Today we’d like to introduce you to Louie A. Guzman
Hi Louie A., so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Originally from Los Angeles, California, Louie grew up in Converse, Texas, just north of San Antonio. As the second oldest of seven children in a low-income household, life was far from easy. My family faced profound challenges, including food insecurity, domestic violence, substance abuse, family member with special needs, and sexual assault. Yet, in the face of these adversities, it was my family’s faith, and the love and strength of my mother held us together. Looking back, there were so many points where I could have made the wrong choices and become another statistic, but my journey led me to a different path.
After graduating high school and feeling uncertain about my future, I was inspired by my time in JR AFROTC and living close to Randolph Air Force Base. In 1989, I made the decision to join the United States Air Force. That decision would shape my life , serving this country with honor for 22 years, with 18 of those years spent in San Antonio, the city I’ve known as home. My military service spanned across the globe, including assignments and temporary duties in places like Alaska, Hawaii, Korea, Japan, Guam, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkey. These truly lived experiences not only broadened my perspective but also deepened my understanding of other cultures, ideals and truly appreciating my life as I seen others struggling so much more than even I could imagine. The military instilled a commitment to leadership, service, and building connections that still stand strong.
After retiring from military service in 2011, I transitioned to a second career in the nonprofit sector, where soon realized I could make a great impact on my community. I began at the San Antonio Food Bank, dedicating over 12 years as a proud “Hunger Fighter.” I spent over a year with Soldier’s Angels, a nonprofit supporting military families, deployed service members and our nations veterans, before stepping into a transformative role with the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation. At Kronkosky, I found myself in a “full-circle moment.” I worked closely with organizations that had once supported families like mine, advocating for funding and providing resources to strengthen the community. To be able to advocate for organizations that cared for my family or families like mine and to collaborate with the Najim Charitable Foundation was an incredible honor. I honor my Kronkosky mentors, Mr. Tullos Wells and Ms. Shantel Wilkens for teaching me so much in such a short time, lessons that I will carry for a lifetime.
Currently I serve as the Director of Sponsorships and Development for San Antonio Sports, where our mission is to “Transform our community through the power of sport”. Our community and youth programming resonates with me as I know the value of being on a team and the importance of staying active, eating healthy and the benefits of mental wellbeing.
Throughout this career, I have discovered one of my greatest strengths: the ability to cultivate genuine relationships. Whether working with corporations, the military, nonprofits, or philanthropic foundations, I found this niche in connecting entities with shared missions and values. Building bridges between organizations that can serve one another has been one of my most rewarding accomplishments. These connections have empowered countless individuals and organizations to thrive together.
As I look back on and forward on my journey, I only hope that my legacy will be one of service—not just to this nation, but to this city and community. I’ve always sought to lead with compassion, dedication, and the hope of inspiring others to give and make a difference. My legacy isn’t about recognition or accolades. It’s about the impact I have had on the lives of others I will never know or in ways I may never fully know. When the sun sets on my time, I hope people will remember me for the lives that were a little better because of what I accomplished. My legacy is in those unknown individuals—”the unknown legacy.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been many challenges along my journey—some of them external, but many self-inflicted. Growing up in an underserved community, I often struggled with feeling adequate in different situations. For years, I never fully believed I deserved a seat at the table. I doubted myself, my abilities, and my worth.
As I started to build my confidence over time, I faced another challenge: seasonal depression. After being stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska for four years, the darkness of long winters began to affect me. At first, I tried to hide it, masking my struggles with drinking, but that only made things worse. I spent a few years feeling like I was trapped in complete darkness, unsure of how to move forward.
When I retired from the Air Force and stepped into the civilian workforce, I found myself battling a new set of fears. Fear of failure held me back from pursuing opportunities, and self-doubt kept whispering that I wasn’t enough. It was a tough transition, and there were moments when I questioned whether I could find my place in this new chapter of life.
But through it all, I’ve been fortunate to have supportive colleagues and leaders who saw in me what I couldn’t always see in myself. They reminded me of my value, my strengths, and my ability to make an impact. Their encouragement helped me push past my doubts, take on new challenges, and embrace opportunities I once thought were out of reach.
Looking back now, I realize that every challenge I faced—whether external or internal—has been a lesson in resilience. I’ve learned that it’s okay to struggle, but it’s not okay to give up. I’ve learned to embrace imperfection and to believe that I belong at every table I sit at. And most importantly, I’ve learned that growth comes from the moments when you decide to step out of the darkness and into the light.
This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s made me who I am today. From all this, I seek every opportunity to listen to other’s stories, ideas and dreams and support them truthfully. We must see the value in each other and uplift that and actually voice it to others. We all battle ourselves and confidence; to hear support and encouragement from a stranger or a loved one is all the boost we need for the day. A little love, support and acknowledgment can carry us for days on end. Especially in the non-profit world, where our passion drives us more than compensation.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I currently have the honor of working for San Antonio Sports, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that transforms lives through the power of sport. As the Director of Sponsorships and Development, my mission is focused on securing philanthropic gifts, donations, and sponsorships to support our youth and community programs. I also work to engage sponsors for the incredible events we host, all of which help strengthen our community. My passion lies in development—a role that might seem glamorous from the outside but is, in reality, a labor-intensive and deeply rewarding field. Development is about so much more than raising dollars; it’s about building relationships, cultivating trust, and creating meaningful connections. It involves donor cultivation, maintaining strong relationships with existing supporters, marketing and public relations, grant writing, volunteer coordination, event planning, and so much more. It’s a constant, fast-paced effort to ensure the sustainability of the organization’s mission, especially during times when giving slows down. When others see lulls, my team and I see an opportunity to kick into high gear and keep pushing forward.
What I’m most proud of in this role is the network of relationships I’ve cultivated over the years. Knowing that my insight and efforts have helped organizations secure philanthropic gifts for their mission is the ultimate reward. It’s not just about the dollars raised; it’s about knowing that those dollars are making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Seeing a donor’s passion align with a cause or witnessing a community program flourish because of those funds—that’s what fuels me.
If there’s one thing that sets me apart, it’s my 24/7 commitment to development. My mind never shuts off when it comes to thinking about how I can help my organization thrive. Whether I’m watching TV, walking my dog, attending a sports event, or even at the gym, I’m constantly brainstorming new ideas, strategies, and connections to further our mission. Development isn’t just my job—it’s part of who I am. That mindset extends to how I approach every opportunity. Not every lead or event will pan out, but every single one receives the same time, care, and attention from me. I was once told that a fellow development leader, before a meeting with their CEO, said, “I’m not like Louie.” That sentiment stuck with me—not as a boast, but as a testament to how I approach my work. I pour my whole heart into what I do because I believe in the difference it makes.
At its core, my work is about people—connecting them to causes they care about and creating opportunities for organizations to thrive. Development is about more than just fundraising; it’s about building something lasting, something impactful. I’m proud of the energy I bring, the relationships I’ve fostered, and the difference I’ve made for the organizations I’ve worked with. I approach every day with the mindset that what I do matters. And when I see a child benefiting from a program we’ve funded, a community strengthened by our work, or a donor inspired by the mission they’ve supported, I know in my heart that every ounce of effort has been worth it. That’s why I do what I do, and that’s why I’ll never stop.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I try to live my life with openness and curiosity, so surprises don’t often catch me off guard. But when I reflect on my journey, I realize I’ve had some truly extraordinary experiences—moments that shaped me, challenged me, and left me in awe of the world we live in.
One of the most unforgettable experiences of my life happened during my time in Thailand. While visiting an elephant refuge, I had the rare opportunity to connect with these incredible creatures. I was lifted, massaged, and even walked over by an elephant. It was humbling to be in the presence of such strength, grace, and intelligence—it was a moment that reminded me of the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
In 1991, I deployed to Guam in the wake of the Mount Pinatubo volcanic eruption, supporting critical emergency evacuations. Helping people escape such devastation was a stark reminder of how fragile life can be and how important it is to act swiftly in times of crisis. A year later, I found myself on the other side of a similar experience when I lived through the eruption of Mount Spurr in Alaska. Witnessing the raw power of nature firsthand was both humbling and terrifying, but it also strengthened my resolve to always be ready to serve, no matter the circumstances.
In 1993, I had the privilege of standing on the farthest tip of the United States while stationed in Alaska. I was part of a team that flew out to Eareckson Air Force Base, a remote and rugged base in the Aleutian Islands, to assist a Chinese 747 that had experienced an in-flight emergency. Standing on that distant edge of the country, surrounded by nothing but the vast ocean and the untamed wilderness, I felt a profound sense of purpose and connection to something greater than myself.
One of the most memorable chapters of my career took place aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. I spent three days as the guest of the Rear Admiral, an invitation extended to me after I quickly handled his diplomatic clearances with the Saudi Immigration Police when his plane landed at Riyadh Airport. Walking those decks, standing shoulder to shoulder with the men and women serving aboard that mighty ship, reminded me of the incredible teamwork and dedication it takes to keep our world safe. It was an experience I’ll never forget.
Most recently, thanks to my time at Kronkosky Charitable Foundation. I found a passion and appreciation for the fine arts. To be able to follow an opera, enjoy a ballet and to be able to close my eyes as I listen to orchestra music has changed my perception of the arts. It isn’t for an older and wealthier demographic only, it is for all. I was honored this past year to portray Mother Ginger for Ballet San Antonio’s Nutcracker. What an incredible and fun experience. Something I will never forget! This past year, I was so proud of Opera San Antonio’s performance of Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, and Ballet San Antonio’s production of Don Quixote, and The Orchestra of San Antonio performing with Opera San Antonio at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower. These and other local arts organizations providing our community with incredible performances is truly a gift for all ages and backgrounds.
I have continued to support our non-profits and their missions, joining the boards of BEAT AIDS and The Eye of the Beholder, offered development consultations to numerous organizations at no cost, I have emceed events and shows, walked the runway for the SA Food Bank and even donned the crimson red suit of Santa Clause for Blessed Angels Community Center, San Antonio Food Bank, SJRC and other non-profits needing holiday cheer from a 6ft5 Santa!
The list of experiences goes on and on—each one unique, each one teaching me something new about the world and myself. Through all these experiences, I’ve learned the value of staying open to life’s possibilities. The world is full of surprises, and every challenge, every adventure, is an opportunity to grow, to serve, and to be inspired. These stories are not just memories, they’re reminders of the incredible journey I’ve been privileged to live. And for that, I am deeply grateful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslouiea
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louieaguzman
