A fifth-generation Northern New Mexican, Beatriz was raised in a humble rural tradition that values hard work, family, religion, compassion, and cultural heritage. She married Juan I. Gonzales, raised six children, and is the proud grandmother of 14 grandchildren. She has been a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church since 1953. Through the efforts of Juan and Beatriz, a construction-related company grew from three employees to 80. After the death of her husband in 1975, Beatriz kept the construction business going despite the challenges of being a leader in a male-dominated industry.

Beatriz donated a kidney to her sister, is the first woman to receive the "Hispanic Business Person of the Year" Award, was honored as an "Unsung Hero of Taos," received the State Farm Insurance national award for Embracing Life after tragedy and hardship in 2005, and was profiled in a scholarly research project chronicling the lives of women in Northern New Mexico that was shown on national PBS television. Beatriz's leadership and commitment shine in her extensive involvement in business and community affairs and membership in numerous service organizations.

A member of Holy Cross Hospital Foundation since 1997, Beatriz believes we should all do everything we can to support our wonderful hospital and the health of residents of Taos County and surrounding areas.