Despite the fact that they grew up on opposite ends of the world, Lia and John found each other at a Salsa dancing class in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s hard to believe that Lia almost did not go. That first evening, the Salsa instructor paired up all of the students and Lia and John became dance partners. This was just the beginning of a lifetime of learning together. Lia and John got married in Houston, TX and 24 years later, they are still learning how to Salsa. Well, John is still learning.

Lia grew up in Pozzomaggiore, Italy on the island of Sardegna. The island of Sardegna is home to the nuraghe, ancient and massive pyramid-like structures which are over 9,000 years old.  Sardegna has stunningly beautiful beaches, clear blue water, and a rich vibrant culture. Sardegna is the oldest landmass in Italy with traditions older than the Italians and Romans. Lia came to the U.S. on foreign exchange while pursuing higher education. Lia speaks five languages and wanted to master English. Her university counselor recommended that she learn American English vs. British English. Before her exchange, Lia played semi-professional soccer Series C for and attended the Universita’ degli Studi – Facolta’di Magistero in Cagliari. All of Lia’s paternal and maternal relatives live in Sardegna, Rome, and other parts of Italy. Lia’s immediate family are her beautiful mom Vittoria, her two brothers Roberto and Raffaele, and their wives Slyvia and Eleonora. Her nephew and nieces are Giovanni, Chiara, Ilaria, and Adele.

John grew up in New Braunfels, TX with his sisters Frances and Angie. His nephews and niece are Franklyn, Nicholas, Patrick, Timothy, and Ashley. He attended Texas State University and was active on campus as a resident of the honors hall, as the Student Body President, a state and national student government officer, and a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Their diverse backgrounds have led them to a life filled with travels and a zest for exploring. The travel itch passed down to their son, Stefano G. Munoz, who was born in Houston, TX. Stefano is 21 years old, speaks seven different languages and is currently a student at NMSU. When in Europe, Stefano speaks German, Spanish, Russian, and Italian. He is currently learning Japanese and is quite gifted on the piano. During his time at Organ Mountains High School, Stefano was incredibly active in orchestra and Chinese Club. John, Lia, Stefano, and friends traveled to China where Stefano was able to utilize his language skills. Native speakers in China were very complimentary about Stefano’s command of Mandarin Chinese and his ability to maneuver various dialects. Stefano’s goal is to work in international business or with the State Department. The family has taken many trips together, including trips to Mexico, Italy, Spain, China, Jamaica and Canada (to name a few.)  Despite all of their travels, the family lists Las Cruces as their favorite city in the world. This is home to them. 

Lia and John are both very active in our community. Lia works as an Account Executive for Air Methods (locally branded as Native Air), an air-medical emergency transport agency that serves our local hospitals. Native Air helicopters, pilots, flight medics, and flight nurses are here to support the local EMS teams and hospitals when the most critical patients require a higher level of care and need to be transported in a timely manner. These amazing people work around the clock every day giving up birthdays, anniversaries, and other family time to take care of others.  Lia recently earned the Account Executive of the Year award and was recognized by Air Methods for her dedication and results. From a personal perspective, Lia loves her community and her work with Native Air.

John has been a successful business leader in New Mexico. John is the Chief Experience Officer at Electronic Caregiver (affectionately known as “ECG”). For those of you who don’t know, ECG is a technology and healthcare company, with its home base at the 506 Main Street highrise in downtown Las Cruces. Recently Electronic Caregiver (ECG) was named amongst Inc Magazine’s 5000 fastest growing companies. They Ranked 968 nationwide. Electronic Caregiver was nominated yet again this year for this very prestigious recognition and they are currently awaiting the announcement to see if they again made the list of the 5000 fastest growing companies. ECG is poised to be the first Fortune 500 company in New Mexico. This company is slated to not only improve health outcomes for our population through comprehensive health monitoring, but change the healthcare industry for the better, according to the company’s founder and CEO, Tony Dohrmann. John is also currently a member of the KRWG Patron Board of Directors and is the Chair of the Downtown Partnership.   “The downtown Las Cruces and Arts and Culture district, which we affectionately call ‘The District,’ are thriving with new businesses, with many returns and new visitors. The District is also in store for new incredible activities.” Muñoz said.

The Muñoz family loves to spend time at their dinner table, talking with family and friends or on their patio, relaxing by the pool that Lia designed as an oasis after their long work days. In fact, their home is their favorite dinner spot in town. This luminary family is very engaged and invested in our community. They feel very blessed and grateful to have wonderful friends, family, and work-family whom they love. There is still much more to do and to give back.

What’s your favorite thing about Sonoma Ranch? The beautiful views and beloved neighbors.

Hobbies: We love to volunteer. Occasionally, John works on their garden in New Mexico and their garden in Italy.

Favorite Restaurant: On places to eat, there are so many great restaurants in Las Cruces. We have been very fortunate to experience so many wonderful restaurants around the world. John says, “I will answer how Stefano answered this question on a television interview years ago when he was very little. The host asked the kids their favorite places to eat. Mcdonald's and Panda Express topped the charts. When the host asked, without hesitation, Stefano answered ‘My mama’s kitchen’ as his favorite place to eat. Same answer for me.”

Vacation Destinations: Lia’s favorite place to visit, aside from Italy, is Australia. Lia said, “ That country is an extraordinary place, beautiful, and absolutely wonderful and friendly residents.” John enjoys Italy, Mexico, Texas, and Southern Spain. Stefano likes Italy, China, and Canada. And of course, home in Las Cruces is top of the list for the entire family.

Favorite Sports Teams: John is a Dallas Cowboys fan and Lia who played semi-pro soccer in Italy loves the Squadra di Calcio Fiorentina.  

Favorite Music: There is always music being made or played at home. Alexa has made us a very eclectic playlist with jazz, country, Tejano, Italian, Spanish, pop, opera music, and yes, an occasional Salsa song.