San Antonio Woman Magazine JAN/FEB 2026

Preserving The Stories Of African Descendants That Make San Antonio a Tapestry of Colors and Cultures

January/February 2026

18 Cover Story

CEO/Director Deborah Omowale Jarmon is leading the way in the SAAACAM's future expansion into the historical Kress-Grant Building downtown.

23 Feature Story

DreamWeek has always been shaped by women who organize, mobilize, and inspire. For 2026, meet three women who stand at the center of this work, representing different generations and perspectives while sharing a commitment to equity, innovation, and communitybuilding.

26 Guy to Know

Beto Altamirano, CEO of Tech Bloc, credits the two most important women in his life for helping him be the person he is today, and brings his passion for advocacy and technology to guide our city into the future.

60 Women in Business

Toyotetsu’s Leslie Cantu is a pivotal player in the TX FAME Alamo program’s mission to develop a modern, skilled manufacturing workforce in San Antonio and South Texas.

Lifestyle

Women in Business

18 Cover Story: Deborah Omowale Jarmon, CEO/Director, San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum

23 Feature Story: Women Leading DreamWeek San Antonio 2026 “Revelations”

26 Guy to Know: Beto Altamirano, CEO, Tech Bloc 28 Erika Prosper: Honey, I’m Writing a Book

31 Fashion: Fresh Year, Fresh Closet

34 What’s In Your Bag? Frances Schultschik

36 Best Practices with Dr. Murphy: Life is Good..When Living the Rectangle! 37 Beauty: Clean Beauty in S.A. 39 At Home Extra: Whitney Schones of ESTATE 40 At Home: Courtney Balsam Interior Design “New Year, New Home”

47 Dossier: Private Banking and Wealth Management 56 Beyond the Boots: Karrie Fristoe, Double Eagle Innovations LLC zand Children’s Book Author 59 Women in Manufacturing

60 TX FAME Alamo Chapter and It’s President, Leslie Cantu

62 Showcase: Carla Wright and Carla Underwood, Toyota Texas

66 Showcase: Milea Amanai, American Katerra

68 Showcase: 80|20 Foundation and City Education Partners

73 Business Woman Spotlight: Lisa Lewis, CPS Energy, Chief Administrative Officer

To Your Health

76 American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women

80 Medical Vein Clinic: The Hidden Connection Between Your Veins and Your Heart Health

82 Porter Wellness: Finding Your Roots 84 Audicles Hearing: Hearing Aids Vs Hearing Care - What You’re Really Paying For 88 Preparing for the SAT 89 School Directory

96 Weddings: Rileigh and Mica Kubacak, Kimpton Santo San Antonio Riverwalk 98 SA Curated Dining: Heart Health Dining 101 Hill Country Curated: New Braunfels’ 7th Annual Love the Run You’re With 5k

CONTRIBUTORS

Rudy Arispe Writer

Dr. Bill Murphy

Contributing Beauty Editor Best Practices, Dr. Bill Murphy

Chelcee Porter

Contributing Welness Editor Pharm D, IFMCP

Lainey Berkus Writer What's in Your Bag

Edie O'Brien

Contributing Fashion Editor Edie Styles

David Teran

Photographer

David Teran Photography

Jennifer Denton

Photographer Jennifer Denton Photography

Suzanne Pack Photographer

Celebrated Reflections

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Deborah Omowale Jarmon

Cathleen Lane cathleen@sawoman.com

DIRECTOR OF SALES & PARTNERSHIPS

Dale Lane dale@sawoman.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Taylor Lane taylor@sawoman.com

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Kimberly Pipes, PCM®, CDMP kimberly@sawoman.com

ADVERTISING SALES

Cindy Jennings cindy@sawoman.com

Bruce X. Forey bruce@sawoman.com

FASHION EDITOR

Edie O’Brien

WRITERS

Blithe Wiley

Lainey Berkus

Rudy Arispe

Bill Murphy, MD

Edie O’Brien

Chelcee Porter IFMPC

John Hogg, MD

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jennifer Denton

Suzanne Pack

David Teran

PRINTING

Shweiki Media

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EDITOR'S LETTER

A new year always brings a sense of possibility — a moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead with hope. In this January/February issue of San Antonio Woman, we’re celebrating women whose leadership, passion, and purpose are shaping our city in meaningful ways.

Our cover story introduces you to Deborah Omowale Jarmon, CEO and Director of the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAACAM). Deborah’s work is deeply rooted in honoring history, amplifying voices, and creating space for stories that deserve to be preserved and shared. Her leadership is thoughtful, intentional, and inspiring — a reminder that understanding our past helps guide a stronger, more inclusive future.

That sense of connection and vision carries through our feature on DreamWeek, a powerful annual gathering of ideas, culture, and community. We highlight women leaders who are helping shape DreamWeek’s impact, fostering conversations that encourage understanding, creativity, and progress. Their voices reflect the heart of what makes San Antonio such a vibrant and dynamic place to live.

In our business section, we shine a spotlight on women in manufacturing — leaders who are breaking barriers, building businesses, and redefining what leadership looks like in an industry not always associated with women. Their stories are a testament to resilience, innovation, and the confidence to step into spaces where women have been historically underrepresented.

As you turn these pages, I hope you feel encouraged, inspired, and reminded of the strength found in women lifting one another up. Here’s to a year filled with purpose, possibility, and powerful voices leading the way.

Warmly,

Cathleen

Cathleen Lane Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Photography by Lynn Yao

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by Lynn Yao

CEO/Director, San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM)

Deborah Omowale Jarmon, CEO/Director of the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM), is passionate about her organization's mission and its plans for the future. The mission of SAAACAM is 'To collect, preserve, and share the history and cultural heritage of African descendants of San Antonio and the Southwest region."

Jarmon's father worked for CONRAIL when she was growing up, so she had the opportunity to travel all over the country by train, experiencing the different regional cultures of the U.S. "My parents were very intentional about exposing me to as many cultures as possible when I was growing up," she said. They visited the 1964 World's Fair in New York, the 1967 World's Fair in Montreal, Canada, and the 1968 World's Fair in San Antonio to experience their myriad cultural offerings. "My parents also taught me our African-American history that we weren't being taught in school. It was very important to them that I learn as much about our history as possible."

Jarmon reflected on her early exposure to racism and segregation, and how these experiences impacted her life and worldview. "Growing up, we traveled to Selma, Alabama, to visit my mother's father several times a year. We would only stop at gas stations and other establishments that were listed in The Green Book," Jarmon said. She also noted that they always packed a lunch for the trips, because so few restaurants were accommodating to Blacks in the South. The Green Book was an annual travel guide listing businesses that accommodated Black patrons during the racially segregated Jim Crow era.

Jarmon attended The Ohio State University, where she was selected to tutor fellow students at the school. "Ever since then, teaching and training others have always been a pivotal part of who I am," she explained.

Shortly after, Jarmon embarked on a career in the air traffic controller profession. "Back when President Reagan fired all the air traffic controllers in 1981, the government recruited civilians to fill the empty positions," Jarmon explained. She applied for a position with Air Traffic Control, was hired, and subsequently worked for the agency in several cities, ending in Oakland, California.

Jarmon retired in 2011 after a 27-year career in air traffic control. When she was ready to retire, Jarmon decided to move to San Antonio to be closer to her five grandchildren. "I wanted to be a positive influence in their lives," she

explained. She opened a bed and breakfast inn in King William and named it "Eva's Escape at the Gardenia Inn," after her mother. She operated this business for five years until she sold the building in 2017.

In 2012, she met Sho Nakpodia, founder of DreamWeek San Antonio, and he asked her to come work with the organization. Through her work with DreamWeek, she was introduced to the new SAAACAM organization and attended several of its open houses.

SAAACAM was established in 2017 at 430 N. Cherry Street in the Historic Sutton Family Home. In 2021, when SAAACAM moved into a 715 square-foot space in La Villita, the SAAACAM Board and leadership quickly realized they would soon need a larger space to hold their archives and exhibits. The search began for a possible new home for the museum. The late associate professor of history at Trinity University, Dr. Carey Latimore, was pursuing an opportunity to establish an African American civil rights history institute on the lower level of the historic Kress Building in downtown San Antonio. Latimore approached SAAACAM to see if the other floors of the Kress Building would be of interest as a new home for the museum.

"As soon as we moved into our space in La Villita, County Commissioner Rebecca Clay Flores saw that we needed a larger space and championed for us to get $5 million from the county," Jarmon said. "The city of San Antonio then matched this with $5 million, plus an additional $1.2 million in TIRZ dollars."

When SAAACAM was searching for a new Executive Director, Jarmon received a text about the opening. She responded that if she knew of some candidates, she would forward the text to them. The text replied that they wanted HER to apply for the position.

Not having direct museum work experience, she had to think it over. She talked with her husband and prayed about it, then decided to apply. After two interviews and the submission of a sample proposal on how to recruit and retain volunteers, she was offered the position.

The six-story Samuel H. Kress Building was built in 1939 as a "five and dime" store. This store was a precursor to the later "department store" and featured a wide selection of general merchandise, as well as a popular lunch counter.

The Kress Building's lunch counter was one of seven in downtown San Antonio that peacefully desegregated in 1960. The desegregation of these businesses briefly garnered national attention in the early 1960s and was a milestone in the U.S. civil rights movement.

"Moving our organization into a historic building such as the Kress-Grant Building is very significant to our African American community. For many years, we weren't able to eat at these lunch counters or try on clothes in the stores," she noted. "Now, we will have a space where we were previously denied access. Also,

now we will make this space accessible to everyone in the community," Jarmon said.

"Our goal at SAAACAM is to tell the San Antonio story through the lens of African descendants.

Our archives mostly grow through people in the community who come to us with their heirlooms. They seek to have these digitized," she said. "We also do a four-times-a-year 'History Harvest' in partnership with local churches. Our collection is primarily growing by the community coming to us to donate historical items."

Included in SAAACAM's current collection is the bill of sale for seven slaves owned by Thomas and Tabitha Grayson in the 1800s and the original sign for the Keyhole Club, an integrated San Antonio dance hall in the 1940s and 1950s.

SAAACAM closed on the purchase of the KressGrant building on Dec. 15, 2023. The goal for Jarmon and the board and staff of the SAAACAM is to move into the Kress-Grant Building renovated site in 2028.

The new 103,000 square-foot space will house exhibit space, a library, classrooms, a 400-seat auditorium, and a 12-room boutique hotel. In addition, dining facilities in collaboration with the St. Philip's College HBCU Hospitality Program will be established.

Overland Partners is the architect for the renovation. The architectural and design firm is committed to creating a new space that reflects the mission of SAAACAM to honor the stories of struggle, resilience, fortitude, and achievement of the San Antonio African-American culture.

Jarmon's passion for this organization is palpable. "This history speaks to me. I want children to see people who have thrived against all odds," she explained. "Today, we have a space where African Americans were once denied access. Now, we're making it accessible to everyone in the community. We are telling the San Antonio story through the lens of African descendants. The history of San Antonio is very rich – like a silk tapestry made of multiple colors and cultures."

Every January, DreamWeek San Antonio brings together thousands of voices across the city, including leaders, innovators, creatives, nonprofits, educators, and residents, to participate in one of the nation's most distinctive civic summits. Rooted in the values of diversity, equity, and the pursuit of the common good, DreamWeek has become a unifying platform for meaningful dialogue and community action.

The 2026 summit, themed Revelations, will take place January 9–31 and invites San Antonio to reflect, discover, and envision what is possible. Over 18 days, more than 250 events will unfold across the city, including speaker series, panel discussions, cultural showcases, chef collaborations, a citywide health fair, and cornerstone celebrations such as the Opening Ceremony Breakfast, the Awards Luncheon, and the DreamBall at the Historic Aztec Theatre.

Behind this expansive citywide movement are women whose leadership, creativity, and commitment bring DreamWeek to life. Their stories reflect the heart of the summit, bold visions grounded in service, collaboration, and community connection.

A Mission Rooted in Community

At its core, DreamWeek is a space for dialogue that invites San Antonio to explore ideas, confront challenges, and celebrate the strength of its diverse communities. The summit partners with corporations, universities, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, elected officials, faith leaders, and creative groups to activate programming throughout the city.

The theme Revelations encourages participants to look inward and outward, uncovering personal truths, elevating unheard voices, and spotlighting innovations shaping San Antonio's future. From food insecurity and housing to arts and culture, wellness, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership, DreamWeek programming reflects the full spectrum of community concerns and aspirations.

Each year, DreamWeek features more than 200 independently produced events created and hosted by individuals and organizations across the city. These include concerts, art exhibitions, mixers, workshops, panel discussions, talent showcases, and cultural activations. Every event offers an opportunity for dialogue, visibility, and collaboration, continuing DreamWeek's long-standing mission to cultivate understanding and inspire collective action.

Women at the Forefront of DreamWeek 2026

DreamWeek has always been shaped by women who organize, mobilize, and inspire. For 2026, three women

stand at the center of this work, representing different generations and perspectives while sharing a commitment to equity, innovation, and community-building.

Fawn Bevineau, MBA, PMP Lead Project Manager and Community Partnerships

As Lead Project Manager and Community Partnerships Director for DreamWeek 2026, Fawn Bevineau plays a pivotal role in shaping the summit's structure, programming, and strategic alignment. A respected real estate broker, entrepreneur, and community advocate, she brings more than a decade of leadership and project management experience to the organization.

Fawn's approach blends operational excellence with heart-centered leadership. Guided by her motto, Service | Experience | Trust, she bridges sponsors, civic partners, venues, volunteers, and community organizations into a synchronized movement. From curating speakers and panelists to designing inclusive experiences, her work ensures DreamWeek functions not only as an event series, but as a catalyst for lasting community impact.

For Fawn, DreamWeek is both professional and deeply personal. Her civic engagement was reignited through her women's collective, Girls Gone WiFi, which fostered reconnection with DreamWeek founder Shokare Nakpodia. Through that collaboration, her project leadership and community impact became integral to DreamWeek's continued growth.

"DreamWeek is where vision meets action," she shares. "It's a place where ideas are activated through people who care deeply about this city."

Tara Levine

Miss San Antonio USA, DreamWeek Ambassador

Tara Levine is making history as Miss San Antonio USA, becoming the first-ever 40-yearold, lawyer, mother of two, and military spouse to hold the title. Her achievement reflects a broader redefinition of leadership rooted in lived experience and service.

Beyond the crown, Tara is the founder and CEO of Talia's Team, a nonprofit organization dedicated to pairing young women with executive women in leadership roles. Professionally, she serves as Vice President of Financial Crimes, leading global efforts to combat financial threats, while also working as a certified personal development coach focused on purposeful living.

As a DreamWeek Ambassador, Tara brings a grounded and forward-looking voice to the summit. She supports community engagement efforts, amplifies youth participation, and helps connect younger audiences to DreamWeek's mission. Her presence reinforces a powerful truth: leadership is multigenerational.

Kausi Subramaniam

President,

Anuja SA

Kausi Subramaniam is a respected civic and cultural leader whose work has strengthened San Antonio's connection to arts, heritage, and cross-cultural understanding. Trained as a mechanical engineer, she brings analytical precision and creative vision to her leadership.

As President of Anuja SA, Kausi has been instrumental in advancing cultural exchange between San Antonio and Chennai, India. Under her guidance, initiatives such as Diwali SA have become beloved citywide celebrations, welcoming thousands and reinforcing San Antonio's global cultural identity.

Her commitment extends beyond events into education and long-term impact, supporting Indian performing arts and cultural preservation across generations. Married and the mother of two adult children, Kausi's personal values continue to shape her commitment to community.

In recognition of her contributions, Kausi Subramaniam has been named a DreamWeek honoree alongside April Ancira, Dr. Laverne Witherspoon, and Brenda Anz.

Founded With Intention

DreamWeek San Antonio was founded by Shokare Nakpodia with a clear vision to create a citywide platform rooted in dialogue, inclusion, and representation. From its inception, the organization has been shaped by diverse leadership that reflects the community it serves. For 2026, that vision continues through women whose leadership is strategic, operational, and deeply embedded in the work itself.

For DreamWeek 2026, that vision continues with purpose. Shokare has been deliberate in surrounding the organization with women leaders whose backgrounds, experiences, and values strengthen both the mission and execution of the summit. Their leadership is not symbolic, but operational, strategic, and deeply embedded in the work that brings DreamWeek to life.

Revelations: A Call to the City

DreamWeek San Antonio 2026 is more than a schedule of events. It is an invitation to discovery, collaboration, and collective growth. Through conversation, art, culture, and partnership, the summit seeks to illuminate shared truths and future possibilities.

As San Antonio looks ahead, DreamWeek poses a simple but powerful question:

What might we reveal about ourselves, our city, and our shared humanity when we come together with open hearts and open minds?

Go to Dreamweek.org for the full event schedule:

• Opening Ceremony Breakfast – January 9

• Awards Luncheon – January 16

• DreamHour Speaker Series – January 12–29 (weekday evenings)

• DreamHour Panel Series – January 12–29 (weekday evenings)

• Culinary + Chef Collaboration Weekly

• Daily Community Happy Hours hosted at Hard Rock Cafe

• Health & Wellness Fair- January 24

• DreamBall, the signature closing celebration – January 30

ABeto Altamirano CEO of TechBloc

By Rudy Arispe | Photography by David Teran

t 17, Beto Altamirano's life was upended when his father was deported from the Rio Grande Valley back to Mexico. Although the profound experience left him shaken and uncertain about his family's future, it would lead to his foray into politics and public service in hopes that other families would not have to endure such an ordeal.

"I was in the closet for the longest time about his deportation," Altamirano, a native of Mission, Texas, said. "I didn't tell anyone. My classmates didn't even know. There was a sense of shame. I wanted to find ways to fix what had happened to me and my father. It pushed me to learn

more about immigration policy. There was no social media like there is today, so it wasn't talked about. That was my introduction to politics."

And so he earned a bachelor's degree in government from the University of Texas at Austin and then gained valuable experience working with the U.S. Department of State, serving at the U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona. While there, he supported diplomatic staff with political reporting, public affairs, and consular operations, and acquired important knowledge about international relations and U.S. diplomacy abroad.

He also did stints working for Senator John Kerry in the U.S. Senate, as well as the White House, U.S. Trade Representative, and Texas House of Representatives. His work did not go unnoticed. In 2017, he was included in Forbes "30 Under 30" list.

Now, at age 36, Altamirano is combining his experience with politics with his love for technology innovation to help push forward the emerging industries of biotech, cybersecurity, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing for the benefit of San Antonio in his recent appointment as CEO of Tech Bloc, a leading advocacy organization for technology and innovation and dedicated to positioning the city as a national tech hub for the 21st-century economy.

Altamirano didn't have to spend hours researching the nonprofit organization to learn about its vision and goals prior to his interview for the CEO role. He was already serving on the board of directors.

"The policies, ideas, and goals were the same conversations back then, so I was aware of the direction of the organization," he said. "Now my focus is on bringing back a sense of advocacy to Tech Bloc. Moving into 2026, I want to focus on emerging industries."

Tech Bloc plans to kick off 2026 by launching an Emerging Industry Series in partnership with CNTR/ CTY to further promote the tech industry. It will feature panelists from the public, private, and academic sectors. For instance, the organization will host a panel in February on Cybersecurity, March will focus on Biotechnology, May will highlight Aerospace, and June will spotlight Advanced Manufacturing.

"These are the industries of the future," Altamirano said. "We must embrace them if we want to stay competitive. We also want to retain young talent, so they stay here. Another focus will be on quality of life, which includes bridging the digital divide through a partnership with SA Digital Connects."

Tech Bloc, Altamirano explained, has two signature initiatives to promote San Antonio's emerging tech industries: Tech Day and Tech Fuel. Tech Day is an opportunity for the tech community, such as entrepreneurs, to come together to share ideas, collaborate, and support each other. Tech Fuel, in conjunction with Bexar County, annually awards $100,000 in grants to local tech startups to encourage them to expand and scale nationally.

If his name and face look familiar, it's because you saw Altamirano in the media or on TV when he recently ran a strong campaign for mayor of San Antonio last spring. Altamirano finished in an impressive third place among a

field of 27 candidates. Not bad at all for a first mayoral run. His campaign focused on public safety, infrastructure, and economic opportunity.

"I was relatively unknown and did not have the name recognition that City Council people did," Altamirano said. "But we had a strong vision for the city along with great energy and passion. We beat every councilperson in the race. That speaks volumes about the narrative we had for San Antonio."

In addition to his work with Tech Bloc, Beto is CEO of Irys Technologies, which he founded in 2017. One of the company's biggest achievements is developing the 311 app for the City of San Antonio, which he said has significantly improved the lives of thousands of residents.

Altamirano credits the two most important women in his life for helping him be the son, husband, father, entrepreneur, and community builder he is today. The first is his mother, Amelia Zavala, a retired elementary school teacher and business owner of a bilingual school.

"Watching her balance students, customers, family, and community showed me what real responsibility looked like," he said. "She practiced it every day, and she taught me about leadership, service, and being curious about the world."

The other woman is his wife, Anna Fernandes, a tech executive, whom he met in high school. "She has been my biggest supporter. I couldn't have run for mayor if not for her," he said.

Whether Altamirano is championing for biotech and the potential it can bring to the city or helping strengthen communities, the city can rest assured that he will always advocate on its behalf and have San Antonio's best interests at heart. He is also proud to call the Alamo City his home.

"San Antonio is the capital of South Texas and the gateway to the rest of the United States," he said. "It's led by Latinos and represents the culture of South Texas. I've always wanted to be part of it."

Currently, Altamirano is optimistic about his future and that of San Antonio and can't entirely count out another bid for the Mayor's Office.

"As for a future run, I'm committed to continuing my public service in San Antonio and staying engaged in the issues facing our city," he said. "I care about this community, and I remain open to the ways I can best serve moving forward. For now, my focus is on doing the work, supporting strong leadership, and helping build long-term solutions."

Honey, I'm Writing A Book.

By Erika Prosper

Time alone was a premium, so I knew something was afoot when he declined a big event to take me out spontaneously. I had braced myself for something more mundane, yet serious, like a principal's call he'd intercepted and needed to relay to me or a late-night Woot purchase that accidentally got us on the hook for 10 refurbished Roombas. This was not mundane. But it was serious.

We had already lived pretty publicly, but I had prided myself on keeping the boundaries around our tougher times, and around our son, pretty tight. I had also started to look forward to what was coming - Jonah's senior year of high school, with its rituals and college searches, the 8-year-long, honey-do list I had been compiling, and of course, time to reestablish an intimacy with who we each were now. A book meant time spent in the past, time with others, time eaten by distraction. I was not happy.

"Why?" I asked in dismay. "Most people know about you already, and they can look up the rest online. I don't see why this should be a priority."

He looked at me with those crinkles around his eyes as a shy smile formed. "Nah," he said. "They don't really know me." I was confused. Countless articles, TV appearances, and even heckling posts would beg otherwise.

"See, I want most of this book to be about growing up not knowing what I wanted, or needed, and then finding it, and you, along the way. I don't think that many people know these things about memy insecurities and my personal failures - stuff that really prepared me for the Mayor's seat. Maybe there's a person out there in similar circumstances, and they should know their future holds unlimited directions."

A million things went through both my heart and my mind at once. On one hand, I understood the logic, but on the other hand, I was seeing time being stolen. I was quiet for what seemed eternity, working out all the potential outcomes that were not favorable. It's a habit since childhood. Assess, evaluate, iterate. But, no matter how much I ran the possibilities in my head, my heart kept returning to those crinkled eyes and the softness in their look, the innocent imploring.

"What are you planning to start with?" I asked, assuming his childhood.

"Sophia," he said, almost in a whisper, as he looked me square in the eyes.

A knot formed in my throat. My stomach fluttered. I knew I had turned red.

"That's not your story. That's mine," I whispered back.

"No," he said with sternness. "She was my daughter, too."

By: Edie Styles, LLC

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Computer AND phone access

Effortlessly create stylish outfits from your own wardrobe.

Save time each morning with an organized and accessible virtual closet.

Gain confidence in your fashion choices with personalized style advice.

Always know what you have in your closet and how to wear it.

Enjoy a seamless shopping experience with curated recommendations.

Feel empowered and stylish for any occasion without the stress.

Have a personal stylist’s expertise available at your fingertips.

Transform your fashion sense and enhance your overall lifestyle.

Bag?

Frances

Schultschik

From Stilettos to Boots: Frances Schultschik's Inspiring Career Reinvention

By Lainey Berkus | Photography by Jennifer Denton

For 22 years, Frances Schultschik commanded boardrooms, dazzled in designer heels, and helped put San Antonio on the global map. As Director of Tourism and Marketing—and later, Director of Public Relations—for the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau (now Visit San Antonio), she orchestrated campaigns that showcased the city's rich culture to international audiences.

Frances brought San Antonio to the world through creative and visionary marketing strategies targeting Mexico, Latin America, Canada, Europe, and Asia, making San Antonio a primary leisure, business, cultural, and medical destination. Frances took great pride in her high-pressure leadership positions that created millions of dollars in earned media value year-round, impacted the tourism industry, and grew the economic impact in the Alamo City. Truly, this PR superstar and great storyteller shaped a smart strategic vision that branded our City in a competitive marketplace.

Some of the highlights of her career include bringing the national Today Show to the RiverWalk, its first live televised show outside of New York. She also created a media campaign for Mexico that included producing a couture fashion show in Mexico City while initiating collaborations with significant travel industry partners and civic business leaders.

But after years of high-stakes marketing and a successful run as an independent consultant, Frances traded press releases for pasture life, exchanging her power wardrobe for jeans, work gloves, and knee-high cowboy boots.

"I went from media briefings to mucking horse stalls—and I've never been happier," she laughs.

Now, twice a week, you'll find Frances at Osborne Equine Rescue, where she spends hours tending to neglected and abandoned horses. She cleans stalls while swaying to salsa and country tunes, hauls hay, grooms the horses, and hands out plenty of belly rubs and carrots. By the end of the day, she's covered in—you guessed it—dust, sweat, mud, and horsehair.

"These beautiful animals wouldn't have a second chance without the community's support," she shares. "Volunteers are the heartbeat of equine rescues, helping with barn maintenance, horse training, fundraising, and so much more."

Frances hopes to inspire others to join her in this hands-on, heartwarming work. "All you need is a little time, a whole lot of love, and a sturdy tote bag filled with work gloves, rubber boots, wipes, extra socks, and a change of clothes," she advises. "Oh, and my tote? It stays in the trunk—never inside the house!"

For Frances, this chapter of her life isn't just about giving back—it's about rediscovering joy in unexpected places. "I may not be making headlines anymore," she says, "but these horses have my heart, and that's more than enough."

Tip:

Grab your sturdy bag with strong handles, fill it with tools for barn mucking, and volunteer at Osborne Equine Rescue. Call 210-827-3136, Claudette Osborne. Bring a friend, your family, or your church group for a rewarding day of care and connection.

Life is Good….. When Living the Rectangle!

By Bill Murphy, MD, Medical Director, Turquoise Springs Medical Spa

If you have not been to a Gaylord Hotel property for the Christmas season, it is a must-see. My staff and I just returned from a medical/spa meeting in Fort Worth at the Gaylord Texan Grapevine. Beautifully decorated and impeccably landscaped, the lights, sounds, and smells of the holiday season overwhelm one's senses. We had a wonderful time learning about ways to make the lives of our patients better. Two days were spent learning the latest information for normalizing and improving hormone and thyroid management, the safe use of new peptides and supplements, and improvements of my long-time advice to my patients to "live the rectangle" and not the triangle.

The human species is meant to thrive, one generation after another. Why is this true? Our bodies, both men and women, are designed to encourage procreation, mating, and intimate relations, and the vital result is more human beings. There was a fascinating article in Discover magazine several years ago, on the subtle yet innate factors that encourage mating between males and females. Not the least of the factors is the level of hormones in our bodies after puberty. These peak from about 18 years to the late 20's and then begin to decrease after those optimal years for producing offspring. A slow decrease in women occurs in the 30's, but the dramatic decrease in "sex hormones" for women happens on average around 50 and is called menopause. For men, andropause begins in the early 30's and continues as a slow decrease over time. There is no dramatic or sudden decrease like with women, but a decreasing testosterone level continues for the remainder of a man's life.

If you can imagine the shape of this decrease in hormone levels, over time, in both men and women, as a shape, it would be a right-angled triangle. The high peak would be in the late teens and early 20's. The angled downslope progresses to the years beyond 60, 70, and into the 80's, where it forms a sharp angle near zero. We naturally live "the triangle", with some people experiencing a steeper decline than others. What hormones are we focusing on? Estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, thyroid, and growth hormone all change as we age. These abnormal levels affect energy levels, strength, libido, and the

effectiveness of our immune system to fight off disease and degeneration. Unfortunately, the cruelty of aging seems to be that once you are no longer able to help with "survival of the species," your body begins to degenerate, age, and start the process of dying over time. This is grim and a bit depressing, but a fact of life. But….whether you are female or male, and with the help of modern medicine, you have a chance to change geometric shapes for your life's trajectory or timeline! For the first time in the history of the world, we have a chance to alter this progression.

We can live the rectangle. It is possible to measure and adjust the various hormones and peptides in your body. You are able to safely optimize those levels in the range where they were when you were in your late 20's and early 30's. With your hormones maintained at the level of the peak of the triangle, and running parallel with the lower timeline, your triangle becomes a rectangle. At those levels of sex hormones, thyroid, cortisol, and others like DHEA, you were at your most vigorous. You were healthy, vital, almost bulletproof. You also had the strongest immune system of your life. Your skin was supple, smooth, elastic, and not thin like paper. Rather than allowing your hormones to slowly or abruptly go away to 20 or 30% of normal levels, let's consider living the rectangle instead. You will not necessarily live longer, but you will live better, feel better, feel stronger, and be able to resist disease to a greater extent, for as long as you live. Your bones will be stronger, your skin will have more collagen and elasticity, and there are good studies now to show there is a positive effect of the rectangle on decreasing heart disease and dementia.

The FDA is finally catching up and has taken the "black box warnings" off of bio-identical hormone therapy. These were wrongly placed after a flawed study in 2002 called the Women's Health Initiative. No matter your age now, you can benefit from "normalizing" your hormones. If you are "tired of being sick and tired", call 210-2533313 for a consultation to see what we can do together to change the shape of your life trajectory. Let's move you from a slow downhill triangle to a more healthy rectangle!

Clean Beauty in SA: Local Finds & Sustainable Picks

San Antonio’s beauty scene is embracing clean, conscious choices — and the results are good for your skin and the planet. From thoughtfully curated boutiques to Texas-made brands, clean beauty in SA is all about transparency, sustainability, and products that perform beautifully in our South Texas climate.

What Clean Beauty Really Means

Clean beauty focuses on formulas made without ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, while prioritizing plant-based actives, cruelty-free testing, and ethical sourcing. Look for brands that clearly label ingredients and explain why they’re used — transparency is key.

Local Finds to Love

San Antonio is home to boutiques that spotlight ecofriendly skincare, makeup, and wellness essentials, often featuring Texas-based or small-batch brands. These local shops are ideal for discovering mineral foundations, botanical facial oils, and refillable or recyclable packaging you won’t find in big-box stores.

Easy Eco Swaps

Trade disposable cotton rounds for reusable bamboo pads, opt for glass bottles over plastic, and recycle product empties when brands or retailers offer takeback programs.

Clean beauty isn’t about perfection — it’s about making mindful choices that feel good every day. Supporting local brands and sustainable practices means your beauty routine can reflect your values while keeping you glowing year-round.

Tips for Clean Beauty Shopping in SA

• Check local farmers markets, pop-ups, and makers’ events — handmade soaps, herbal balms, and skincare are frequently featured by local artisans.

• Many boutiques also partner with Texas-made brands that emphasize non-toxic, cruelty-free formulas.

Introducing ESTATE

By Whitney Schones

I have known Christi for 12 years, with the last 9 spent working directly on large-scale furnishing procurement. This successful relationship led to the natural evolution of a business partnership two and a half years ago. We are both beyond excited to have launched a unique boutique showroom connected to our design studio in Alamo Heights, allowing us to showcase the combined efforts of our talents and vision to the community of San Antonio.

Some of our most popular pieces—hands down—are swivel chairs. We install more swivels than anything else, and for good reason. They’re incredibly versatile, offering comfort, flexibility, and style without overwhelming a room. The real trick is choosing swivels that aren’t oversized, so they save floor space while still providing a perfectly comfortable sit—and that’s something we’ve mastered.

Another reason we love our swivels? They effortlessly adapt to how you live. Watch TV on one wall, then simply turn to chat with guests on the other—no shifting furniture or compromising flow.

While most clients prefer to keep their sofa neutral in a soft, durable fabric that will stand the test of time, accent chairs are the perfect opportunity to introduce color, pattern, and personality into a space. And that’s an area where we have both experience and expertise. (Expert tip: it’s all about the repeat!)

Come in, take a seat, and let our team help you special-order the perfect swivel chairs to bring new energy and style to your home.

Whitney Schones and Christi Pepper Founders, ESTATE

whitneyschones.com estatehometx.com

7701 Broadway Suite 139 San Antonio, TX 78209

New Year, New Home

Courtney Balsam Interior Design

By Courtney Balsam, Owner & Principal Designer

Photography By: Glass Lake Media

Anew year often inspires change—new routines, new goals, and a renewed sense of self. While many resolutions fade by February, one refresh that continues to give back is reimagining your home. Rather than chasing trends or overhauling every room, the most meaningful updates come from curating spaces that reflect your personality. When your home feels like you, it becomes a place of comfort, creativity, and intention.

Whether you're looking to make small changes or completely transform your space, the key to a successful refresh lies in creating a space that reflects your current style and needs. Start by identifying areas in your home that feel tired or outdated. Are you wanting to add a moody feeling or lighten up a space with a new wall color? Do your windows need to be dressed or updated with some fun curtains? Try swapping heavy furnishings and accessories for lighter ones or rearranging furniture to create a more open and inviting flow.

Your home should welcome your guests as soon as they walk through the door. The entry sets the tone for the design and aesthetics to come in each space. Adding art, lamps, throw rugs, and other points of interest keeps the eye moving through the space. Think outside the box- if you don't have architectural interest, create it with the addition of architectural panels or wallcovering. Add sconces or decorative ceiling lights to add visual interest.

Living Room Refresh

In living rooms, personality shines through layered details. A solid, textural sofa becomes more personal when paired with patterned throw pillows, an architectural side table, or a coffee table styled with meaningful books and objects. Artwork—whether framed prints, photographs, or thrifted finds—adds individuality and tells visitors what you value. Finding ways to incorporate sentimental pieces in meaningful ways makes them feel more intentional. Instead of filling shelves for the sake of symmetry, curate them with intention. A mix of plants, candles, and personal mementos brings warmth and authenticity.

Gather & Entertain

Dining areas are a great place to incorporate personality and interest. Displaying ceramics, glassware, or table settings you love can turn everyday items into décor. Colored candlesticks, fresh flowers, or a linen runner add interest without clutter. Incorporating window treatments or wallcoverings can also provide interest to an otherwise furniture-heavy space. These rooms often serve as gathering places, so curating them with warmth and practicality creates a welcoming atmosphere.

Creating a Comfortable Retreat

Bedrooms are ideal spaces for a reset because they reflect rest and self-care. Refreshing this room can be as simple as swapping bedding, introducing softer lighting, or incorporating colors that calm you. A bedside table styled with a favorite book, a small lamp, or a sentimental object instantly makes the space feel more personal. In the new year, the bedroom should feel like a retreat tailored specifically to you.

This open concept dining room needed a sense of identity. By incorporating architectural moulding to provide a natural starting and stopping point for the wallcovering, the dining space is defined while still integrated with the open concept living room.

Refreshing your home doesn't mean perfection—it means intention. Editing is just as important as adding. Start by taking inventory of each space. Assess if the room still fits your needs, and if it doesn't, determine how to best utilize the space. Clearing out items that no longer serve you makes room for pieces that do. As the new year begins, think less about trends and more about storytelling. When each room reflects your personality, your home becomes more than a space you live in—it becomes a reflection of who you are and who you're becoming.

Owner and Principal Designer at Courtney Balsam Interior Design is best known for her meticulous attention to detail, incorporating customized elements to create sophisticated homes that blend luxury with practicality. After graduating with a degree in Interior Design, Courtney Balsam has spent over 2 decades in the design industry, assisting clients in realizing their visions for their homes. From new construction, whole home remodeling, single room remodeling to decorative furnishings, accessories, and window treatments, we offer a full-service turn-key design to accommodate your needs.

Courtney Balsam Interior Design

By Lindsey Murphy

Follow @balsaminteriordesign on Instagram or Facebook (210) 816-7052 | www.balsaminteriordesign.com

DOSSIER

Private Banking and Wealth Management

Sendero has become known for its integrated approach to wealth management. How do you differentiate yourselves from traditional investment advisors?

Elizabeth Crawford, Partner | CEO | The Women’s Initiative Founder: While many firms provide investment management, we've built something fundamentally different. We're navigating wealth beyond investments—serving our clients from their first million to their last million, and everything in between. We're not just managing portfolios; we're architects of multi-generational legacies.

Katherine Smelko, Partner Liaison | Philanthropic Specialist: We become our clients' financial coordinator, delivering integrated wealth management by collaborating with attorneys, CPAs, and other advisors. Our approach streamlines and organizes financial affairs, enabling families to focus on what matters most.

What drives the focus on family engagement and empowering women financially?

Tara Maxwell, Partner | Family Engagement Founder: When families build lasting wealth, complexity can challenge healthy relationships. We offer tailored programs to support each generation in leadership, governance, transition, and value-based decision making. We designed The Women's Initiative to address the distinct financial needs women face. Our platform empowers women to confidently manage their finances and fosters positive, long-term relationships with wealth.

How does your grants management and philanthropic advisory work transform client giving?

Carol Ocker, Director of Grants Management: My expertise in board governance and multi-generational family engagement helps families move from reactive giving to organized, intentional philanthropy. We help them build sustainable giving strategies that teach each generation to be thoughtful stewards of wealth while maximizing their charitable impact.

Carmen Goerges, Grants Manager: After a decade, I've seen how transformative strategic philanthropy can be. We guide families to support causes they value most while creating enthusiasm and structure that unites families across generations around shared values and purpose.

Family offices have become essential for ultra-high-net-worth families. How does Sendero approach this need?

Julie Gerron, General Counsel | Chief Compliance Officer: I've seen how complex wealthy families' needs can become. My role ensures we maintain the highest standards while helping families coordinate all aspects of their financial lives. Family office services aren't just about organization—they're about creating a seamless experience where every element of a family's wealth works together harmoniously.

Kristina Craig, Partner | CFO | Vice President Estate & Tax: Estate planning is deeply personal and incredibly complex. With over two decades of experience, I help clients navigate these decisions with clarity and confidence. Whether it's understanding the tax implications of wealth transfer or considerations of structuring assets for the next generation, we simplify the complex while ensuring families maintain control of their legacy.

Investment management remains core to wealth management. How do you approach this responsibility?

Anne Chilton, Partner | Investment Advisor: I've focused on listening—really listening—to understand the challenges our clients face with wealth. Our approach is designed to deliver sophisticated and highly personal services focused on each family's or individual's unique needs. Many of our female clients appreciate having a woman advisor who understands both the numbers and the emotions behind financial decisions.

Lee Przybyla, Vice President Financial Planning: I've learned that success comes from focusing on the client's entire financial picture. It's about aligning financial decisions with values and life goals, from education planning to retirement transitions.

Sadie Schweers, Wealth Advisor: I work directly with families to understand their complete financial picture. We handle everything from business succession planning to risk management. My role is to ensure our clients can focus on living well while we handle the complexity of their wealth.

Q: What's your vision for the future of wealth management?

Crawford: We're proving that a local, partner-led firm can deliver institutional-quality investment management while maintaining deeply personal relationships. As one of San Antonio's leading local firms, with four of twelve partners being women, we're not just managing wealth—we're redefining how families experience financial partnership.

Photography by David Teran

JEFFERSON BANK

Discover the Distinction of Private Banking at Jefferson Bank

What type of clients benefit from having a Private Banker?

We cater to diverse situations: family offices, complex businesses pursuing personalized services, or wealthy families seeking approachable advisors. We understand the unique requirements of multi-generational family businesses, women, professionals, and entrepreneurs, so we aim to provide comprehensive financial solutions tailored to each client's needs.

What are some examples of Private Banking services you provide?

Because we have a small banker-to-customer ratio, our team closely monitors client accounts, allowing us to navigate a variety of situations and expedite requests across various bank departments. Serving as our customers' primary financial contact, we partner with their CPAs, lawyers, and other advisors to maintain an all-inclusive financial picture.

How do you differ from a wealth manager? How do you work together?

While our focus is on banking, we take a holistic view of our clients' financial lives—supporting them as they grow their business, strengthening their families' financial understanding, and planning strategically for their future. Our team coordinates with Jefferson Bank's trust department, lending teams, treasury management specialists, and our subsidiaries, 1900 Wealth and Sanger & Altgelt Insurance, to deliver fully integrated support at every stage of life.

What sets you apart from other Private Bankers?

Our goal is to work with clients and their families for generations. We want to guide our customers' children and grandchildren through significant financial milestones such as opening their first checking account, learning how to budget, or applying for their first mortgage. We believe that financial stability isn't just about numbers; it's about personal fulfillment. We prioritize service, common sense, and collaboration to build a legacy our customers feel proud to pass on.

Jefferson Bank Private Banking

1900 Broadway, Suite 900, San Antonio TX (210) 736-7600 | JeffersonBank.com

LISA BENTON

What do you want women to know about taking control of their financial future?

With the right guidance, every woman has the potential to shape her financial future. My role is to provide clarity, guidance, and a holistic plan so she confidently makes decisions that reflect her goals and values. Together, we can explore the full picture, from investments and retirement planning to helping plan for her family's future and building generational wealth. Financial strength is not just about numbers, it's about the freedom, choice and living life on your terms. When women feel informed and supported, they do not just feel confident in their future, they can help elevate their world and the generations who follow.

What do you love most about your work?

What I love most about my work is my clients, they inspire me every day. I have the privilege of guiding individual and business owners through complex financial decisions, supported by a firm and a highly skilled team that provide toptier resources to make the process seamless. Seeing their lives and business thrive and knowing that supporting them strengthens the San Antonio community makes this working deeply meaningful.

What credentials or experience do you bring to managing complex financial needs?

I bring a combination of credentials and real-world experience to guide families, executives, and business owners through financial decisions. I'm a CERITIFED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional with a master's degree that deepened my knowledge in managing complex wealth strategies, and I hold a Qualified Plan Financial Consultant designation, specializing in corporate retirement planning. I have seen countless scenarios that require practical solutions, from helping a business owner build and transition their company to supporting families with estate planning and generational wealth. I am passionate in helping clients navigate complex financial decisions.

FROST BANK

How do you tailor your financial strategies to fit each client's goals and lifestyle?

Wealth management allows me to build meaningful relationships with clients and help them through important life moments. I prioritize understanding both their current needs and long-term goals, so we can create a plan that evolves with them over time.

– Regina Garza, Wealth Management

What inspired you to pursue a career in private banking or wealth management?

What inspired me to pursue a career in private banking is the opportunity to build lasting relationships with clients and their families. My focus is on giving clients the attention they deserve, offering expertise they can rely on, and being available whenever they need support.

– Cindy Snyder, Private Banking

I was inspired to pursue a career in wealth management by the desire to truly make a difference in people's lives. I wanted a career where I could offer clear guidance and support people's goals. I'm proud of my Hispanic heritage, where community and helping others are core values. I was raised to support those around me, treat people like family, and show up when it matters—values I carry into my work with every client.

– Regina Garza, Wealth Management

How do you build lasting relationships with your clients?

I build trust with clients by taking a holistic view of their finances. I'm always looking out for opportunities and risks that could impact their overall financial picture. I stay proactive, consistent and available when clients need me.

– Gloria Connor, Private Banking

What do you love most about your work?

The greatest reward is seeing clients achieve their financial goals and ambitions. Providing a relationship that helps clients confidently navigate complex situations and focus on what truly matters in their lives is especially fulfilling.

– Gloria Connor, Private Banking

Bank 111 West Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78205 (800) 513-7678 | FrostBank.com

ARMAND FINANCIAL

Think Net Tailored Wealth Solutions

Sarah A. Ramirez, President

A Strategic Merger Built on Family, Excellence, and Growth

Sarah A. Ramirez, a Forbes-recognized Top 50 advisor and founder of Armand Financial, has joined forces with her husband, Gerardo "J.J." Ramirez Jr., Head of Agency and CEO of Think Net Tailored Wealth Solutions. Together, they bring over 30 years of combined experience and a commitment to making a difference for clients nationwide and advisors seeking to elevate their practice.

Sarah and J.J. reside in New Braunfels with their six children, ranging from 5 months to 24 years old. They understand firsthand what it means to plan for a family's future and adapt as life's needs evolve.

Growing to Serve and Empower

Rooted in Texas, we serve clients across the country through advanced virtual capabilities from our offices in The Pearl, New Braunfels, and Boerne. We are breaking ground on an 8,500 square foot office opening in May 2026. This expansion reflects our dual mission. We are delivering exceptional client service while sharing innovative concepts and advanced training for experienced advisors who are looking to take their business to the next level.

Who We Serve

We specialize in high-net-worth executives, entrepreneurs, and business owners who need sophisticated strategies that evolve with their changing needs, whether that includes scaling a business, planning an exit, or creating multigenerational wealth.

Our Core Philosophy: Think Net

We do not just focus on what you make. We focus on what you keep. Building wealth net of taxes means every dollar works harder and goes farther. For business owners, your company is often your largest asset. Without proper planning, taxes can significantly erode decades of hard work.

Making a Difference

With access to multiple platforms, including on-staff attorneys, alternative investments, tax strategies, and business consulting, we develop tailored plans designed to navigate complexity alongside you. We evolve our strategies as your life grows while empowering the next generation of elite advisors.

Think Net Tailored Wealth Solutions | Armand Financial & Insurance Solutions LLC

167 S. Seguin, New Braunfels, TX 78130 (210) 538-7091 | TNTWS.COM

Photography by David Teran

KIN WEALTH

Rebecca Boyd, CWS®-CEO and Founder of Kin Wealth | Victoria Martinez, CFP®, Financial Advisor

How do you tailor your financial strategies to fit each client's goals and lifestyle?

Rebecca: At Kin Wealth, we start by listening. Every family has its own story, values, and priorities, and our job is to understand those deeply before we ever talk about investments. We look at the full picture, your lifestyle, relationships, long-term dreams, concerns, and the stage of life you're in. From there, we build a personalized financial plan that reflects what truly matters to you. No two plans look alike, because no two families live the same life. My goal is always to make the financial side of life feel clear, manageable, and aligned with your purpose.

What inspired you to pursue a career in wealth management?

Victoria: My inspiration came from my mother, Rebecca Boyd, the owner of Kin Wealth. Growing up, I watched her evolve into an incredible advisor and CEO, and seeing the impact she had on clients sparked my passion for this career. Having early exposure to personal finance made me realize how life-changing financial knowledge can be. Today, I strive to share that same empowerment with others—helping clients achieve their dreams and feel confident about their future.

How do you build lasting relationships with your clients?

Rebecca: We think of our clients as part of our Kin Wealth family. That means showing up consistently, caring deeply, and taking time to understand the "why" behind every goal. We build long-term trust through transparency, education, and genuine connection. Many of our relationships span decades and multiple generations, and we honor that trust by being present in every season, easy or hard.

What do you love most about your work?

Victoria: I genuinely love helping people and getting to know them. Watching someone achieve their financial goals is incredibly rewarding. Having a career that allows me to make a meaningful impact on someone's life is truly special. Being part of our clients' journeys—celebrating milestones and helping them build a secure future—is something I'm deeply grateful for.

Kin Wealth

1020 NE Loop 410, Suite 340, San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 293-7998 | www.kinwealth.net

BROADWAY BANK

Casey Seitz, SVP, Estate Settlement Specialist, Michelle Beza, VP, Private Banker, Elizabeth Strait, SVP, Wealth Advisor/Trust Officer, Brandy McQuiston, VP, Private Banker, Khristene Cano, SVP, President and Chief Compliance Officer, Sarah Hansen, VP, Trust Advisor, Julie Hardaway, SVP, Director of Trust & Specialist Advisory Services, Tammy Wheeldon, SVP, Wealth Advisor/Trust Officer

What is your role in the financial services industry?

At Broadway Bank, our local Wealth and Private Bank teams are dedicated to simplifying our clients' financial lives and ensuring seamless banking, investing, and legacy planning. Our approach is uniquely personalized and tailored to our clients' definitions of success and the milestones that matter most to them. Our team is composed of best-in-industry experts who craft customized strategies, explore various lending options to achieve personal and business goals, and strategically access liquidity to capitalize on opportunities.

What sets you apart from other professionals in your industry?

As an independent, family-owned bank, we're deeply rooted in the communities we serve and committed to being here for generations to come. Our comprehensive, locally based team includes highly credentialed professionals who specialize in investment management, trust administration, real estate management, charitable giving, mineral management, and more. We believe the expertise of our local banking professionals, paired with our relationship-focused approach, positions our clients to achieve their goals with confidence.

What would you say to women considering a career in the financial services industry?

The financial services industry offers a rewarding path to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. To women considering this field, embrace your passion, be inquisitive, and lean toward collaboration. This industry is shaped by empathy, innovation, and diverse perspectives, which women are uniquely positioned to deliver. Choosing this path allows you to make a profound mark on your clients' lives, challenge yourself meaningfully, and create a rewarding career that grows alongside you.

Broadway Bank

1177 NE Interstate 410 Loop, San Antonio, TX 78209

Wealth Management (210) 944-1128

Private Banking (210) 805-8484

broadway.bank

Photography by David Teran

BEYOND THE BOOTS

Leadership and Legacy

KARRIE FRISTOE, COLONEL (RETIRED)

Double Eagle Innovations, LLC and Children's Book Author

Army / Colonel (retired) Medical Service Corps Officer/ Healthcare Administrator

How has your military career prepared you for your current job?

After retirement, my husband and I started our own consulting and program management company. We worked with federal government programs and contracting, which had its perks; however, we found the most rewarding experience was working with non-profits. San Antonio is filled with so many great nonprofits that do tremendous work. I have taken on leadership positions in most organizations in which I became involved. Most recently, I was voted to assume the role of Vice Chairman for the Guide Dogs of Texas (guidedogsoftexas.org).

In the Army, I was a healthcare administrator and had worked in some sort of medical setting since I was thirteen. Serving on the board for GDTX gives me the leadership background as well as the compassion to help the visually impaired become more independent. Although it is wonderful working with and getting updates on the dogs, it is truly about making the lives of the visually impaired better.

What advice do you have for other women who are transitioning out of the military into the civilian workforce?

Do what you love. I truly enjoyed every non-profit for which I served. As service members, we volunteered, and we were all civil servants. We were pushed out of our comfort zone, over and over. Don't lose that passion, challenge yourself, keep pushing yourself, and always find ways to give back to the community you love.

Who or what has helped you the most in your career?

I had great mentors, and I remain in touch with my first boss. He pushed me, he guided me, he challenged me, and he made sure I was rewarded with a very competitive assignment. This was the first time a woman had ever held that position. He and his boss took a chance on me. That mentorship and leadership style helped guide me through my 27-year Army career as well as life after the military. I've worked with many dedicated leaders in the Army, but I believe the best organizations are those with dedicated leaders who are not only concerned with the

current mission but also with raising the next leaders to ensure succession planning exists.

Anything else you would like to add?

My career started in San Antonio at Fort Sam Houston, and now this is the place I call home. I loved my Army career. I met great people (to include my wonderful husband) and experienced some unbelievable things. I will always cherish my service, and I am also thankful that it introduced me to the city of San Antonio!

WOMEN in BUSINESS

Women Making a Difference in our Community

TX FAME Alamo Chapter and Its President, Leslie Cantu

By

Manufacturing is a major industry sector in the San Antonio region, with nearly 63,500 jobs representing $1.23 billion (6.44%) of all wages paid in the region. The regional average manufacturing wage is $96,162, compared to the average regional wage of $81,592. Yet, for many K-12 students in our region, this potential career path flies under the radar.

Toyotetsu Texas Vice President of Administration Leslie Cantu is eager to play a key role in raising students' awareness of manufacturing as a rewarding and lucrative career path. When Bexar County formed the TX FAME Alamo chapter in 2016, it partnered with five founding local companies: Toyota; Toyotetsu; H-E-B; CPS Energy; and Takata. Cantu, who has worked in the local manufacturing industry for nearly 20 years, was named Treasurer of the chapter. In 2019, she became the President of TX FAME Alamo.

"Bexar County and San Antonio have always been very committed to the regional manufacturing industry," Cantu explained. "They realized there was a major skills gap here and sought to address it."

According to the Manufacturing Institute, the Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program, administered under the FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) model, leverages a work/learn model to weave technical knowledge, professional behaviors, and distinct manufacturing core exercises into a focused coop experience.

"Today, TX FAME Alamo serves as a regional talentdevelopment hub focused on building a modern, skilled workforce that meets manufacturers' real needs," Cantu explained.

"We develop a world-class talent pipeline by teaching best-in-class technical skills as well as professional behaviors. The professional behaviors taught are just as important as the technical skills and sometimes harder for employers to find."

The Professional Behaviors emphasized in the FAME program are Attitude/Respect, Discipline/Character, Time Management, and Organization. These are taught alongside the technical skills such as electricity, robotics, fluid power, mechanics, and fabrication.

Over the course of the two-year program, AMTs in the TX FAME Alamo program will attain approximately 1,800 hours of experience, working three days a week and attending class two days a week at St. Philip's College

or Palo Alto College through FAME's partnership with Alamo Community Colleges.

"TX FAME Alamo works with K-12 schools and students to make them aware that manufacturing is a great career opportunity," Cantu said. "We show them what specific career paths are found in manufacturing. These include HR, Administration, IT, Quality Control, and much more. We explain to them that, once they get their foot in the door as an entry-level technician, they can move up through the company."

"It's important to note that the TX FAME Alamo program aligns our curriculum and training with direct manufacturer feedback. We partner closely with regional manufacturers, workforce boards, and training organizations," Cantu said.

Cantu notes that there is a huge national push to get more women into the manufacturing workforce. "Currently, women make up only 30% of the manufacturing workforce. Even increasing this to 35% would go a long way toward filling the skills gap in manufacturing," she said.

"This past October, Toyotetsu hosted a job shadowing day for the female students in the Southwest ISD CAST (Centers for Applied Science and Technology) STEM High School in recognition of Manufacturing Month," she noted. "We want these young women to see firsthand the many career opportunities in manufacturing."

In terms of making the two-year program affordable for many students who might not otherwise be able to attend, some of the partner manufacturers pay for the students' tuition up front, while others take a tuition reimbursement approach. "The overwhelming majority of these students graduate with no student debt, hands-on experience, and most often, a full-time job upon graduation," Cantu explained. "Educational 'earn-and-learn' models such as FAME remove barriers to career entry and accelerate job readiness.

“By aligning classroom learning with real-world industry experience, TX FAME is strengthening San Antonio’s manufacturing sector and expanding opportunities for local youth,” said Adrian Lopez, CEO of Workforce Solutions Alamo. “TX FAME builds both individual futures and the long-term economic resilience of our region.”

"The TX FAME Alamo program is changing lives for generations," Cantu said. "This impacts families, it impacts our community, and it impacts our economy."

TOYOTA Texas

Carla Wright Toyota Texas

Last year, more than 202,000 iconic Toyota Tundra and Toyota Sequoia trucks and SUVs rolled off the production line at the Toyota Texas manufacturing facility in San Antonio, and Carla Wright was accountable for every single one of them.

It's quite a responsibility for Wright, a former elementary school teacher who started with the company 26 years ago as an administrative assistant at the Research & Development (R&D) headquarters in Michigan, and who, through determination, a track record of success, and natural leadership skills, is now Vice President of Manufacturing at the San Antonio plant.

"The last five years have been amazing," Wright said. "I chose to do that jump from R&D. It was a matter of being fascinated with the idea of turning concepts into reality. In R&D, you're thinking about concepts and vehicles coming to life 10 to 15 years down the road. Manufacturing is where innovation meets execution. It's the heartbeat of mobility. Having the ability to combine cutting-edge technology with continuous improvement and teamwork inspired me to pursue this path."

As Vice President of Manufacturing, Wright oversees Toyota Texas's daily manufacturing operations across assembly, paint, plastics, welding, press, and plant engineering, including the upcoming Rear Axle Unit Plant set to launch in late 2026. Located deep in the heart of Texas, the San Antonio manufacturing facility is the exclusive home to the Tundra and Sequoia, assembled on the same production line. The soon-tobe 2.7 million square-foot facility has received a total investment of $4.7 billion and will soon employ more than 4,000 people to meet increased operational demands for those vehicles.

"My focus is ensuring long-term success in our operations by investing in advanced technologies and strengthening our culture as a preferred employer and community partner and by applying the Toyota

Carla Underwood Toyota Texas

Carla Underwood has her brother to thank for taking the leap into the very successful career she has enjoyed at Toyota, where she is now Vice President of Manufacturing Business Operations and General Manager of Production Control for Toyota Texas. If it wasn't for him, it probably would not have happened at all.

After graduating from Eastern Kentucky University with a bachelor's degree in police administration, Underwood planned to join the Drug Enforcement Administration.. However, the test she needed to take would not be open until about a year later, but she knew she needed to find a job in the meantime. Her brother, who worked at the Toyota manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, urged her to apply.

"I said, 'No way. I'm not working in a factory,' but he was very persistent, so I applied just to keep him quiet," Underwood joked.

And so she did and was hired as a production team member putting on doors to Camrys and Avalons, Underwood recalled. That was 31 years ago, and she has never looked back or regretted it for one moment.

"I love it here," she said. "My peers are like my second family, and many of them are my good friends. There are tons of opportunities if you put in the work."

In the role she has today, Underwood's responsibilities include oversight of Toyota Texas's administrative functions, including the plant's total supply chain and 23 On-Site Suppliers, Human Resources, Production Control and Internal Communications.

Underwood admits that she has encountered a few challenges along the way to get where she is today. "Manufacturing is a male-dominated field, so I always felt I had to work harder and make sure I was present at the table," she said. "I've also worked at three different Toyota plants – Kentucky, Mississippi and Texas – so

production system to achieve breakthroughs in safety, quality, and productivity," she said.

Her success in climbing the career ladder at Toyota didn't come without overcoming obstacles along the way. One of the biggest challenges, Wright said, was navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry while balancing her professional growth and raising a family.

"There were moments of self-doubt when I had to advocate to be considered for leadership roles and learn to embrace the unique perspective I bring to the table based on my experience," she explained. "The biggest learning curve was how to lead authentically. For women, when we come into male-dominated industries, we want to lead like our male mentors and see what they accomplished, but it doesn't work that way. It's about letting people see who I am and what I can do."

She advises women considering a career in manufacturing not to let fear prevent them from pursuing their dream. "I tell them to go for it. You can't get a more exciting job than manufacturing," Wright said. "It offers incredible opportunities to innovate, lead, and make an impact. You can see that impact at the end of every day. Don't be afraid to bring your unique talents to the table. Our voices are needed in every process from design to manufacturing. The industry needs diverse voices of females, where we make 80 percent of decisions about vehicles being purchased."

After 26 years with the company, Wright believes she still has a lot more to contribute to Toyota Texas, and it's her coworkers and work culture that keep her motivated after more than two decades.

"It's the people and authentic relationships that drive me," she said. "Having the ability to bring people from a variety of backgrounds and talents to solve complex problems and deliver quality products is what I enjoy the most, as well as seeing trucks roll off the line approximately every 60 seconds."

Meanwhile, Wright's background in education inspires her to advance Toyota's commitment to workforce development, ensuring that employees have meaningful work and a career roadmap toward success. She is also a strong advocate for STEM education and workforce development in the community, serving on the board of directors for the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, as co-chair of their Education and Workforce Committee, and as a champion for their annual CORE4 STEM event sponsored by Toyota Texas.

sometimes if people don't know you, you have to prove yourself all over again and show them what you can do."

Underwood is optimistic about the future of advanced manufacturing, such as the advent of digital tools. "There's a lot of transformation going on right now, such as AI. It makes things completely different," she said. "For instance, we can do faster ramp-ups because we can digitally build a factory and see it inside and out in 3D. So it saves a lot of lead time. There's a lot of digital technology now that we didn't have before. Our team can use these tools to make things faster, safer, and more efficient."

She also enjoys serving as a mentor to three younger team members and meets with them monthly. "It's about offering encouragement and helping with any problem they might have or sometimes offering advice," Underwood said. "Sometimes, people don't know how to navigate through a company, so you can help make sure they stay on the right path to be successful."

In addition to serving as a mentor, Underwood volunteered in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas program with two sisters, then ages 12 and 10, for over nine years during her previous tenure at Toyota Texas from 2002 to 2016. That relationship led to Underwood eventually becoming their legal guardian.

"It started with me helping them with homework and other activities when they would come visit Toyota Texas, but then I started meeting with them on weekends because I enjoyed spending time with them so much," Underwood said. "When I was going to move to [Toyota] Mississippi, they wanted to come with me. Their mom signed them over to me, and I became their legal guardian. Now they're my daughters, and I have grandchildren from them."

Underwood started with Toyota in 1994, holding a variety of roles at multiple vehicle plants, including Toyota's flagship plant in Kentucky, Toyota Mississippi, and assisting with the initial startup of Toyota Texas in 2002. She returned to Toyota Texas in the summer of 2025. Her extensive automotive career includes all aspects of manufacturing business operations, from administration to production.

Media Contact:

Melinda Higgins Louden Manager, Corporate Communications

TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA 210-748-6103

Melinda.Louden@Toyota.com

Milea Amanai American Katerra

By

Although Milea Amanai was born in Tokyo, she spent her formative years growing up in Dubai, UAE, and later rural Montana, so she never had an opportunity to experience her Japanese culture. However, after high school graduation, she made the conscious decision to attend Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan, to reconnect with her cultural roots while majoring in International Relations.

During a year abroad at American University in Washington D.C., Amanai's interest in U.S.-Japan relations was solidified. "It truly was fascinating to see the scale of U.S.-Japan relations, whether that may be in strategic trade policies, collaborative technology development, or deep cultural and grassroots ties," she said. "This interest led me straight to American Katerra, LLC."

American Katerra, LLC is a steel fabrication provider employing advanced tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Carbon Management, using its flagship initiative, Green Carbon Steel™ to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions.

Amanai is both the Executive Assistant to President and CEO Toyokazu Yamaguchi and the Human Resources Lead, and manages both with attention to detail. As Executive Assistant, she supports the President and coworkers by managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and helping communications run smoothly, so that leadership can focus on long-term goals.

"A big part of that role is making sure conversations don't get lost in a fast-moving environment since we are still a fairly new company," Amanai said. "I translate conversations and messages from English to Japanese, and from Japanese to English to make sure everything is understood on both sides."

On the human resources side, Amanai works closely with employees, especially with onboarding. She ensures that new hires are comfortable asking questions and understand what is expected of them, and that they're not navigating the workplace alone.

"What I find most meaningful is the intersection of people and strategy," she explained. "I'm not just supporting tasks but supporting people and helping turn the president's leadership and vision into an environment where employees can feel confident and grow."

Amanai views her unique international background as a privilege that allows her to contribute directly to the company's future. "Having lived across different cultures, I'm aware that business styles and expectations can vary widely," she said. "I try to connect them. As Human Resources Lead, my job is to make sure the two cultures

complement each other. I'm excited to contribute to that perspective as the company moves into the future."

She is also grateful to be working closely alongside the company President, especially since this is her first professional job.

"Working closely with our President Yamaguchi has been one of the most important learning experiences so far," Amanai said. "Because of him, I've been able to see Japanese business values practiced in a genuine and thoughtful way. One of the biggest lessons he has taught me is the importance of long-term thinking and leading with integrity. He truly takes his time with decisions and considers the people involved and relationships being built."

She adds that she was drawn to President Yamaguchi's vision, summarized by the powerful philosophy, "Build for Dreams."

"It's about building through a practical way and building opportunity and stability," Amanai said. "It truly resonates with me because it reflects how I've moved through life and different cultures. I've had to learn to adapt and find community. It's about building foundations that allow people to grow with confidence."

Amanai circles back to her fascination with U.S.-Japan relations and notes the deep and enduring relationship between the two countries. "It's built on trust, shared values, and a long-term commitment the two nations have," she said. "I've come to appreciate how the U.S. and Japanese collaboration styles work together; it's been incredibly enriching. Both cultures bring unique and important perspectives. Essentially, we get the best of both worlds. It has been meaningful to me to see this at American Katerra. We truly value the strength of both cultures."

Meanwhile, Amanai is enthusiastic about the nascent company's future, and said she sees parallels with the growth of San Antonio and where her employer is headed.

"I look forward to the exciting developments ahead, whether that may be moving forward to help build American Katerra, LLC's foundation in the U.S. market, assisting President Yamaguchi in executing his long-term vision, or simply being a steady hand in the production innovation that will define our industry's next chapter."

American Katerra, LLC | (210) 239-7960 112 E.Pecan St, Ste. 1380, San Antonio, TX 78205 katerra-us.com

San Antonio is intentionally building one of the most ambitious manufacturing talent pipelines in the country. At the center of this effort is a deliberate, high-trust partnership between the 80|20 Foundation and City Education Partners (CEP), exploring the potential replication of the United Kingdom's JCB Academy model to serve young people in our city.

A New Story for Manufacturing

For decades, manufacturing in San Antonio has too often been framed as a fallback option rather than a first-choice career. This narrative persists even as advanced manufacturing roles now offer wages that rival or exceed many traditional fouryear degree pathways, and as employers project thousands of openings in the coming decade.

Yet the pipeline remains thin. A majority of local graduates do not pursue STEM or technical fields, leaving employers competing for a limited pool of homegrown talent while many young people remain disconnected from high-wage career pathways.

In response, the 80|20 Foundation has made a focused bet: by investing deeply in the small set of levers that drive outsized impact, San Antonio can convert a looming skills shortage into a generational opportunity for students historically excluded from these careers.

"We're not just filling jobs," says Alexandra Frey, Executive Director of the 80|20 Foundation. "We're building systems that allow young people — especially young women and firstgeneration students — to see manufacturing as a place where they belong, where they can lead, and where they can thrive."

Doing the Hard Work Up Front

To explore what this could look like in San Antonio, the 80|20 Foundation contracted City Education Partners to lead a rigorous due-diligence process on a potential San Antonio

With 80|20 working alongside CEP, the two organizations conducted workforce demand analysis, visited the JCB Academy in Rocester, England, and tested whether an employer-governed, high-rigor academy could open locally in the 2028–29 school year without compromising access or quality.

This work has focused less on branding and more on systems design: governance structures, employer roles, facility considerations, and long-term sustainability. It is unglamorous work — pro formas, zoning questions, governance models — but it is precisely this foundation that allows a young woman from the South Side to one day walk into a building designed with her future in mind, complete with real equipment, real mentors, and real post-graduation options.

"The JCB Academy model has shown what's possible when education and industry are truly aligned," Frey explains. "It's not only about technical skill-building, but about confidence, purpose, and connection to meaningful work."

Lessons from the JCB Academy

Founded in 2010 in Staffordshire, England, the JCB Academy was the first school in the UK dedicated specifically to developing future engineers and manufacturing leaders. Students earn rigorous academic credentials while engaging directly with employers through extended instructional hours and structured work placements.

Publicly available data from the UK indicates that the vast majority of JCB Academy graduates progress into advanced apprenticeships, university engineering programs, or technical education pathways — outcomes that have helped revitalize interest in engineering careers among young people.

The model's core features — employer-governed curriculum, extended learning time, and clear postsecondary pathways — are now informing early design conversations in San Antonio, adapted carefully to local context.

Strengthening an Existing Ecosystem

San Antonio is not starting from scratch. The region has built meaningful momentum across K–12 education, postsecondary training, and workforce development to connect learners of all ages to high-demand technical careers.

Employer-informed programs such as TX FAME, in partnership with the Alamo Colleges District, and TX Fast Track, spearheaded by Deborah Carter through Bexar County, have expanded access to industry-recognized credentials, paid training, and accelerated pathways into advanced manufacturing and skilled trades. Together, these efforts reflect a long-standing regional commitment to preparing talent for high-wage, in-demand roles.

At the K–12 level, local public schools across San Antonio have increasingly embraced Career and Technical Education (CTE) and P-TECH pathways, enabling students to earn stackable credentials in fields such as welding, robotics, and advanced manufacturing while still in high school, often through partnerships with employers and postsecondary institutions. Workforce Solutions Alamo, Greater:SATX, and regional employers are aligning these initiatives into a unified ecosystem that can scale to meet future workforce needs. The potential value of a JCB-inspired academy lies not in replacing this work, but in serving as connective infrastructure — a clear, coherent pathway that helps students and families navigate options that already exist, while deepening the integration between rigorous academics, real-world work experience, and postsecondary opportunity.

"We know that the lines between education and work are blurring — and that's a good thing. The real power comes when learning, earning, and working are intentionally stacked rather than sequenced, so students don't have to choose between school and opportunity," says Dalia Flores Contreras, CEO of City Education Partners.

Women at the Center

Women are central to this vision. Leaders such as Leslie Cantu, Vice President of Administration at Toyotetsu -TTTX, a Women MAKE Award honoree and chair of Workforce Solutions Alamo, have demonstrated that manufacturing today is no longer defined by outdated stereotypes, but by precision, technology, and problem-solving — skills where women thrive.

Cantu's work connecting apprenticeships, second-chance hiring, and inclusive workforce strategies underscores what is possible when manufacturing pathways are designed with real lives in mind.

"What excites me most about this academy is not that it replaces anything — it strengthens everything. We have momentum across schools, colleges, employers, and workforce partners, but we need connective infrastructure that makes the pathway clearer, more rigorous, and more accessible." Cantu says. "If done right, this academy becomes a launchpad for students and a long-term talent solution for our region."

A Civic Investment

If launched, a San Antonio Manufacturing Academy would be designed as civic infrastructure — employer-governed, academically rigorous, and intentionally connected to real work. Anchor employers would help shape curriculum and provide structured work-based learning opportunities while students are still in high school, ensuring education remains tightly linked to the skills and mindsets the regional economy actually demands.

Manufacturing has become San Antonio's economic engine," adds Graham Weston, Founder and chairman of the 80|20 Foundation. "Creation of an academy dedicated to the skills needed for manufacturing would show our city's commitment to providing a robust talent pipeline to employers. And it would let our citizens have strong career opportunities with world-class companies."

This approach reflects a broader shift underway in workforce development. Students increasingly seek credentials with clear economic returns, meaningful work experience, and multiple postsecondary options — not a single, linear pathway.

"Economic development isn't only about attracting companies," notes Alexandra Frey, executive director of the 80|20 Foundation. "It's about ensuring residents can access the opportunities those companies create."

Looking Ahead

The next phase of work will focus on local design, employer engagement, and feasibility planning. The goal is not speed, but strength: to determine whether San Antonio can build a model that reflects its values, workforce needs, and commitment to inclusive growth.

If successful, this effort will not simply add another school; it will demonstrate what becomes possible when philanthropy, employers, and educators co-architect a system designed around real opportunity — and when manufacturing is reclaimed as a first-choice pathway for the next generation.

Leslie Cantu

Vice President, Administration

Toyotetsu Texas, Inc.

1 Lone Star Pass Building 38 San Antonio, TX 78264

(210) 231-5529

lcantu@ttna.com

Leslie Cantu serves as Vice President of Administration at Toyotetsu's San Antonio facility, overseeing Human Resources, Environmental, Health, Safety, Security and Accounting. With almost 20 years of experience in both production and administrative roles at tier1 automotive suppliers, Cantu combines operational expertise with strategic vision. A Texas A&M University graduate with a B.S. in Psychology, she became Toyotetsu's first female Assistant Vice President—demonstrating her leadership prowess.

In 2016, Cantu cofounded TX FAME–Alamo, Texas's first chapter of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education, and now leads as chapter president. She also chairs the Workforce Solutions Alamo Board of Directors, advancing regional workforce development and employer talent partnerships.

Appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Task Force on Consolidation of Workforce and Social Services under Senate Bill 2315, Cantu leverages her workforce expertise to influence statewide policy and coordination efforts.

Cantu's impact extends to national recognition. She was honored in 2023 with the Women MAKE Award from the Manufacturing Institute—a prestigious accolade celebrating top female leaders in manufacturing who drive innovation, workforce development, and community engagement.

Her inclusive hiring initiatives include the launch of a 12-week apprenticeship program for individuals with disabilities—the first of its kind in Texas—and the creation of a second chance hiring program that placed over 140 formerly incarcerated individuals at Toyotetsu. These efforts reflect her commitment to equitable workforce inclusion, earning praise for embodying the Japanese philosophy of "Mendōmi," which values employees as family.

Outside her professional life, Cantu recharges on her ranch south of San Antonio, enjoying time with her husband, five children, four grandchildren, and a variety of animals. This personal retreat fuels the energy and compassion she brings to her impactful work.

Leslie Cantu exemplifies visionary leadership— bridging corporate excellence, public service, and community empowerment while shaping the future of workforce development in Texas and beyond.

Vanessa Van de Putte

President & CEO

Dixie Flag & Banner Company

1930 N. Interstate 35 San Antonio, TX 78208 vanessa@dixieflag.com (210) 227.5039 dixieflag.com

At the helm of Dixie Flag and Banner Company, Vanessa Van de Putte represents the modern face of American manufacturing. As President and CEO of the 68-yearold, family-owned San Antonio company, she leads her talented team in the production of flags, banners, signage, and event décor. Dixie Flag also sells, services, and installs flag poles. With a background in film and event production, Vanessa brings a unique blend of creativity and operational expertise to manufacturing. She currently serves as Chair of both the International Festivals and Events Association and the Texas Festivals and Events Association, elevating the role of suppliers within the events industry. Vanessa is excited to be participating in Leadership San Antonio (LSA 50), continuing her passion for learning, leadership, and community.

Vivian Cantu Vice President

EPI Enclosures

10000 W Commerce St San Antonio, TX 78227 (210) 673-3580 www.epi-enclosures.com vivian@epi-enclosures.com

ENCLOSURES

I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, and attended Our Lady of the Lake University with a degree in Finance. I joined EPI Enclosures & Engineering in 2005 as the company's accountant, and through hard work and a passion for learning the industry, I quickly advanced into leadership. Today, I serve as Vice President of the 10th largest manufacturer in South Texas.

At EPI, I help lead and support our partnerships with electrical distributors locally, nationally, and worldwide. Over the years, I've had the privilege of contributing to several exciting and high-profile projects, including Seawolf 2 for the U.S. Navy, the Spacecraft Endeavor, and components for the World's Largest Robot.

As a proud South Texan and a woman in manufacturing, I am committed to promoting innovation, supporting our team, and encouraging more women to pursue meaningful careers in this industry.

Lisa Lewis

What do you love most about your work?

CPS Energy exists to support and contribute to our community. There is no better way I can serve my hometown than working here. As a non-profit, community-owned utility, we provide many assistance programs to help customers in need, and the revenue we return to the City of San Antonio makes this a better place for all of us. I'm proud that through my work, I can support education and specifically STEM

Chief Administrative Officer, CPS Energy

programs. I serve on the board of the Centers for Applied Science & Technology (CAST) High Schools. Working to help develop young people and build our community's workforce of the future is personally rewarding.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Kathryn Clark Childers, one of the first women in the Secret Service (and a Texan, of course!), advised that when you are afraid to do something, you should "do it scared." Don't let the fear keep you from acting. It resonated with me. Whether in my everyday life or the boardrooms I'm privileged to sit in, this advice has helped me decide and go!

What do you do to relax outside of work?

Eat. And travel. And eat some more. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, San Antonio has incredible and diverse restaurants to experience. I also like to grow my own herbs and vegetables in my garden.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I'm a fifth-generation Texan and really into Texas history and culture. I'm also into genealogy and have been researching for family and friends for 30 years. My latest project is researching for a friend whose family has been in/around El Paso for 300 years. It's an incredible way to learn the history and context of a place.

Who has influenced you the most in your life or career?

I've had leaders and coaches who have taught me a lot, and I am grateful. It's the people I've been responsible for leading who have had the most influence on me. CPS Energy hires people for careers, so the responsibility to help people become the best version of themselves and grow high-performing teams is what guides my decisions and choices. Leading great leaders and teams is a privilege, and I learn from them every day.

What's your favorite thing to do for fun in San Antonio?

Playing tourist at home. Our city is so culturally vibrant! Food. Festivals. Historic sites. People come from around the world to experience what we have. I like to remind myself why it's special.

Business Woman Spotlight

The Hidden Connection Between Your Veins and Your Heart Health

Understanding Peripheral Arterial Disease

By John Hogg, MD, DABR, DABVLM, RPVI, RPhS, RVT, RVS Founder, Medical Vein Clinic

During Heart Health Month, people usually focus on diet, exercise, and cholesterol, which are all important for your heart. But your circulatory system health is often overlooked. For women juggling work, family, and daily life, understanding how your arteries and veins affect your heart can help you stay energetic and healthy.

A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight

Peripheral artery disease, PAD, happens when the arteries supplying blood to the legs and arms become narrowed or blocked due to a buildup of plaque in the artery walls. As a result, blood flow is reduced, which doubles your chance of having a heart attack or stroke. PAD affects 8 to 10 million adults in the U.S., but it often goes unnoticed, especially in women. Leg pain can be a signal that your heart needs attention.

Why Women’s Symptoms May Get Dismissed

Women often face special challenges in getting diagnosed with PAD, which can have serious consequences.

Women may have milder symptoms than men, like general leg weakness, a level of tiredness that doesn’t match your physical exertion, and/or unusual discomfort. Doctors may mistakenly attribute the source of pain to be arthritis, lack of exercise, or stress or other non-cardiac causes.

Research shows a troubling pattern. Women with PAD are often diagnosed later, receive less aggressive treatment, and have worse outcomes than men with the same condition.

Warning Signs Your Body Is Trying to Tell You Something

At Medical Vein Clinic, we've created a self-assessment quiz to help you recognize potential warning signs of PAD. Count how many of these apply to you before your doctor visit:

• Do your legs feel weak, heavy, or do you experience painful cramping in your hips, thighs, or calf muscles when walking, which improves with rest?

• Do you experience leg pain that wakes you up at night or disturbs your sleep?

• Are your toes or feet pale, discolored, or darkened?

• Do you have sores or wounds on your legs or feet that are slow to heal or don't heal at all?

• Is one leg or foot consistently colder than the other?

If you notice these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. Do not assume they are just a normal part of aging.

Know Your Risk Factors

You're at increased risk for PAD if you:

• Smoke or have a history of smoking

• Have diabetes

• Have high blood pressure.

• Have high cholesterol

• Have chronic kidney disease

• Are over 60 years of age

• Have a family history of PAD or cardiovascular disease.

• Are of Hispanic or Black heritage

The more risk factors you have, the more important it is to ask your primary care doctor to refer you for an artery screening. Each risk factor is like a brick in a backpack. The more bricks you have, the heavier it feels, so try to address them before it becomes overwhelming.

Screening and Treatment: What to Expect

The specialists at Medical Vein Clinic can check your arteries with simple, non-invasive tests. The anklebrachial index only takes a few minutes and does not hurt. Ultrasound mapping will show where blood flow is limited. Advanced imaging can find blockages that need treatment.

If caught early, PAD can often be managed with changes in lifestyle and medicines like cholesterollowering drugs, blood thinners, and blood pressure medicine.

For more serious cases, our board-certified vascular surgeon, Dr. Thomas Gianis II, can do minimally invasive procedures in our modern medical suites. Angioplasty with stenting opens blocked arteries, and bypass procedures create new paths for blood flow.

We do these procedures often for patients with PAD and they experience great results.

Prevention and Early Detection

Save Lives

February is National Heart Month, making it a good time to focus on your heart health. Your heart affects your whole body, including your legs. Try to pick at least one heart-healthy habit by March 1st.

If you smoke, quitting is one of the best choices you can make. Smoking is a major risk for PAD. Every cigarette damages your blood vessels and makes artery narrowing happen faster.

Stay as active as you can. Exercise helps your blood flow, but if walking causes a lot of pain, do not force yourself. See a doctor instead. Once PAD is treated, you can get back to enjoying exercise.

Eat a diet that is good for your heart. Add more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to your meals. Try to eat less processed food, saturated fat, and salt.

Manage any long-term health issues. Work with your doctor to control diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Keep an eye on your health numbers. Regular checkups for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar are important.

The Bigger Picture

Heart Health Month is a good time to remember that healthy veins matter for your heart and your overall well-being. For women in San Antonio who work, care for families, and support their communities, your health is the foundation for everything you do.Paying attention to symptoms, knowing your risks, and acting quickly to protect your arteries can help you stay healthy and active.

Dr. John Hogg, MD, DABR, DABVLM, RPVI, RPhS, RVT, RVS, is a board-certified radiologist specializing in Vascular and Interventional Radiology and CEO/ Founder of Medical Vein Clinic. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Hogg has established San Antonio’s leading vascular treatment clinic, helping thousands of patients since 2017. Visit medicalveinclinic.com.

Finding Your Roots

By Chelcee Porter, PharmD, IFMCP

What if your health was so deeply ingrained in who you are that you didn't have to try anymore? That's what it means to be rooted. To be established deeply and firmly - grounded in your values, your choices, and your body's rhythm.

Roots symbolize the foundational beliefs, values, and practices that provide nourishment, stability, and strength. They anchor you, even when life gets busy or unpredictable. That's what I want for you. I want you to be so rooted in your health that it becomes second nature. Not something you have to think about or obsess over. It just is. It's who you are. Because when you're rooted in your health, your whole life begins to flourish. Your energy, your mood, your relationships, your sense of peace. Everything grows from that foundation. And yes, that is what is possible for you.

So, how do you become rooted?

You surround yourself with the right support, guidance, and accountability. The kind that keeps your roots strong even when life tries to pull you off track. That's what happens when we work together 1:1. Denis Waitley says, "You move in the direction you think about the most." As a client, you become immersed in a world where health and healing become your new normal. You'll understand the why, what, and how behind your body's needs so deeply that healthy living becomes effortless. And you want this approach to stick, right?

Functional medicine looks beneath the surface so you can finally understand why your symptoms showed up in the first place and what your body actually needs to heal. When you address the real drivers instead of chasing quick fixes, everything shifts. Your energy lifts. Your digestion steadies. Your hormones work with your body. Your mind feels clear again. I've watched women go from running on fumes to feeling genuinely alive. One of my clients even called our work together "life-changing." That's the kind of transformation that becomes possible when your care is guided by a root-cause lens instead of a band-aid.

Our six months together are designed to create change that doesn't fade when life gets busy. We use that time to uncover what's fueling your symptoms, rebuild the foundations your body has been missing, and establish routines that support you for years to come. Yes, you'll feel better now, but you're also investing in the version of yourself who wants to feel vibrant at 40, steady at 50, and strong at 60. This isn't about a temporary reset; it's about building a way of living that protects your health long-term. And throughout the process, you have my full attention. That means my clinical expertise, my strategic thinking, and my heart, guiding you as you take root in a new way of caring for your body.

If you're looking for clarity, direction, and support you can trust, I'd love to talk with you. Book your free discovery call at www.chelceeporter.com.

Hearing Aids vs. Hearing Care: What You’re Really Paying For

As you take the first steps on your hearing health journey, it’s easy to see hearing aids merely as a purchased product: a sophisticated piece of technology to help you hear better. However, this idea often leads to misconceptions about the investment involved in hearing care and the broad spectrum of services involved. With the right hearing care, you’re not just getting hearing aids but expert assistance that’s with you for the long haul.

What Hearing Care Actually Includes :

• Hearing Evaluation and Diagnosis: An in-depth diagnostic assessment will establish your specific hearing needs.

• Prescription and Fitting: You’ll be prescribed and fitted with the best-suited advanced hearing aids for your unique needs

• Ongoing Fine-Tuning and Support: As you adapt, your devices require adjustments to meet changing needs and environments

• Regular Follow-up Appointments and Troubleshooting: These sessions ensure continuous device optimization and address any concerns.

• Repairs, Warranty, and Long-Term Tracking: Reliable service plans cover repairs for your devices and keep track of your long-term hearing progress.

One-size-fits-all doesn’t work with hearing loss. Your ears and hearing profile are as unique as your fingerprint, which is why personalized care is vital. Hearing aids without proper support often lead to suboptimal performance or downright rejection. This is because your brain needs to relearn how to interpret sound – a process requiring specialized guidance. Audiologists are skilled in ensuring your hearing aids contribute positively to your hearing experience and provide the crucial human component that translates technology into meaningful hearing improvement.

With our team of professionals, you’re not just getting hearing aids to enhance your hearing – you gain a partnership that you can rely on for years to come as your hearing needs evolve. Give us a call to schedule a consultation. We are happy to answer questions and help you make the best choices for your hearing health!

Alamo Heights: 8620 N New Braunfels Ave. Suite 220, San Antonio, TX 78217

210-820-0525

Alamo Ranch: 6530 West Loop 1604 North Suite 106 San Antonio, Texas 78254

210-761-6163

The Most Trusted Hearing Doctors in San Antonio Since 1944

Start 2026 with a resolution that won’t fade.

“Give the Gift” of a Brick at Brackenridge Park

Customize your message 2 sizes starting at $150 per brick

SCAN TO PURCHASE

Looking for a meaningful gift? You can honor a loved one, celebrate a special memory, or leave your mark on San Antonio’s Brackenridge Park!

Your custom-engraved brick is a heartfelt way to show your support for the Brackenridge Park Nature Playscape.

Preparing for the SAT Strategy, Mindset, and What Drives Score Gains

By Jen Wentlandt

The SAT will turn 100 next year, and despite multiple redesigns, it remains one of the most influential assessments in the college admissions process. Strong scores can open doors to merit scholarships, honors programs, and broader college options—especially in an increasingly competitive landscape. The question for most families is not whether the SAT matters, but how students can prepare in ways that actually lead to meaningful score gains.

Understanding the Digital, Adaptive SAT

The redesigned SAT is shorter, fully digital, and adaptive, meaning the test adjusts based on student performance. Both the Reading & Writing and Math sections are divided into two modules, with the second module responding to how a student performed on the first.

Another major shift is in Reading & Writing: each question now has its own short passage rather than longer, multi-question texts. The Math section has also changed. Students may use the Desmos calculator on all math questions, shifting the emphasis away from memorization and toward strategy, precision, and decision-making. Students who understand these structural changes walk into the test calmer and more confident—and that alone can make a measurable difference in scores.

Reading & Writing: Active Reading and Noticing

Reading & Writing success depends on active reading— pausing frequently to recap what you've read in your own words to be sure the meaning has truly landed. If a student cannot explain a sentence or passage simply, comprehension has not fully clicked yet.

Strong readers are also strong noticers. They pay attention to tone shifts, organization, parallel structure, and subtle language cues that signal meaning. These skills are critical on a test where questions often hinge on nuance rather than surface-level understanding.

Vocabulary: The Foundation of Comprehension

Vocabulary is foundational. Reading comprehension depends on it, and reading comprehension is central to

nearly every section of the SAT. Effective vocabulary study goes far beyond memorizing definitions; students must understand context, connotation, nuance, and literal versus figurative meaning. Many SAT questions hinge on very small distinctions. Often, the "wrong" answer is close—but not quite right. Students who truly understand how language works are far less likely to be tricked.

One of the most effective ways to build this skill is sustained exposure to challenging, well-written texts. Reading regularly—especially material slightly above a student's comfort level—pays long-term dividends. Classic authors like Dickens or the Brontës, for example, feature complex sentence structures and advanced vocabulary that stretch students in ways modern texts often do not.

Math: Precision Over Speed

SAT Math emphasizes problem solving, logical reasoning, and number sense rather than rote computation. With full calculator access on the digital SAT, success is less about speed and more about precision. Many students lose points not because they do not know the math, but because they rush, misread questions, or fail to check whether an answer makes sense. Effective preparation prioritizes accuracy first, strategy second, and speed last. When students slow down just enough to be careful, scores often rise.

Prep is most efficient when students track weaker skills and missed questions, targeting practice where it will have the greatest impact. This is just as true in Reading & Writing as it is in Math.

Mindset Matters More Than Students Realize

A positive mental attitude can significantly affect SAT performance. Students who frame the test as an impossible or miserable experience are more likely to freeze, rush, or give up. Students who see it as a manageable challenge— one they have prepared for—perform more steadily and confidently.

This applies to preparation as well as test day. Even if it feels forced at first, approaching passages with the mindset

"What might I learn here?" increases engagement, reduces anxiety, and improves comprehension. Confidence is built through preparation, and confidence changes everything.

When Should Students Start Preparing?

For most students—especially those who do not read frequently or who have struggled academically—six months is an ideal preparation window. Starting in the spring or summer of sophomore year allows time to build reading stamina, strengthen vocabulary, internalize strategies, and grow confidence without burnout.

The October test of junior year is particularly important, as it is when students can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. Of the approximately 1.5 million juniors who take the PSAT each year, about 1% (roughly 16,000 students) become semifinalists, and about half ultimately earn scholarships. Hundreds of colleges offer significant merit awards—including partial or full rides—to these students.

Why Working with a Real Person Helps

Although there are countless free apps, videos, and websites for SAT prep, research consistently shows

that working with an experienced instructor makes preparation more efficient and more effective. SAT prep works best when students feel understood, supported, and capable—and when someone can intervene before small misunderstandings become persistent problems. A skilled coach recognizes confusion as it forms, redirects thinking in real time, and tailors strategies to the individual student rather than relying on one-size-fits-all programs.

At Catalyst Writing & Education, SAT preparation emphasizes effective, engaging strategies, small-group learning, and individualized support. The goal is to move students forward efficiently—identifying where confusion begins, strengthening core skills, and building confidence along the way. Students aren't just taught how to answer questions; they're taught how to understand the test and trust their preparation.

Jen Wentlandt is an educator and curriculum designer with over 20 years of experience teaching literacy and critical thinking. Through Catalyst Writing & Education, she provides one-on-one literacy coaching for grades 5–12 and individualized preparation for the PSAT, SAT, ISEE, and STAAR.

L e a r n i n g

T h r o u g h P l a y

S i n c e 1 9 8 0 !

Winter weddings have a quiet magic, cool breezes, clear skies, and the kind of refined charm that turns every detail into a lasting memory. For Raleigh and Mica Kubacak, exchanging vows in October at Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk was less about tradition and more about experience, transforming a single day into a multi-day celebration imbued with community, connection, and effortless style.

Located along San Antonio's iconic River Walk, Kimpton Santo blends contemporary design with local spirit, making it a natural wedding destination for couples who want their celebration to reflect both elegance and personality. For Mica and Raleigh, the venue was deeply personal from the start: their favorite neighborhood coffee shop, Stranded Coffee, sits just down the street, and they watched the hotel rise during morning strolls. Once inside, the sweeping views, thoughtful interiors, and warm hospitality made it feel like the perfect place to mark the next chapter of their story.

The Kubacaks envisioned a weekend, not just a wedding day, and Kimpton Santo delivered. From the romantic ceremony space to the lively reception filled with music and joyful energy, every moment felt intentional. Guests mingled, danced, and savored beautifully executed cuisine that balanced sophistication with local flavor. In true Kimpton fashion, it wasn't just an event, it was an experience that unfolded naturally and joyfully.

As January and February arrive, Kimpton Santo offers a setting that feels both elevated and effortlessly warm. The hotel's thoughtfully designed spaces glow during the winter months, creating a refined yet welcoming backdrop that encourages guests to gather, connect, and celebrate.

Reflecting on their celebration, Mica's advice to future couples is simple: soak in every moment. At Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk, those moments become memories—a blend of warmth, wonder, and the kind of love story that deserves to be told.

(210) 222-1000 | 431 S Alamo Street | San Antonio, Texas, 78205

Wedding Couple: Raleigh + Mica Kubacak | Photographer: Erica Bonorden (@erica.b.photo.co) | Cake: Bird Bakery (@birdbakery)

Hair + Makeup: On Location Artistry (Owner: Gabi) (@onlocationartistry) | Planner: Lila Lane Events (@lililaneevents)

DJ/Band: PLUSH-Party Band (@plushpartyband) | Florist : Flourish Floral & Design (@flourish.floraldesgin)

Bridal Salon: Celebrations Bridal (@celebrationsbridalnbtx) | Invitations: Cord & Co. (@cordandcoevents)

Heart-Health Dining SanAntonioCurated Dining

Eating heart-healthy isn’t just a trend for Heart Health Awareness Month — it’s a lifestyle choice that can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, improve energy, and help maintain a healthy weight. Focusing on whole foods such as vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats (like those in Mediterranean and plant-centric diets) supports healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Small daily choices — like swapping a fried entrée for a grilled one, choosing whole grains over refined carbs, and adding more greens and colorful veggies to your plate — can make a big difference over time.

sweetgreen - Healthy Salads, Bowls and Plates

Popular national chain known for hearty, nutrient-rich salads and warm bowls.

340 E Basse Rd Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78209 (726) 600-8391 sweetgreen.com

Plantology

Vegan comfort food that’s plant-based and fiber-rich, a delicious choice if you’re focusing on heart-healthy eating. 1305 Pleasanton Rd, San Antonio, TX 78214 (210) 255-1755 eatplantology.com

Vegan Avenue On Main

Highly rated vegan restaurant with lots of veggie-packed dishes for heart-smart meals.

2512 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 850-7348 vegan-avenue.square.site

Cafe Vida

Casual cafe with fresh salads, grain bowls, and lighter fare perfect for heart-healthy eating.

2711 Treble Creek, San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 265-1449 cafevidasa.com

Salata

Customizable salad kitchen with lots of fresh veggies, fruits, and protein options — great for fiber-rich, low saturated fat meals.

250 E Basse Rd, Ste 110, San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 462-1466 salata.com

Hill Country Curated

Get ready to lace up your running shoes for one of New Braunfels’ most fun-filled community events! The 7th Annual Love the Run You’re With 5K is set to take place in Gruene, Texas, on Saturday, February 8, bringing a healthy dose of movement, creativity and giving back to the heart of the Hill Country.

Presented by Comal ISD’s Comal Fit initiative, dedicated to making healthy living easier for students, staff and community member, this 5K run/walk invites participants of all ages and abilities to be part of something bigger than a race. Registration benefits Steve’s Pantry’s Food4Kids program, a volunteerdriven effort that provides weekend food and essential items to local children and families in need in New Braunfels.

Whether you’re an avid runner or just out for a brisk walk with friends, this event encourages creativity and

fun — so much so that participants are invited to come dressed as their favorite famous duo, with awards for top costumes, fastest finishers and more. From competitive runners to families with young children, there’s something for everyone, including a kids’ run after the main 5K.

The race course winds through the historic Gruene area — known for its charming streets, iconic Gristmill and vibrant local scene — making it a perfect way to enjoy the beauty and community spirit of New Braunfels while supporting a great cause. Don’t miss this chance to kick off your year with healthy activity, festive community energy and the scenic backdrop that makes the Hill Country a beloved place to live and play.

Get more information and sign up to run/walk or volunteer at: comalisd.org/apps/pages/ComalFit/lovethe-run-5k

v DOWNTOWN v

239 W. San Antonio

Final Thoughts...

"Sunrise"

By Rhea Rose

Coming from a racially diverse background, I like to explore different subjects and styles of art that allow me to relate to people through the common bonds of 'the human experience" while not losing sight of my responsibility to take part in healing the marginalized population from the effects of systemic racism. A muse that I frequent would be the female figure. I appreciate its fragility as well as its phenomenal ability to persevere. I love to express the idea that we are strong, soft, and resilient creatures. I have slowly developed my own strength and confidence through time and turmoil, and would like my art to be a beacon for other women to discover their own self-worth and healing. As of recent, I have been fascinated with the resilient spirit of the Phoenix in human form. I have been experimenting with different colors, sizes, and textures within the same theme.

Artwork courtesy of Maria Williams | In the Eye of the Beholder Art Gallery | 210-454-4908

AS THE NATION’S LARGEST PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP AND EDUCATION PROGRAM OF ITS KIND, WE OPEN DOORS FOR THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS EACH YEAR:

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