Chamber News

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!

Join the Legacy:  Applications Now Open for LLI 10! As we prepare to celebrate a decade of empowering Latina leaders, we invite you to be part of the legacy. Applications are now open for the 2025 LLI 10 Steering Committee and the 2025-2026 LLI 10 Co-Chair Elect positions! This is a unique opportunity to forge the future, lead with purpose and make a lasting impact on our community. As we mark 10 years of leadership and growth, we're looking for passionate individuals ready to take the next step in their leadership journey.