The heart of our mission is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our communities. In the recent weeks, we’ve had the privilege to connect with some incredible artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and rabble rousers and we can’t begin to express how impressed we are with the incredible group below.
Patrese Denny
My story truly began during my teenage years when I took on the role of a tutor for a young student in my neighborhood. At the time, I had no idea that this experience would set me on a path far from my initial aspirations of becoming a lawyer. After graduating from high school, I enrolled in college, intending to pursue a degree in politics or business. However, a spark had been ignited within me—a deep desire to impact the lives of children in need. Read more>>
Jenevy Sims
My journey began 15 years ago with the founding of The Evolve Firm, a visual communications agency built on the belief that intentional branding can change the trajectory of a business. Over the last decade and a half, that spark has evolved into a multifaceted ecosystem including Evolve Events and The Collabrium, a dedicated event venue and creative space designed to foster community and connection. Read more>>
Nathan Jeter
My wife and I started Luxe Thai Massage because we wanted to bring a higher standard of Thai massage to San Antonio. Something more professional, more therapeutic, and more focused on real results. We built the business around traditional Thai massage, private suites, and a luxury experience that prioritizes both healing and comfort. Read more>>
Kelli DeSoto
Where Passion Meets purpose by Kelli Desoto of Ashber Farm My journey in the dog world began in 2004 when I stepped into the conformation ring with my first Australian Shepherd, By 2005, I had purchased two males and was actively showing in both AKC and ASCA while living in WA State, where my husband was serving in the U.S. Navy. Read more>>
Michael Harris
Since the late 1970s I have driven by an RV park called Dinosaur Flats. I was always curious what they had to offer. This curious journey continued until 2020 when my curiosity got the best of me and I decided to stop by. By this time it was now owned by the Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country. Read more>>
Mary Holman-Anderson
It’s only through the scope of time that I can realize that my journey as a person who helps facilitate healing in other people’s lives began while seeking healing of my own. I think that’s not uncommon, but it’s important because people who have lived through difficulty relate in a unique way. Read more>>
Yulia Rosario
I grew up on a farm, surrounded by fresh food and the simple joy of harvesting what we grew ourselves. That connection to fresh produce stayed with me, even after life took me to Texas. It took years of trial and error to learn how to grow vegetables in the intense Texas heat, and honestly, I’m still figuring it out. Read more>>
Victor Ortiz
I am from Puerto Rico, the Island of Enchantment! I moved to the United States in 2018 after Hurricane Maria devastated my island. For the past eight years, I worked at two private firms and at a nonprofit organization in San Antonio, TX as an immigration lawyer. Read more>>
Jessica Cortez-Lang
I grew up in a small town and was raised by a single mother. Teachers always played an important role in my life by encouraging values, morals, commitment, success and resilience when and if there’s failure. Overtime, I experienced different types of challenges and pursued a career with the military. Read more>>
Andrea Cudin
There is something about me I did not know as long as I was living in that north-east corner of Italy where I was born and grew up: cheese. I like cheese, I eat cheese, I need cheese. But not just any cheese. Rather, the cheese from Friuli, my little corner of Italy. Read more>>
Ronald Boutelle
After being contacted by the American Red Cross regarding the lack of support for vegetarians during natural disasters, in 1990 I founded Krishna Disaster Relief. Since, at the time, I was a full-time monk and a member of a global community of like-minded men and women, to move forward I needed the top-to-bottom backing from the rather complex organization that I belonged to. Read more>>
Jamie Cole
I have been with VADogs of Texas since 2014, when I first applied and they were just getting started as a non-profit organization. I received my first dog, Jake, from them in 2016. Jake and I were a working pair until he had to retire in October of 2021 and I received my second dog, Shay, from them. Read more>>
MARGARET HURTA
Our Journey began as a shared aspiration between my husband, a Marine Veteran and myself. We envisioned transforming our passion for culinary delights and bring a healthier alternative into a venture that extends from our home to yours. Our upbringing instilled in us a profound appreciation for craftmanship and the art of infusing zest into every endeavor. Read more>>
Melinda-Lee O’Keeffe
I spent much of my childhood moving in and out of foster homes, on the streets, and rarely attending school. Stability was limited, and education often took a back seat to survival. Eventually, I obtained my GED, and even at a young age, I realized that if I wanted to change the direction of my life, I would have to work relentlessly for it. Read more>>
Lavelda Naylor
It has always been important to me to be myself, to be authentic, even if it feels unpopular. or risky. In the interest of candor, I will admit my journey to becoming a therapist was a bit of an untraditional path, a winding road. Read more>>
Carlos Herrera
Texas Longhouse Meadery began as a way for me to reconnect with purpose after years of service as a combat veteran and paramedic. I was drawn to mead because of its deep historical roots and the patience, discipline, and intention the craft requires — qualities that felt familiar after a career built around service and high-pressure environments. Read more>>
Christina England
Happily! I graduated from St. Mary’s in 2011 with a Marketing degree and immediately started a career in sales. Sales taught me so many foundational skills and led me to my next career in recruiting, which eventually led me to founding Luna Brand Management. Read more>>
Evan Kade
One day in 2017 I went into my local tiny Post Office and found out that the current owner was retiring and closing down the place after 30 years. This Post Office was a special type of Post Office that private citizens are allowed to run–it is not government owned. Read more>>
Paul Colavecchia
I was born in Detroit, Michigan. From an early age I grew up working and helping out in construction, as my dad and my uncle were both carpenters. After graduating High School in 2006, i wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so I joined the local carpenters union while also in school part time. Read more>>
Kendall Kuebel- Hollaway
After returning home to New Braunfels — the place I’ve been proud to call home my entire life — I had an unexpected meeting that changed my career path. I ran into the past Executive Officer of the Greater New Braunfels Home Builders Association at our kids’ practice, and through that conversation discovered an opportunity that felt like the perfect fit. Read more>>
Michellledidthat
I began my journey in the beauty industry inspired by my husband, who motivated me to step into a creative space where passion and purpose could meet. What started as curiosity quickly became a calling, and I committed myself to learning, growing, and building a future within the industry. Read more>>
Vanessa Gibson
I didn’t always have confidence, and I definitely didn’t always believe in myself. For a long time, I felt stuck and unsure of who I was or where I was going. What really changed my life was when I decided to focus on myself and my health. I lost over 130 pounds in one year, and with that came something even bigger confidence. Read more>>
Allison Jones
My mom was a social worker who spent her life fighting for social justice. She instilled in me two things: deep empathy for others and a whole lot of fight. The kind of fight that makes you stand up for people who can’t stand up for themselves. I followed in her footsteps. Read more>>
Dr. Stacy Speedlin Gonzalez
I am a proud San Antonian with a love for this city! The richness and artsy feel of San Antonio is the reason I stay. I am a licensed clinician and practice owner, who built my practice in the heart of the medical center. I have a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. Read more>>
seaquitez fleeks
Hi, I’m Seaquitez Fleeks, a Licensed Esthetician & Certified Injector, I specialize in men’s skincare, body sculpting, and medical aesthetics. I’m originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, and in 2020 I made the life changing decision to move to San Antonio, Texas with one clear purpose: to give my three daughters a better life. Read more>>
Nikki Hardwick
I am Clinical Operations Manager and an MIH medic for Wilson County ESD #3. Wilson County ESD #3 is the EMS provider for the eastern part of Wilson County. We started our MIH program in 2024. MIH stand for Mobile Integrated Healthcare. We bridge the gap between patients and the hospitals/doctors. Read more>>
Jessica Gonzalez
Sparkly Maid San Antonio Cleaning Services started with a very simple goal: to raise the standard of residential cleaning while creating real opportunities for hardworking Latina women in our community. What began as a small operation focused on quality and trust quickly grew as word spread. Read more>>
Robert Mazak
I am a psychic medium with several metaphysical services. I recognize that I was always different, but didn’t completely connect to these gifts until later in life. Sometimes it takes great issues in our lives to get us to begin working on ourselves; that happened when my first marriage of 26 years suddenly began to unravel. Read more>>
Liliana Jernigan
I felt drawn to become a therapist after beginning my own therapy journey in graduate school, during a season of life when I truly needed support and guidance. That experience showed me how powerful it can be to have a space where you feel seen, supported, and not rushed through change. Read more>>
North East Educational Foundation
The North East Educational Foundation (NEEF) was established in 1986 as a vision of community and district leaders who believed that public education deserved innovative resources beyond what traditional funding allowed. Read more>>
Brent Fields
I have over thirty years of executive leadership experience and my professional work history is a diverse one that includes service in sectors such as education, social services, research, healthcare, and counseling. Read more>>
Ivan Miller
My first experience as a Landscaper was during one summer in Montana. I had grown up on a farm and had experience working with several different types of equipment similar to landscaping. However, it wasn’t until 1998 in Billings, Montana, that I started working as a Landscaper for a local nursery. It was some of the hardest work I had ever done. Read more>>
Madeline Bonilla
The Hot Plate project grew out of two things I’ve always loved: cooking and bringing people together. There is something special about sharing a meal and creating a space where people feel welcomed and cared for. At the same time, I felt a strong desire to be more involved in my community and give back in a tangible way. Read more>>
Ashley Navarro
Sueños was born out of a desire to create magic during a time of uncertainty. Towards the end of 2020, I hosted a small, intimate slumber party for my daughter and a few close friends. After sharing the photos online, the overwhelming response made me realize that I had tapped into something special. Read more>>
Liliana Jernigan
I felt drawn to become a therapist after starting my own therapy journey in graduate school. Experiencing that process firsthand showed me how healing can unfold when someone feels truly seen and supported. I began as a solo practitioner, creating a gentle space for people to navigate new chapters of life at their own pace. Read more>>
andy benavides
For more than three decades, Andy Benavides has been a catalyst for artistic, cultural, and community transformation in San Antonio. His work exemplifies the spirit of San Antonio. He challenges the status quo, uplifts underserved communities, and builds tangible pathways that empower future generations to grow, create, and lead. Read more>>
David Zuazua
Entrepreneurship has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up watching my dad build his own path from the ground up, and seeing that up close left a lasting impression on me. I learned early what it really means to take risks, work hard, and build something that matters. Read more>>
Maria Benavidez
When I was eight years old, I determined I wanted to be a radio DJ when I grew up. It sounded like so much fun – they were always laughing, got to listen to the coolest music, went to all the hottest clubs and concerts and they only worked four hours a day. I couldn’t understand why not everybody didn’t want to do this! Read more>>
Herman Walker
I grew up on a large ranch in West Texas. At an early age I learned about ranch cowboy life. It has been the subject of my art career from the start. I am for the most part a self taught artist. I took a sculpture course during my senior year at Texas Tech which put me on the path of art as a vocation. Read more>>
Stacey White
Beyond the artistry, I also manage the practical realities of running a business: supplies, suite rental, scheduling, and operations—all while running a household alongside my husband, Kenneth, and raising three children. Two are in college (Nicholas is a freshman and Tristan is a senior—proudly a Nau Scholar at UTSA) and Everett is still in elementary school. Read more>>
Caroline Schoneveld Willem de Lange
Newly made friends had a septic put in for us as we were in rhe Netherlands again. The next project was a little Derksen building we had put in as a guest house for our family&friends. We bought a shell and did the whole inside ourselves. It took about 4 weeks with help from family and friends and a cute little guest cabin was born. After that we had a cabin brought in for a ranch manager. As we could only be in the United States for a few months as foreigners the manager looked after the property during all the times we could not be here. Read more>>
