Barbara was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. She graduated from W.B. Ray High School (class of 1984, valedictorian), and then was accepted to attend the University of Texas, in Austin. After a full review of Barbara’s academic credentials, the University of Texas offered to Barbara its Presidential Scholarship Award as an incentive to secure her attendance. Barbara completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Texas in 1989 with a degree in Petroleum Engineering.  She was then accepted into the University of Houston – School of Law – from which she earned her Juris Doctorate degree in 1992.  

Barbara is a distinguished professional who is always engaged with her community. From 1992 through 2004, Barbara was co-owner of an independent oil and gas exploration and production company active in the development of natural gas reserves in South Texas. In 2004, she formed her own exploration and production company, Canales Exploration LLC; and later became a partner in Mother Ocean LLC (a real estate investment company). Presently, she is a practicing attorney, active with several businesses, and serving her third term as a Nueces County Commissioner for the Port of Corpus Christi (having been appointed by County Judge Loyd Neal). The Port of Corpus Christi is the fourth largest port in the United States by tonnage, and the country’s number one crude energy export port while earning the 2018 TCEQ Environmental Excellence Award.  

Barbara serves on many distinguished boards in support of civic and non-profit organizations. She is one of three children of J.A. (Tony) and Yolanda Canales – a well-known South Texas family with a proud history of service to our community and country (Dr. Hector P. Garcia, and Dr. Cleo Garcia). Barbara is the mother of five beautiful adult children – Caroline, David, Natalie, Daniel, and Jacqueline.