Association gain equitable opportunities in high-profile building projects.

What began as a consulting arrangement evolved into a mission-driven public relations firm focused on supporting minority- and woman-owned businesses in an industry that has historically overlooked them.

“Working with minority and women contractors and helping them build their businesses brought me much joy,” said Hernandez. “Expanding our work to include community outreach and engagement added another valued experience.”

Throughout her career, Hernandez has also navigated challenges unique to her background. While she acknowledges the systemic disparities in pay and opportunity faced by Hispanic and Indigenous women, she says she has observed an unexpected trend in her own experience.

“I received support from Hispanic and Indigenous women, Black women, and sometimes White women,” said Hernandez. “Surprisingly, I faced the most resistance from Hispanic males, while White males often provided business opportunities, not seeing Indigenous women as a threat.”

Despite these challenges, Hernandez developed a code of ethics for Pink PR, focused on empowering communities and expanding cultural diversity within the public relations field. The firm eventually built a reputation for its emphasis on community-based practices and diversity.

Hernandez takes pride in many of the projects her firm has led, particularly those impacting communities of color. Notable projects include the Austin Convention Center Expansion and the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center where she helped integrate minority- and women-owned businesses into significant development initiatives.

She is currently focused on the St. John Site Project in Austin, a mixed-use development that highlights the history of the neighborhood while constructing the Cultural Center for the Indigenous Cultures Institute, which aims to educate the community about Coahuiltecan heritage.

Mayor Jane Hughson, a longtime friend of Hernandez, says Hernandez is integral to planning the first-ever Indigenous Culture Center in San Marcos.

“Seeing leaders like Bobbie succeed and uplift others is inspiring. Her work exemplifies the kind of community-driven leadership that makes a lasting impact,” said Hughson.

Women’s History Month holds particular significance for Hernandez because it highlights the often-overlooked histories of Indigenous and Mexican American women. Her dedication to preserving these histories continues to inspire her work.

“I believe that the 27-year existence of my company inspires other women,” said Hernandez. “I have assisted others in accessing resources to start and expand their businesses. Our voices and perspectives are much needed in a world that attempts to silence and oppress communities of color.”

For aspiring Indigenous women entrepreneurs, Hernandez has simple advice:

“Don’t let anything stop you. Find those who will share their knowledge and resources with you. Never forget the community that raised you, and always help other women on their journeys.”

Hernandez takes pride in staying true to her core values and ensuring that the voices of the community are heard in her work. As Pink PR grows, the firm remains committed to creating opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses and fostering meaningful community relations.

Through resilience, advocacy and a commitment to inclusivity, Bobbie Garza Hernandez has not only built a successful business but also a lasting legacy of empowerment.

Her story serves as a reminder this Women’s History Month of the strength and influence of Indigenous women in business and beyond.