BakerRipley is proud to announce the appointment of Irma Diaz-Gonzalez as the new Chairwoman of its Board of Directors for 2025. A respected leader with more than 30 years of experience in business, workforce development, and civic engagement, Irma steps into this pivotal role at a time of great momentum and renewed focus for the organization.
In this role, Irma will help guide the organization’s strategic vision, strengthen board governance, and ensure BakerRipley continues to deliver on its mission of connecting families and communities to resources, education, and economic opportunities. Her leadership brings a fresh yet deeply rooted perspective—one that reflects Houston’s diversity, resilience, and spirit of service.
This new chapter is more than a change in leadership, it’s a celebration of service, progress, and purpose. With Irma at the helm, BakerRipley is ready to advance its legacy and uplift those in need.
Meet Irma Diaz-Gonzalez
Irma Diaz-Gonzalez is a force for change in Houston’s civic and business landscape. As the Chief Executive Officer at ETC, Inc., a leading workforce and staffing firm, she has spent over three decades championing access to employment, economic mobility, and equitable opportunities for all.
Irma has long been a respected voice in Houston’s nonprofit and civic communities. She has served as Chair of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, led initiatives with Mi Familia Vota Texas, and contributed meaningfully on the Board of Trustees for United Way. Her community-first mindset is grounded in action and results.
Irma brings not only her résumé, but her heart to every role she takes on. Her appointment as Chair of BakerRipley’s Board of Directors reflects a powerful synergy between lived experience, strategic leadership, and a deep understanding of Houston’s diverse communities.
What Her Appointment Means for BakerRipley
Irma Diaz-Gonzalez stepping into the role of Chairwoman signals more than a leadership change, it represents a renewed commitment to community-centered progress. With over three decades of experience driving workforce development and strategic growth, Irma brings a vision that aligns perfectly with BakerRipley’s mission to connect Houston’s diverse neighborhoods to opportunity.
Her expertise in economic empowerment and job creation is especially significant at a time when many families are seeking sustainable paths to financial stability. Having led ETC, Inc. through dynamic shifts in Houston’s labor market, she understands how to build programs that truly meet people where they are. Her guidance will be instrumental in expanding BakerRipley’s efforts in upskilling, employment support, and neighborhood development.
Moreover, Irma’s appointment strengthens BakerRipley’s commitment to inclusive leadership. As a trailblazer with deep roots in the city’s Hispanic and civic organizations, she brings valuable insight into the lived experiences of the communities the organization serves. Her track record shows a rare blend of business acumen and community compassion, qualities that will help steer BakerRipley into its next chapter with clarity, empathy, and bold ambition.
With her leadership, BakerRipley is well-positioned to deepen its impact and continue building pathways of opportunity for all Houstonians.
