Chamber News

The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce have announced the Chairs of Leadership San Antonio™ (LSA) for 2026, which is the 50th anniversary of the program: Ashley Harris , Vice President of Client and Community Relations Director for PNC Bank – San Antonio; Michelle Martinez ; Founder and Principal of Birdieoso Strategies & co-owner of The Local SATX; and Laura Vaccaro , CEO of the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation .  Created in 1975 by The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, LSA is considered the premier program for leaders in the Bexar County and surrounding areas. The program, one of the first of its kind in Texas, has graduated more than 2,000 participants. LSA educates these leaders in the vital areas affecting San Antonio, as well as encourages Chamber Business involvement and Community advocacy. Appointed by the Board Chairs of each Chamber, the LSA Chairs provide leadership and guidance to the LSA Steering Committee, which consists of a small and focused team of LSA alumni. Collectively, they recruit the members for LSA Class 50, guiding an impactful experience of the inner workings of San Antonio and the surrounding region. “The appointment of a tri-chair leadership for Leadership San Antonio Class 50 is a groundbreaking moment and we are proud to have three dynamic and accomplished women at the helm,” says Kevin Dinnin, 2026 Greater San Antonio Chamber Board Chair and President and CEO of the FirstDay Foundation . “This united leadership model reflects the spirit of collaboration, representation, and service that drives true community impact. This is a defining moment for Leadership San Antonio and our city.” “At its core, this program champions bold, civic-minded leadership - leaders who step up and help shape meaningful solutions,” says Anamaria Suescun-Fast, 2026 San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board Chair and CEO and Owner of talkStrategy. “These three exceptional leaders embody that charge. Their vision and guidance during this milestone LSA year will help propel our city forward.” Each year, there is a laser focus on the city’s growing industries, while highlighting the important role the Chambers play in the San Antonio business, political and civic communities. The goal is to reinforce Chamber involvement and service to the community, staying connected, and giving back. “Being selected to chair LSA 50 is one of the greatest honors of my professional journey,” says Harris, LSA 39 Class Graduate and LSA 43 Steering Committee Mentor. “This program has shaped leaders across generations, and I’m humbled to help lead it during such a historic milestone year. Together, we will honor its legacy while forging bold new paths for San Antonio’s future.” Over the years, LSA has provided participants a unique experience to expand their service to San Antonio. The jointly-sponsored program identifies individuals who have demonstrated leadership in their chosen profession and are active in community organizations that support San Antonio’s growth and development. “Serving as one of the tri-chairs for LSA 50 is a true privilege,” says Vaccaro, LSA 35 Class Graduate and LSA 37 Steering Committee Mentor. “This shared leadership mirrors the power of collaboration in our city — and I’m excited to work alongside two phenomenal women to elevate voices, build connections, and create real community impact.” In 1992, The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber joined The Greater Chamber to co-host the program, enhancing the involvement and diversity of future classes. “It’s an honor to serve as a tri-chair for LSA 50 alongside two dedicated leaders,” says Martinez, LSA Class 37 Graduate and Steering Committee Mentor of LSA 42 and 43. “As women leaders representing the rich diversity of our city, we carry a responsibility to lead with purpose, equity, and vision. This historic year is about celebrating the past and paving the way for leaders and our city’s future.” Former LSA graduates who are members in good standing of either the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce or the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and interested in applying to serve as Steering Committee mentors for LSA Class 50, Click below. DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS 11:59 PM ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2025 .

The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Happy State Bank, A Division of Centennial Bank, member of the FDIC as our official Ribbon Cutting Sponsor! We are thrilled to partner with a company that shares our commitment to supporting local business growth and community engagement. As our newest partner, Happy State Bank will be featured at all upcoming ribbon cutting celebrations, helping us recognize and celebrate milestones with new and existing members throughout the year. Their generous support allows us to continue creating meaningful and memorable experiences for our business community. About Happy State Bank: Founded in 1908, Happy State Bank (now a division of Centennial Bank as of 2022) has a long-standing tradition of providing personalized banking services with a strong emphasis on community involvement. With locations throughout Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, New York and the great State of Texas, Happy State Bank offers a full suite of financial services and products for individuals, families, and businesses — all delivered with a smile and a focus on customer care with white glove service. Their mission is simple: "Happy employees make for happy customers." Please join us in giving a warm welcome to the Happy State Bank team! We look forward to a bright and successful partnership ahead.

Join us in congratulating our 2025 ABLDP Cohort members: ABLDP 2025 Class: Amanda Leveck-Sanchez, JMS CPA, PLLC and Northside I.S.D. Andrea Martinez, Department of Human Services Head Start Program Anfernee Young, Whataburger Annalisa Vasquez, Silver Ventures Antoinette Flores, Edgewood ISD/Entrepreneur Beatrice Casas, SA Hope Center Bianca Juarez, Toyota Carrie Ballard-Bañuelos, UP Partnership Cassandra Flores, WSP USA Cecilia Nguyen, Any Baby Can SA Chloe Galvan, Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas Christina Bocanegra, Community Family Medicine Christina Ibanez, Visit San Antonio Christopher Clements, KCI Technologies, Inc Cindy Rubiano, Generations Federal Credit Union David Galvan, Texas A&M University-San Antonio Dominique Ramos Lewis, CPS Energy Dulce Abundis, Broadway Bank Enrique Garcia, Little Red Barn Steakhouse Golda Obinzu, City of San Antonio Jackie Villanueva, Center for Health Care Services Jacqueline Guerrero, Family Services Association of San Antonio Jaime Gutierrez, Merrill Lynch Janet Ekezie, San Antonio Area Foundation Jason Alvarado, SAWS Jessica Velasquez-Sanchez, Nationwide John Gauna, City of San Antonio John Livas, UTSA Jorge Elizondo, Toyota Kristi Narvaiz, RSM US LLP Landry stafford, City of San Antonio Laura Serrano Blanco, City of San Antonio - HR Lauren Payne, Davidson Troilo Ream & Garza, PC. Leslie Diaz, NALCAB Lizette Goodloe, Comal Independent School District Lorraine Benavides, Spurs Sports & Entertainment Lucinda Lundy Zeinelabdin, City of San Antonio - Metro Health Luis Hampton, Toyota Luisa Martinez, Broadway Bank Mauricio Hernandez, Frost Bank Megan Butler, Lifetime Recovery Michelle Godinez, Magik Theater Naomi Arredondo, City of San Antonio Parks & Recreation Natasha Robles, HEB Nathaniel Martinez, Alamo Colleges- St. Philip's College Rebecca Gonzales Boysen, City of San Antonio, World Heritage Office Reynaldo Acosta, St. Peter-St. Joseph Children’s Home, Robin Alcorta, City of San Antonio - San Antonio Public Library Roxanne Robles, Toyota Rudee Vasquez, Toyota Samantha Salazar, Vuepoint Agency Stephanie Gaitan, CAST Schools Stephanie Keys, IDEA Public Schools Steven Rodriguez, Amegy Bank Tomas Sigala, School of Science and Technology Veronica Escalera Ibarra, VIA Metropolitan Transit

The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC) is pleased to welcome its tenth cohort of inspiring leaders to the Latina Leadership Institute (LLI) .

Join us in congratulating our dedicated Steering Committee members, who will play a pivotal role in guiding and shaping this year’s program. Their leadership and commitment will help us continue fostering growth and development within our community. Here’s to an exciting year ahead! Alice Garcia , Real Property Management First Class Amanda Pennington , Allstate Insurance Amber Rodriguez , USAA Angela Loera , KW Commercial, Verde Commercial Real Estate Brenda Cervantes Sanchez , Greater; SATX Brent Mora , Generations Federal Credit Union Chastity Aguilar , Nationwide Insurance Christopher Valdez , Broadway Bank Clarissa Tejeda , Texas A&M University – San Antonio Dpbetlehem Reyna , Texas Capital Bank Elissa Garza , Poznecki-Camarillo, LLC Gabriella Villegas , Project Permitting of Texas James Cooper , St. Philip’s College Juan M. Sanchez , JMS CPA, PLLC Lori Day , disABILITYsa Marisa Palmer , San Antonio Water System Nestor Esparza Magana , SAPI Nicolas Garcia , Pre-K 4 SA / City of San Antonio Scott Rosario , The American Red Cross Stephanie Cantu , USAA For more information about the Alexander Briseño Leadership Development Program, please call 210-225-0462 or visit our program web page .

The Alexander Briseño Leadership Development Program (ABLDP) is excited to announce the appointment of Jonathan P. Melchor and Lynn Blanco Pérez as the Co-Chairs Elect for the 2025 cohort. These exceptional leaders bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and a shared commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders in San Antonio.

The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC) proudly announces Dr. Reba Sims, Director of Student Housing at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, and Ricardo “Ricky” Ramirez, Senior Sales Executive at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter and Riverwalk, as Co-Chairs for the Alexander Briseño Leadership Development Program (ABLDP) Class of 2025.

We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding group of leaders who will be guiding the Latina Leadership Institute (LLI) into its 10th year! These incredible women bring a wealth of expertise, passion, and dedication to their roles, and we are excited for the vision and direction they will provide in this milestone year. Meet the LLI Class 10 Steering Committee: Laura Mayes - Co-Chair; Assistant Vice President, WSP Lily Garcia - Co-Chair; Marketing & Community Director, #IhaveaCPAguy Estrellita Garcia-Diaz - Co-Chair Elect LLI 11; Vice President-CRA Officer, Jefferson Bank Stephanie Melchor - Co-Chair Elect LLI 11; Communications and Change Management; Senior Analyst, Toyota Motor North America Marivel Arauza – Public Relations Manager, City of San Antonio Neighborhood and Housing Services Department Cristina Bazaldua – Regional Philanthropy Officer, American Red Cross Central and South Texas Region Tessa Benavides-Cooper – Director of Communications & Community Relations, Charles Butt Foundation Iliana Castillo Daily – Assistant City Attorney, City of San Antonio Andrea De La Cruz – Project Manager, DEI, Supplier Diversity, H-E-B Danielle Garcia – Senior Policy Advisor, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Priscilla Hernandez – Chief Deputy for the Hon. Lucy Adame Clark Nadia Ramon – Owner, Dezynr Shop Vanessa Vasquez – Enterprise Technical Certifications & Learning Advisor, General Dynamics Information Technology Brandalyne Weitzel – Owner, Adret Counseling PLLC These powerful women represent the diversity, strength, and leadership of our community. We’re excited for what’s ahead and grateful for their commitment to shaping the future of Latina leadership. Thank you to San Antonio Hispanic Chamber Member Pink Shark Bar for hosting LLI 10!

Applications are now open for the Steering Committee of the Alexander Briseño Leadership Development Program! We invite passionate, dedicated leaders to apply for Class 2025 steering committee. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of leaders, fostering growth, and building lasting community impact.  As the Co-Chairs of the 2025 cohort, Dr. Reba Sims and Ricardo Ramirez encourage you to step forward, lend your talents, and make a meaningful difference in this prestigious program. Applications are open until November 30, 2024—don’t miss your chance to contribute to the journey of leadership and service! Apply today and join us in creating a brighter future together!