The ZAVALA organization developed in 2001 when Chuck Neale, Director of the Wichita Falls Community Foundation, and Carroll Wilson, then-Editor of Wichita Falls Times Record News noted the increased growth in the Hispanic population and the need to have Hispanics involved in leadership positions. They also chose Zavala Hispanic Cultural Initiative for the organizational name, after Lorenzo de Zava
la a historically significant Texan for his leadership role as a diplomat, democratic reformer, writer/publisher and Vice-President of the Republic of Texas. Zavala became a special project fund of the Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation in the Fall of 2003. Then on January 9th of 2003, the Texas Secretary of State issued a formal charter and approved the By-Laws and the Articles of Incorporation. In addition the Zavala Board received a resolution of commendation from the Secretary of the State of Texas on May 22th, 2003. Zavala has been an active nonprofit organization over the years and presently. With great pride and dedication, Zavala continues its commitment:
to preserve the unique cultural gifts of Hispanic Heritage and
to empower the Hispanic community to become fully engaged in overall community opportunities and challenges.
