From her early days in television to her significant impact in politics, crisis communications, and now urban advocacy, Trish DeBerry's journey showcases the power of resilience, risk-taking, and staying true to one's purpose.
20 Feature
What do a judge, small business owner, and government leader have in common? They lead with collaboration to make a difference in their communities. Read how.
24 Role Model
Priya Deva: Listening & Respect - The Basis for an Acting Career. Learn how family values played a role in pursuing a career in acting.
26 Guy to Know
As Vice Provost of Libraries and Museums at UTSA, Dean Hendrix fosters curiosity and knowledge, empowering students to lead, solve problems, and make well-informed decisions for the future.
To Your Health
C O N T R I B U T O R S
Suzanne Pack Photographer
Dawn Robinette Writer
David Teran Photographer
Bill Murphy, MD Writer
Linda Ratner RN, MBA, CEPA Writer
Lainey Berkus Writer
Janis Turk Writer
Michelle Vasquez Writer
Sunita Punjabi, PhD Writer
Blithe Wiley Writer
Welcome!
This issue is packed with stories of women breaking barriers and making change happen. Our cover woman, Trish DeBerry, is at the forefront of transforming our downtown corridor through her role as President and CEO of Centro San Antonio. Trish shares her story of taking risks and embracing resilience, especially after what most see as failure. Read Trish's story of turning setbacks into valuable lessons and new opportunities.
The passionate women in our feature story - Judge Sandee Marion, Kristen Salazar, and Molly Quirk - impact our city and state through their leadership in the Rotary Club and Texas Lyceum. All three women are amazing, but I'm incredibly proud that Molly is my cousin. She continuously makes the world better with her generous spirit and passion for serving others.
In 2005, the Texas Fourth Court of Appeals became the first appellate court in the nation to have all women justices on its bench. Today, Chief Justice Rebeca C. Martinez leads the all-female bench, with six of seven justices being Latinas. Read Chief Justice Martinez's inspiring story of breaking barriers in our Women in Law section.
I hope you enjoy connecting with some of the incredible women of San Antonio featured on these pages. As I always say, we will never run out of material! What a joy it is to be able to share their stories with you. Stay tuned for the next issue and even more amazing women!
Wishing you a happy and safe summer, Cathleen
Cathleen Lane Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Cathleen Lane cathleen@sawoman.com
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WRITERS
Cover: Dawn Robinette Lainey Berkus
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Linda Ratner RN MBA
Janis Turk Michelle Vasquez
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
David Avery Jesilyn Fiel
Cerissa LaToi McKinnis
Dr. Megan O’Brien Terri Rehkopf
Dr. Michelle Spoonemore City Of Wimberly
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San Antonio Woman Launch Event
May/June Celebration
Photography by Jonathan Alonzo
Guests enjoyed a lively launch event at Casa Hernán on Wednesday, June 26th.
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO CHEF JOHNNY AND CASA HERNÁN!
Trish DeBerry Taking Risks and Transforming Downtown
By Dawn Robinette, APR | Photography by Suzanne Pack
If you haven’t been downtown lately, Trish DeBerry is rolling out the red carpet – and banners, fireworks, holiday lights, drone shows, and perhaps most importantly, parking and transportation options – to change that.
As President and CEO of Centro San Antonio, the nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing and promoting the vibrant core of San Antonio, DeBerry leads the charge to keep downtown clean, safe, and welcoming, passionately working to foster a resurgence in the downtown core. Her commitment to revitalizing downtown is evident in her efforts to create and activate events like the Fourth of July and Christmas celebrations, which have drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors.
"People really want to be downtown. They want an authentic urban downtown experience, but one that’s safe and enjoyable," DeBerry explains. Her goal is to create a downtown that resonates with both locals and tourists, fostering a sense of community and excitement. “In my heart of hearts, I believe that downtown is at a tipping point, and it's my job to push it over.”
She’s making that goal happen – and creating lasting memories along the way. Last year’s inaugural Holidays on Houston Street brought the holidays to life in a new way downtown, with 450,000 people enjoying the family events and holiday market. Stars and Stripes on Houston Street just rolled out the red, white, and blue carpet to celebrate the Fourth of July. And DeBerry is far from done.
“Houston Street is so iconic for San Antonio. When you look back at the pictures – and talk to longtime residents – it is associated with retail, commerce, and entertainment. It was the
intersection of all of it. It’s our downtown DNA. We need to treat it as the icon that it is.”
Yet many locals need to be made aware of Centro and the full scope of its operations. Centro's efforts are evident daily, from activations and beautification to maintaining clean and safe streets and addressing the complex issue of homelessness. With 115 ambassadors working around the clock, the organization ensures that the downtown area remains inviting and vibrant. These ambassadors, distinguishable by their yellow shirts, engage in everything from cleaning sidewalks to assisting tourists, while a specialized team in blue shirts focuses on offering support to people experiencing homelessness, addressing mental health crises, and providing pathways to shelters and detox centers.
"You never know what door is going to open. Try on those shoes, walk through that door, and I think life will hold a lot more."
“We deal with it with empathy and compassion. It may be a conversation with them about getting into a shelter, needing to go into detox – getting them to understand that something in their life needs to change.”
Listening to DeBerry energetically talk about what’s ahead for the city where she was born and raised, it’s easy to understand why she was asked to lead Centro. It’s a natural fit for the skillset she’s honed throughout her career. “I'm very blessed regarding my career journey and career path because I started in television,
migrated to PR, then got into politics because I was managing campaigns.”
In 2020, DeBerry transitioned from the private sector to public service, running for and winning a Bexar County Commissioners Court seat. She then ran for Bexar County Judge in 2022. “I've always been somewhat of a risk taker. I ran for office, won an election, then lost an election. But I've always preached to young women and told myself, at the end of the day, even if you don't get to where you want to be – what your goal is – failing forward is not necessarily a bad thing.
“When we fail, we tend to beat ourselves up and tell ourselves we are not enough. But I would say life is short. No risk, no reward. Whether you're successful or fail, there are lessons you learn from failure and winning. There are moments of reflection. But how you pick yourself up and reach success after that failure is what defines you as a person.
“Particularly for women, this is a tough conversation because we like to play it safe because it's comfortable. I would advocate playing it safe is not what life is about. It is about challenging yourself. It is about stepping outside your comfort zone. It is about pushing boundaries. It is about breaking glass ceilings. It is about breaking down doors. I think there's so much more that we as a gender could be doing if we didn't continue to say, ‘It's a little too risky.’
“What if you turned it on its ear and said, ‘What would life hold if I was successful? And who cares if I fail?’ There will be another opportunity.”
One pivotal moment in her career was running former Mayor Ed Garza's mayoral campaign. Despite never having managed a campaign before, DeBerry's communication skills and strategic thinking led to a landslide victory. "If Ed had not believed in my abilities, my trajectory would not be what it is today," she reflects.
“It's just one experience of many that I could have told myself, ‘Shoulda, coulda, woulda.’ But instead of should have, could have, would have, I did it.”
Despite her years behind the scenes and successful campaign work, being the candidate herself was eye-opening – and highlighted the double standard that continues to exist for women. “The race wasn't really about my record or my accomplishments. It was that I was too ambitious that I would walk across hot coals to be the judge. Are you going to say that about a man? No, you're not.
“We still have a lot more work to do. Whether you're in line to be the next CEO of an organization or running for a high political office, it should not be about how you look, the color of your hair, or what lipstick you have on. It should be about your abilities and the brain that you have in your head.”
The avid sports fan enjoys reading, exercise, and music when she's not advocating for downtown. "I love to dance. You can't keep me off the dance floor," she says with a smile. “I skeet shoot, so that's a good stress reliever. I love to fish. Sometimes I feel like there's not enough time in the year to accomplish everything I want to do because although I work hard, I like to play hard, too.”
A devoted mother of two, DeBerry's son, Scott, is a senior at the University of Texas, while her daughter, Maddie, is studying marketing at the University of Arkansas. “My son always laughs at me because he usually texts me about a game, ‘Are you watching this? I can hear you yelling at the TV right now. It happens,” she laughs and shrugs. “I've always been a huge sports fan. I'm a competitor.”
Her passion for life extends to her love of travel, adventure, and even a tattoo she shared with her daughter, who didn’t believe DeBerry would go through with the deal they made as she was headed to school.
“Maddie had said, ‘We're going to get a matching tattoo.’ We got there and went through
orientation; then, it was time to get our tattoo. She looked at me and said, ‘You're not going to do this, are you?’ I said, Maddie, if there's one thing you've learned about your mother, she is a woman of her word and a woman of commitment. Let's go get this tattoo.”
“People are so shocked when they find out I did it. Life is short. It's a tattoo. It's not a big deal. Plus, it reminds me of my daughter, so it makes my heart feel good.”
DeBerry approaches challenges with a blend of strategic thinking and resilience. "My best thinking is done right before I sleep," she reveals. Whether dealing with crises or navigating complex issues, she emphasizes the importance of taking a step back, breathing deeply, and methodically plotting a course forward.
“You never know what opportunity is going to arise. My journey has been blessed with the opportunities I created for myself and opportunities that have come out of the blue that I have capitalized on,” she notes. “You never know what door is going to open. Try on those shoes, walk through that door, and I think life will hold a lot more.”
Women Change Makers Leading With Balance
In an age of waning civility, it is comforting to know good people are in our community as active change makers. Through their advocacy, they promote action and solutions to problems that affect the well-being of state, local, and international communities. Call it maternal instinct or women who get things done; these leaders inspire others to come together across party lines to do the right thing and improve our communities.
By Michelle Vasquez | Photography by Suzanne Pack
Judge Sandee Marion
A San Antonio native and UT Austin and St Mary’s Law School graduate, Judge Sandee Marion has spent her career serving others, whether on the bench, as a judge, or in the community.
“I’ve been a lawyer for 44 years, which includes practicing law for 12 years and spending 28 years on the bench, first as a probate court judge and then as an appellate court judge, “says Marion. Her experiences in the judicial system have enabled her balanced, fair, and compassionate approach to improving our communities right here in San Antonio.
Feature Fiesta
Throughout her career and retirement, Marion has been active in the Rotary Club, which she joined after the organization began admitting women. She was also a partner in a law firm. Rotary is a nonpartisan organization of 45,000 clubs worldwide whose mission is service over self. Says Marion, “Rotary brings like-minded people who want to help improve our communities and serve others.”
One hears a recurring theme in her journey of service over self, which also happens to be the central tenet of the Rotary Club. Her father was a Downtown San Antonio Rotarian for over 20 years. Once she joined, they sat together every Wednesday until he passed away.
In 1998, she became the first woman president of the Rotary Club of San Antonio. “Membership was still about 90% male, but it was such an honor to serve as the first woman president; I felt as if everyone wanted to see me succeed,” she says.
Her family was also supportive during her tenure, with her husband and daughters attending Rotary conventions and meetings. This journey led to the founding of the largest Rotary Club in the world, and
in so doing, they accomplished significant initiatives throughout San Antonio.
Some projects that the club has undertaken during her tenure include Kingdom for Kids, initiated by Rick Cavender, which goes on to this day. The program is a playground build initiative in underserved communities. Rotarians pick an elementary school in an underserved area that may not have access to a playground and, throughout a weekend, put together something new and unique,” says Marion. These small acts have a significant impact on the positive development of children.
Marion believes that education and leadership are the keys to whatever you want to do in life. “We must develop good leaders for our future and leaders with compassion yet strength. We face some serious issues, and we need leaders who recognize them, so we continue having the kind of place that we all want to live,” she says. “I believe developing those leadership skills by serving our community first is important.”
Her continued commitment to service extends beyond Rotary. She serves as a Board Member at St. Mary’s University, Corazon Ministries in downtown San Antonio, and the Center for Healthcare Services, our mental health authority for Bexar County.
Kristen Salazar
Rotary International District Governor
Kristen Salazar is a supportive parent, small business owner, and one of Rotary International’s youngest district governors.
“My kids motivate me because I know they see everything that I do, and so I want to set a good example for them and show them how to be successful and professional while having fun giving back to the community, and that’s where Rotary comes into my life,” says Salazar.
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Rotary is the largest international service organization, with 1.4 million members worldwide and over 500 districts. Salazar leads the largest district in Texas, which covers 57 Rotary clubs and has about 2,500 members. San Antonio is the largest in the district.
On the subject of being a nonpartisan organization, Salazar conveys that “we want our clubs to focus on what they can do in the community and not bring politics into our Rotary clubs. We should be able to work together regardless of our views and help those who need us.”
“Being a Rotarian means having an impact,” says Salazar. One way they do that is by cultivating young leaders based on age group. There are programs called Early Act, Interact, and Rotaract for elementary, middle/high school, and college age. Many continue to be Rotarians after they graduate.
The program requires commitment, and while there are different levels, many receive the presidential volunteer service award with a minimum of 90 hours of community volunteer service in addition to balancing school, school activities, and family commitments. “Those are leaders who are going to come up through Rotary and help make a difference in the world going forward,” says Salazar.
Salazar embodies the principles of community service through her words and actions and encourages her children to participate in volunteer activities with the organization. In addition to her service with Rotary, she is Chair of the Advisory Council for CASA, a member of the board for Camp Camp, and a member of the Advisory Board of Corazon San Antonio.
Salazar explains that by making a difference, we also make ourselves and others happy. “I want to show my kids the benefits of helping others, and I can only do that if I work to make a difference in the world.”
Molly Quirk
Mayor of San Leanna
Molly Quirk is the mayor of San Leanna, a community outside of Austin. She is also the President of the nonpartisan organization the Texas Lyceum. And those are only two of her jobs. She is also a dog mama to seven labs, a wife, a photographer, and a lead in business development for a national engineering firm focusing on government infrastructure. Her roles converge in one way: they are all about making a difference in the community through civil discourse.
Feature Fiesta
The Texas Lyceum was founded in 1980 by a group that included Skipper Dippel, Scott Bennett, Jim Wyndham, and her mother, Ann Quirk. “They agreed Texas was at a turning point and that if we were not pulling leaders from across the state together, we were not going to be able to solve the problems facing Texas,” she says. They came up with the idea to hold a public conference on significant issues pertinent to Texas’ future, and the rest is history. Molly took the helm 40 years after her mother served as the first woman president of the Lyceum.
The organization hosts four to five conferences annually on issues of concern for Texans in a nonadversarial setting, conducts a poll illuminating these areas, and sponsors research fellowships on these issues. “The advantage of being nonpartisan is that we can have tough conversations about issues that are important and relevant to our communities,” says Quirk. “The Lyceum fosters trust, and through our conversations, we demonstrate that individuals can come together, agree to disagree, and learn from each other, allowing us to solve problems.”
Each year, The Texas Lyceum delves into the major issues facing Texas. This year, they selected topics that included a deep dive into many issues for Texans: water, leadership in space and technology, mental health, and the future of marijuana and gambling
in the Lone Star State. They are also learning about the industry behind entertainment, which includes issues surrounding human capital, the environment, and the workforce.
The Texas Lyceum leads by example to inspire conversation, which may sometimes make people uncomfortable. “We do not seek to tell you what to think but help you gain perspective, which allows us to dig in and learn about the issue rather than fighting it,” says Quirk.
Cultivating leadership in others is the gift that keeps on giving. Members of the Lyceum then give back to their communities more informedly. They can influence change as government or business leaders, community stakeholders, and advocates.
The impact of nonpartisan leadership fosters tackling societal challenges. Women changemakers like Judge Sandee Marion, Kristen Salazar, and Molly Quirk transcend political divides and focus on actionable solutions that strengthen our communities and set a powerful example for future generations. Their work addresses immediate needs and cultivates the next generation of leaders committed to service over self, ensuring a legacy of positive change.
Priya Deva
Listening & Respect - The Basis for an Acting Career
By
Michelle Vasquez | Photography by David Teran
As a first-generation Southeast Asian Indian woman born in Canada and raised in the U.S., Priya Deva’s background has shaped her perspective. Multilingual and driven to succeed, she was captivated by the world, always aware of the importance of educational access and pursuing her true passion, performing. As a role model, Priya achieves that delicate balance we all strive for, staying true to who she is and having clear values based on listening and respect.
Priya credits her values to her immigrant parents. “My parents were unusual in that they always listened to and valued me, so I grew up trusting myself and my decisions,” she says.
While it was always a non-negotiable that she would go to college, she was captivated by the performing arts. Even while obtaining a degree in industrial engineering with a minor in mathematics and economics from the University of WisconsinPlatteville, Priya continued performing. “I’ve been performing from age five, and the only time I stopped was to have a family.”
She met the love of her life at university, established herself as an executive in the energy industry, and then went on to have a family. Now that her children have grown, she has pursued her passion for performing with full force. Landing roles in several films, she has proven her versatility, playing characters that starkly contrast her real-life demeanor, such as a seductress and villain.
Her current project includes a recent premiere at the Gasparilla International Film Festival. Her movie, Curry Scent, is about an extraordinarily wealthy Indian family where she plays the matriarch. A young woman, Geetha, an Indian immigrant, threatens to upend a perfect family life by setting her sights on the eldest son. The film is about the tug-of-war that ensues to keep the situation from progressing. “My character is the one you love to hate,” says Priya.
This spring, she was cast as the lead in an awardwinning romantic comedy that follows a woman’s journey of self-discovery. Says Priya,” This story is unlike anything I’ve done, and it takes place on a ranch with cattle and horses.” The screenplay
received the Nicholl’s Fellowship in Screenwriting, sponsored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. In addition, she has another streaming TV release, in which she plays a 75-year-old dead grandmother who, as a ghost, comes back to teach her granddaughter, an investment banker, some lessons.
As Priya reflects on her success, she credits her loyal family and friends. “I have a group of women and my family who support me 150% and lift me up in life,” she says. Her professional acting career took off due to supporting her youngest daughter, an actress and an accomplished athlete.
Priya inherited her parent’s values of listening and respect, so it’s no surprise that when her daughters insisted on being allowed to audition for Disney, Priya and her husband listened.
“Hard work met talent, met opportunity, met luck, and we realized the opportunity and jumped on it,” said Priya. Her daughters were discovered at the auditions by a well-known casting agent. As a stage mother supporting her daughter, the casting agent asked Priya, “What about you? Do you act? I have the perfect role for you! she said.” “And the rest is history,” says Priya. You could say I’m a nepo-mom,” she laughs.
Priya’s oldest daughter pursued artistic endeavors in classical piano and competitive dance. When she happened upon Latin ballroom dance, she was smitten. She expressed interest in this path, and Priya and her husband were open to the idea. Her children’s needs and interests are dynamic entities.
One can’t help but notice that Priya’s daughters are examples of apples not falling far from the tree, with mutual listening, respect, confidence, and independence running through them. Marriage and family anchor that tree, echoing Priya’s childhood relationship with her parents.
Credits:
Olivia Villa: Liv Beautified (makeup)
Dominic Alonzo: Dmadivo (hair)
Styled by: Tina Bhardwaj @iamladytin
Dean Hendrix
Vice Provost of Libraries and Museums at the University of Texas at San Antonio
By
Michelle Vasquez | Photography by David Teran
Dean Hendrix, a proud San Antonio native, is dedicated to giving back to his community through his role as Vice Provost of Libraries and Museums at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). “I came home in 2016 after 27 years of being away from San Antonio, and I am thrilled to see how much the city has grown and evolved while still retaining the warmth of a close-knit community,” says Dean.
UTSA is a diverse and vibrant research university, home to 35,000 students, approximately 60% of whom are Mexican American and 75% of whom are students of color. According to Dean, “UTSA represents the promise of higher education where every student’s story and journey matters.”
Dean manages four libraries, two museums, and an art collection of over 3,000 pieces. He is passionate about ensuring students and scholars access to information and artistic expression. “I believe libraries and museums foster knowledge and growth, empower individuals to make informed life choices, and improve the quality of life for everyone,” he says.
Shaped by his intellectual curiosity, Dean spent his formative years delving into his passions at Texas libraries. Combining library archives and international magazines, he took deep dives into subjects like electronic music. “When I went to Europe in 1989, I knew I needed to go to Ibiza for music. Why? Libraries,” he says. This early exposure to research and libraries shaped his love for libraries and social infrastructure, a quality he carries into his role as Vice Provost of Libraries and Museums.
A renowned scholar, Dean was ranked among the top 20 researchers in the information sciences worldwide in the journal Scientometrics. Dean is actively involved in acquiring library resources, which requires him to stay abreast of information technology, artificial intelligence, and science developments. His leadership extends to a team of 175 people, and he is dedicated to raising awareness of UTSA as a premier research institution.
One of his goals is to gain membership in the Association of Research Libraries, which includes the top 125 libraries in North America, such as
Harvard, the New York Public Library, and the Library of Congress.
Dean envisions UTSA as the ‘library of record’ for the Mexican American experience. This aspiration is supported by UTSA’s extensive Mexican cookbook collection, the largest in the United States, dating back to 1789. These resources reflect the rich history of the predominantly Mexican American student body.
Dean doesn’t skip a beat when asked about the importance of access to the archives and the library’s collections. “Access to trustworthy information sources allows our students to direct their own learning and gain understanding of complex subjects. In this age of information saturation and artificial intelligence, students with strong critical thinking skills are better at assessing situations, questioning assumptions, and ultimately making smart choices for themselves and their community,” says Dean.
Students learn to find, evaluate, and synthesize information at libraries and museums into term papers, videos, podcasts, or informed conversations on specific subjects. “We aim for them to understand the information lifecycle – how information is created and valued,” he says.
These skills are invaluable in any career and will set students apart in the real world. “When he asks CEOs and CFOs in San Antonio what they want from new workers, they say, ‘We want people who can solve problems,’ says Dean.” “By developing these skills, they will likely become valuable community members who contribute to San Antonio’s economic and cultural growth, as many choose to stay in the area.”
Outside of his professional life, Dean is a proud father of a 17-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old son. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, making art collages, engaging in DIY house projects, and patronizing local businesses in the Tobin Hill neighborhood. These personal interests enrich his life and provide a creative outlet that complements and informs his professional endeavors.
OfficeChicintheTexasHeat
Texas summers can be scorching, but staying professional, chic, and cool is possible!
On Jess:
- Kirby Vest, Jonathan Simkhai, $645, JulianGold - Bianca Striped Skirt, La Ligne, $275, Julian Gold
Jessica Peisen (Attorney, Guerra LLP), Audrey Higle (AccountExecutive, Coopervision), and Preeti Franklin (Attorney and Mom of soon-to-be, 5!) show us how!
These busy professionals modeled this season’s must have office trends, including short suits, skirts, vests, lightweight shells & blazers, (if they are a must), easy simple dresses, and even a skort.
To beat the heat, choose lightweight fabrics like summer tweeds (yes it’s a thing), linen, and cotton, as well as trendy options like the woven fabric of the pencil skirt and platform sneakers, to stay both chic, current and cool.
Photographer: Jennifer Denton, jenniferdenton.com
Stylist: Edie O’Brien, ediestyles.com
Styling Assistant: Layla Saldana
Makeup/Hair: Dora Vera & Kyra Dowling, The Look Beauty Studio, @_thefoundationofmakeup
Models: Jess Peisen, Audrey Higle, Preeti Franklin
Shot on location at: Machete Studios @mach3t3studios
- Brenda Linen Blazer, Antonio Melani, $179, Dillard’s
- Raffia Woven Pencil Skirt, Antonio Melani, $119, Dillard’s
- Silver & Gold Tear Drop Necklace, $58, Dillard’s
- Silver & Gold Tear Drop Earrings, $58, Dillard’s - Shoes, Model’s own
Rebecca Schroeder
Interim Associate Dean of University College and Professor of Instruction at the University of Texas San Antonio
By Lainey Berkus
Photography by Suzanne Pack
Meet Bag Lady Rebecca Schroeder
Rebecca Schroeder is the Interim Associate Dean of University College and Professor of Instruction at the University of Texas San Antonio. Most notably, she is the dynamic and hands-on pioneer behind the new and first Hospitality and Events Management niche program at the University of Texas at San Antonio—this B.A. degree with a flexible and extensive curated curriculum will prepare students for careers in the thriving tourism and hospitality industries, both of which are vital to the local economy in San Antonio and South Texas. The program’s key focus areas are Management and Human Resources, Communications, Logistics & Planning, and Cultural Enrichment. A key cultural enrichment focus area component is experiential learning through internships with local industry partners.
Impressive, right?
“This comprehensive and multidisciplinary academic track is designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills essential for a successful career in the growing hospitality and event management field. This program sets itself apart by offering a unique emphasis on cultural enrichment, immersing students in the vibrant heritage of San Antonio. This distinctive focus not only differentiates our graduates but also enhances their competitiveness in this fast-growing industry,” says Rebecca, who started building this program in 2021 with the support of Interim Provost Heather Shipley and others.
In addition to her work on this exciting program, Rebecca teaches multiple courses, serves as Interim Associate Dean for University College at UTSA, and is a mom and wife. Like the Energizer Bunny, she keeps going and going with immense stamina and enthusiasm for making good things happen in our educational community.
Rebecca has packed her bag and is going out into The Alamo City to knock on doors and talk with business leaders about this new program and its internship component. Her stand-out UTSA orange square vintage suitcase, with gold ornamentation and padded corners, is filled with information and props to help her showcase the nuts and bolts of this educational program. Her luggage tag proudly reads UTSA Hospitality and Events Management. Let’s unlock the digital combination and peek inside.
Tell me about the contents of your suitcase.
The items in my eye-catching case help me to tell the story of this exciting new program from the ground up. My props emphasize key points, add variety, and stimulate conversation. My items complement and motivate the message and leave a solid first and memorable impression. For example, the orange stress Lego blocks represent how a student can build their program to meet their unique objectives. For example, one student can focus on event planning, while another might choose hotel management. The emphasis on the three focus areas helps guide the
students through the key areas of the program, but the broad range of courses allows them to specialize in the realm of hospitality that interests them.
All the items in my case are branded with the program’s logo, which helps keep the message in mind long after my presentation. These items include UTSA notebooks, T-shirts, hot and cold cups, stress ball building blocks, wooden backpack/luggage tags, a chart defining the program with supportive collateral, and links to our program pages. Once my presentation is over, I leave all the contents with my audience in a large University College tote.
Where do you travel with your special suitcase?
My suitcase goes with me everywhere. I am constantly packing and repacking, which is an absolute joy. My passion for this program is genuine; I want everyone to know about it and be part of it.
Hospitality embraces a massive business sector, including a diverse spectrum of companies, businesses, and experts. It encompasses economic and business activities that rely upon or contribute to travel and tourism, accommodation, food and beverage, recreation, and entertainment. The list is endless: hotels, restaurants, bars, event centers, sports stadiums, theaters, museums, arenas, event planners, entertainers, parks, libraries, airports, vehicles, fashion, ticketing, politics, and civic departments. Consider the extensive network of service personnel engaged across these enterprises, too.
Tips:
1. Meeting people face-to-face increases the excitement and significance of my presentations. I aim to make my talks informative and enjoyable, which is why I love taking my message—and some lively props—on the road. Through experience, I’ve discovered that engaging and purposeful props can elevate audience interactions, drawing more participants into the conversation. While digital presentations certainly have their place in our tech-savvy era, nothing beats the personal connection and unique rapport from one-on-one meetings.
2. Timing and delivery with props are essential when giving a presentation. Your bag or case needs to be organized so you aren’t searching for important literature or swag that you need during the face-to-face presentation. Be organized.
3. Take the time to find a “container” with a personality that enhances the presentation. I picked my case for its color, unique shape, weight, handle, and sturdiness. I have always been a “bag lady,” so it was fitting that I had to find the perfect case for our new Hospitality and Events Management program.
For more information on the program, courses, and internship opportunities, please visit https://uc.utsa.edu/ programs/mdst-ba/hem/
MY JOURNEY: Bumps In The Road and The Four “R’s” I Use to Steer Around Them
By Bill Murphy, MD, Medical Director, Turquoise Springs Medical Spa
The last year has been one I could choose to give in to pain, aging, decreased function, become more sedentary, give up golf and vigorous exercise, and let my face and body go……or not. I chose the path less traveled, to quote Robert Frost. I chose not to give in but to fight. I have had worn-out joints in my left foot and both knees for many years, but I have managed the pain myself with injections, medications, and weight management. It seems my 70th birthday, May of 2023, was the signal for my
left foot and right knee to say, enough is enough. I think three Bataan Death March marathon rucks with a 45-pound pack over the previous five years was the reason, but who’s to say? Anyway, the pain became worse, I worked out less and began to gain weight, and my doctor told me to stop taking so much Aleve, as it had affected my kidneys. Mentally, I think I started to go into that downward aging spiral. I said to myself, is this it? The emergency came when I couldn’t play more than 7-8 holes of golf with my son and son-in-law and was forced to limp home. I had a couple of other maintenance medical problems that needed to be addressed as well, which frustrated me even more. I had an “old man prostate” and an esophageal stricture that needed dilating. I own and run a medical spa, and all of this made my face wrinkles worse, and my eye bags sag more. Time for the recliner or rocking chair? Absolutely not!
Let’s start with the Four R’s. REGENERATION, REJUVENATION, REPAIR, and REVELATION. Using these to guide us, we can all make a plan. First, I found a pad and made a list of where I would start to get control of my health and my life. The most acute issue was the esophageal stricture, which was dilated by my GI doctor and has not come back with medication and a change in evening diet. I then moved to the plumbing issue and had the prostate obstruction taken care of, which I had been putting off. Procrastination is such a nasty habit! I should have taken care of it years ago. It was so much easier than I expected. Both of these are examples of physical REPAIR.
I began to inject my inflamed and arthritic joints with PRP and PRF made from my blood to decrease pain and REJUVENATE the tissues. I had remarkable results with my left knee and my shoulders. However, my left foot joints and my right knee were too worn out, so I moved on to REPAIR for those.
I picked the two best specialists in town for the prospective surgeries and had my left foot fused in February, and I had a total knee replacement in early June. Currently, I have no pain in my left foot, and the right knee is recovering nicely. I expect no pain there, as well. I tell my patients and friends that I expect to return to wearing out those joints with great intensity soon.
While all of this has been going on, I have been utilizing our expert medical spa staff to begin aesthetic REJUVENATION treatments for my face, neck, and body. So far, I have had Microneedling with radiofrequency treatments for my face and neck, plasma pen treatment to shrink my eye bags, and PRF-gel injections for the area under my eyes and my midface. In addition, I have enjoyed Tru-Body ID and Flex treatments for body contouring.
Our new and most exciting treatment is the introduction of bone marrow aspirate to obtain stem cells for medical and aesthetic purposes. This is true regeneration when one can use the patient’s stem cells. I hope to use this new treatment on my remaining joints to avoid more surgical repair.
REVELATION occurred when I happened on to a new book series by author, electrical engineer, and pastor John Burke. The name of the first book I read is called Imagine the God of Heaven. I was so intrigued that I read the first book he wrote on the topic of NDE’s (near-death experiences), Imagine Heaven. He interviewed thousands of people of all ages, all religious beliefs, and even agnostics and atheists who have had “neardeath experiences” and have stories to tell. He compares their stories to stories told in the scriptures of the Bible, especially in the book of REVELATION. As a doctor who has been with many at the time of death and spoken to a few with NDE’s, these books have had an impact on me and my life.
Whether you are turning 40 or 80, it is never too late to get out a notepad and make a list with the four R’s in mind. Call me, make a consultation appointment, and I will help you place them in the proper order should you need help. 210-253-3313. www.turquoisesprings.com
Beat the Heat Summer Hairstyles
By Terri Rehkopf | Photography by Courtney Cobb-Gomez
Round Beveled Bob haircut
This 90s-inspired haircut, featuring a bouncy, voluminous bob, remains popular for its versatility, chicness, and flattering effect. Defined by a strong perimeter and lively bounce, it effortlessly boosts volume, elongates the neck, and enhances hair thickness.
Tools used on this style:
Our surface blowout styling gel mousse prepares your hair while it’s damp. It’s our beloved go-to, boasting a lightweight
formula that keeps your style intact throughout the day, delivering that coveted, voluminous bob appearance. Achieve voluminous, chic hair with the help of a Brazilian blowout ion blow dryer and the Ergo E 43 medium-sized round brush. Focus on each section to enhance volume throughout the hair while gently tucking the ends for a bouncy finish. Here’s a pro tip: apply mousse to damp hair for optimal prep, then let it air dry for approximately 15 minutes or until halfway dry. This method ensures efficient drying and a sleek, frizz-free result.
Then, finish with the Sebastian Shaper holding hair spray for the final touches. This hairspray works wonders, especially in San Antonio’s humidity, ensuring your style stays fresh throughout the day. It’s our top pick, particularly during humid seasons when we’re crafting our favorite looks.
Grown-out fringe look
Here’s the latest summer sensation: a versatile fringe that’s not too heavy in the bang area, allowing for easy style
changes. This longer fringe seamlessly blends with the layers and face frame, offering the flexibility to wear it down, pinned up, or swept to the side. Typically cut on dry hair, this style is effortlessly chic. Opt for a downward motion when drying your hair and angle the blow dryer downwards to avoid excessive volume. This lived-in look is meant to be low-maintenance, offering the option to effortlessly sweep it back for a different vibe.
Ribbons and bows are in
You can use a donut to create a bun with your hair and wrap a cute ribbon around it for an easy yet stylish hairstyle.
All that is needed is:
• Donut (there are many sizes to accommodate your hair)
• Hair spray
• Bobby pins
• U pins
• Ribbon of any color
Terri Rehkopf is a seasoned hairstylist and the proud owner of Ippodaro Salon. Recognized by esteemed publications like Forbes and Women’s Health for her natural hair care expertise, Terri strongly advocates for natural and sustainable hair products. Renowned as the ultimate hair guru, she excels in nurturing hair naturally and creating breathtaking hairstyles suitable for every season.
Ippodaro Salon - Phone: (210) 524-9744
Transforming Your Kitchen: Insights from a Chef-Designer
Kitchens are my jam! They’re my favorite space to design. The bonus is that I’m a trained designer and chef. I have worked, lived, and cooked in many kitchens, noting what works well and what doesn’t. When I met the owners of this 1980s home near Shavano Park, they asked me to create a space for cooking without feeling constrained. Their dream was to transform their tiny kitchen into a functional and beautiful space. Here are some insights to get you started planning your kitchen remodel. Grab a notebook.
Insight 1: Start Planning
Start with your dream. This client had a detailed dream of what they needed to make their kitchen work. The dream leads to the plan, which ensures that you get what you want and avoid costly missteps in construction.
Before photo
Consider: Before starting your kitchen redesign, assess what’s working and what isn’t. Take notes to guide your decisions. These will serve as your guidelines and make the decision-making process easier.
Insight 2: Prioritize Functionality
As you’re dreaming, the next key is function. Function is king. This kitchen was tight and constrained, so more than one person could not cook comfortably. To overcome this, we used space from the garage and laundry room, creating a functional layout.
Dream Big: Before diving into aesthetics, focus on maximizing efficiency and meeting your cooking and entertaining needs. Consider removing walls or expanding into adjacent areas to meet your family’s needs.
Insight 3: Optimize Storage
Do you bake, make pasta, or drink coffee or tea? Take full advantage of the investment you’re making and consider storage and how you use it. These specific needs and habits are key to creating a functional space. Fine details are the foundation for luxury.
Consider: Assess your storage needs based on your cooking habits. Remember to take notes!
Insight 4: Timeless Materials
Kitchens are the heart of the home and a significant investment, so choosing materials that will endure the high traffic and daily wear and tear is essential. Investing in durable, timeless materials enhances the kitchen’s functionality and adds value to your home.
Consider: Choose high-quality, durable materials that will stand the test of time and enhance the overall look of your kitchen. Invest wisely to ensure it remains beautiful and functional for years to come.
Insight 5: Make it yours
Don’t be trendy; be you. My clients wanted a colorful kitchen. This green kitchen with reclaimed wood accents reflects both of their dreams.
Be Bold: Don’t be afraid to be you! Your kitchen is the heart of YOUR home and a reflection of you. People often fear expressing themselves due to resale value. If you’re staying 10+ years, design a space that speaks to you.
In the end - we made their kitchen uniquely their own, and they loved it! They said, “Our kitchen is now our favorite space to be, whether it’s drinking morning coffee, cooking with the family, or simply gathering.
Need Help?
Need help figuring out your own non-functional space? Hire a designer to transform your home into a haven of functionality and beauty.
Check out our work and schedule a complimentary discovery call to start your journey toward a dream home. For more information, visit industriousinteriors.net, call 210-446-8009, or email inquiry@industriousinteriors.net.
Garage Doors Offer an Instant Boost in Curb Appeal and Home Value, With 149% Return on Investment in San Antonio
For a fast home improvement project that offers a dramatic boost in curb appeal, great affordability, and nearly instant gratification, consider the garage door. According to a new report by Remodeling Magazine, it’s one of the top choices for increasing a home’s value upon resale. The magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report shows that a new garage door in the San Antonio area offers a 149 percent return on investment, based on the installation of a foam-insulated 16-foot-by-7foot door and new tracks priced at $4,434. The report shows that investment adds $6,609 in value upon selling a home.
According to the report, it’s second only to manufactured stone veneer, which returns 275 percent of the initial $10,077 cost upon resale.
With a relatively low cost, fast installation, and an instant boost in curb appeal, it’s one of the best home improvement projects in terms of ease and enjoyment, said Randy Oliver, president of Hollywood-Crawford Garage Door Company, which has served customers in the greater San Antonio area since 1947.
“A new garage door adds a lot of value and style to your home, even if you don’t plan on reselling anytime soon,” Oliver said. “A new garage door is like an instant facelift for any home. Our showroom has more than 40 beautiful garage doors to show homeowners the many options available.”
Garage doors are often used as the primary entrance, covering up to 40% of the front elevation of some homes, which allows homeowners to greatly improve the function, value, and curb appeal of their home by just replacing their garage door. Modernizing your garage door can also help reduce energy costs. Insulated garage doors are very popular, helping to keep garages cooler and reducing the heat that enters the home. Residential garage doors are available in a
wide variety of styles, colors, materials, and insulation values, with styles for every exterior and price ranges for every budget. Homeowners can choose from materials including aluminum, glass, faux wood, real wood, steel with a stained wood look, insulated steel, fiberglass, and vinyl garage doors for harsh environments.
Hollywood-Crawford also furnishes doors made with specialty materials, including reclaimed barn wood, Corten steel, composite faux wood materials, and full-view aluminum garage doors with a variety of insulated and non-insulated glass panels.
Homeowners can visualize the possibilities of various garage doors using virtual tools online at www.HollywoodCrawford. com. Simply upload a photo of your home or choose a house with similar structure and style, and select from many styles, materials, finishes, and accessories to build a door unique to your needs.
Each year Remodeling Magazine compares average costs for popular remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale in various U.S. markets. For more information on the report, go to www.costvsvalue.com.
To learn more about how a garage door can quickly, easily, and affordably boost any home’s curb appeal, visit online at www.hollywoodcrawford.com or call 210-494-3434.
Dossier Financial Services
Broadway Wealth Solutions, Inc.
Khristene Cano • President and Chief Compliance Officer
What is your role in the financial services industry?
I lead an impeccably credentialed registered investment advisory team that provides our clients with personalized strategic investment guidance. No two clients are the same, and our team specializes in building and managing customized investment portfolios tailored to each client’s unique financial goals. Ultimately, our role is to provide perspective, guidance, and a steady hand during turbulent times by adhering to sound principles and maintaining a disciplined, diversified approach. We ensure our clients navigate challenging financial climates and stay on track to achieve their long-term financial goals.
Given today’s financial climate, what are the top two pieces of advice you would give your clients? Amidst market volatility, economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and inflationary pressure, remaining disciplined in your long-term investment plans is critical. My top two pieces of advice are: First, remain committed. Abandoning a well-crafted investment strategy based on sound fundamentals in reaction to shortterm market movements can be detrimental to long-term success. Discipline is key.
Secondly, maintain a balanced, well-diversified portfolio to withstand inevitable market cycles. It’s equally important to review all risk mitigation strategies, including maintaining an emergency fund, minimizing highinterest debt, and revisiting risk management strategies, such as insurance coverage and estate planning documents.
What would you say to women considering a career in the financial services industry?
Know you have a vital role in this evolving industry. Our diverse backgrounds and approaches are essential to building solid and lasting client relationships. As women, we bring unique talents, experiences, and perspectives that are invaluable assets to this field. Our incisive analysis, quantitative abilities, exceptional client service, and communication skills are in high demand, and we should embrace the tremendous value we can offer clients and firms. Together, we can all reshape the financial services industry to create innovative solutions that are responsive to all needs.
Photography by David Teran
Amarillo National Bank
Most locals probably think all banks are the same. From a multinational Wall Street bank to a regional credit union, financial institutions offer similar products—commercial loans, personal checking accounts, debit cards, and more.
But San Antonio residents who turn to Amarillo National Bank are learning that a bank’s personality matters more than its interest rates or account options. Not every financial institution has the same flexibility or focus. And no other local bank has the history of Amarillo National Bank. Founded in the Texas Panhandle by cattleman B.T. Ware in 1892 - the Amarillo-based bank is still 100% owned by the Ware family; now in its fifth generation, it’s the largest family-owned bank in the United States. It started in Texas, and it’s still owned and operated by Texans.
“From the top down, you’re always going to hear ‘customers come first,’ Operations Manager Karen Reed says. “You’ll hear it from the Ware family, and you’ll hear it from all loan officers. You hear it from tellers at every branch, from Amarillo to Fort Worth to San Antonio. We are customer-driven and customer-focused.”
Alejandra G. Salinas is a Commercial Lending Assistant with 18 years in the banking industry. She enjoys the camaraderie of the local ANB lending team, which ensures her customers’ lending needs are met in a quick and personalized manner.
Mayra Gonzalez is a lending assistant with Amarillo National Bank. She’s been in banking for 18 years, with the last four at ANB.
Ivy Charles is a Mortgage Loan Processor who will celebrate her 10-year anniversary with Amarillo National Bank, concluding in 2024. With 17-plus years in the banking industry, she has had the honor of establishing meaningful relationships with her borrowers as well as her working peers.
Kimberly Gonzales is a CSR with eight years of experience in the banking industry. She specializes in supporting customers with account opening, account maintenance, and various other financial needs.
Karen Reed is the Retail Operations Manager who oversees the San Antonio Branch. She has over 35 years of experience in the banking industry. She is passionate about customer satisfaction and enjoys managing others to achieve success in their careers.
Yasmin Robles is a CSR with 24 years of experience in the banking industry. Dedicated to helping customers, she excels in providing exceptional service.
Welcome to Amarillo National Bank.
Photography by David Teran
Frost Investment Services, LLC
Ashley Ferguson, CWS® — Senior Vice President
What is your specialization in the financial services industry, and why did you choose it as a career?
I get to know Frost clients and help find the best financial strategies that empower them to make smart decisions with their money. I chose this career because I love giving back to others and making a difference.
What is your investment philosophy?
My personal approach to investing involves identifying long-term objectives with clients, learning what drives their decision-making, and helping them achieve their financial goals based on what matters to them.
What sets you apart from other financial services professionals?
Frost focuses on listening to clients to understand their motivation. We work together to identify future concerns and keep their goals at the forefront of planning. When we take these extra steps, relationships are strengthened, and we develop reciprocated trust.
How do you measure success with your clients?
Success means telling a client they’ve reached a point in their financial journey where they can confidently enjoy the next phase in their life, whether through retirement, traveling, or spending time with their loved ones.
Given today’s financial climate, what are the top two pieces of advice you would give your clients?
I remind clients that financial markets fluctuate, so it’s important that they continuously review financial goals, especially during times of economic uncertainty. I also emphasize to them that every investment strategy goes beyond the current market cycle.
What would you say to women considering a career in the financial services industry?
It’s a joy to connect and work with people. As you consider a career in financial services, remember that your efforts can impact people’s lives, their future, and, by extension, their loved ones.
Photography by David Teran
Jefferson Bank
As a full-service financial institution, Jefferson Bank offers a variety of career paths with advancement opportunities. These leaders in their respective lines of business share insights into the financial services industry.
Betsy Baker, Private Banking Manager, offers advice for women considering a career in financial services. “Explore various opportunities in the industry. This can be incredibly motivating, allowing you to discover new interests and talents. Ultimately, financial services are about serving others. Prioritizing exceptional service sets individuals apart – building trust and relationships through communication – in an industry typically based on numbers and transactions.”
Reiterating the importance of relationships over transactions, Joy LeFlore, Mortgage Operations, talks about her career facilitating homeownership opportunities. “I’m passionate about helping people achieve their homeownership dreams! When I started, I was intrigued by the fast pace and complexity of the mortgage industry. I embraced the challenge of making this process smooth and stress-free by building relationships with borrowers, not focusing solely on the transaction.”
Teri Grubb, Trust Operations, describes the Trust Department’s investment philosophy, which is tailored to each client’s needs. “We build customized, diversified portfolios to minimize risk, generate income and preserve capital. We integrate estate, tax, and retirement planning to provide a holistic approach to wealth management. Adhering to these principles ensures prudent investment management – meeting fiduciary standards and helping clients achieve financial goals while preserving wealth for future generations.”
Chief Lending Officer Brandey Wimberley-Orsag offers customers these two pieces of advice. “First, relationships matter. Regardless of what banking services you use, the stage of your life or your business, or the economic environment, know your banker by name and lean on them as a trusted advisor. Secondly, maintain open lines of communication. Often, we receive calls only after significant occurrences, such as a company experiencing rapid, capital-intensive growth or an unexpected family death. With regular communication, we can work together to proactively prepare solutions to guide you through any situation.”
Jefferson Bank 1900 Broadway, Suite 900, San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 736-7600 | jeffersonbank.com
by
Pictured L-R: Teri Grubb, Joy LeFlore, Brandey Wimberley-Orsag
Photography
David Teran
Abeyta Bueche & Sanders Group at Morgan Stanley
Lisa Benton, Financial Advisor, MS, QPFC
What are your areas of focus in the financial services industry, and why did you choose it as a career?
My areas of focus in the financial services industry revolves around financial planning for business owners and families, with a particular concentration on incorporating the perspective of women. I chose this career path because I recognized the critical impact that women have on financial decisions within families and businesses, and I saw a need for their perspectives to be better represented.
Women bring unique insights and priorities to financial matters, including long-term planning, risk management, and considerations for future generations. By understanding and addressing these perspectives, I guide my clients toward decisions that not only benefit them in the present but also have a positive generational impact.
Furthermore, working with business owners allows me to assist in structuring their finances in a way that supports both their personal and professional goals. This may involve succession planning, tax management strategies, and wealth preservation techniques tailored to their specific needs and aspirations.
What sets you apart from other financial services professionals?
I prioritize collaboration and teamwork. My team and I work together seamlessly to provide clients with the best possible financial solutions. This depth of experience helps ensure that we can handle any financial situation with confidence and finesse.
Additionally, my experience in corporate retirement planning and executive compensation set me apart. I have a deep understanding of these complex areas, allowing me to offer comprehensive advice tailored to the client’s needs and goals.
But what truly distinguishes me is my genuine care for my clients. I take pride in building strong, trusting relationships and have my clients’ best interests at heart. I am committed to helping them achieve their dreams with confidence.
What is your specialization in the financial services industry, and why did you choose it as a career?
Growing up with family who worked in the medical field, I realized early that my purpose was to utilize my intellect and compassion to impact lives. When it comes to financial health – similar to medical health – we ask our clients to place their livelihoods in our hands. We are positioned to stand alongside families as stewards of their financial health, a trust that must be met with the utmost respect. I chose this career because it fulfilled my drive to deliver quality service and care; for me, it is a great honor.
At Texas Capital, I serve as the main point of contact for families within the private bank specializing in providing customized solutions that ensure the growth and preservation of their wealth.
What sets you apart from other financial services professionals?
The greatest compliment I have received is, “You make me feel safe and important.” I am led by an introspective mind and curious heart; I find people and their experiences fascinating to listen to and learn from. The ability to spark impactful conversations and hold space for families to express what matters to them has been my greatest personal and professional strength. My sole focus as a Private Wealth Advisor at Texas Capital is to listen and identify what matters to our clients - whether that is helping educate their children on future planning, improving portfolio performance, identifying tax strategies, saving money through creative estate planning, or reducing risk.
When choosing an advisor, what are the top two pieces of advice you would give your clients?
Choose your team wisely! Identify individuals who act with professional and intellectual humility. My fiduciary responsibility is to ensure I have subject matter experts across a wide range of specialties to address my clients’ needs. The best advisors continuously connect you with specialists who propel your growth and present outstanding solutions.
The reality of our position is often being there for your family the day you are no longer with us. Choose an advisor you trust will care for your family as their own. Who do you want standing by your family during the most difficult time of their lives? These are important considerations that go well beyond portfolio performance.
What is your specialization in the financial services industry, and why did you choose it as a career?
As the 1st Vice President of Private Banking at MidFirst Bank, I provide trusted, personalized, and confidential concierge financial services to affluent individuals and families. My role is not just about managing their wealth but also about understanding their unique financial goals and helping them achieve those. I am entrusted with safeguarding their money, protecting their assets, and assisting in the growth of their net worth. Whether it’s a complex business or personal loan, I listen to their needs and offer tailored solutions that are in their best interest.
Why MidFirst Bank?
MidFirst Bank is the largest privately held bank in the US, with over 36 billion in assets. I am proud to be part of a bank where I can truly care for my clients’ needs. We have the flexibility and feel of a small bank but can also handle complex clients’ needs.
How do you measure success with your clients?
The most telling measure of success is the years of loyal, gracious clients who refer trusted friends and family. I aim to provide a positive interaction with my clients by listening to their needs and responding with sound advice. If it is important to them, it is undoubtedly important to me.
What would you say to women considering a career in the financial services industry?
Dress up, show up, and never give up! Having started my career over 30 years ago in the financial services industry, I have seen the landscape change over time, and because of this, I am empowered to help women grow their careers in this industry. Aside from grit and determination, I owe much of my success to a network of trusted mentors who saw my potential and trusted me to take on increased responsibility as I progressed in my career. I encourage anyone considering a career in the financial services industry to take every opportunity to make connections, build a network of trusted mentors to help guide you, stay curious, and always say “yes” to new opportunities to grow.
Photography by David Teran
Five Reasons to Hire a Female Personal Injury Lawyerand the Cases Where You Want Them on Your Side
By Dawn Robinette
When it comes to personal injury law, choosing the right attorney can significantly impact the outcome of a case. But did you know hiring a female personal injury lawyer can bring added benefits?
In the aftermath of a personal injury, choosing the right lawyer to represent you is one of the most important decisions you can make. While qualifications, experience, and expertise are critical factors in choosing a lawyer, gender can also play a role in your decision. Both male and female lawyers are equally capable and competent, but there are compelling reasons to consider hiring a female personal injury lawyer.
1. Empathy and Understanding
Female lawyers often bring a unique sense of empathy and understanding to their work. This can be particularly important in personal injury cases where clients are dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, or financial stress. Women lawyers may offer a more compassionate approach, helping clients feel heard and supported throughout the legal process.
2. Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is a cornerstone of successful legal representation, and female personal injury lawyers are often recognized for their superior communication skills. They tend to be excellent listeners, which is crucial for understanding the full scope of a client’s needs and concerns. Their ability to articulate arguments clearly and persuasively can also be a significant asset.
3. Diverse Perspectives
Having a diverse legal team can provide broader perspectives and innovative solutions to legal challenges. Female lawyers bring different life experiences and viewpoints, which can be invaluable in developing strategies that resonate with a diverse jury or negotiating with opposing counsel.
4. Advocacy for Women’s Issues
Female personal injury lawyers often have a deeper understanding of issues that disproportionately affect women, such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination, as well as injuries that involve extensive scarring or that may impact your ability to have children. They are likely to be passionate advocates who can navigate the nuances of such cases with expertise and care.
5. Holistic Approach to Problem-Solving
Female attorneys often take a holistic approach to problem-solving, considering not just the legal aspects of a case but also the emotional and psychological impacts on their clients. This comprehensive perspective can be especially beneficial in cases involving severe trauma or long-term impacts.
Where Female Attorneys Can Be Most Beneficial
Keeping those strengths and skills in mind, having a female lawyer represent you can be particularly beneficial in sensitive cases. Their empathy and compassion, strong communication skills, and holistic approaches to how an injury impacts a client’s full well-being can combine to create an ideal situation to deliver what clients need when faced with:
• Sexual Assault and Harassment Cases
Victims of sexual assault and harassment often face immense emotional trauma when recounting their experiences. A female personal injury lawyer can provide a compassionate and understanding environment for clients. They may also have a deeper insight into the societal and psychological aspects of these cases, offering a more nuanced approach to handling them.
• Domestic Violence Injuries
Domestic violence victims may feel more comfortable discussing their situation with a female attorney. Additionally, female lawyers might be better equipped to understand the dynamics of domestic abuse and the specific challenges victims face.
• Situations Involving Gynecological Issues or Pregnancy-related Injuries
Cases involving gynecological injuries or malpractice can be particularly sensitive and complex, while injuries or complications arising during pregnancy – whether due to car accidents, slips and falls, or medical negligence – require a lawyer who understands the intricacies of pregnancy and childbirth. Female lawyers may be better positioned to understand the medical, physical, and emotional impact involved.
• Workplace Discrimination and Injury
Women facing workplace discrimination – gender bias, unequal pay, or sexual harassment – might benefit from the representation of a female personal injury lawyer who has a firsthand understanding of these issues. Female lawyers can relate to their experiences and provide robust representation that addresses these situations' legal and emotional facets.
The empathy, strong communication skills, and diverse perspectives that female personal injury lawyers bring to the table can significantly enhance your legal experience – and the outcome of your case. As you consider your options, keep in mind the unique advantages of having a female lawyer on your side.
Janicek Law
Beth Janicek, Founder and Lead Attorney
By Blithe Wiley |
Photography by David Teran
From a very young age, Beth Janicek was intrigued by the thought of a law career. Then, after a summer of interning in Washington, D.C., she returned to college absolutely driven to go into law. “I knew I could really make a difference in people’s lives,” she said.
After graduating from Texas A&M University, Janicek attended St. Mary’s University School of Law and then worked for a local personal injury law firm. In 2003, she decided to go out on her own and founded Janicek Law. Today, Janicek Law specializes in multiple areas of personal injury law but particularly specializes in medical malpractice, birth and obstetric negligence, and nursing home abuse and neglect.
According to Janicek, medical malpractice is not simply a bad outcome. “Medical providers are trained to follow the standard of care. Negligence is when those medical providers fail to follow the standard of care and cause injury in their patients.”
Janicek emphasized that it’s especially important in a medical malpractice situation to seek out an attorney who is experienced in this area of law. “In medical malpractice cases, it is much more difficult to evaluate the liability than, say, a personal injury case involving a motor vehicle accident,” she explained. “Medical malpractice cases require a professional evaluation by a qualified medical expert.”
In addition to experience in medical malpractice law, a woman needs to seek out an attorney who is a boardcertified trial attorney. “This means that the attorney has had enough trial experience to become boardcertified,” Janicek said. “Janicek Law has three boardcertified trial attorneys on staff, including myself.”
She noted that seeking out the expertise of an experienced medical malpractice attorney, particularly a female attorney, is the best way a woman can advocate for herself in dealing with a medical injury to herself, a child, or a parent. “Lay people don’t settle these types of cases. You need to have a qualified attorney evaluate your case, represent you, and determine WHEN is the appropriate time to settle your claim.”
For women, birth or obstetrical injury, or the injury or death of a child is an overwhelming experience. Janicek noted that a female attorney can often better
understand the woman’s situation and the nuances of what she is going through. “With my clients, I take the time to truly listen to them and understand the situation they are facing,” Janicek said. “Women are better listeners in general, and this quality is so important in these cases.”
One of the most tragic life events that can happen to a parent is the death of a child. “When parents are dealing with the death of a child, they most often seek out a woman attorney. In such a devastating situation, parents want an attorney who will listen and truly understand what they are going through,” Janicek said.
Janicek noted that the attorneys in her firm are deeply committed to helping their clients even after a settlement is reached in their case. Many of these clients face a radically altered life after a medical injury or the wrongful death of a loved one. “We don’t just say ‘see you later’ after we secure a settlement for our clients. We are there to help them navigate the unfamiliar path in front of them.”
Nursing home abuse and neglect cases are another area that Janicek is passionate about. “I’ve handled nursing home cases since the beginning of my career and have seen situations again and again where people consider older people’s lives to be of little value,” she explained. “I feel that those of us on the forefront of these cases demonstrate the value of these lives to juries. We contribute to changing the perception of the value of these lives and play a role in improving the quality of care in nursing homes.”
“I became an attorney because I wanted to help society,” Janicek said. “I now do that by helping each client find justice for what’s happened to them. We get very involved in our clients’ care. At Janicek Law, we are all about our clients’ best interests and about representing them well.”
Janicek Law
210.366.4949
JanicekLaw.com 1100 NE Loop 410, Suite 600 San Antonio, TX 78209
Laura Tamez
Partner and
Shareholder,
Herrera Law Firm
By Blithe Wiley
Attorney Laura Tamez, a woman of many firsts, grew up in Brownsville and attended Texas A&M with the intention of earning her B.S. in biology and attending medical school. By her senior year, her career goal had changed to becoming an attorney. “My parents were shocked when they learned I wanted to become an attorney, as I would be a first-generation lawyer in my family, but I persevered on that mission,” Tamez said.
She applied and was accepted to St. Mary’s University School of Law and intended to work at MALDEF (the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) in the summer. However, the position was a sixweek summer job and Tamez felt she needed to earn more money to help pay for her tuition.
A friend recommended she apply for a position at the Herrera Law Firm, a firm that specializes in personal injury law. She was hired and, upon graduation from law school, joined the firm full time. Twenty-seven years later, as the first Latina, she was elected president of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and served as the presiding officer during the Texas Legislative Session in 2023.
“I began my legal career in medical malpractice, but today I’m more focused on workplace injury and motor vehicle crashes,” she said. “I learned early on in my career that I really wanted to be a litigator. I wanted to be an advocate for victims of injury, whether it’s in a jury trial or at the legislature.”
She has sound advice for anyone faced with a personal injury, be it a motor vehicle wreck or other injury. “First and foremost, seek medical attention right away,” she said. “Sometimes, when sustaining an injury, adrenaline takes over, and you don’t think you need to go to the ER. Yet, it’s so important to seek out medical care right after an injury so that you have a medical professional assess your situation.”
“It’s also very important to write everything down regarding what happened and who you spoke to during the incident and afterward. The most important thing is to document everything.” This includes keeping records of all the dates you sought medical treatment, along with the names of the doctors and healthcare providers who evaluated and/or treated you.
“Evidence is critical if you need to bring a case against another party, and evidence can be lost,” Tamez explained. “It’s so important to seek the advice of a
qualified attorney to ensure that crucial evidence in your case isn’t lost. Also, an attorney can prepare you for the questions the insurance company will seek in a statement.”
Tamez noted that women, in particular, very often internalize the mental and emotional trauma they experience in a personal injury situation. “We are conditioned to do this in our daily lives, as we so often have others to care for, and we put our own needs last,” she said.
According to Tamez, the physical and mental injuries resulting from an accident can be profound and even permanent. These include:
• Mental anguish
• Pain and suffering
• Physical Impairment
• Physical disfigurement
• Past and future lost wages
• Past and future medical bills
Tamez offers advice to young attorneys who are going into the field of personal injury law. “I tell them to visit their client’s home. See what’s in their living room and what’s on the walls. Immerse yourself in their surroundings to help learn their story. Learn about the little anecdotes of their lives and how they were before the injury or loss of a loved one. The only way we can best tell their story is to actually get to know them as individuals. This is how we provide them with advocacy in the courtroom.”
Tamez advises women who are dealing with a personal injury to also advocate for themselves by speaking up and asking their attorney questions so they can make informed decisions about their case. “Communication with your attorney is so important to your advocacy process.”
Tamez noted that, for many women, choosing a female litigation attorney makes sense. “Women bring passion, preparation, and perspective to the legal process,” she said. “This involves a passion for client advocacy and jury science, a commitment to overpreparation for presenting the client’s case, and the ability to understand and empathize with their client’s situation.”
The Herrera Law Firm 210.978.0235 | herreralaw.com 1800 W. Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX 78207
Covering All Bases
Hella Scheuerman: Scheuerman Law Firm, PLLC
By Michelle Vasquez | Photography by David Teran
Trust is the foundation of every interaction with personal injury attorney Hella Scheuerman, whose impressive credentials and approachable demeanor distinguish her in her field. She exudes warmth and knowledge.
Hella is a fully bilingual (Spanish/English) and native Nicaraguan. She and her family fled the civil war of 1981 and came to the United States when she was young. Her success story is one of re-invention and dedication.
As she grew up with cultural differences in the States, she consumed legal dramas on TV, and “the lawyers always seemed to have all the answers.” Impressed, Hella knew she wanted to be a lawyer. Motivated and determined, she learned all she could about the profession. Everything she did focused on being an attorney and going to law school.
Hella graduated from St. Mary’s Law School in 1997. After her first class in torts, she knew she wanted to represent plaintiffs as a personal injury attorney. Her husband encouraged her to try insurance defense work first. This experience honed her litigation skills and prepared her to argue the other side. Hella is board-certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has been practicing for 27 years. She has tried cases on both the defense side and plaintiff’s side of personal injury,
Having worked as a defense attorney gives Hella an edge in serving her clients today. She evaluates cases from both the plaintiff’s and defense’s points of view to identify weak spots and areas of opportunity, including medical expenses, lost wages, physical impairment, physical pain, mental anguish, and disfigurement.
Once the tangible costs are determined, she will examine the intangible opportunity costs to the client in terms of life and lifestyle. Today, with over 50 jury trials under her belt, she leverages her defense experience to effectively counteract opposing arguments.
In addition to personal injury litigation, Hella handles probate, trust, guardianship litigation, and estate planning, which often come up in personal injury cases. For example, suppose there’s a death and a surviving spouse or children are involved. In that case, evaluating whether a probate estate should be opened will occur. “I not only do the analysis for the personal injury case, but I do the analysis for the probate because I have
experience with both, and the analysis is more robust,” says Hella.
Hella brings comprehensive and pragmatic skills to her practice of law. “I have an eye on the big picture and can give my clients a compassionate, comprehensive, and expert perspective on how to come up with the best options,” she says. It behooves individuals to consult with an attorney before making the claim themselves so that they can educate themselves on their options.
The client-attorney relationship is about legal advice and forming a team. Hella emphasizes that trust, expertise, and good communication are essential for this relationship to work. “They know I’m fighting for them, and I’m on their side,” she says.
Teamwork and communication are critical to determining the value of each client’s case and identifying how to present their facts to a jury. When defending clients for liability disputes, Hella mentions that “the client’s input in identifying witnesses, showing and describing the location of the accident, and providing photos or videos of the scene have helped solidify the liability of the negligent party.”
When not practicing law, Hella takes on leadership and civic roles. She is a past president and current member of the San Antonio Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and a past president and member of the Bexar County Women’s Bar Association.
Hella believes in civic engagement and volunteers as a Director with Catholic Charities and a member of the National Charity League, a philanthropic organization where she volunteers with her daughter. Her accolades are numerous, and she is among San Antonio’s Best Lawyers and Outstanding Women in Law.
As an award-winning lawyer with a deep passion for the law, Hella Scheuerman is professional, compassionate, and fiercely committed to her clients. Her dedication ensures that she advocates effectively throughout the legal process, from deposition preparation to jury presentation, achieving the best possible outcomes for each individual.
Scheuerman Law Firm, PLLC 210.735.2233 sch-lawfirm.com 322 W Woodlawn Ave. San Antonio, TX 78212
Tiffanie Clausewitz
Fostering Strategic Partnerships
By Michelle Vasquez
Originally from Alice, Texas, and a proud alumna of Texas A&M, Tiffanie Clausewitz’s path to law was anything but conventional. Initially pursuing different professional interests, the compelling role of law in shaping societal structures eventually captivated her, inspiring her transition into the legal field.
Following her graduation from St. Mary’s Law School, her career in law began to take shape. Working as a briefing attorney for Catherine Stone, the Chief Justice of the Fourth Court of Appeals, marked a pivotal point in her career. This transformative experience in an all-woman appellate court provided Tiffanie with strong female mentors, shaping her professional ethos and her commitment to fostering supportive environments within the legal community.
With over 15 years of legal practice behind her, Tiffanie founded her own firm five years ago, joined by her now-partner Shellie Reyes. Specializing in business law, their practice encompasses both litigation and corporate transactional work. Tiffanie explains, “We offer a comprehensive portfolio of services, aiding businesses from their inception in setting up policies and procedures to navigating complex litigation scenarios.” The firm’s expertise extends across business litigation, general counsel, corporate and transactional, labor and employment, and estate planning and probate services.
As a woman-owned firm, Tiffanie and Shellie bring unique insights to the table, advocating a full-service general counsel model. They pride themselves on their intimate work with businesses, establishing and maintaining robust legal and operational frameworks. Their personalized approach to dispute resolution provides the tailored support that larger firms may not offer.
Partnership is foundational to their practice. Tiffanie believes that closely integrating with client teams to set goals, prioritize actions, and strategize decisions is essential. This deep collaboration builds trust, which is pivotal for the firm’s ability to navigate clients through informed and protective business decisions. Tiffanie notes a positive by-product of this approach is the close relationships she and her colleagues develop with their clients.
“The firm’s involvement with clients goes beyond mere transactional interactions,” Tiffanie states. “We invest significant time in understanding the nuances
of our clients’ businesses, their market objectives, and strategic decisions.” This deep knowledge is particularly valuable when disputes arise, allowing the firm to provide precise and beneficial advice.
Tiffanie and Shellie’s firm primarily serves small to medium-sized, privately held companies that need more in-house legal resources. The complexity of business law demands thorough knowledge and expertise. “Our firm provides essential support in various legal domains, from company formation to the intricacies of contract law, ensuring that all legal bases are covered comprehensively,” Tiffanie remarks.
They also handle outsourcing for specialized legal issues to external experts, ensuring that clients receive the best advice and support across all aspects of business law. Moreover, the firm assists businesses in drafting and enforcing policies and contracts, offering extensive corporate transactional assistance and representing them in litigation and dispute resolution.
Community involvement is a crucial component of their work ethic. Tiffanie, a past President of the Bexar County Women’s Bar Association, the founding director of the LEAD Academy, a leadership development program for women attorneys, and the first board chair of Alegría Women’s Chorus of San Antonio, is committed to empowering women in both the legal and arts communities. Shellie’s participation on boards of literacy and education programs such as Project Transformation Rio Texas and San Antonio Youth Literacy reflects the firm’s mission to contribute positively to societal development.
Tiffanie emphasizes the importance of selecting an attorney based on both professional skills and personal trust. Through strategic partnerships, comprehensive legal services, and robust community engagement, Tiffanie Clausewitz has built a law practice adept at managing the complexities of business law while fostering enduring relationships based on mutual respect and trust.
Clausewitz Reyes, PLLC 210.762.6422
clausewitzreyes.com 2722 West Bitters Road, Suite 110 San Antonio, Texas 78248
Chief Justice Rebeca C. Martinez, Chief Justice, Texas Fourth Court of Appeals
By Blithe Wiley
Chief Justice of the Texas Fourth Court of Appeals, Rebeca Martinez, is the proud daughter of a Vietnam War veteran and his wife. She and her four siblings grew up on military bases all around the country, and today, she credits this familial lifestyle for her ability to acclimate to new surroundings easily and appreciate meeting people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
“My parents had five children and sacrificed greatly to ensure that all of us, as first-generation students, would pursue a college education,” Martinez said.
Martinez’s dream of becoming an attorney began when, as a pre-teen, she snuck into the Al Pacino movie “And Justice of All,” which focuses on an idealistic criminal defense attorney who must defend a corrupt judge while seeking justice for the innocent and punishment for the guilty. “The experience of seeing this film inspired me to go to law school and become an attorney,” she explained.
After earning her undergraduate degree as a University Scholar at Southern Methodist University, Martinez received a scholarship to attend Boston University School of Law. She was likely the first Mexican-American graduate of the law school, where she now proudly serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board. Upon graduating in 1992, Martinez recalls Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was then the only woman on the U.S. Supreme Court. The following year, Martinez witnessed Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court and today proudly calls Justice Sonia Sotomayor a mentor.
After law school, Martinez enjoyed two prestigious law clerk positions before entering private practice for 20 years. In 2012, she was elected to the Texas Fourth Court of Appeals and was reelected in 2018. In 2020, Martinez was elected Chief Justice.
The Texas Fourth Court of Appeals has intermediate appellate jurisdiction of both civil and criminal cases appealed from lower trial courts in thirty-two counties encompassing most of South Texas and the Hill Country. The stated values of the Fourth Court are “Excellence, Integrity, Independence of the Judiciary, Collegiality, Accountability, Fairness and Respect.”
“I’m very proud to note that in 2005, the Texas Fourth Court of Appeals became the first appellate court in the nation to have all women justices on its bench,” Martinez said. “It has been an all-women bench again since 2014, and today, six of our seven justices are Latinas.”
Martinez believes that the all-woman composition of the Fourth Court of Appeals bench sends a powerful message about gender equality and inclusivity. “It also reflects the public’s confidence in women’s capabilities and our commitment to upholding the val-
ues of this court,” she said. “For each of us, having the discipline to achieve these values is a daily goal.”
“I’m extremely proud to be part of this very noble profession, and I’m very blessed to have the opportunity to go down this path,” Martinez said. “I’m also blessed in that I love my work and find it intellectually stimulating and important.”
Martinez recognized that her service on the court serves as an inspiration to young women, especially women of color. “I recognize that a Latina like me has a responsibility to serve as a role model for others, and I take this responsibility very seriously. I want young Latinas to feel empowered to pursue their professional dreams and goals, whether in the legal field or otherwise.”
Second-year St. Mary’s Law School student Mia A. Quintanilla, who is currently serving as a summer intern in Chief Justice Martinez’s chambers and aspires to be a judge herself, shared her thoughts regarding how the all-woman Fourth Court of Appeals inspires young women, particularly Latinas like herself.
“Chief Justice Martinez and the all-women Fourth Court of Appeals inspire me to persevere,” Quintanilla said. “In my first year at St. Mary’s University School of Law, only two of my eight classes were taught by women. Next semester, I chose four of five of my classes in part because women teach them. Women in power, especially those with similar cultural backgrounds, inspire me to overcome every obstacle. If she can, so can I.”
Martinez emphasized that her background of growing up in a military family is what most profoundly shaped her views and values. “I learned at a very young age the importance of accountability and responsibility. I can remember being five years old and standing on a stepstool, cooking dinner for my younger siblings,” she recalled.
“Today, I’m not afraid of hard work, and I’m not afraid to fight for what I believe in,” she explained. “If I didn’t possess these qualities, my father and mother would not recognize me as their daughter.”
Historical Moment
For the first time in history, the Bexar County Civil District Courts are now comprised of all women.
ROW: Judge Monique Diaz, 150th District Court; Judge Antonia “Toni” Arteaga, 57th District Court; Judge Nadine Nieto 285th District Court; Judge Cynthia Chapa, 288th District Court; Judge Laura Salinas, 166th District Court; Judge Angélica Jiménez, 408th District Court; Judge Rosie
BACK ROW: Judge Mary Lou Alvarez, 45th District Court; Judge Christine Vasquez-Hortick, 225th District Court; Judge Norma Gonzales, 131st District Court; Judge Tina Torres, 407th District Court; Judge Marisa Flores, 224th District Court; Judge Nicole Garza, 37th District Court.
FRONT
Alvarado, 438th District Court; Judge Marialyn Barnard, 73rd District Court
Rebecca Carrillo OWNER
Law Office of Rebecca J. Carrillo, PLLC
12915 Jones Maltsberger, Suite 524
San Antonio, Texas 78247
210.468.1581 rjc-lawfirm.com
Rebecca J. Carrillo is a Texas Board Certified Family Law Attorney, a distinction held by only 6% of Texas attorneys. She has dedicated her practice to the Bexar County area. Rebecca is not just an attorney; she is a dedicated advocate who takes the time to strategically think about her clients’ cases, setting her apart from others in the field. Each client receives personalized attention and care.
In addition to her legal work, Rebecca’s philanthropy reflects her deep commitment to her community. She supports ocean conservation, aids kenneled dogs in San Antonio, and contributes to children’s classrooms, ensuring that her impact is felt beyond the courtroom.
Complementing her philanthropic efforts, Rebecca’s dedication and empathy make her a standout attorney, and she hopes to inspire others to reach their dreams.
Amber Lidel Alwais
PARTNER, BOARD CERTIFIED - FAMILY LAW
TEXAS BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION
Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson, LLP
310 S. St. Mary’s, 26th Floor San Antonio, Texas 78205
210.225.5567 ondafamilylaw.com
Amber Lidell Alwais is an experienced family law attorney who protects her clients, making them feel safe and secure while fighting for them. She is compassionate and committed to providing legal services in all Family Law matters including traditional and non-traditional divorce, custody issues, property division, child support and adoption matters.
Amber has been a source for the San Antonio media to speak on Family Law issues during the COVID-19 crisis.
Amber graduated from Sam Houston State University and St. Mary’s University School of Law in 1996. She has been acknowledged for her excellence in family law, being recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer from 20132020. Amber also services as a law instructor at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Her clients describer her as “a true professional, but not at the expense of being a beautiful human being.”
Erica Maloney Owner of Maloney Law Group, PLLC
As the daughter of renowned trial attorneys Marynell Maloney and Michael Maloney and granddaughter of celebrated trial attorney, Pat Maloney, Sr., there is a longstanding joke that Erica has been programmed since birth to be a trial lawyer.
Over the past decade, Erica has passionately advocated for the victims of medical malpractice. As the mother of four children, Erica has devoted particular attention on advocating for infants who have suffered catastrophic birth injuries. She has also taken on challenging cases involving emergency room mistakes, which are tough to win as they require a higher burden of proof than other medical malpractice cases.
Erica believes in taking cases that she feels passionately about and that can invoke systemic change. She enjoys the close bond she develops with clients and using litigation to improve the quality of healthcare.
San Antonio, Texas 78210 O (210) 361 2997 maloneylawgroup.com
Erica is on the Board of Directors of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and a member of the San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association and the William S. Sessions American Inn of Court. She was selected as a Texas Super Lawyers rising star from 2021-2023 and is consistently named as a top personal injury lawyer by Scene in San Antonio. Erica is also a member of both the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Christine Dauphin Hernández
PARTNER / ATTORNEY AT LAW
Hernández Dauphin Legal, P.C.
85 NE Loop 410, Ste. 412 San Antonio, Texas 78216
210.267.9611
contact@jchernandezlaw.com jchernandezlaw.com
Born in Lafayette, LA, Christine Dauphin Hernández moved to San Antonio, Texas in the summer of 1987 with her mother and younger brother. As a child, Christine accompanied her mom to work at a local non-profit organization, where she learned the value of community service. Serving 12 years with the City of San Antonio Municipal Court as a Judge and Magistrate, Christine was a dedicated and compassionate jurist. In 2020, she was called to service in a different capacity and opened Dauphin Law, a Professional Corporation.
After marrying her professional and life soul-mate, Christine joined forces with her husband, seasoned criminal defense attorney, Juan Carlos Hernández, and opened Hernández Dauphin Legal, P.C. in January 2023. "Understanding that mistakes do not necessarily define a person, I focus my law practice on helping people facing criminal charges re-define their lives."
Lauren A. Valkenaar MANAGING MEMBER
Valkenaar PLLC
7898 Broadway, Suite 120 (210) 742-6924
lvalkenaar@valkenaarlaw.com valkenaarlaw.com
Lauren is an effective business litigator and has a track record of securing clients’ victories in cases with hundreds of millions of dollars in dispute. She focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation concerning contractual provisions, breach of fiduciary duties, and fraud for clients across many industries, including technology, cybersecurity, real estate, construction, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, financial institutions, and transportation. She is experienced in all stages of the litigation process, from pre-suit investigation through motions practice and trial and appellate procedures.
Lauren has been heavily involved with prosecuting and defending commercial claims across the nation in both state and federal jurisdictions. She is experienced in conducting corporate internal investigations and advising clients through business decisions when litigation has been threatened. Lauren has litigated fiduciary conduct arising from trust and estates disputes, pursued litigation to halt competitors’ false advertising, validated bonds through expedited trial proceedings, and defended against election challenges. She was recently recognized by Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters in the Texas Rising Stars list from 2021-2024.
Cynthia Orr
MANAGING PARTNER
Goldstein & Orr
315 E Commerce Street, Suite 301
The Historic Staacke-Stevens Building San Antonio, TX 78205 210-226-1463
whitecollarlaw@gmail.com goldsteinhilley.com
Cynthia Orr, President of the International Society for the Reform of Criminal Law, past Chair of the ABA Criminal Justice Section, in the ABA House of Delegates, on the Texas Board of Law Examiners, and is past President of NACDL, TCDLA, and SACDLA. She obtained cancer survivor health coverage in Congress effective 2024. She is in the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame (2006), the TCDLA Hall of Fame (2022) and is Board Certified in Criminal Law and Appeals, is listed in the Best Lawyers in America White Collar Crime and is Premiere AV Rated by Martindale Hubble.
Kelli Cubeta PARTNER
Cubeta Law Group, PLLC
322 Martinez Street
San Antonio, Texas 210-934-4500
kelli.cubeta@cubetalaw.com Cubetalaw.com
For more than 20 years, Kelli has devoted her legal practice exclusively to representing businesses in the realms of employment and corporate law, with a sharp focus on employment, contracts, and litigation. Before establishing her law firm, Kelli held the positions of General Counsel and head of Human Resources at two publicly traded companies for over a decade. In her role as General Counsel, Kelli oversaw a wide array of responsibilities, including litigation, transactions, labor and employment matters, corporate and employee policies, regulatory compliance, workers’ compensation, and general liability issues.
Jane H. Macon PARNTER
Bracewell LLP
300 Convent , STE 2700
San Antonio, Texas 78205
210.299.3517
jane.macon@bracewell.com kathysa.com
Jane graduated from the University of Texas Law School, receiving her Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1970. In 1977 Jane was appointed San Antonio’s first woman City Attorney.
She joined Fulbright & Jaworski in 1983, and from there went to Bracewell in 2013, where she focuses her practice on Public Finance and Economic Development law. She raises Miniatures, Caspians, and Fernandez horses.
Jane was Chairman of Seibert Financial and is Vice Chairman of the Siebert Foundation. She was Appointed by President Clinton to the Selective Service Board and is on the National Board of After School All Star. She was appointed by Governor Ann Richards to serve on the State of Texas Banking Commission and is a founding member and former President of the International Women’s Forum.
Rachel Reuter ATTORNEY AT LAW
Reuter Law Group, PC
112 East Pecan Street, Suite 2920 San Antonio, TX 78205
O 210.226.1463
C 210.284.8866
rachel@reuterlaw.com reuterlaw.com
Rachel Reuter is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. With over 20 years of experience, she established Reuter Law Group, PC as a boutique family law firm specializing in divorce and child custody disputes. Understanding that each client has different needs, Reuter Law Group was created as a premier family law firm dedicated to providing individualized attention to each client.
With integrity, creativity, diligence and passion, her team at Reuter Law Group will fight for their clients and help them com up with a plan that works best for his or her family.
Jane is the recipient of the Wall Street Journal Most Influential Lawyers 2024, New York Times 2023 Power Lawyers, 2023 Lawyers of Distinction, 2022 South Trailblazers award, 2022 Baha’l Unity of Humanity Award, 2022 Texas Bar Foundation Outstanding 50 Year Lawyer Award, and 2020 Texas Lawyer Lifetime Achievement Award.
21Seeds - Our Story A
Female Founded Brand by 2 Sisters & 1 Friend
I created 21Seeds because it’s what I wanted to drink – something smooth, simple and casual with natural flavor that made drinking tequila as approachable as a glass of wine or beer. Before it was a brand it was just a couple of bottles infused in my kitchen with things I had on hand.
Cucumbers, jalapeños, oranges, and grapefruit all worked in tequila cocktails, so why not just add them straight to the tequila?
My hunch turned out to be right. I’d bring a bottle to a party, and before long we’d all be sitting around the table with some limes, sipping tequila, sharing stories and laughing at old jokes. Friends asked for bottles of their own, and they shared
them with their friends. What began as one bottle turned into dozens...and eventually a new beginning. So, I knew I had to think bigger. I called my sister Nicole and our friend Sarika, and we started talking about the possibilities.
We flew down to Mexico to find a partner distillery. We worked on different infusions and got each recipe just right.
We came up with a name. Two sisters, one friend: 21Seeds was born. Now we sold 21Seeds to Diageo to help it grow.
Our goal for 21Seeds is more than just a delicious, infused tequila: We want it to inspire you to gather your tribe of friends new and old, cross borders, share ideas and make connections. It’s the seed of something bigger.
XOXO, Kat
Your Guide to Building Enduring Value: Practical Growth Strategies for Every Business Owner
By Linda Ratner RN, MBA, CEPA
Let’s continue our journey to grow and strengthen your business’s value by exploring the next steps of the Value Maturity Index, the strategic framework designed to profoundly boost your business’s operational and financial dimensions. Our exploration spans five pivotal stages—Identify, Protect, Build, Harvest, and Manage—each critical for fostering a vibrant and dynamic organizational culture. As we progress, these stages propel your company toward unprecedented efficiency, effectiveness, profitability, and long-term sustainability.
Our previous discussions delved into the ‘Identify’ stage, establishing a solid foundation by evaluating your business’s current value against industry benchmarks. This crucial step not only provides clarity about your starting point but also outlines the strategic path ahead.
With this clear baseline, and assuming that you and your executive team are diligently implementing the identified strategies, you should see a notable increase in your business’s value and operational efficiency. Partnering with a skilled business coach can accelerate this progress, ensuring that the right drivers are in place to propel your business forward more swiftly and effectively.
Following that, we explored the ‘Protect’ stage, focusing on safeguarding this identified value through comprehensive risk management strategies, securing intellectual property, and enhancing operational security measures.
With a firm understanding and robust protection in place, we now progress to the ‘Build’ stage. This phase is pivotal for strategically enhancing your business’s capabilities and value, ensuring sustained growth and a competitive edge.
Core Strategies for Building Value
The ‘Build’ stage is crucial for implementing targeted improvements and innovations that significantly boost business efficiency and valuation. This phase begins with a clear vision of your Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG), as outlined by Jim Collins. The question to consider is: Where are we heading, and what will it look like when we arrive?
Collaborating with CEOs and their teams, I dedicate substantial time each quarter to meticulously defining and refining our strategic plan. This ensures that everyone in the organization understands and aligns with our direction. This alignment is essential for effective implementation, garnering buy-in, and fostering a robust organizational culture. Below are key strategies to consider:
1. Innovation and Product Development: To maintain competitiveness and relevance, it’s essential to innovate and diversify your product or service offerings consistently. This requires staying ahead of market demands and proactively anticipating future trends. Embracing unconventional thinking is key—challenge the status quo and explore novel approaches to deliver unique value to your customers. During our sessions, we adopt a futurist perspective, delving deep into economic and environmental trends to ensure that your strategies are responsive and proactive.
2. Market Expansion: To drive growth, it’s crucial to explore new markets by deeply understanding evolving customer needs and identifying untapped opportunities. This exploration could lead to geographic expansion or entry into new customer segments. During our strategy sessions, we focus on identifying your most teachable and valuable offerings that have the potential to scale your business.
For products or services that risk commoditization, we consider innovative approaches such as uniquely bundling offerings to differentiate and add value, enhancing your market position, and attracting new customer bases.
3. Operational Efficiency: Enhancing your business’s operational efficiency involves streamlining processes to cut costs and boost productivity, ultimately leading to improved profit margins and increased company value. Our strategy sessions emphasize the importance of optimizing operations with the customer in mind, which helps eliminate unnecessary expenses. For instance, by analyzing customer feedback, one of my clients realized that their customers valued quicker delivery over elaborate packaging. By simplifying their packaging process, they reduced both material costs and shipping times, enhancing customer satisfaction while boosting their bottom line. Additionally, understanding the key cash flow drivers is essential as they directly impact operational decisions and financial management, allowing for more strategic resource allocation and quicker responsiveness to market dynamics. Documenting all processes and implementing a comprehensive onboarding system is also crucial. These steps increase operational efficiency and boost employee morale, as team members feel more confident and valued in their roles.
4. Strategic Partnerships: Leveraging alliances with other businesses that offer complementary strengths or market access is a powerful strategy to accelerate growth. These partnerships allow you to share resources, expertise, and networks, thereby amplifying your business’s reach and capabilities more efficiently than working alone. Beyond the immediate benefits, forming strategic partnerships can be instrumental in crafting a robust exit strategy. When businesses collaborate, they enhance their operational capacities and solidify their market standing, making them more attractive to potential buyers or investors. A well-chosen partnership can increase the valuation of your business, providing a clearer path to a profitable exit by presenting a stronger, more competitive entity in the marketplace. If the relationship is solid, it also puts you on the buyers’ lists and makes you a more attractive target.
Leveraging Technology
In today’s digital age, leveraging technology is crucial in building business value:
Automation Tools: Use technology to automate routine tasks, allowing your team to focus on high-value activities that contribute more significantly to business growth.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems: Implement advanced CRM systems to better understand and serve your customers, leading to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Data Analytics: Utilize data analytics to gain insights into customer behavior, operational bottlenecks, and financial performance. This can inform better decision-making and strategy refinement.
AI: It’s here, and it’s not going anywhere! Learn to harness its power or get left behind.
Sustaining Growth
To sustain growth, it’s important to continually assess and adapt your strategies based on market feedback and performance metrics. Encourage a culture of continuous improvement where feedback is actively sought and acted upon to foster an environment of innovation and agility.
Building your business’s value is an ongoing journey that requires dedication, strategic planning, and adaptability. You can significantly enhance your company’s market position and long-term sustainability with the right approaches and technologies.
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Contact me today at lratner@ratnerconsult.com to discuss how we can implement these building strategies tailored to your specific needs and goals. Let’s work together to create lasting value and an unstoppable market presence.
Linda Ratner RN, MBA, CEPA
CENTRO Creating a Safe, Vibrant Downtown San Antonio
By Michelle Vasquez
Ever wonder how downtown stays clean, vibrant, and energetic? It's thanks to the efforts of Centro San Antonio, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the city's public spaces.
Centro focuses on managing downtown's public improvement district (PID), including San Antonio's iconic, cultural, creative, and civic epicenters. Employees come together daily as placemaking agents who create a clean, beautiful, playful, and welcoming downtown for residents and tourists alike.
Since its inception, Centro has contracted to provide the Clean and Safe program, other core services, and special projects identified by its board and approved by the City Council annually. These initiatives beautify the city and improve safety and community engagement, making downtown San Antonio a more attractive place for all.
While Centro has many programs, four anchor the organization: Clean and Safe, “The Art Everywhere Project,” Centro Alliance Membership, and Activations
and Events. These programs bring together an amazing group of women: Jacqueline Lucio, Director of the Public Improvement District Operations, or the area that Centro cultivates; Andi Rodriguez, Vice President of Cultural Placemaking; Lizzy Aranibar, Director of Centro Alliance Membership; and Elizabeth Burt, Director of Urban Activation and Play.
Program: Clean and Safe
When you see exciting changes happening downtown, you can frequently credit Centro. While some may think Centro is events-driven, it is only part of the equation. "The Clean and Safe Program is the backbone of Centro, and if downtown isn't clean and safe, then other initiatives are not possible," says Director of Centro Alliance Membership Lizzy Aranibar. Centro initiatives have made downtown safer, cleaner, more vibrant, and welcoming, attracting more residents and tourists and contributing to the local economy.
Jacqueline Lucio, Director of the PID, is a long-time downtowner passionate about community service. She oversees Centro's Clean and Safe Program and housing insecure outreach services, which create a beautiful, welcoming, inclusive, and hospitable downtown.
"Centro creates good in our community by doing good for the community," says Lucio. The program employs
115 individuals, 40% of whom have experienced homelessness and have found a sense of purpose working to keep downtown safe, beautiful, and clean.
"Our Clean and Safe Program is not unique to San Antonio, but we are constantly innovating and attracting attention from cities across the U.S.," says Aranibar. "Our ambassadors, easily identifiable in their yellow and dark blue shirts and smiling faces, are the heart of this program." These ambassadors do everything from providing hospitality, wayfinding, cleaning, and landscaping to providing safety escorts. They're keeping downtown streets clean and creating a welcoming environment that sets San Antonio apart from other cities.
Ambassadors also deploy to highly trafficked areas and set up kiosks to share free water and hospitality. This friendliness sets San Antonio apart from other cities. "The ambassadors love our city and reflect our city as a first impression to others. They're the spirit of downtown," says Aranibar. SAPD Bike patrol complements the presence of ambassadors after hours from 3:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Program: “The Art Everywhere Project”
Andi Rodriguez, Vice President of cultural placemaking, is a long-time urban champion who leads Centro's “The Art Everywhere Project,” which makes art happen downtown. She is a servant leader and enjoys
advocating for the unifying power of art, history, and public space.
“The Art Everywhere Project” debuted during the pandemic in 2020. The project adds verve to our city's concrete skyline by adding creativity, warmth, and reflections of pure talent and love for our city.
The program matches local artists with local businesses and property owners for commissioned projects. Downtown displays almost 200 works. "Centro uses art to add economic value by encouraging engagement downtown while allowing artists to curate and show their work, whether on murals or in popup exhibitions or galleries," says Rodriguez.
Some examples of the “The Art Everywhere Project” include the recent mural at 114 Main Plaza. It is 48 feet long and was painted by San Antonio-based artist Cristina Sosa Noriega and assisted by Silvia Ochoa. The mural depicts seven real-life Girl Scouts from the Southwest Texas area.
“Por Vida—San Antonio Spurs” is a mural near Navarro and Houston Streets downtown. Local artist Andy Benavides led a team of extraordinary talent, including Christina Duncan, Phil Montoya, Nick Tijerina, Matt Tumlinson, Jose Cosme, and Danielle Edwards. The mural features two hands holding a Spurs prayer candle, a Spurs jersey, a championship ring, and "Por Vida" in classic script at the top.
Those interested in a self-directed walking tour can access a map on Centro's website under “The Art Everywhere Project.”
Program: Centro Alliance Membership
As Director of Centro Alliance Membership, Lizzy Aranibar brims with enthusiasm. She is passionate about creating a positive social impact and fostering a vibrant, inclusive San Antonio downtown community while building strong relationships with members and stakeholders to drive economic growth, connections, and community.
Centro supports its members by promoting economic development through its many programs. "The goal of Centro Alliance Membership is to connect, support,
and promote our members," says Aranibar. Centro hosts exclusive networking events and discussions regularly. Membership is open to all interested individuals, regardless of where they live in San Antonio.
There is something for everyone, and the program is tier-based. Members support the organization by joining and gaining numerous benefits, including networking opportunities with key city stakeholders such as civic leaders, downtown residents, business owners, and corporate executives. Members also have access to events focusing on issues important to San Antonians.
Centro promotes local businesses through various initiatives that foster economic development and enhance their visibility. Through these efforts, Centro provides robust support to its members, helping businesses thrive and succeed. Learn more about Centro Alliance Membership by checking out their website, www.centrosa.org/membership.
Program: Activations/Events
You may have noticed the electric feeling of events downtown. Centro's goal is to keep downtown safe and clean for residents and tourists and, in doing so, to create an exciting and energetic environment.
Elizabeth Burt, director of activations and events, oversees the Houston Street initiative and is passionate about evangelizing for underutilized spaces. She mentions that Centro "invests in activations and events because we want to attract locals and visitors alike who will preserve and grow the culture and economy of our city." These events provide entertainment, making it a more vibrant, appealing, and attractive place to live, work, play, and visit.
In attracting people to downtown, Centro events and programming are based on collaborative partnerships and creating a legacy of spaces to enjoy, whether Peacock Alley, Legacy Park, Travis Park, or Historic Houston Street. "We activate spaces and deliver experiences that inspire and catalyze connection and community while supporting hyper-local, multigenerational small businesses in the heart of our city," says Burt.
Centro breathes new life into downtown by animating and activating beloved spaces. In these spaces, you might discover a street party, community celebration, or performance. Significant events, such as the annual Guayabera Fest, also celebrate San Antonio traditions, like the culture of the Guayabera. The event attracted over 2,000 revelers who enjoyed retail, music, food, and community in historic Travis Park.
"The crème de la crème event, says Burt, "was Holidays on Houston St." The event made Houston Street come alive with a variety of activations in partnership with the City of San Antonio, visit San Antonio and the Alamo, bringing the time-honored tradition of riverwalk lights to the street level on more than five city blocks, from Legacy Park down to the Alamo. Reminiscent of the vintage era of Houston Street in its heyday but with a modern 2024 flair, residents and tourists enjoyed “Holidays on Houston” by patronizing small family-owned businesses and popups offering everything from handmade bags to jewelry. This event brought joy and excitement to the community and
supported local businesses, contributing to the economic growth of downtown.
Families and singles could enjoy a Christmas market, drone shows, cowboy Santa Claus, a communal dinner under the Majestic marquee, and an evening Fun Run. The event reached all San Antonians and 700,000 visitors, inspiring the upcoming Stars & Stripes on Houston Street.
Centro San Antonio has transformed the downtown landscape through its dynamic range of programs, fostering a vibrant, clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all. From cultural activations to comprehensive safety measures, the organization's dedication enhances our city and strengthens community cultivation. As Centro continues to innovate and expand its impact, it remains pivotal in making downtown San Antonio a clean, safe, and flourishing center of culture, commerce, and community.
Photos by Fred Gonzales, Saulo Rodriguez & Victoria Zamora
PRISCILLA LOPEZ Chief of Staff
JACQUELINE
Dear Downtown Enthusiasts!
Have you ever wanted to meet business owners, industry leaders, and other urban enthusiasts while attending the best mixers in town? Well, look no further—Centro membership is the perfect place to do just that!
Our membership team is enthusiastic, accessible, responsive and ready to help you find your perfect fit. We've got you covered with different membership tiers designed to meet your needs, whether you're a business owner, neighbor, student, or just a friend of Downtown San Antonio. Anyone is welcome to join; we have members from all over the city.
Interested in promoting your business? Centro membership is your place. Looking to expand your network? We’ll help you! We’ve got a spot for everyone.
Join the Centro family today! Head over to www.centrosa.org/ membership or scan the QR code below to sign up. If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email or give me a call. I can’t wait to welcome you to our Centro Family.
Hope to see you soon!
Lizzy Aranibar, Director of Membership laranibar@centrosa.org, 210-367-2656
CENTRO
Photography by Victoria Zamora
the key to unlocking the world...
Unlocking Potential: Summer School for Students with Learning Differences
By Dr. Michelle Spoonemore, Head of Winston School
Summer often conjures images of lazy days spent lounging by the pool or embarking on family vacations. However, for students with learning differences, summer can represent a valuable opportunity for growth and development through summer school. While the idea of spending additional time in the classroom may initially seem daunting, the benefits of summer school for neurodiverse students are numerous and far-reaching.
Summer school provides a structured and supportive environment for students with learning differences to continue their educational journey during the extended break. But isn’t summer supposed to be fun? By integrating both academic and recreational activities, summer can be both fun and rewarding. Unlike the regular school year, summer classes typically have smaller class sizes, allowing for more personalized attention from teachers and increased opportunities for individualized instruction. This tailored approach enables students to receive the support they need to thrive academically.
One of the primary benefits of summer school for students with learning differences is the opportunity for remediation and reinforcement of key concepts. Moreover, summer school offers a chance for students to work at their own pace and delve deeper into
topics that interest them. Summer school provides a flexible learning environment where students can explore topics at a pace that suits their individual needs and interests. This freedom fosters a sense of empowerment and encourages students to take ownership of their learning journey.
Beyond academic enrichment, summer school also plays a crucial role in supporting the social and emotional development of students with learning differences. Summer school provides a safe and inclusive space where students can connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges. Through collaborative projects, group activities, and team-building exercises, students learn valuable communication and interpersonal skills essential for success inside and outside the classroom.
Another significant benefit of summer school is its continuity in the learning process. For students with learning differences, the extended break over the summer months can disrupt their academic progress and lead to regression in skills and knowledge. Sum-
mer school helps mitigate this regression by keeping students engaged in learning activities and maintaining their momentum throughout the summer. This continuity prevents the loss of academic skills and instills a sense of confidence and resilience in students as they navigate transitions between grade levels.
Summer school represents a valuable opportunity for students with learning differences to discover new strategies for school and expose them to many activities that can uncover strengths they didn’t know they had. It is a great way to give your student the skills and confidence to tackle school in the fall while enjoying novel activities and meeting new friends in the summer.
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Empowering you to advocate for yourself - mind, body and soul.
Recognizing and Addressing Concussions
By David Avery, CEO Longhorn Imaging
Among the most insidious and often overlooked injuries are concussions. Recognizing the signs and ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment is crucial for the health and outcomes of injured people. This article will guide you through the key indicators of concussion, how to use simple screening tools like the Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ), and the importance of specialized care.
Understanding Concussions
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow to the head or a sudden jolt that disrupts normal brain function. The effects can be subtle and may not appear immediately, making it essential for attorneys to be vigilant in recognizing potential symptoms.
Recognizing Symptoms
Concussion symptoms can be physical, cognitive, and emotional. Some of the most common symptoms include:
• Physical: Headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, balance problems, and fatigue.
• Emotional: Irritability, sadness, anxiety, and mood swings.
Additionally, sleep disturbances such as insomnia or excessive drowsiness can be indicative of a concussion. These symptoms vary widely in severity and duration, making thorough and ongoing evaluation critical.
Utilizing Screening Tools
One effective method for initial concussion assessment is the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ). This tool helps systematically identify the presence and severity of common post-concussion symptoms. The RPQ asks patients to rate symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating on a scale from 0 (not experienced at all) to 4 (a severe problem).
Here are some key questions from the RPQ:
1. Do you experience headaches more frequently than before?
2. Are you feeling more dizzy or lightheaded?
3. Have you noticed increased sensitivity to noise or light?
4. Are you more fatigued than usual?
5. Are you having trouble with memory or concentration?
Using such questionnaires can help in early detection and prompt referral to medical professionals for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Diagnostic and Treatment Approaches
If a concussion is suspected, it is crucial to see a specialist who can provide an in-depth evaluation. Longhorn NeuroDiagnostics offers advanced diagnostic tools and care plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Our board-certified neurologists specialize in brain injuries, ensuring that every aspect of the concussion is thoroughly examined and given a comprehensive treatment plan.
Comprehensive care may include:
• Cognitive Testing: Detailed assessments to evaluate the impact on cognitive functions.
• Vestibular Testing: Evaluate and identify abnormalities with central motor function.
• NeuroImaging: MRI to view white matter impacts.
• Rehabilitation: Cognitive, oculomotor, vestibular, and other therapies to aid recovery.
Early intervention can significantly affect recovery outcomes. As an attorney, advocating for your client’s health by recognizing concussion symptoms and facilitating proper medical care is paramount.
For expert diagnostics and personalized care plans, trust Longhorn NeuroDiagnostics. Our team of Board-Certified Neurologists specializes in brain injury and is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. Ensure your clients receive the best possible support in their recovery journey.
You can also email our Clinical Director, Ellen McCarthy, at emccarthy@longhornneurodx.com to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward comprehensive brain injury care.
Understanding a Concussion and Spotting the Symptoms: A Guide for Parents
By Dr. Megan O'Brien, pediatric emergency room physician at CHRISTUS Children's
As summer winds down and we start looking ahead to a new school year, our focus turns to new sports seasons and all the practice and preparation involved. One injury that may not be so easy to spot is a concussion.
A concussion is a brain injury on a cellular level, meaning it impairs how the brain talks to itself and sends signals.
It can happen when someone bumps or hits their head, but essentially, a concussion occurs when the body is moving and suddenly stops, but the brain keeps moving.
Although loss of consciousness may occur, it usually does not.
Concussions do occur most commonly in contact sports such as football or hockey, but a concussion can occur off the field, as well.
The term concussion may sound scary for parents. But knowing and understanding the signs and symptoms is important.
Usually, a child will complain of a headache, they may seem dazed or have memory dysfunction, they may experience nausea and/or vomiting, have a sensitivity to light and sound and may just generally respond much slower than usual.
A concussion can affect a person's memory, judgment, reflexes, speech, balance, and muscle coordination.
Another important thing to note about a concussion is that symptoms may not appear right away. Some patients can experience symptoms of a concussion hours later.
The parent of a child who may have suffered a concussion should check on their child regularly until he or she feels normal.
If your child does start to show symptoms of a concussion, parents should avoid allowing their children to be on their phones or tablets, or doing anything that may stress their brains.
Because a concussion is a brain injury, stressing the brain can cause more harm, so taking away the cell phone or electronics is advisable. No texting, no video games.
Additionally, these kids should stay home from school and avoid physical activities until symptoms resolve. If your child does experience a concussion, they should seek guidance from their health care provider. The physician can go over any necessary next steps, which can vary depending on the concussion's severity.
Repeated concussions could cause significant damage, so it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your child's physician.
CHRISTUS Children's is San Antonio's first and only freestanding hospital caring for children and expecting women located downtown. It also has two additional emergency centers located in the Stone Oak and Westover Hills neighborhoods.
To learn more about concussions, visit our website at CHRISTUSHealth.org.
Why Are Hearing Aids So Expensive?
It’s estimated that over 40 million Americans have hearing loss and could benefit from hearing aids. However, the high cost of hearing aids can be prohibitive. So, I’m here to answer that big question: Why are hearing aids so dang expensive?
Each year, the hearing aid industry invests heavily in research and development (R&D) to deliver devices that are smaller, more powerful, and capable of mimicking natural hearing. This involves a team of electrical engineers, audiologists, computer engineers, programmers, and sound engineers working to push technological boundaries. Today’s hearing aid technology is far superior to that of just 5-10 years ago.
When you invest in hearing aids, you’re not just buying a device. You’re also purchasing 3-5 years of professional services. These services, which include personalized fittings, regular adjustments, and maintenance, are provided by licensed audiologists. The level of care they offer is a result
of their extensive training, experience, and ongoing education, all of which significantly contribute to the cost. Remember, the best hearing aid on the market is only as good as its fitting and follow-up care.
In summary, the cost of hearing aids is justified by the extensive research and development, the bundled professional services, and the expertise required to ensure patient success. Despite the initial price tag, the advantages of addressing your hearing loss—such as enhanced communication and cognitive function—make hearing aids a sound investment. Don’t let the cost deter you from improving your quality of life.
If you think you could benefit from hearing aids but are worried about the cost, call an audiologist you trust! Most clinics offer a payment plan option to reduce the financial burden of such a big purchase. We want you to hear your best, and we have options to make that happen.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury
By Sunita Punjabi, PhD
In my practice, I see so many children who are dealing with erratic behavior and even psychotic tendencies. Surprisingly, I found a common characteristic in these kids: playing high-contact sports at a young age. Now, I’m not saying that children should not participate in sports. The research shows that participating in athletics develops a resilient brain (see study on GRIT factor).
After examining the life events of professional athletes, traumatic brain injury (TBI) has received a lot of investigation. Cases like Arron Hernandez, who was a Tight End for the New England Patriots, have led to a massive public effort to examine the brains of professional athletes with an autopsy. The examination found brain legions, identified as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. CTE is a degenerative condition commonly seen in professional football players and boxers.
TBI, Traumatic Brain Injury, is a significant public health issue that can have profound and lasting impacts on individuals and their families. This article delves into what TBI is, its causes, methods for early detection, treatment options, and prevention strategies.
What is Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when an external force causes damage to the brain. This can result from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or an object penetrating the skull. The severity of TBI can range from mild (often called concussions) to severe, potentially leading to long-term complications or death. TBIs are classified based on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), with scores ranging from mild (GCS 13-15) to moderate (GCS 9-12) to severe (GCS 3-8).
Early Detection of TBI
Early detection of TBI is crucial for effective management and better outcomes. The following methods are commonly used:
1. Symptom Recognition: Immediate symptoms of TBI include headache, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness. Delayed symptoms might include memory problems, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
2. Concussion Assessment Tools: On-field assessment tools like the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) and the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) help quickly evaluate potential TBIs in athletes.
3. Medical Imaging: CT scans and MRIs were the standard for detection, but often, the measures can only tell the brain’s anatomy. These scans can miss changes in brain function and are vital for diagnosing the extent of brain injury or the possibility of axonal diffusion injury. Advanced imaging techniques, such as a qEEG or a quantitative electroencephalograph, can effectively identify axonal diffusion injury and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). Biomarkers: Research into blood tests that identify specific biomarkers for TBI is ongoing and holds promise for quicker diagnosis.
Treatment Options for TBI
The treatment of TBI depends on its severity:
1. Mild TBI (Concussions):
o Rest: Both physical and cognitive rest are essential for recovery.
o Gradual Return to Activities: A step-bystep process is necessary to ensure a safe return to normal activities and sports.
o Symptom Management: Over-thecounter pain relievers for headaches and strategies for managing other symptoms.
2. Moderate to Severe TBI:
o Emergency Care: Immediate medical intervention to stabilize the patient may include surgery to remove clots or relieve pressure on the brain.
o Rehabilitation: This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to address the various impairments caused by TBI.
o Medications: To manage symptoms such as seizures, spasticity, and mood disorders.
3.Ongoing Support:
o Cognitive Rehabilitation: Focuses on
improving memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
o Psychological Support: Counseling and therapy to address emotional and behavioral issues.
o Community and Social Support: Connecting individuals with TBI to support groups and resources.
Preventing Traumatic Brain Injury
Preventing TBI involves strategies at both individual and community levels:
1. Use of Protective Gear: Wearing helmets while biking, skiing, or engaging in contact sports can significantly reduce the risk of TBI.
2. Fall Prevention: Implementing safety measures at home and in public spaces, such as installing grab bars and handrails, using non-slip mats, and ensuring adequate lighting.
3. Safe Driving Practices: Wearing seat belts, avoiding distracted driving, and adhering to speed limits can prevent motor vehicle accidents.
4. Sports Safety: Enforcing rules and regulations designed to minimize the risk of head injuries in sports and promoting the use of appropriate protective equipment.
5. Education and Training: Educating athletes, coaches, parents, and the general public about the risks of TBI, symptoms, and the importance of early detection and treatment.
6. Violence Prevention: Implementing community programs to reduce violence and its associated risk of TBI.
Conclusion
Traumatic Brain Injury is a serious condition with potentially long-lasting effects. Understanding its causes, recognizing symptoms early, seeking prompt and appropriate treatment, and implement ing preventive measures can significantly improve outcomes for those affected. Awareness and education are key components in reducing the incidence and impact of TBI, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals and their communities.
Little Em’s
All the little things just how you like them. This brisket, chuck, shortrib patty will blow your mind! www.littleemsoysterbar.com
1001 S. Alamo, SA, TX 78210
*New location coming this Fall
The Cove
Sustainable, organic, local. We love beef, but the Cove’s Veggie burger brown rice patty is not to be missed. www.thecove.us
606 W. Cypress St., SA, TX 78212
Photo by Little Em's
Good Time Charlie’s Cafe
Serving old-fashioned goodness since 1979. We recommend Charlie’s Old Fashioned Hamburger. www.gtcsatx.com
2922 Broadway, SA, TX 78209
Bunz Handcrafted Burgers
“Fresh and from scratch with a daily grind of blended chuck roll, shoulder clot, and brisket to maximize juiciness and freshness.” www.Tastybunz.com
122 East Houston Street, SA, TX 78205 6819 North Loop 1604 W, SA, TX 78249
Bohanan’s
Indulge in a half-pound steakhouse Wagyu burger with all the fixings. Scrumptiously decadent. 219 E. Houston St., SA, TX 78205 www.bohanans.com
Mark’s Outing
I ate the 2lb burger challenge. “Eat it all and get your picture on the wall!” We dare you. 1624 E. Commerce, SA, TX 78205 www.marksouting.com
Pharm Table
By Janis Turk | Photography by Marty Morris
It’s often said that laughter is the best medicine, and local chef Elizabeth Johnson agrees that good humor is great for the spirit. However, she maintains food is actually the best medicine for good health and nutrition, and she’s devoted her career to that fresh, forward-looking concept.
Chef Johnson introduced San Antonio to her philosophy of nourishing the body through delicious, globally inspired dishes with her first Pharm Table, a popular counter-service restaurant and food delivery operation she opened in 2014. Its success led her to reintroduce Pharm Table as a full-service restaurant with an elevated bar program in Southtown in 2021. Here, she could more fully express her approach to food as medicine. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary in San Antonio, Pharm Table has placed healthful food at the heart of the city’s exciting, ever-evolving culinary scene and given locals a new place to love.
Health Food with Bold Flavors
Pharm Table offers a unique epicurean experience, blending healthful cuisine with vibrant flavors and an inviting ambiance.
Tucked away on South Presa Street, the restaurant features two vine-covered outdoor patios and a high-ceiling interior space home to an industrial-
chic dining room with a wall of clear casement windows and a long, gleaming, tile-clad bar. Above the kitchen window, a retablo depicting San Pasqual (patron saint of the kitchen) and a drawing of a Mayan grandmother pay tribute to the spirit of the multi-cultural culinary concepts at play. Wood-block Mexican Catrina prints also ground the space with other reminders of San Antonio's Mexican heritage.
Perfect for an afternoon happy hour, weekend brunch, or date-night dinner, Pharm Table is not your average health-food restaurant. It’s a friendly, accessible, something-for-everyone spot in an intimate setting. Want Wagyu beef short ribs? Dreaming of a vegan, gluten-free Pad Thai noodle bowl? Craving a cold, top-shelf margarita on a hot afternoon? Wishing for a tasty, non-alcoholic “mocktail”? Love fine natural wines from across the globe? Pharm Table has all this and more.
Culinary Legacy and Global Inspiration
Chef Johnson honed her skills at Le Cordon Bleu in Mexico City and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México before traveling throughout Latin America to learn about its cuisine. Upon returning to San Antonio, Johnson became a chef instructor at the Culinary Institute of America at Pearl and a leading force in the city's culinary scene. She even worked to secure San Antonio's designation as a
Photography by Josh Huskin
UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Recognized by the James Beard Foundation, Johnson champions an anti-inflammatory approach to food, drawing inspiration from Ayurveda and Blue Zones research. From all that experience grew Johnson’s concept of a culinary apothecary kitchen, unlike anything South Texas has ever seen.
The Pillars of Pharm Table
Pharm Table's philosophy rests on five key principles: Ayurveda, fusion of cultures and flavors, commitment to quality, community engagement, and sustainability. Chef Johnson uses Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, as a guiding principle. Her menu reflects seasonal cycles and incorporates ingredients that promote balance within the body.
Likewise, San Antonio's rich heritage blends with flavors from around the world at Pharm Table. The restaurant draws from a world-class spice library, a testament to Johnson's passion for exploring different culinary traditions. These influences, from macrobiotics to traditional Chinese medicine, create an innovative and satisfying menu.
Everything at Pharm Table is gluten-free and dairyfree, and each menu offers enticing vegan options. However, meat-eaters and pescatarians can enjoy dishes like chicken and waffles, salmon tacos, and Peruvian leche de tigre ceviche.
Sustainability in all aspects—economic, ethical, and environmental—is a priority here. Chef Johnson values sourcing ingredients locally, minimizing food waste, and responsibly managing waste, and Pharm Table holds the distinction of being San Antonio's first commercial restaurant composter.
“We anaerobically compost all organic waste and support regenerative farming through our vendors.
By supporting Pharm Table, you are supporting our mission to heal people and the planet through food,” says Johnson.
Pharm Table extends its philosophy of nourishment beyond its walls. Chef Johnson actively partners with organizations like the San Antonio Food Bank, Office of World Heritage, and Por Vida to promote healthy eating in San Antonio.
Nourishing the Body and Soul
Pharm Table offers more than just a delicious meal and an inviting space to dine. It's about nurturing the body, fostering a healthy gut biome, and strengthening the immune system. By offering delightful, globally inspired dishes from a place of deep respect for tradition and sustainability, all in a bright, welcoming setting, Pharm Table has become a local favorite. With an exciting seasonal menu and a brilliant bar program, Pharm Table has become a beloved Southtown destination where health and flavor go hand-in-hand.
Janis Turk is a longtime contributor to San Antonio WOMAN magazine and is its former managing editor, as well as the former editor of Country Lifestyle, San Antonio Fitness & Health magazine, San Antonio AT HOME, and travel editor for Today’s Groom. She’s also been a contributor to Chile Pepper magazine, Louisiana Cooking, and more, as well as a travel writer for the Chicago Tribune, The Houston Chronicle, The Dallas Morning News, the San Antonio Express-News, and other newspapers and magazines.
Photography by Josh Huskin
Canyon Lake
Photos and Information by Jesilyn Fiel
Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Canyon Lake stands as a pristine gem offering a myriad of recreational activities and breathtaking scenery. Known as "The Jewel" of the Texas Hill Country, Canyon Lake boasts 80 miles of shoreline and a sprawling 8,230-acre reservoir, making it a prime destination for summer travel and water recreation enthusiasts.
The lake's crystal-clear waters are perfect for a variety of water sports. Boating, sailing, and jet skiing are popular pastimes, with several boat ramps available for easy access. For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, kayaking and paddleboarding provide serene ways to explore the lake’s scenic coves and inlets.
Anglers will find Canyon Lake to be a haven, teeming with a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, catfish, and white and striped bass. Fishing tournaments are a common sight, drawing competitors from all over the state eager to reel in a big catch.
The surrounding area offers more than just waterbased activities. Hiking and biking trails weave through the lush landscapes, providing panoramic views of the lake and the rolling Hill Country terrain. The Guadalupe River, which feeds into the lake, is renowned for tubing and rafting, offering both excitement and relaxation.
Families can enjoy picnicking at one of the many parks that dot the shoreline, complete with amenities like barbecue pits and playgrounds. Campgrounds and RV parks provide excellent opportunities for an extended stay, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.
Canyon Lake isn’t just about outdoor adventure; it also hosts a vibrant community with local shops, restaurants, and events that capture the charm and hospitality of the Hill Country. From thrilling water sports to peaceful nature trails, Canyon Lake is an ideal summer retreat that promises unforgettable experiences for everyone.
For more information visit www.canyonlakechamber.com
Wimberley
Located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Wimberley offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich history, vibrant arts and culture, unique shopping, delectable dining, and warm hospitality. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, this charming town has something for everyone.
Shopping
For a unique shopping experience, the Wimberley Square is a shopper's paradise, featuring charming shops selling everything from handcrafted jewelry and local art to vintage clothing and home decor. The Wimberley Market Days, held on the first Saturday of each month from March to December, is a must-visit, promising a treasure trove of unique finds!
Restaurants
Wimberley’s culinary scene is a thrilling adventure, as diverse as it is delicious. From cozy cafes to fine dining establishments, the town offers a variety of options to satisfy any palate. Hildee’s on the Square serves up contemporary American cuisine with a Hill Country twist. For a casual bite, head to Community Pizza & Beer Garden, known for its wood-fired pizzas and local brews.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities
Wimberley is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Blue Hole Regional Park, with its crystal-clear springfed swimming hole, is a favorite spot for swimming and
picnicking. Jacob's Well Natural Area offers a breathtaking view of one of Texas' longest underwater caves and is ideal for hiking and exploring. The Blanco River provides opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and tubing. Cypress Creek Nature Trail and Preserve is perfect for a peaceful walk amidst towering cypress trees
Hotels and Lodging
Wimberley offers a range of accommodations to suit different tastes and budgets. For a luxurious stay, the Creekhaven Inn and Spa provides elegant rooms and gourmet breakfasts, while The Yurtopian provides a cozy and rural alternative, with your own private hot tub and deck where you can stargaze. For those seeking a more rustic experience, there are numerous campgrounds and RV parks in and around Wimberley.
For more information, visit www.cityofwimberley.com
