September/October 2022 SPANISH NEWSWOMEN - DENTAL PROFESSIONALS WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE - COLLAGEN’S BENEFITS CELEBRATE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH! HEALTH FOCUS: BREAST CANCER MARYANNE GUIDO LIFELONG LEARNING AND HARD WORK BUILD A LEGACY OF SUCCESS
38 At Home Chef Johnny Hernandez opens the doors to his colorful and historic hacienda.
3816 57 Women in Business Education and mentoring pave the way for more women to enter the field of commercial real estate.
5721 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022
16 Cover Story
6 sawoman.com IN THIS ISSUE
A strong work ethic and putting employees first are the bedrock to Maryanne Guido’s success in the construction industry. 21 Feature Story Meet four women working in front of and behind the scenes at San Antonio’s Spanish news stations.
8 sawoman.com BusinessLifestyleStories To Your Health TABLE OF CONTENTS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 31 16 Cover Story: Maryanne Guido 21 Feature Story: Spanish News Anchors 26 Role Model: Lauren Cornell 28 Guy to Know: Coach Jeff Traylor 84 Nonprofit Spotlight: ThriveWell 92 Covid: College & Career Challenges 31 The Perfect Hat 34 Beauty: Skin Care 35 Beauty Talk: Brush Care 36 Best Practices: Dr. Murphy 38 At Home: Hacienda del Morado 45 Spotlight: Pamela D. Young 47 Dossier: Dental Professionals 55 CREW: Letter From the President 57 Women in Commercial Real Estate 68 Expert Advice: Short-Term Rentals Tax Issues 70 Women on the Move 71 Business Calendar 74 Breast Cancer Treatment Advances 76 Surviver Story: I’m the One 80 Battling Breast Cancer With Exercise and Attitude 86 Bariatric Surgery Advances 90 Betty’s Co: Is This Normal? 94 HC Curated: Wineries 96 Dining: Allora 98 SA Curated Dining: Tortillas 100 Entertainment 102 Art Beat: Agarita 104 Wedding: Mr. & Mrs. Reiser 106 Final Thoughts 104 Food & Entertainment 96
Blithe has worked in corporate communications and public relations for more than 25 years. A prolific writer, she has produced content for websites, newsletters, digital marketing, social media, marketing collateral and more. She has written articles for numerous publications and organizations. She loves learning about and telling the stories of San Antonio people, places and businesses. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three college-age children and reading, walking, and trying new recipes.
A self-proclaimed people person, David is a freelance photographer that loves to tell people “good morning!” in the afternoon, to try to make them smile. He enjoys coffee, tacos, and writing letters on his 1968 German typewriter. When he is not writing about himself in the third person, David can often be found in a foreign country, photographing ballerinas with his 40-year-old Hasselblad camera. David has been blessed to be able to make people smile at his jokes on four continents - and to work with an awesome team of people.
David Teran, Photographer Blithe Wiley, Writer
profiles brings something new to light, contributes to our city in a different way, and makes San Antonio an even better place to live. Now more than ever, I truly appreciate how diverse, creative and strong our community is. Connecting with that as I write for San Antonio Woman is a true gift. I learn something from every interview, and I hope our readers do, too.”
“Eachhome.ofour
Janis Turk is has been a contributor and even former managing editor of SA WOMAN since 2006. She also served as editor of San Antonio AT HOME magazine and Country Lifestyle magazine, among others. She and Chef Hernandez have been foodie friends and fellow fans of art and interior design for more than a decade. Still, even she was surprised to learn Judge Roy Beans once lived on the land Hernandez and Stein now call
Suzanne Pack, Photographer
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Janis Turk, Writer Dawn Robinette, Writer
Suzanne Pack is a portrait photographer specializing in personal branding photography, social media content, headshots, lifestyle, family and glamor portraiture. Suzanne photographs other creatives, entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners and empowers them to be the face of their brands. Suzanne loves helping her clients design their personal brand personas. Suzanne’s experience in graphic design and web design allows her to guide her clients to create images that go to work for them on websites, social media feeds, and their printed materials.
Meredith Kay, Writer
“It was an honor to meet the dynamic Hispanic broadcast journalists leading the success of Spanish-language news media here in San Antonio. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them and telling their success stories, and relating their challenges and how they have persevered.”
Having the opportunity to research and write articles about healthrelated topics of interest to you is tremendously gratifying for me. I’ve written about health-related topics for nearly twenty-five years, and I have yet to get bored with it.
Talking with healthcare providers allows me to hear firsthand the enthusiasm they have for the work they do and the tremendous care and compassion they provide to their patients – often when those people need it the most. I hope you enjoy reading our healthrelated articles as much as I enjoy writing them.
Paul J. Watkins, Writer
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cathleen Lane cathleen@sawoman.com
Salud! Cathleen Lane Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
Welcome back, friends!
PHOTOGRAPHY
San Antonio Woman is published bimonthly by Las Tres Muchachas Enterprises (Publisher). Reproduction in any manner in whole or part is prohibited without the express written consent of the Publisher. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher or its staff. San Antonio Woman reserves the right to edit all materials for clarity and space and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. San Antonio Woman does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertisements or editorial, nor does the Publisher assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Articles and photographs are welcome and may be submitted to our offices to be used subject to the discretion and review of the Publisher. All real estate advertising is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Printed in the U.S.A.
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Cover: Dawn Robinette Antonio Gutierrez, Alexis James, Meredith Kay, Jillian Lopiano, MD MPH FACOG, Dawn Robinette, Janis Turk, Dora Vera, Paul J. Watkins, Blithe Wiley
For every issue of San Antonio Woman, our ever-insightful and talented Creative Director, Miriam Jesaijes, creates a mood board to guide us and keep a common theme throughout the magazine. For this issue, our guiding words were “Bold & Beautiful!” And boy, does this issue fit that description!
DIRECTOR OF SALES & PARTNERSHIPS Dale dale@sawoman.comLane
ADVERTISING SALES Cindy Jennings cindy@sawoman.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & GRAPHIC DESIGN Miriam miriam@sawoman.comJesaijes
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA Taylor Lane taylor@sawoman.com
EDITOR’S LETTER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022
EDITOR EMERITUS Beverly Purcell-Guerra PUBLISHED BY Las Tres Muchachas, LLC.
Cathleen
MARYANNE GUIDO Photography by Susanne Pack with Celebrated Reflections Makeup by Dora Vera @thelook.beautystudio
WRITERS
On the cover:
NOMINATIONS & ADVERTISING INFORMATION Email: info@sawoman.com A Las Tres Muchachas Production Cathleen & Dale Lane 300 E Ramsey, Suite 335 San Antonio, Texas 78216 (210) 236-5834 sawoman.com | @sanantoniowoman
Cover: Suzanne Pack with Celebrated Reflections Suzanne Pack, Al Rendon, Natalia Sun, David Teran PRINTING SmithPrint, San Antonio, Texas
Our Cover Woman, Maryanne Guido, exudes confidence and grace. It’s clear when she steps into her work environment that she loves what she does. When you read her story of how she followed her passion for design, devoted herself to her work and family, and continuously studied to learn more, you’ll understand why Guido Companies has become the successful business that it is today, helping shape our city for five generations. In our “To Your Health” section, breast cancer survivors share stories of incredible strength and grace through their treatment and beyond and are now giving back to help other survivors. And two of San Antonio’s top Oncologists provide insight into new treatments and research in cancer care. As always, our team has brought together gorgeous design, delicious food, and fun entertainment ideas to keep you inspired to live a bold and beautiful life! Be sure to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and all that makes San Antonio the vibrant city that it is.
Meet These Texas Sisters Behind Fraulein Boot Company
Saint Mary’s Hall Coach Awarded with Cecile Reynaud CoachingAwardMastery
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SPIRITLANDIA October Celebrations To Be Broadcast Nationwide on Peacock, Nov 1st
Everyone wants cuter boots! Vintage style, timeless, comfortable, to wear to football games, rodeos, concerts and carpool. Margaret and Sarah are sisters with an authentic, unique style that embodies their brand. “Cowboy boots have been on our feet since we were little girls. We named our boot line, Fraulein Boots, as an homage to our late father and a tribute to honky tonk nostalgia.” Visit Fraulein.com to shop these wonderful boots!
San Antonio’s Day of the Dead
SA CURATED SA Curated brings you the best events, announcements, SA Woman staff favorites, things to know, and places to be in San Antonio!
Valerie Lohr, Coordinator of Student Well-Being, Women’s Lacrosse Coach, and Field Hockey Program Director, attended the 5th class of the NCAA Women’s Coaching Academy this summer and was one of only 16 to graduate from the Master-Learning NCAA Academy 2.0. At the Academy, coaches from all over the nation learned about every aspect of coaching, including engagement, branding, public speaking, student-athlete mental health, and more. At the conference, she was selected by her peers to receive the Cecile Reynaud Coaching Mastery Award, which is awarded to the individual who embodies the characteristics of Coach Reynaud: leadership, commitment to the personal development and advancement of others and a deep care and respect of the game. Congratulations, Coach Lohr!
SA CURATED
This year on the Day of the Dead, November 1, NBCUniversal Peacock will broadcast a one-hour national television special featuring San Antonio’s annual Day of the Dead river parade with special guest, Access Hollywood star, Mario Lopez. The parade, which will be shown across America, is but one of many celebrations held during the four-day SPIRITLANDIA festival, October 27-30 at La Villita and the River Walk, along with Muertos Fest at Hemisfair on October 30th. Other Dia de Los Muertos events take place all over town during this holiday of joyful commemoration. The river parade will be held live at the Arneson River Theatre on Thursday, October 27, and shown on television on November 1. Spiritlandia festival, with its 4th Annual Day of the Dead parade, seals San Antonio’s reputation as the nation’s premier destination for Day of the Dead celebrations. For more information, tickets, and a full schedule of activities, visit SPIRITLANDIA.com Follow San Antonio’s Day of the Dead celebrations on social media @spiritlandia, and use these trending hashtags: #spiritlandiariverparade and #spiritlandia
Celebrates 50 Years
Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas
The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas (CBCST) is launching a $2.4 million fundraising campaign to expand its presence in Uvalde. The Center in Uvalde will offer free services, including individual counseling, grief camps and peer support groups for children, parents and caregivers. Anyone interested in donating may do so online at https://give.cbcst.org/uvalde.
September 23 | 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. For 50 years, Monarch Trophy Studio has served the community with its variety of awards, trophies, plaques, Fiesta medals, and unique, customizable gifts. Join Monarch Trophy Studio as it celebrates millions of memories at an open house on Friday, September 23. Stop by, order your Fiesta medals, register to win prizes, and enjoy music, beverages, and light bites at 16227 San Pedro Avenue.
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Helping to Heal the Hurt in Uvalde
Monarch Trophy Studio
By Dawn Robinette APR | Photography by Susanne Pack
16 sawoman.com COVER STORY
BuildFoundationsStrongaFamilyLegacy
Maryanne Guido, CEO of Guido Companies, began her path to a career in construction when she answered a question from her husband, Tom. “He asked: ‘What have you always wanted to do that you never had an opportunity?’ I always felt compelled to exercise both my creative and logical tendencies — right/left brain.” Her answer to that question led her away from her fourth actuarial exam and toward a degree in design. “I went to night school at St. Mary’s University and received an associate degree in interior design,” she explains. This was the beginning of Guido Interiors and her work for clients on interior design and remodeling.
Maryanne believes that “team” is key to making the right decisions. “Surround yourself with intelligent and highly motivated people, trust their opinions and allow them to challenge yours. If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room. Make the best decision you can with the information available at that time. I rarely rush into a course of action before confirming that the decision aligns with our strategic plan and our organization’s core values.
As CEO, Guido holds ultimate responsibility for the satisfactory completion of all Guido commitments. Day to day, she is responsible for client relations, business development, strategic planning, operations, and profitability. She also oversees risk management, human resources, and safety/accident prevention. Ultimately, she sees the key to the company’s success as Guido’s team.
When Guido Construction built an addition to their office in the early 80s, Maryanne recalls, “my father-inlaw said, ‘Maryanne is going to do the interiors.’” Quickly thereafter, friends solicited her help to renovate their homes and offices. “One project led to another over the next ten years. I’m grateful for my first customers; they gave me the confidence to charge ahead when others doubted my decision to go back to school.”
When Tom, then President of Guido Construction, had an unexpected vacancy and needed a project manager, he asked Maryanne to step in. From there, Tom would tap her prior corporate experience at USAA. “He’d ask me to figure out: ‘Why are our Workman’s Compensation premiums so high? What is driving these costs?’ I tapped into my knowledge of rate making, studied our loss experience, and reviewed our safety record. When I did not have enough information, I went ‘back to school’ and took classes on OSHA Safety Standards.
“Without a doubt, our greatest resource is our employees. They are the company; it’s not any one person. Day-to-day they make things happen by working hard, using our core values as a guide, and demonstrating the highest level of commitment to bringing our customer’s vision to reality. Like every business, we have overcome many challenges by learning to navigate the unknown — a pandemic, a recession, shortages — with faith that the future will be better. It is very exciting when you have a successful project, or you win a new pursuit, but what shapes you most are the challenges overcome along the way. In a leadership role, you step back and take care of your people first. “I am a critical thinker but also a very passionate and empathetic person. I have learned over the years to control my instinctive response, whether it be joy, anger, frustration, or concern. I analyze the problem and determine possible ways to resolve the issue.”
“As a mother of four, I was consistently balancing schedules, priorities, and multi-tasking to get through the day. While challenging, I knew this would not be the only thing that fulfilled me. I was intrigued by how design can influence people’s experience. From the design of a hospital giving patients decency and a high standard of care to how city goods and services are planned and delivered to citizens, I realized somebody had made a decision that had a cascading effect, whether they realized it or not! Intuitively, I have a knack for spatial planning to make spaces flow better. I relish selecting colors and furniture to convey a mood or subtly encourage collaboration or provide space for reflection.”
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Her approach is rooted in a question her first boss posed to her years ago. “We were on this big project, and my boss said to me, ‘Maryanne, is it your ego or your objective that’s at stake?’ I’ve always gone back to that. You need to put your ego aside. It’s not about being right. It’s about doing the right thing. It’s not about winning. It is about doing the right thing. That has always guided me.”
“We have an incredible executive management team with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Learn to listen to people you trust to find the signal through the noise and make intelligent decisions.”
If you are the smartest person inthe room, you are in the wrong room.
“Next came operations, human resources, and marketing/ business development. If there was a need, I tried to fill it. I strive to be a servant leader and am a fixer by nature. If I see something that is inefficient or ineffective, I inherently want to make it better,” she explains. “I’m an idea person, but I try never to ask a team member to do something I haven’t done myself. I have a passion for developing people as well as constructing great buildings; growing others to be successful excites me!”
She’s a life-long learner. “I believe my life is a journey to complete myself. I commit to self-improvement and growing to be the best version of myself. I am selfdisciplined and set high goals for myself. For me, that means I have faith, focus on my family, eat well, exercise often, and spend time reflecting while taking time for rest and relaxation. I am high energy which translates to: work hard, play hard, and always try to have fun doing it.”
The company’s team and clients help keep her fueled. “I love what we do. There is something new every day,
and I love the people we work with and for. We have been fortunate to have many interesting clients who want to create great things. Building their vision is what excites us.”
“We realized that it takes vision and passion to build something great, and that changed the trajectory of our company. Tom coined the phrase that became the cornerstone of Guido: ‘Building Visions: To see what is, to see what was, is only half as great a triumph as to see what could be!’”
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That vision has helped shape the landscape of San Antonio, including the renovation of the historic 1892 San Antonio City Hall, which has received ten national awards to date, including the highly coveted 2022 BUILD AMERICA AWARD from the Associated General Contractors of America.
When Tom Guido was just beginning his career, he served as the project manager for Guido for the historic renovation and adaptive reuse to create the San Antonio Museum of Art. That project fueled the company’s future direction.
“San Antonio has been our home for now five generations. So being involved in our community, being good stewards of our city, and giving back to our community has always been very important to us.”
The Guido family began building in Texas in the early 1920s. The historic San Francesco di Paola Church and Parish Hall, built in 1927 in downtown San Antonio, is the first major project bearing founder, Louis L. Guido’s name. Trained in Italy as a master carpenter, Tom’s grandfather’s reputation grew with projects like the San Pedro Playhouse and restoration to the Mission San José.
They sacrificed a lot and worked very hard to accomplish what they have. “I am pleased to say not only did we succeed in avoiding that outcome, but we have been blessed with success. Our companies have grown dramatically over the past fifteen years. We have never been more bullish on the future of Guido Companies.”
In 1936, Louis Guido formed a new partnership with his brother Frank Guido and began work as Guido Brothers Construction Company. “What Tom’s grandfather and father did from relatively very humble beginnings is truly amazing.”
“We are proud and honored to be involved in these kinds of projects in San Antonio. Museums, historic restorations, adaptive reuse of old buildings, and many other projects like these bring joy and fun to our community, like SeaWorld, Hardberger Park, and the San Antonio Zoo.
Safeguarding that legacy is something she focused on before joining the company. “One thing I was concerned about was the high failure rate for family businesses in the third generation. So even before I was involved in the business, I researched why they fail and how we might prevent that failure. What could Tom and I do to make sure that that doesn’t happen and be good stewards of what has come before us?”
juliangold.comGold,JulianbysuitRed
Three of the couple’s four children work in one of the Guido businesses. “They have always heard the dinner table conversations, listened, and learned. They really care and take a great sense of pride in the people that have come before us and have accomplished so much.”
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“Tom and I were blessed with wonderful parents and role models. They taught us how to work hard, face challenges and have fun; they had the highest integrity. This was our foundation, the foundation of our company and our family.”
The management team and next generation of leaders are now strongly entrenched as the future of the companies.
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By Meredith Kay | Photography by David Teran
Giving a Voice to the News for the Hispanic Community
We are all bombarded with so many messages every single day that it is often hard to know who to trust about what is going on in our community and around the world. San Antonio’s Hispanic culture is what drives our identity as a community, and our Spanish-language television stations continue to produce award-winning content and programming for loyal viewers. At the helm of these Spanish-language television stations, women are the dominant force in the newsroom, and they are inspiring other women to follow their career dreams.
FEATURE STORY
As technology has advanced and our attention has been fractured, Monica has adapted to these changes becoming an expert in multimedia journalism, mastering social media and digital reporting, as well as production and editing. She produces her own news stories and covers a wide range of topics. She has won many national and international awards throughout her career and was even named the “Hispanic Journalist of the Year” in 2003 by the Hispanic Media Awards.
On August 19, 2022, Monica Navarro recorded her last broadcast at the news desk with Univision and officially retired as an anchor. She is taking some time off to visit her daughter and granddaughters in Guadalajara, but she has plans to return to San Antonio to work on personal and freelance projects, as well as special reports and station events with Univision.
Monica has had an impressive and stellar career, and she states, “Without God’s presence in my life, I cannot move. It is my faith and my resilience that has propelled me through my career.”
“Blazing the Trail for Hispanic Female Broadcast Journalists for Nearly 50 Years”
Monica Navarro News Anchor at Univision
Monica’s personality is warm and inviting, and she treats everyone as if they have been friends forever. It is this ability to connect with others that has allowed her to come across as genuine and sincere, a quality that not all news reporters possess. She is very social and friendly by nature and loves to paint and take art classes in her spare time.
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Today it is not uncommon to see female sports reporters at the news desks and on the playing fields, but 50 years ago, it was not an occupation open to women. Monica Navarro broke that barrier when she became the first female sports anchor and news reporter in Mexico at the age of 21. Monica grew up in Mexico City and earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Science and then her master’s degree in Journalism at Universidad Anahuac. Monica worked hard to prove herself as a professional journalist and quickly became respected, moving up the ranks at Televisa, and earning popularity with audiences. She was approached in 1982 by Emilio Nicolas, Sr., a pioneer in Spanish-language television. Nicholas invited her to move to San Antonio to become a part of the news team at Univision, and after seven months of freelance work for the station, Monica Navarro became a full-time news anchor and reporter. She credits the community with being her biggest source for news stories, and she has worked very hard throughout her career to stay connected with her audience. Monica says, “I have a very special connection with the people of San Antonio, and it has been an honor to serve the community for so many years.”
Most of us don’t find our dream jobs while working as an intern in college, but one local lady took her internship seriously and parlayed it into a lifelong career. Now, Moana Ramirez Loustaunau is leading the news department at Univision for both the San Antonio and Austin markets. Moana began her career as an intern at KMEX-TV in Los Angeles while attending Cal Poly Pomona. She quickly learned the business and worked her way up from managing the assignments desk to becoming the Executive Producer for the station’s morning news program. She was thriving in her career and raising her sons with her husband, Christian, when the opportunity came up to become the News Director at KWEX Univision in San Antonio in 2014. After visiting the city and researching the school system for her boys, Moana and her husband decided to embrace the city’s unique culture and headed east. As soon as she became a Texan, Moana hit the ground running. Her energy is contagious, and she can often be seen dancing around the newsroom, encouraging her reporters to dig deep for the perfect angle to a story. Moana starts her day early with the 5:00 a.m. news so she can get some perspective on what will be coming her way as she meets with her team in the newsroom. Her day is filled with editorial and content meetings with her San Antonio reporters and also with the Univision news team at KAKW in Austin. She strives to make the newsroom family-friendly and states that her inspiration for this comes from her own family. Moana has two sons, Christian (16) and Sebastian (10). Moana says, “I really want our newsroom to be family focused. Family comes first, and it is so important to find that balance between family and career. We all have different wiring, and I want to be around a team of professionals that respects one another.”
“Making Important News Accessible Across Multiple Channels”
When you ask Ramirez about the challenges she has encountered as an executive woman in broadcast journalism, she will tell you that she has been blessed with mentors who have helped her realize and know her selfworth. She believes, “Women who are in leadership roles need to feed themselves with knowledge so that we can teach others and become more empathetic leaders.”
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MoanaLoustaunauRamirez
Vice President & Regional News Director for Univision
Her philosophies and her determination are definitely paying off. Moana is very well respected among her colleagues and across the broadcast media industry. KWEX was one of the first Hispanic news stations in the country, and Moana and her team continue to set the standard for what can be achieved when you know your market, hold true to your ethics and focus on your audience.
Eventually, Delines was hired full-time with the TV station as a production assistant and was promoted to produce the mid-day news show. During this time, in 2000, she was contacted by Carmen Dominicci, a friend and former news anchor who had recently moved to New York to work for Telemundo. Carmen had recommended Delines for a position as a news producer, and after a whirlwind interview that resulted in a job offer, Delines made the hard decision to leave her family in Puerto Rico and move to New York City. She took on more responsibility in her job but worried that not being completely fluent in English was going to impact her ability to grow in her career. She says, “When you are trying to grow in your career in the United States, you must be able to communicate effectively in English with others, even if we are broadcasting in Spanish.”
Since then, Delines has been the driving force behind the news team at Telemundo, and she credits her success to her networking skills and her desire to help others succeed in their own careers. She is a champion to other women in broadcast journalism, and she advises other women not to be afraid to take risks and to seize opportunities when they present themselves. She speaks firmly when she says that women need to believe in themselves and empower others along the way.
Delines Alonso Vice President of News for Telemundo
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“Building a Career by Taking a Chance on an Unexpected Opportunity” Sometimes the best opportunities present themselves when we least expect them and when we are most unprepared for them. That is how a career was launched for Delines Alonso, Vice President of News at Telemundo. Delines was born and raised in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, and her career in broadcast journalism began while she was attending Sacred Heart University in San Juan. She worked as an unpaid intern at WAPA-TV and learned quickly how the newsroom worked. She was hired as a part-time news director for the weekend news broadcasts and also worked part-time at a local radio station to make ends meet, but her heart was always in TV.
Delines worked hard at her new position and on her language skills. She also fell in love and married Gustavo Alonso, a co-worker on the production team. The couple lived in New Jersey, and together they have two daughters, Victoria Sophia (11) and Amanda Isabel (10). Delines thrived in her position at Telemundo and even had the opportunity to work on-camera as a reporter. She says that the experience helped her understand her team on a much deeper level, but her heart was in directing and producing. After seven years, she took a position at Univision as a news producer and manager, where she gained valuable leadership experience that eventually led her back to Telemundo to work as an Executive Producer and then as the Assistant News Director. In 2019, Delines was hired for a position that had become available in San Antonio as the Vice President of News.
That opportunity came in 2014, and Jessica moved north to San Antonio to take a position as a news producer at Telemundo. However, it was quickly discovered that she was a natural on camera, and she seamlessly moved into an anchor position where she has remained for the past eight years. She says, “As a journalist, I have a responsibility to tell someone’s story correctly and with respect. It is very impactful to relate somebody else’s story to the public, and I take it seriously.”
With regard to balancing her work life with her personal life, Jessica says that it is important to set boundaries for yourself and practice time management skills in order to achieve a balance that works for you and your family. Jessica has a 5-year-old son named Jose Armando Alvarado and a 1-year-old daughter named Ivanna Michelle Alvarado, and being there for her family is extremely important to her.
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Jessica reflects on how the story about the Uvalde massacre impacted her as a journalist and how she struggled to keep her composure on the air as the details came in. She said, “It is often difficult to balance your feelings as a caring human being with the professional responsibility to inform the public when something tragic happens.”
“Mastering the Work-Life Balance One Story at a Time”
After graduation, Jessica found a position at Univision in McAllen. For eight years, she learned how to run the news department, tackling several positions at the same time since they were such a small market. She learned how to research news stories and became quite adept at tailoring those stories for her McAllen audience. Jessica was an important team player at the station and loved that her job was so versatile, but she felt that she had gone as far as she could in McAllen and started to look toward larger markets to take that next step in her career.
“When I’m working, my responsibility is to give my time to my community, but when I’m home, I strive to connect with my family. It is also important to give yourself grace as you figure out what that balance looks like for you personally.”
Growing up in McAllen, Jessica Montoya knew that she wanted to be on the air. She started her career early when she became a host for a kids’ radio show that was broadcasting across the border in Reynoso. She really enjoyed this and looked forward to the drive into Mexico every Saturday morning. Eventually, the station gave her the opportunity to host her own radio show at age 15, and she worked at growing her audience until she was 18. She enrolled in U.T. Rio Grande Valley (formerly U.T. Pan American), where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Public Relations/Advertising.
News Anchor at Telemundo
Jessica Montoya
ROLE MODEL Co-Founder and CEO of NovoThelium
By Blithe Wiley | Photography by Natalia Sun
26 sawoman.com CornellLauren
Cornell noted that a major factor in patient satisfaction with the reconstruction results is nipple projection. “Nipple reconstruction is a key part of a woman’s postmastectomy mental and physical healing. We have conducted focus groups with breast cancer survivors, and the number one comment we hear from women about their nipple reconstruction is ‘I do not feel whole,’” she NovoThelium’ssaid.nipple
reconstruction method uses an actual nipple from a donor tissue bank. This patented technology removes donor DNA to create an acellular nipple areolar scaffold from the human donor tissue. After implantation onto the breast, cells from the patient repopulate the grafted nipple areolar complex scaffold to create an actual nipple made with the patient’s own cells. Prior to launching NovoThelium, Cornell amassed an impressive array of academic and medical research accomplishments. She graduated from Texas A&M University magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Genetics, working at the University of Oxford in her last semester. She later earned her master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering through the joint program of the University of Texas Health Science Center and the University of Texas at San Antonio. She completed her doctorate in the Translational Science Doctor of Philosophy program, a joint program administered by the University of Texas at Austin, UTSA, and UTHSCSA.
Today, one in eight women will have breast cancer in her lifetime. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of breast reconstruction procedures increased from 78,882 in 2000 to 137,808 in Cornell2020. noted the biggest challenge in current postsurgery breast reconstruction is nipple reconstruction. “A surgeon will try to preserve the nipple if possible,” Cornell explained. “If this is not possible, the surgeon will suture the skin on the breast mound into the shape of a nipple. Then it is tattooed for the desired pigmentation. The drawback to this technique is that it creates a “nipple” which loses projection within about three years.”
NovoThelium Co-Founder and CEO Lauren Cornell was inspired to launch her company in part by the untimely loss of her grandmother to breast cancer. Cornell founded NovoThelium with Co-Founder and COO of the company, Bianca Cerqueira, in 2015. NovoThelium is developing a bioengineered matrix from donor nipple areolar tissue for nipple reconstruction after mastectomy.
“My grandmother passed away from breast cancer because she hesitated to get treatment,” Cornell said. “She was worried about what she would look like after surgery, as reconstruction options at the time were limited, so she waited too long to get a mastectomy.”
Cornell and Cerqueira’s long-term vision for NovoThelium is to develop multiple women’s health care products. “We want to provide solutions that enhance women’s lives and wellbeing.” Cornell spends her free time drinking coffee at Merit and with her dog Toro who she says has been very supportive of her work.
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After graduation, Cornell held several sensory trauma research positions with the United States Army Institute of Surgical Research. She currently works as a Research Scientist with the U.S. Air Force 59th Medical Wing. She was recently selected as an Analog Astronaut for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and lived in a Mars Analog Habitat for 45 days utilizing her scientific and business backgrounds in the process.
As a graduate student, she was accepted into a Food and Drug Administration Fellowship, received a Military Health Young Investigator Award (Military Health System Research Symposium), and was selected for a Texas Business Hall of Fame Future Texas Business Legend Award.
Cornell attributes much of her professional success in the healthcare research field to her role models. Whenever I go to a new institution, I seek out strong women role models,” she said. NovoThelium has won a number of awards, both nationally and internationally, and has won or placed in more than a dozen business plan competitions. The company also was recognized by the Small Business Administration for “Women in Science Day.”
What does UTSA head football coach Jeff Traylor have in common with Don Henley of the Eagles and platinum record seller Johnny Mathis? They all have their roots in small-town Gilmer, Texas, population just over 5,000, where Traylor is also a household name.
GUY TO KNOW
By Antonio Gutierrez | Photography by David Teran
Jeff Traylor
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I love to read. I read something spiritual every day, and I read a lot about leadership and coaching. I spend as much time as I can with my family. My son, Jordan, coaches for the New Orleans Saints, so now I’m a Saints fan. My other son, Jacob, works in New York for MSNBC as an associate producer for “PoliticsNation,” and my daughter, Jaci, works for NBC in production for “Law & Order.”
All of it. I’m a Texas high school football coach, and I always will be. Players will do anything to get better, and that’s how you treat them. If you love them and can make them better, there’s nothing they won’t do for you. What are your goals for the team? It’s not about wins or losses. We just want to make sure we represent our #210TriangleOfToughness culture at all times. Those pillars are No. 1 being a person of integrity. That’s a pinky promise we make. We go to our ring finger, which is to be a person of passion. The middle finger is about mental and physical toughness. You have to be tough to play the game. The index finger is about selflessness. It’s not about you; it’s about your teammates. And your thumb points to yourself. Always give your best effort. We wad our fingers up, pound our first and trust the process to help win the day. That’s our culture. That’s what the expectations are around here. What do you like to do during the off-season or when you’re not coaching?
My parents were educators, so I was always at the school. My mom, Linda, taught elementary school for 40 years; my dad, Billy, was an administrator. I played sports and grew up on a farm, so there were always chores to do, like feeding and watering animals and bailing hay. It was a simple life. When you were hired, you were quoted in a university press release, saying, “UTSA is a sleeping giant. I can’t wait to wake it up.” Considering the tremendous success the team had last year, would you say you have achieved that? We still have some work to do. But that first year of winning all those games was unbelievable. We were predicted to win zero. It will be interesting to see if we’re built to last or just a flash in the pan. That’s what we have to work on with our administration and me, making sure we have the infrastructure in place so that our players are successful for a long time. Do you feel pressure to do as well as the team performed last year? Everyone will be watching. I don’t see it that way. I’ve been blessed to be put in this position. There’s something I’ve always taught my kids. Pressure is a privilege. I want to serve the city of San Antonio and serve my players. I’ve never seen myself as head coach of a major university with a big contract. I see it as an opportunity to lead young men and help them become men. We talk about being good people. We’re all about the process and the culture.
Traylor, by the way, has always been a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan but has had to switch allegiances to another NFL team. He’ll explain why later. What was it like growing up in Gilmer?
UTSA experienced phenomenal success on the gridiron. The Roadrunners won their first 11 games, were nationally ranked (as high as No. 15) for the first time in school history, and captured the program’s first league title by winning the Conference USA Championship with a 49-41 victory over WKU on December 3rd. The team ended the season with its second straight and third overall bowl appearance against San Diego State in the Tropical Smoothie Café Frisco Bowl, according to UTSA’s website.
Is there anything you have taken from your many years as a high school football coach that you apply today as head football coach for the Roadrunners?
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In fact, Gilmer High School, where Traylor coached the football team for 15 years and led the Buckeyes to three state championships and two state runner-up titles, renamed its stadium, Jeff Traylor Stadium, a few years ago. “Talk about pressure. They usually do that for people who have died. I hope I don’t mess things up,” he said with a chuckle. Prior to his selection as head coach at UTSA in December 2019, Traylor, 54, was former associate head coach at UT Austin, Southern Methodist University, and the University of LastArkansas.year,
In The StyleOf.. Miriam Jesaijes Creative Director, San Antonio Woman 1. Cotton Scarf $39 EveryDay Scarf 2. Dress $179 Numph 3. Cardigan $ 69 Ichi 4. Cross Body Bag $350 Marc Jacobs 5. Sneaker $98 Madewell 2.5.4.1.3.
The perfect hat
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Luckily colder weather is in the forecast. This means you keep your favorite scarf in tow, and you’ve got matching shoes and complementary bags to boot. There’s something missing, though: the perfect hat! The right hat brings something special to the table of every fashionista. It brings a polished look to your outfit and becomes your own personal iconic fashion statement. So don’t forget yours as you style your outfits for the coming year.
If the width and length of your face is about equal, and you have prominent, rounded cheeks, you might have a Round-shaped face. If your face is round, go for asymmetrical shapes or slant a straightbrimmed hat into a cool angle to balance out your Avoidroundness.beaniesor anything slouchy that doesn’t hold its shape. If this is impossible, wear them pushed back on your head. A Fedora is best on a round or square face.
HATBOYBAKER
32 FASHIONsawoman.com HATFEDORA
Square -shaped faces are typically characterized by a cheekbones,forehead,and jawline of equal proportion. When it comes to finding a hat for this face shape, a Baker Boy hat is great for a square face. Shop for men’s Baker Boy hats to get the oversize look. Square faces can also show off the latest hat trend: the beret. Slouchy and soft styles like berets and beanies will soften your features, whereas anything too angular will compete with your jawline and come across too strong. Check out Gucci’s leather berets for a chic beret update.
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Herb’s Hat Shop, 4922 Rigsby Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78222, herbshats.com
If you have a Heart-shaped face, you will also look good in lots of hat styles. If you do want to balance out a wider forehead and a narrow chin, then you will want to avoid wide-brimmed styles, which will emphasize the triangular shape of your face.
HATCOWBOYHATBERET
A person with an Oval-shaped face enjoys the versatility of choice, as an oval face goes with nearly any style. Oval-shaped faces typically have a wider forehead than the chin, with more curves to the side of the face. A cowboy hat—any hat with a wide brim to cut across your forehead and balance out the length of your face. Pair it with a cool prairie dress, and you’re good to go — also looks cute with a jean dress and boots.
Paris Hatters, 119 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78205, parishatters.com
Gigi Pip Hat Shop, 7400 San Pedro Ave Suite 224, San Antonio, TX 78216, gigipip.com
Best Hat Stores in San Antonio
Instead, you could try Bucket hats or Beret. Wear you Beret in the Kenzo college look this fall and be on trend!
If using sunscreen, look for an SPF rating of 30 or greater and remember that most sunscreens are only effective for a maximum of 40-80 minutes, so reapply often or consider sun protective clothing which is measured by a UPF rating. Tinted sunscreens may also be helpful in protecting from visible light and UV radiation.
4. Adapalene gel: Available from many brands - the oldest and most reliable to me is Differin. Apply a pea-sized amount to the face to prevent fine lines and wrinkles and even out the skin tone. It can cause dryness on the first few applications but is ideally used daily once tolerated. Also available in stronger forms as a prescription.
Expert Advice for Looking Your Best During Cancer Treatment
1. Sunscreen and/or sun protective clothing:
3. Dark nail polish: There are also some data suggesting that using dark nail polish while receiving chemotherapy may also decrease the incidence of nail changes.
BEAUTY
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5. Hydrocortisone 1% cream: It can help relieve mild rashes related to chemotherapy. Can be used twice daily. If the rash is not improving or worsening after one week, contact your oncologist or dermatologist.
San Antonio Woman asked Alison Messer, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Pathology at UT Health San Antonio, what advice she has for someone going through cancer treatment. Here’s what she recommends:
2. Moisturizers: My favorites are Vaseline, Aquaphor, or Cerave Cream. Chemotherapy can cause the skin to become dry, which can be improved with these. They can also be used for radiation-related skin rashes. Finally, there are new data to show that moisturizing the nails daily during chemotherapy may decrease the incidence of nail changes related to chemotherapy.
BEAUTY TALK
Dora Vera Owner, The Look | Makeup & Hair Studio @thelook.beautystudio
Dora is a San Antonio native with 10+ years in the hair & makeup application industry. Specializing in the “no makeup, makeup look” and one-on-one makeup lessons for women of all ages. Brush Care!
Now, when it comes to a deep cleansing or shampoo, I go with the Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner. This one is a rinse-free formula and smells excellent. If you don’t want to use this, baby shampoo should suffice. First, run your brushes under lukewarm water and lather a small amount of shampoo until foaming occurs. Next, rinse and lay flat to dry. I recommend doing this every one or two weeks, depending on how often you use your brushes. I hope these tips helped! Remember, sanitization is key when using makeup. Have a beauty(ful) day! Dora Vera
Hey, you! With this heat, I hope my tips in the past magazines have helped. In this issue, I wanted to discuss the importance of brush care, which includes shampooing and sanitizing between uses. Since you probably use your brushes only on your face, the idea of brush care may not hold high importance. However, whether you are a professional makeup artist or an everyday woman, sanitation is vital when handling your makeup products! We don’t ever want to crosscontaminate our products. Sometimes not practicing good makeup hygiene can lead to the build-up of bacteria within products, brushes, and skin. So, first things first! I believe that you should be sanitizing your brushes between uses. Not only does this avoid product buildup within your brushes, but it will help keep brushes healthier for more extended periods. Brushes can be pricey, but I promise if you invest in quality brushes and conduct weekly brush care, some brushes can last you up to ten years! It’s pretty incredible. One of my favorite products for sanitizing brushes is the Mehron Brush Cleaner or the Art Naturals Makeup Brush Cleaner. Both of these products provide a good cleanse.
COLLAGEN: THE MAGICAL PROTEIN DR. MURPHY
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By Dr. Bill Murphy MD, Medical Director, Turquoise Springs Medical Spa
Have you heard you need to take collagen powder or pills for your hair, your nails, and your bones or use creams to supplement collagen for your skin? Which brands are the best, and when are you too old to even think you can make a difference? It is so confusing. Let’s try to make some sense of this important natural building block, especially for our largest organ, our skin. Collagen is a protein made in our body for our joints, hair, nails, bones, muscles, tendons, and skin. The most common (90%) is Type 1, but Type 2 and Type 3 are also very important for elasticity and the strength of our tissues. Collagen in our skin is in the dermal layer, which is just under the epidermis or surface, so it makes up the foundation of our skin. Types 1 and 3 predominate there. They make our skin look supple, elastic, and wrinkle-free.
Taking care of your body and your skin starts with limiting some of the bad things you take into your body. Bad things cause “oxidation,” and oxidation breaks down your body (DNA, cells, collagen). Begin to eat and drink less prepared and fast food with preservatives, food additives, and chemicals that oxidize or break down your cells. We also absorb chemicals through our skin and lungs. Check your house for mold. Do you sleep on bedding made of petrochemicals or foam? Look for BPA-free labels. Consider an air filtration system for your bedroom, where you spend one-third of your life. All of our topical skin products at Turquoise Springs are medical grade and contain only natural, non-toxic ingredients. Protect your skin from excessive sun damage with sunscreen and sun blockers, and apply often. Use a hat and skin cover when you can. Our Collagen powder contains Types I, II, and III, and our supplements and minerals such as Vitamin A, C, Zinc, and magnesium are Now let’s get proactive. We have several ways to actively restore and reactivate your natural collagen. Microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy (Secret RF) is my favorite procedure. I place small needles comfortably through the epidermis and into the dermal layer to stimulate stem cells to produce new collagen in the dermis. Plasma Pen is another way of introducing energy into the dermal layer to stimulate collagen production and reduce skin wrinkles and creases. PRX-T33 is an ingenious topical application in 4 treatments to invigorate the dermal layer and reduce wrinkles. Injectable agents like Sculptra and Radiesse stimulate the production of natural type 1 and type 3 collagen. I customize a treatment plan for my patients using a variety of topicals, supplements, treatment modalities, and injectables to create desired restoration results. The “magical moment” is when my patient is asked what is different about her skin by a friend. Usually, the compliment is something like “you look rested, or healthy, or glowing”...The Magic of Collagen.
As we age, our body’s collagen production decreases naturally, but this loss can be accelerated by other factors such as excessive sun exposure, smoking, toxins, petrochemicals, phthalates, and other oxidative agents we are exposed to as we eat, drink, and breathe. Biopsy samples of a 20 and a 50-year-old viewed under the lens of a microscope would be different. The dermal layer would be less thick (less supple), and the collagen fibers would not be wound tight like little springs (less elasticity) in the 50-year-old sample. What can be done to restore the thickness and the elasticity of the skin? Is it possible? The good news is, yes, it is possible. First, let’s discuss how to slow the loss and aging of your collagen.
BEST PRACTICES:
To learn more about Turquoise Springs Medical Spa or to schedule a consultation, visit turquoisesprings.com or call (210) 253 3313
AT HOME
Chef Johnny purchased an enormous, dilapidated building on an overgrown lot in a not-so-hot spot called “Beantown” about ten years ago. The mammoth brick edifice had served as a shoe factory, a cannery, a cleaning/dyeing plant, headquarters for a fur and hides trader, Lone Star Seed Company, Voss Metal Works, and the eclectic home of a decorator. It was an abandoned warehouse when Hernandez bought it. To Stein, it looked like a formidable factory, not a happy home — more nightmare, less dream house. Stein, a busy executive for Mars Inc., had no desire to undertake a restoration of a more than 130-year-old, fourstory, 12,000-square-foot scary building. But Hernandez loves big projects, and when he toured the property and spied a colossal Olmec head sculpture from Veracruz in the courtyard, he thought, “Wow! If that isn’t a message from God, what is? This must be for me!”
Celebrated chef and restauranteur Johnny Hernandez sweetly named his Southside home “Hacienda del Morado” in honor of his maternal grandmother. However, Hernandez’s fiancée, Jessica Stein, initially called it something far less endearing: “The Scary Building.”
Inside, a prickly-pear-pink TV room offers a bright spot to rest. In the lively key-lime-colored foyer, a secret door, hidden by a gilded carved panel, leads to a powder room beside the chef’s ever-inviting kitchen. The dining room is adorned with an intricately carved altar or ofrenda that is a show-stopper. Hernandez loves his cavernous man-cave, By Janis Turk | Photography by Al Rendon How a spooky old Beantown factory became a couple’s colorful San Antonio dream house
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Three years later, the couple finally agreed to move into the building. But just as moving boxes were being loaded into trucks, Hernandez was called to London on business. He was supposed to be gone only two weeks, but two weeks turned into two months. So Stein tackled the massive move into “The Scary Building” without him. Luckily his sister slept over so Stein wouldn’t be spooked.
Seven years later, the “scary building” moniker is a memory that makes the couple laugh. Now the lovebirds (and their dogs) adore their extraordinary home.
Chef Johnny Hernandez’s Historic Hacienda del Morado
Walls awash in brilliant happy colors are filled with arresting Mexican Folk art. Rooms ramble from one cozy seating area to the next. With hardwood floors charred by the metal works’ scorch marks, 14-foot ceilings, 12foot windows, and cheerful interesting works of art filling every inch of the home, it is stunning. With angels, skeletons, lucha libre masks, hand-painted pottery, and hand-crafted ceramic Loteria Cards, Hernandez’s astounding Mexican folk art collection makes the hacienda seem like a dynamic museum. It’s astonishing to see huge Calaveras (hand-painted skulls) and fantastic mythical Alebrije animal creatures indoors. There’s even a 12-foot, hand-carved statue of “Michelangelo” (the archangel Michael) upstairs. Carved by Mexican artist Isidoro Lopez, it’s so large it got wedged inside the freight elevator (the oldest working residential elevator in Texas), where it remained stuck for months. Outside, a garden and a Koi pond with a metal custom-monogrammed bridge make the more than 2-acre lot a serene retreat.
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An equally interesting edifice on the couple’s property is a caliche and limestone house where Judge Roy Bean spent 15 years living with his wife, Virginia Chavez, and their four kids from 1866-1881. Locals began calling the area “Beantown,” before Bean left town to become the self-proclaimed “law west of the Pecos.” The oldest standing residence in Texas, the cabin is a restoration project Hernandez hopes to tackle with historical Althoughpreservationists.Hacienda del Morado is filled with skeletons and skulls, angels and devils, Day of the Dead spirit animals and heavenly works of art, it’s not a scary building at all. It’s a happy home filled with love, and it’s exactly where Jessica and Johnny want to be.
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or “tequila bar basement,” as he calls it. Even by day, the dark space feels like a nighttime outdoor courtyard with glowing patio lights strung overhead. Comfortable rustic Mexican chairs, called equipales, made from butter-soft pigskin leather and cedar strips, make guests want to sit and linger longer. Bright, eclectic art and ornamental tequila bottles conjure a classy cantina vibe. Stein works long hours in her first-floor office and exercises upstairs in her giant home gym, while Hernandez works at his many restaurants, like the La Gloria, Fruteria-Botenero, and Burgerteca restaurants in their many locations, as well as at opening the new La Gloria in the new Brooks development and Casa Hernan in Southtown. He’s also active in his family’s True Flavors Catering business.
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The Golden Rule. Treat everyone the way you want to be treated.
Alamo Sporting Arms isn’t a gun shop; it’s a destination. My husband Mike is one of a few gunsmiths in the country certified to work on all the exclusive brands we carry. Our philosophy is to make each customer feel like a friend by approaching sales and service with a downto-earth connection. Krieghoff, Blaser, Bosis and Piotti. To what do you attribute your success as a woman working in a traditionally male-dominated field? My passion for shooting sports is my motivation to continue to educate myself in the firearms industry. This knowledge and tenacity have earned respect from my male counterparts. What do you enjoy most about your work?
Appointment Only www.alamosportingarms.com TeranDavidbyPhotography BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Young
Baking and felling trees. I love to cut down those pesky, water-thirsty mountain cedars in the cooler months. I make a mean macaron, and my buddies at Blackboard BBQ in Sisterdale say my pretzels and bagels are the “bomb.” For Christmas in 2020, I received a chainsaw AND an 8 QT Kitchen-aid mixer!
What is the best advice you ever received?
Who has influenced you the most in your life or career? There are a few special people that have had a significant influence on my life. My grandmother is the strongest person I’ve ever known, and I think of her often. Mike’s father “PapPap,” bestowed upon him a great love of the outdoors, including shotgunning, hunting, and fishing. He was more of a father to me than my own. Most importantly, my soulmate Mike is always there for me through thick and thin. Phone number (210) 829-0297 By
What do you do to relax outside of work?
I met my husband by accident, literally and figuratively. Mike was involved in a car accident, and I worked for the law office that represented him. At the time, Mike worked as a gunsmith for Krieghoff, and coincidently my previous boss was a Krieghoff owner. They would discuss guns and shooting sports which piqued my interest in shotguns and Mike. The rest is history!
Pamela D. Owner
What sets Alamo Sporting Arms apart from other gun stores?
September/October 2022 45 Alamo Sporting Arms, LLC Alamo Sporting Arms, LLC | Boerne |
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DOSSIER
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Dental Professionals Dossier
While there are many types of dental professionals, they all have one goal: to keep you healthy. Dental professionals can help you prevent cavities, oral disease and dangerous bacteria from building up, and even cancer. Maintaining good oral hygiene with regular visits to the dentist can also impact your overall health, as problems with your teeth and gums can spread and lead to pain and infections anywhere in the body. Whether you’re looking for teeth whitening service or think you might need a cavity filled, the following dental professionals are sure to help you improve your oral and overall health!
Dental hygiene is more important than most people think! The first step to maintaining good oral health is to find a dentist that fits you.
We are a private practice that still puts patient-centered care over the bottom line. We pride ourselves with providing our patients with a complete comprehensive dental visit. We actively listen, educate and provide care tailored to each patient’s individualized needs. Our doctors take the time to get to know their patients and form lasting, trustworthy doctor/patient relationships.
Universal Dental & Terrell Hills Dental
What are your primary goals in patient care? Our goals for our patients start with education. This allows our patients to not only understand their oral situation, but it helps them to make a fully informed decision about their oral care. We know that oral conditions such as periodontal disease can be systemic to other health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. We want to ensure our patients get the best level of care and help them maintain it. What types of dental care do you offer? We are a general practice. Our offices provide a wide range of services to include root canals, crowns, extractions, cleanings, Invisalign and Implants. We specialize in implants and implant retained dentures.
How do you approach patients with dental anxiety? Our dental offices are state of the art. We spare no expense on the latest technology that will provide the most efficient and comfortable patient experience, from our front office waiting room that is comfortable and cozy with sleek leather couches and a coffee bar with refreshments. We understand that many people may have dental anxiety due to a bad experience in the past or a fear of the unknown. We try our best from the front to the back to make our patients feel comfortable every step of the way. For dental treatments, we also offer nitrous and sedation options. Give us a call to book your next dental visit!
Aisha Williams-Bordelon, Director of Operations TeranDavidbyPhotography
What sets your practice apart from other dental practices?
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Universal Dental and Terrell Hills Dental 1652 Pat Booker Rd, Universal City, TX 78148 and 2311 Harry Wurzbach, San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 658-4011 and (210) 824-3531 | universaldentaltx.com and terrellhillsdental.com
What types of dental care do you offer? Our pediatric dental practice provides care starting as soon as the first tooth comes. We focus on prevention, but when treatment is needed for our young friends, we offer various options such as silver diamine fluoride (SDF), zirconia and stainless steel crowns, tooth-colored resins, and more. We provide dental treatment appointments with laughing gas, oral sedation, or in-office IV sedation based on the child’s appropriate needs. For our patients with special needs, we strive to meet them on their level with compassion.
I received a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA, and my Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. I completed my pediatric dentistry residency at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio. Alamo Heights Pediatric Dentistry
Finally, we also offer frenectomy treatment when appropriate to infants with nursing or bottle feeding challenges. How do you approach preventative dentistry? Education is at the core of how we approach preventive dentistry. It all starts with the first dental visit, recommended as soon as the first baby tooth comes in and no later than the first birthday. We review brushing techniques, snacking habits, after-hours emergencies, and appropriate use of dental products. Our goal for our young patients is to educate their parents so that they can reinforce healthy habits at home. We encourage our families to keep up with their dental exams and cleanings every six months for prevention purposes. How do you handle after-hours emergencies? Dental trauma can be scary for our patients and their parents, especially when it involves a permanent tooth in our older patients. For patients in our practice, we can be reached after hours and walk the parent on how to handle the emergency from home or meet the patient at the office for after-hour care. What professional degrees do you hold, and from what schools?
Angie M. Sage, DDS TeranDavidbyPhotography
Alamo Heights Pediatric Dentistry 999 E. Basse Rd., Ste. 116, San Antonio, TX 78209 | (210) 822-8381 alamoheightspediatricdentistry.com
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What type of dental care do you offer? As a Prosthodontist specialist, our office creates high-end cosmetic and restorative dentistry, which includes porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, teeth whitening, and surgical procedures such as extractions and dental implants. Dental cleanings are provided by our experienced Dental Hygienists, who make every one of our patients feel like family.
We focus on the possibilities of your smile, not its flaws. We strive to ensure that every visit to our office is a positive experience, where you feel understood, respected, and comfortable. From the front desk to the dentist’s chair, every team member is committed to providing you with the highest quality of dental care in a warm and welcoming environment. You can expect positivity, innovation, excellence, integrity, and individualized care.
5 Star Dental Group 400 N Loop 1604 E Suite 315, San Antonio, Texas | (210) 494-3511 5stardentalgroup.com
What is cosmetic dentistry? It is a treatment focused on enhancing your smile and creating a positive change in a patient’s well-being and self-esteem. This treatment should always respect and complement a patient’s overall health and oral function.
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What are your primary goals in patient care? We know that dental concerns are unique to each patient. When you visit our office, you will receive comprehensive, individualized care that focuses on your comfort, safety, and satisfaction. What professional degrees do you hold, and from what schools?
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Dr. Gilberto Tostado has a specialty from the University of Southern California in Prosthodontics, which means he has advanced training to create optimal oral health, function, and appearance. Dr. Karina Acuna has a Masters in Restorative Dentistry and expanded her dental training at UT Health San Antonio by completing an Advanced Educational General Dentistry Residency Program, which emphasizes surgical, cosmetic, and digital dentistry. Star Dental Group Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuna, DDS, MS
What sets your practice apart from other dental practices?
How do you approach preventative dentistry? Preventative dentistry is the best way to save money in a patient’s lifetime. How do you determine if a patient needs braces? For some patients, it’s just a matter of looks. For others, braces are necessary for better function and to keep from breaking teeth.
De Zavala Dental & Northwoods Dental Spa Dr. Irene Blaess PackSuzannebyPhotography
De Zavala Dental | 5999 De Zavala Rd Suite 122, San Antonio, Texas 78249 | (210) 691-1333 | dezavala-dental.com Northwoods Dental Spa | 18160 San Pedro suite 104, San Antonio, Texas 78249 | (210) 495-7800 northwoods-dental.com
What sets your practice apart from other dental practices? I think we are very personable. Our primary focus is our patient care and how we treat our patients from the moment we speak to them on the phone, walk in the door and schedule their follow-up appointments and treatment.
What are oral health issues most concerning for you? I treat the whole patient - not necessarily just the teeth- I always realize a human is attached. Sometimes I’m the only doctor that has seen them in years. A toothache might have been the reason they have come in, but I often find other issues like sleep apnea (Which we can treat with Dental appliances), Gum disease, gastric reflux, or even high blood pressure. Many people don’t realize how gastric reflux affects the number of cavities one has. What types of dental care do you offer? We are in advanced practice, providing everything from implants, braces, sleep appliances, LANAP (laser-assisted new attachment procedures) - using both Ng: YAG and regular lasers, Aesthetic dentures, veneers, and traditional fillings and crowns. I do a lot of smile makeovers utilizing In visalign and am now a Platinum Provider - With over 1000 completed cases. How do you approach patients with dental anxiety? We try to make appointments stress-free and pain-free. We never belittle anyone and treat them like we would like to be treated. Times patience means something to get them through the door.
How do you handle after-hours emergencies? In both offices, phones are answered by a front office associate who works at that location. And we can do tele dentistry anytime from anywhere.
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As Lee Dental Centers celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2022, Drs. Tonya Christal and Danielle Powell have reflected on what has made their multi-office family practice a trusted provider for generations of San Antonio families. When their dad, Dr. Robert Lee, started Lee Dental Centers, he envisioned providing excellent general and specialized care throughout the San Antonio area. As the practice has grown, they’ve never lost sight of their focus on individualized care. “By focusing on the person behind the smile, we can better understand what helps our patients achieve their goals. We care deeply about where you want to go with your smile and will work with you to create a plan that fits your busy life.” shared Dr. Christal. Because Lee Dental Centers has robust general and cosmetic dentistry, along with specialists in Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, Periodontics, and Endodontics (root canals), they can coordinate even the most complicated of treatment plans and help their patients understand all their insurance and financial options under “one roof.”
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Coming through the COVID-19 pandemic has taught them a lot about their strengths. Communication has been key as they’ve helped their teams and patients navigate a changing environment in dental care. More patients than ever seem focused on their overall health and recognize the importance of oral health to their well-being. While protective protocols may constantly evolve, one thing has remained unchanged – the quality of the patient’s dental experience. “We have been so proud of our team and their adaptability during the last year and a half. We wouldn’t be who we are without them!” said Dr. Powell.
Lee Dental Centers Dr. Tonya Christal and Dr. Danielle Powell Lee Dental Centers, (210) 681-5555 | leedentalcenters.com 24051 W. IH 10, Leon Springs, Texas 78257, 6336 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78238 12175 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78217, 2935 Pat Booker Rd. Ste. 138, Universal City, Texas 78148
Hulme Orthodontics Main office: 15303 Huebner Rd., Bldg. 16, San Antonio, Texas 78248 | (210) 479-2000 Hulmeortho.com
Dr. Nairooz is from Cairo, Egypt, and she completed dental school and orthodontics residency in the United States before joining me in private practice in February. I’m from Houston and moved to San Antonio for my orthodontic schooling. I’ve been in practice since 2005, and we’ve grown from two to six locations in the greater San Antonio area. We are both among the 2% of all dental professionals who are board-certified orthodontists. This means that straightening teeth and aligning bites isn’t just something we do – it’s all we do. We offer a full spectrum of specialty orthodontic treatments for children, adolescents, and adults: limited cosmetic alignment, early treatment to care for complex cases proactively, transfer cases for military families, comprehensive orthodontics with braces or Invisalign, TMJ dysfunction therapy, and jaw surgery.
Richard D. Hulme, DDS, MS - Owner and Orthodontist S. Nairooz, DDS, MS - Orthodontist
From our diverse backgrounds – Dr. Nairooz is fluent in Arabic, and I am in Spanish – we bring our combined 25 years of clinical experience, expertise, and commitment to excellence to create a customized treatment plan for each patient, working closely with their other dental professionals.
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Orthodontics
Hulmesmile!
Having each invested many years in our own education, we educate our patients about the benefits of orthodontic treatment, the importance of lifelong oral health, the details of well-aligned teeth, jaws, and bite, and of course, smile esthetics. We recommend seeing patients at eight years old to screen for significant orthodontic concerns like extra or missing teeth, mouth habits, dental crowding or spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. We evaluate twelve-year-old’s for comprehensive treatment. Adults love our treatment options like clear braces, clear Invisalign aligners, and braces hidden behind the teeth. Our consultations are complimentary, we accept nearly all orthodontic insurance plans, and we offer in-house interest-free financing. We’d love to meet you and help create your best
BUSINESS. CONNECTIONS. DIVERSITY. SUCCESS. CREW San Antonio is advancing the commercial real estate industry’s most talented and connected business professionals. WE BUILD THIS JOIN US crew-sanantonio.org
Letter
Each year, CREW San Antonio’s President is asked to focus on an initiative that will further our organization’s mission of advancing women in the commercial real estate industry. For 2022, my focus has been on education and how it can be used to create opportunities and bridge the gaps that exist for women today. Despite great strides and positive shifts in recent years, women are still underrepresented in the industry and CREW San Antonio is dedicated to addressing this challenge.
CREW San Antonio’s commitment to education has led to the strong relationship that exists between our chapter and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Embrey Real Estate Finance and Development (REFD) Program. Since 2007, CREW San Antonio has supported and collaborated with the Embrey REFD Program through a number of initiatives, all designed to create opportunities and provide resources to women pursuing education in the sector. In 2007, the chapter established the CREW San Antonio Endowed Scholarship at UTSA, which to date has provided scholarships to 17 women in the undergraduate program. The chapter also has a thriving UCREW Program, which provides various programs designed to expose college students to career opportunities in the commercial real estate industry.
Sincerely, Laura Gilliland 2022 CREW San Antonio President
the President September/October 2022 55 CREW
One of the most exciting recent initiatives has been the CREW Scholars Program, launched in 2016 for women pursuing graduate degrees in commercial real estate at UTSA. The CREW Scholars Program is the first of its kind in the U.S. and has provided scholarships, mentorship and chapter involvement opportunities to the seven women selected to date. As described by Dr. Tony Ciochetti, Burke Chair and Executive Director of the UTSA Embrey REFD Program, “Working with CREW San Antonio creates a natural synergy for both organizations. As we developed our new graduate program in 2015, we were looking for ways we could continue to leverage our relationship with CREW and encourage more women to pursue careers in commercial real estate. The success of the CREW Scholars Program has generated tremendous interest from women applicants, which in turn has led to a goal to fund the program into perpetuity. This year, through the generous support of CREW, the Embrey company, and other members of the real estate community, we were able to achieve this goal by creating the Embrey CREW Scholars Endowment. This will allow us to provide resources to recruit the best women who want to become future leaders in the industry and help create the places in which we live, work and play.”
Building the Future and Bridging the Gaps from
CREW San Antonio’s ongoing dedication to advancing women through education is changing lives, building careers and bridging the gaps for women in commercial real estate. Our chapter has a legacy of great leadership, and as our membership continues to grow, so does our impact on the industry. It has been my honor to serve as President this year, and I am so proud to be a member of this outstanding organization.
“Cotton is Comfort” – CANTWELL MATTRESS COMPANY “Connect Your Life” – BJORN’S “One Simple Price. One Happy Driver” – GUNN AUTOMOTIVE “The Mind at Work” – 1797 CREATIVE A few well-chosen words can tell a story. At 1797 Creative, a full-service marketing and advertising firm, we believe in keeping things simple yet concise, entertaining yet memorable. Messaging should tell a story that fits the client’s brand and be relatable to the targeted audience. Thought-provoking copy based on research is a big part of imaginative storytelling and successful advertising. That is why we say what we do at 1797 Creative is “the mind at work.” Let us help tell your story and enhance your brand message. 1797creative.com • 210.822.2224
September/October 2022 57 Commercial Real Estate WOMEN IN BUSINESS Women in
Veronica BaileySarah Esserlieu Khalil Isabelle Spjut HanseboLaurie Griffith
The field of commercial real estate has long been a highly male-dominated field. In fact, data from the Commercial Real Estate Women Network shows that in 2020 women accounted for just under 37% of the workforce in the nation’s commercial real estate industry, a percentage that has not changed much since 1985. But organizations such as CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) are committed to driving change and inspiring more women to enter the commercial real estate field and move into leadership positions. According to the CREW San Antonio mission statement, the organization paves the way, breaking barriers for women to enter and excel as leaders in commercial real estate. It provides unsurpassed connections, innovative resources, and education to enhance the real estate community.
“I think the Embrey Program is one of the best commercial real estate programs in the country,” Griffith continued. “It is very unique. In addition to a rigorous curriculum and a focus on hands-on, real-world projects, the Embrey program’s faculty provide career advising to students as well as bringing in a lot of local industry leaders as guest lecturers.”
“When I first joined the Founders Council, I served as the Curriculum Chair,” she said. “We put the program’s curriculum together with the group of commercial real estate professionals. Our goal was to produce graduates able to go right into the industry and start working with developers, investors, commercial bankers, brokers, appraisers, contractors, attorneys, etc. They would have a thorough understanding of complex projects from start to Griffithfinish.”is
actively involved with the Embrey Program in additional ways, including judging class project competitions, guest lecturing, and serving as a mentor to women students. “The goal of the Embrey Program and the Founders Council is to prepare the next generation of leaders in commercial real estate. Council members provide internships to students with the goal for them to come out of the program with a job. We have an incredible lineup of local commercial real estate leaders on the council who are very involved with the students’ career preparation,” she noted.
Griffith explained one of the key ways that CREW San Antonio supports local commercial real estate students is UCREW, a program designed to introduce college women to the many diverse commercial real estate career opportunities.
On another front, commercial real estate college degree programs, such as the Embrey Real Estate Finance and Development Program at the University of Texas at San Antonio, are actively facilitating their women students’ career success through hands-on real estate class projects, challenging and relevant curricula, and college internships.
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Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders Through Education
By Blithe Wiley | Photography by David Teran
Laurie Griffith, San Antonio Market President for Independent Financial, currently serves as Co-Chair of the Embrey Founders Council and is a Past President of CREW San Antonio.
“The UCREW Program has evolved over time. Today we emphasize a lot more mentoring of women college members. We also provide the financing for the CREW Scholars to attend the CREW Network Convention, where they have the opportunity to be exposed to thousands of commercial real estate leaders from across the U.S., Canada, and even several European countries.
Esserlieu Khalil noted that Gilliland also encouraged her to become involved with CREW San Antonio, and this year she was elected Programs Director for the chapter.
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Laurie Griffith Sarah Esserlieu Khalil
Sarah Esserlieu Khalil, Economic Development Director at Centro San Antonio, earned her real estate finance and development certificate at UTSA’s Embrey Real Estate Finance and Development Program in 2020. She is the only two-time recipient of CREW San Antonio’s Scholar Award (2019 and 2020).
Esserlieu Khalil, who holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning, began her career working for the City of San Antonio in downtown revitalization. While working on the public sector side of downtown commercial development, she became intrigued by the private sector side of the industry and enrolled in the Embrey graduate certificate program to gain a deeper understanding of real estate finance and development and how deals are put “Thetogether.Embrey Program at UTSA is one of the few academic programs I’ve seen that really puts the students out in front of the commercial real estate community,” she explained. “The Embrey Program’s Executive Director, Dr. Tony Ciochetti, Assistant Director Laura Gilliland, and faculty all provide opportunities for the students to shine in front of industry leaders.”
“When college women get involved with CREW, they find the networking opportunities are so valuable. With CREW, they have a network of professional women whom they can talk to, can confide in, and who will mentor them. Involvement with CREW also teaches them leadership skills.”
“The Embrey Program is truly a wonderful program. UTSA has done a terrific job of putting outstanding faculty in place. They genuinely care about helping us succeed and emphasize giving us opportunities to work on real-world commercial projects here in San Antonio,” she said.
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Esserlieu Khalil offered some advice to young women who aspire to a career in commercial real estate. “First, lean into your career. As with all things in life, you get out what you put into your career, and people notice. Second, find good mentors who can guide you in different ways. These mentors can be men or women in leadership positions that excel in different areas of your profession. Make an effort to get to know these professionals. You never know when that connection will lead to your next career opportunity,” she said.
Isabelle Spjut Hansebo is a senior in the Embrey Program. After graduation, she plans to go into the development of commercial sales and investment vehicles. Originally from Sweden, she always planned to go into residential real estate as a career. But after her first semester at UTSA, she switched her focus to commercial real estate. She was recently named the 2022 CREW Endowed Scholarship Recipient. Hansebo noted that it was the Embrey Program’s Assistant Director, Laura Gilliland, who introduced her to the CREW San Antonio organization and encouraged her to apply for the CREW Endowed Scholarship. “I’m so impressed by how Laura and the Embrey professors work so closely with the program’s students in identifying professional opportunities,” she said. “They truly believe in our Hansebopotential.”became involved with the local CREW organization last spring and immediately was struck by the extensive networking opportunities with the organization’s members. “In just a few months, I have met so many women who are leaders in the local commercial real estate field,” she said. “The members are so supportive of women students in the Embrey program, and they want to see us succeed professionally.” She readily acknowledges that commercial real estate is a male-dominated field but stresses that there is huge career potential for women going into the field. “As a woman, you will definitely stand out. I believe it’s really important for companies to get a women’s perspective on its projects.”
Bailey was awarded the Embrey CREW Endowment Scholarship for the 2022-2023 academic year. “It was amazing to be presented this award by Trey Embrey, who is a member of the Embrey Real Estate Finance and Development Founders Council,” she said.
As for the most valuable advice Hansebo has received from Gilliland, her professors, and CREW members, she emphasized they all have encouraged her to be openminded, to always keep educating herself, and to “put herself out there and take advantage of opportunities.”
“CREW is such a valuable organization for young women in commercial real estate. It provides role models for them. It is really encouraging to see women thriving and succeeding in this industry.”
Veronica Bailey is a graduate student in the Embrey Program and also works full-time as an accounting auditor at Ernst & Young. After graduation, she plans to work on the financial side of commercial real estate.
Bailey emphasized that she has learned valuable career lessons from both her graduate studies and from her involvement with CREW San Antonio. “I’ve learned that you should not be afraid to take risks or to speak out. You need to take the leap because you can succeed at anything you set your mind to.”
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Bailey has been involved with CREW San Antonio since last April. “Dr. Tony Ciochetti, the Embrey Program’s Executive Director, told me about CREW San Antonio and encouraged me to get involved with the organization,” she explained. “Becoming a member of CREW and attending CREW events has truly changed my life. It’s opened my eyes to what women are doing in the industry and shown me that women do indeed have a seat at the table.”
With over 12,000 members in 75 markets worldwide, CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Network is a premier business network dedicated to transforming the commercial real estate industry by advancing women globally. CREW San Antonio furthers the mission by creating opportunities for women through education. CREW San Antonio has been a supporter and community partner of the Embrey Real Estate Finance and Development (REFD) Program at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) since its inception in 2007. CREW has been actively involved with UTSA through the creation of its endowed scholarship for women pursuing degrees in real estate, as well as the UCREW Program and the CREW Scholars Program for graduate students.
Griffith has some specific advice for young women wanting to pursue a career in commercial real estate.
“CREW members are women coming together to help elevate each other in their careers. It offers women amazing resources and connections. These are women who truly want to see other women succeed and thrive in the industry,” she said.
She emphasized that CREW offers women in commercial real estate unparalleled networking opportunities.
“You should definitely get involved with CREW early. Seek out a mentor in CREW who can guide you through the career options. Also, going into a degree program such as Embrey provides women students with professors and administrators who actively take an interest in their success. They help them navigate through the huge and diverse industry that is commercial real estate. Both CREW and the Embrey Program are actively involved with helping young women develop the leadership skills they will need to succeed in the industry.”
About CREW San Antonio
CREW San Antonio’s dedication to advancing women through education is bridging the gap for women in the industry, which is illustrated in the four women’s stories in this article.
By Antonio Gutierrez Photography by David Teran
Alexandra “Alex” Altwein Vice Pesident, Wade Interests,
Inc. 62 BUSINESSsawoman.comWOMAN SHOWCASE
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As vice president, she pours her heart and soul into her job and continues to enjoy the personal interaction with clients more than anything. “I love when I get a call from a potential client, who is interested in looking at one of my spaces,” Altwein said. “They get excited when I call them back and am willing to show them the space. From there, we go through the negotiations and the build-out. It’s a great feeling when you’re able to help them be successful, and they’re planning their second or third location. I help them build their dreams.”
“I was a sponge, fascinated with the whole industry,” she said. “After a year, I moved to lease administration by just observing from the background, listening, and learning something new every day. That’s how it all evolved.”
Today, she is vice president of Wade Interests Inc., where her focus is leasing and managing the firm’s multiple retail centers and land tracts, among other key duties.
For more than 28 years, Wade Interests, Inc. has been changing the face of Central and South Texas with its unique approach not only to developing, but also site locating, constructing, leasing, and managing retail commercial properties, according to the company’s bio.
Led by Richard “Dick” Wade, the company offers a range of diversity and knowledge in retail commercial development.
Her clients, she said, range from large national retailers to mom-and-pop businesses, including pharmacies, pizzerias, insurance, and retail office space companies. “I love working with both,” Altwein adds. “Local tenants, of course, hit close to home.”
The Eagle Pass native’s strong work ethic and integrity were instilled in her by her parents, who were entrepreneurs. The family owned a Mexican restaurant after moving to San Antonio, and she and her brother had to pitch in to help with the business. From the time she was a freshman in high school until she graduated, Altwein had to rise at 5 o’clock every weekend to head to work, where she did everything from handling the cash register to food preparation to helping oversee the kitchen staff.
12950does.”Country Parkway, Suite 100 San Antonio, Texas, 78216 (210) 490-9000 | alex@wadeinterests.com
Prior to becoming vice president, Altwein was also assistant property manager after a stint as lease administrator for several years. That role included managing more than 20 shopping centers in San Antonio, Austin, Georgetown, New Braunfels, and Houston, along with various tracts of land in those cities. Altwein certainly had her hands full with “collecting rent, handling tenant calls for leasing and answering their questions, making on-site visits and even overseeing things like parking lot asphalt repairs.”
“That’s how I learned to hustle, and I’ve always had a leadership spirit,” she said. “It made me realize working hard really pays off, even though it sounds cliché to say that, but it
When Alexandra Altwein submitted her resume and application to Wade Interests Inc. 19 years ago after seeing a classified ad for a receptionist-assistant position, little did she know she had just made a major career move that would drastically alter her future. At the time, she was studying criminal justice at UTSA and needed a job to support herself while in school. But after a few months on the job, she soon found that commercial real estate was quickly becoming her newfound passion.
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A professional engineer, Wade commenced Wade Construction in 1977 and, so far, has completed more than 1,000 construction projects. Early in his experience, he identified a need for fully integrated services for his clients, and thus, Wade Interests, Inc. was created. Altwein cites Wade as her mentor, who has encouraged her to spread her wings and soar. “He has believed in me and allowed me to move my way up through the company,” she said. “He’s been my cheerleader and has now helped me become a leader.”
As a seasoned banking industry leader, Jennifer Mansour brings more than 20 years of experience working with business professionals and building lasting local relationships that include trust and firstclass customer service.
What types of clients do you work with?
In my more than twenty years of banking, I’ve worked with a diverse commercial banking client group.
A strong believer in supporting the local community, Jennifer has dedicated her time and expertise to serve on the boards and committees of Communities in Schools, Meals on Wheels, San Antonio Manufacturing Association, CREW San Antonio, NAWBO, and the Legacy Ranch Kids fostering program.
| jmansour@broadway.bank Member FDIC.
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Although I primarily focus on established, mid-to-large size companies with roots in San Antonio, I also enjoy working with young, fast-growing companies and large national organizations. My expertise is strategic planning and developing a deep understanding of complex business industries and financing scenarios.
I welcome a good challenge! What sets you apart from other commercial bankers? My top strength is responsibility. I take ownership of what I say I will do and have a near obsession with doing things right and exceeding expectations with impeccable ethics. I am someone others trust to get things done. Building trusting relationships is refreshing and critical for success in today’s fastpaced, bottom-line-driven world. What do you love most about your job? People. Whether collaborating with colleagues, rolling up my sleeves to help clients achieve challenging goals, or mentoring folks just starting out in their careers, I am energized by the amazing people that make San Antonio such a great community. Contact Jennifer today to see how your business will benefit from modern banking that’s locally sourced and personally delivered.
Jennifer Mansour SVP and Commercial Lender Broadway Bank (210) broadway.bank283-5399
Deborah has been the recipient of numerous awards including CREW National Entrepreneurial Spirit Impact Award, NAWBO WBO Lifetime Achievement Award, NAWBO Entrepreneurial Spirit and Visionary award, North Chamber Business Achievement Award, San Antonio Business Journal Entrepreneurial Leadership award, and San Antonio Business Journal Best in Commercial Real Estate – Land Deal. She is also one of the founding members of Women Give Back a nonprofit organization.
Deborah Bauer Founder 4630 N Loop 1604 W Suite 510 San Antonio, Texas 78249 O (210) deborah@drakecommercial.comwww.drakecommercial.com402-6363
DEBORAH BAUER founded Drake Commercial Group in 1989, a commercial real estate brokerage company. Deborah represents investors and developers for retail, office, multi-family, and large master planned developments. Drake Commercial Group’s reputation, as well as Deborah Bauer’s commitment to excellence, earns her the respect of the commercial real estate community as a top professional.
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Stephanie Dick Vice President First Citizens Bank 18911 Hardy Oak. Ste 208 San Antonio, Texas 78258 M (210) comepositiveWesupportyourManagementfocusdecisionslong,philosophies,objectives.inCitizensofknowledge,financialStephaniehttps://commercial.firstcitizens.com/tx/austin/stephanie-dickStephanie.Dick@firstcitizens.com744-4396hasover19yearsofexperienceintheservicesindustry.Shebringsawealthofprofessionalism,andatrueunderstandinghercustomers’financiallandscape.AsaFirstcommercialbanker,it’simportanttoinvestunderstandingyourbusiness,strategies,andkeyThisalignswithourbrandethics,businessandstatementofpurposeforbuildingalastingalliance.Wemakerecommendationsandbasedonwhat’sbestforyourbusinessandonyourgrowth,expansion,andsuccess.atFirstCitizensisregional,andweguideaccountsinthesamemanner—withregionalandauthority.prideourselvesonworkingtogethertobringresultstoyourbusinessasweseeyourvisiontofruition.
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September/October 2022 67 Brandey Wimberley-Orsag EVP – Chief Lending Officer - NMLS# 794928 Jefferson Bank 1777 Northeast Loop 410 San Antonio, Texas 78217 O (210) borsag@jeffersonbank.comwww.JeffersonBank.com736-7450
Brandey has been in banking for almost thirty years, with the last 25 being at Jefferson Bank, where she enjoys building long-term relationships with her clients. In addition, she serves on the faculty of the Texas Tech Banking School, is a Board Member of the Texas State University Research Foundation, and is on the advisory board for the Department of Finance and Economics of Texas State University. Furthermore, she was on the faculty of SMU’s Graduate School of Banking for eight years. She received her BBA in Finance at Texas State University, an MBA from the University of the Incarnate Word, and a graduate degree in Banking from SMU. Brandey and her husband of 24 years are the proud parents of a daughter.
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Short-Term Rental Properties: 4 Tax Issues To Consider
2. Your participation level matters. The tax treatment of your rental income and expenses depends on your participation in the rental activity. Rental properties are generally considered a passive activity, and if you don’t qualify for one of the exceptions (qualifying as a materially participating real estate professional, for example), your net passive rental losses can only offset income from other passive Considerationsactivities.suchas your level of involvement in making significant management decisions (decide on rental terms, approve expenditures, and new tenants) and the amount of hours you participate in rental activities will make a difference between treating the rental activity as passive or non-passive on your tax return. Another point to consider: Passive income is also subject to an additional 3.8 percent net investment income tax for higher-income individuals. Practically speaking, current rules make it a challenge for higher-income owners to meet the passive activity rule exceptions if they have a day job outside of real estate activities. Short-term rentals caught in the passive activity rules don’t lose the unused passive losses; they get carried forward to future tax years to reduce future sources of passive income or can also be released when the property is sold.
EXPERT ADVICE
The professionals at Sol Schwartz & Associates are ready to help. Jennifer Larson, CPA, and Christopher Davis, CPA, work extensively on real estate matters. Contact them at (210) 384-8000.
3. How to treat the costs that go into the property. In general, the cost of a residential rental structure, whether a new purchase or a conversion of a personal use property, is depreciated over 27.5 years. The cost of the property should be split between the structure and land (even if a condo). Generally speaking, the costs of major renovations are capitalized and depreciated over this same 27.5-year life. Other costs, such as routine repair and maintenance, HOA fees, utilities, insurance, and property taxes, are fully deductible when paid (subject to the passive activity rules). Depending on the size of the property and amount invested, a cost segregation study may be merited to determine if certain parts of the property can be separated and depreciated over shorter lives (5, 7 or 15 years) that would also qualify for special “bonus” depreciation (a 100-percent immediate depreciation expense in 2022).
If instead, you operate your short-term rental more like a bed and breakfast, your rental activity is treated as nonpassive and is not subject to the passive activity loss rules. Non-passive losses can be used to offset other sources of your income, such as wage income.
The tax rules for short-term rentals are complex, and this article only serves to skim the top of a few major considerations. Make sure to keep your tax advisor up to date on your investments to make sure you’re doing everything you can to maximize this investment.
4. What is the average rental term of your property? Your short-term rental property could have a different treatment for both tax and depreciation purposes if the average lease term is seven days or less. If you materially participate in the activity, the net income is generally not subject to the passive activity limitations discussed earlier. And if you provide substantial services, similar to a hotel, the rental income may become subject to an additional 15.3 percent self-employment tax.
By Jennifer Larson, CPA and Christopher Davis, CPA
As a surprise to few, the short-term rental market is booming. Our client base has certainly become much more involved in these types of investments over the last several years, and we suspect, even with higher interest rates, that their involvement will continue to grow. This article briefly addresses four income tax issues for an owner of a shortterm rental property to consider, as follows:
1. How much can I use the property? While allowed, your personal use (which includes family use and when leased to charity or through auction) can impact the treatment of the rental property for tax purposes. Expenses from the property may be limited if the owner uses the property more than 14 days or 10 percent of the total days it’s leased out – whichever is greater. This means that if an owner plans to use their property for 20 days, you’d have to lease it out for 200 days during the rest of the year to avoid limitations. Interestingly, if you rent your personal or vacation home for 14 days or less, the rental income earned is generally not taxable. The catch is that the expenses are not deductible other than what is allowed as itemized deductions.
Angela White President & CEO, Child Advocates San Antonio
Dorian Reeves Founder, Ms. Dorian’s School Not all children learn the same… And that is a wonderful thing! Ms. Dorian’s Scholars is a new microschool providing pod learning and individualized instruction for early intervention and struggling learners, Kindergarten-3rd grade. Dorian is an awardwinning learning specialist who has taught hundreds of children to read, write, and the critical foundations of mathematics. She uses all Orton-Gillingham, multi-sensory methodologies, which is the gold standard for teaching children with learning differences. Boosting students’ self-confidence is her #1 priority in developing successful academic progress!
Congratulations to these amazing women making moves in their industries!
Child Advocates San Antonio announces the appointment of Angela White, President & CEO, to the Urban Leadership Council of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association for Children. White will serve a two-year term along with child welfare leaders from across the nation. “I am so honored to be appointed to this important national role, “said White. “As a member of San Antonio, I’m looking forward to bringing our successes and challenges to a network that helps us get better as we improve our work across the nation.”
Sarah Mason-Fagg
Development Manager, Austin & South-Central Texas, JRDF Sarah Mason-Fagg takes on a new leadership role at JDRF South-Central Texas. In addition to marshaling JDRF’s One Walk programs for Austin as South-Central Texas Development Manager, she will also manage the JDRF Promise Ball Gala & Stratton Scramble Golf Tournament. Under her tutelage, the golf tournament saw its first sixfigure year, an increase of more than 35% in one year. Sarah has extensive experience in the golf industry. The Hyatt Hill Country Resort & Spa, TPC San Antonio, and The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch received several awards, including Golf World’s Top 100 Golf Shops, PGA Magazine Golf Merchandiser of the Year, and the Association of Golf Merchandiser’s Platinum Awards, as a result of Sarah’s work. Sarah lives in San Antonio with her husband and two daughters.
Elyse A. Gonzalez Director, Ruby City Ruby City announced its first major exhibition with Director Elyse A. Gonzalez, Tangible/ Nothing. Gonzales joined Ruby City as their Director in December 2019. About the exhibition, Gonzales says, “Tangible/Nothing taps into our collective experience of absence and presence over the past two years when the physical separation from family and friends necessitated finding all manner of ways to connect with them in absentia—with many experiencing permanent loss.” The exhibition will be on display through April 30, 2023. Amanda Mounts Market Director, San Antonio & South Texas, JRDF Amanda Mounts leads San Antonio’s JDRF team as their new Market Director.
Partnering with the local Community Board, she helps execute fundraising events and community outreach. Inspired by her mother, who has T1D, Amanda advocates for finding a cure for Type One Diabetes. She has extensive nonprofit experience, including serving as JDRF’s Senior Development Manager and working for Kids Sports Network, Morgan’s Wonderland, and the American Red Cross. Amanda graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a BA in Communications and minors in Nonprofit Management and Business. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and young son.
70 sawoman.com WOMEN ON THE MOVE
Old San Francisco Steakhouse sawomenschamber.org
sawomenschamber.org
Wednesday, October 19 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
on the 24th floor of Frost Tower. SA Startup Week is a seven-day celebration of entrepreneurship including educational panels, actionable workshops, activations, and events taking place in downtown San Antonio from October 16 – 22. sasw.co NAWBO San Antonio Membership Drive Happy Hour September 7 |
8 Top Golf crew-sanantonio.org NAWBO San Antonio Monthly Meeting
San Antonio Women’s Chamber of Commerce
Smart Women Know How to Drive their Careers
Thursday, October 13 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The Veranda sawomenschamber.org
17 at
San Antonio Women’s Chamber of Commerce Foundation Luncheon “Spirit of Courage” Honoree, Col. Eileen Collins
BUSINESS CALENDAR San Antonio Startup Week
America’s best-known and most accomplished entrepreneurs and philanthropists, will kick off San Antonio Startup Week with a keynote address on Monday,
San Antonio Women’s Chamber of Commerce
CREW San Antonio October Luncheon
Wednesday, September 8 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Old San Francisco Steakhouse
22 nawbosa.org
one
p.m. Come and see why you should join NAWBO! nawbosa.org CREWtee-ni 2022 Signature Fundraiser Thursday,
Smart Women Know How to Negotiate
Steve Case, of Oct. 11 a.m. 5:30 - 7:30 September Thursday, September
Tuesday, October 11 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. San Antonio Country Club crew-sanantonio.org
Empowering you to advocate for yourself - mind, body and soul.
Salud!
To Your Health connects you with experts and resources in medical care, mental health, nutrition, fitness, and wellness, providing insight into all aspects of a woman’s health.
oncologist adds that an ongoing breast care routine, such as, having mammograms, and bringing unusual lumps, pain, or discharge to a physician’s attention, is vital for catching breast disease – including breast cancer – in the earliest stages. Unfortunately, because of misconceptions, recommended measures are not always followed.
By Paul J. Watkins
Cancer evolves over time, and we can track its evolution by tracking its changes and then using targeted drugs to kill Theit.”breast
.
Catching breast cancer early is extremely important, but Dr. Kaklamani says women can go a step further and actually reduce their risk of developing breast cancer by incorporating lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and exercising. “We think that a wellbalanced diet that’s low in processed sugars will also help.”
BreastSurviveEmpowersKnowledgeWomentoCancer
Please call (210) 450-1000 to make an appointment at Mays Cancer Center. Learn more about breast cancer diagnosis and treatment at www.MaysCancerCenter.org
“They think mammograms don’t work because they’ve heard stories about women who had mammograms that didn’t catch their breast cancer,” notes Dr. Kaklamani.
TO YOUR HEALTH
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Virginia Kaklamani, MD - Mays Cancer Center
“Also, the development of precision oncology has helped to customize breast cancer treatment by now allowing us to identify changes in the cancer cells,” informs Dr. Kaklamani, “and we have specific drugs for these changes.
Current research shows that genetic mutations link obesity and breast cancer. “Obesity is associated with postmenopausal breast cancer,” relates Dr. Kaklamani.
“They’re also afraid that mammograms will hurt. Mammograms aren’t perfect – sometimes, they won’t identify the cancer – but they’re one of the best tests we have to detect breast cancer early.”
“We think the reason for that is high levels of insulin, which is a growth factor, and high levels of estrogen, which stimulates breast cells. Some women may have specific genetic mutations that can produce more insulin and therefore predispose them to breast cancer.”
Virginia Kaklamani, MD, is a breast oncologist who is board certified and fellowship trained in hematology/ oncology. She’s the leader of the breast cancer program at Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center. Mays Cancer Center is the community’s only NCI-designated Cancer Center, serving San Antonio and 38 counties in South Texas. She says there are recent advancements in the treatment of breast cancer that women should know. These include targeted drugs, which seek out the proteins that assist breast cancer cells to grow and metastasize, and immunotherapy, which is a group of drugs that strengthen the immune system to help fight the cancer.
Advances in the treatment of breast cancer are being made continually. It’s important for women to inform themselves about these advances so that, should they receive a breast cancer diagnosis, they can better understand the treatment options available to them and be prepared to discuss those options with their physicians.
For information about the CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Friends Foundation, visit: https://www.friendsfoundation.org/mobile-mammography-unit/
October is breast cancer awareness month, and it’s a great time to act. Schedule your annual mammogram. Make a donation to fund a mammogram for someone in need. Donate to fund research. I was the one in eight, and while it completely changed my life path, I’ve learned and I’ve grown, and I’m grateful for the direction I’m headed in now.
I’m the One
76 sawoman.com TO YOUR HEALTH
By Veronica Laurel One in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer, and in January 2020, I found out I was the one. I am grateful to work for CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System, which offers comprehensive care through a network of hospitals. As an associate, I see my colleagues living our mission every day; I know how dedicated our teams are, but experiencing the work they do from the other side –as a patient – solidified the fact that our associates truly embody our core values. My cancer experience started with my annual mammogram at a CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital. That was followed by diagnostic screenings, ultrasounds, a biopsy, and an MRI. I had my mastectomy at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – Westover Hills. The care I received was exceptional. The wonderful medical and surgical teams at Texas Oncology helped me navigate my treatment plan, from chemotherapy to radiation to five surgeries. They truly provide compassionate care. After active treatment, I decided to forgo reconstruction surgery and stay flat. I did not want additional surgeries and was ready to start living my life. I have heard horror stories from other survivors whose doctors would not allow aesthetic flat closure, claiming that they would not feel whole or like a woman. I’m grateful that my team at Texas Oncology listened to me, talked with me about all of my options, and allowed me to make the choice that was right for me. When I started working at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa in 2013, one thing I focused on was fundraising for unfunded mammograms provided through the CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Mobile Mammography Unit. With the Friends of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Foundation team, I learned the statistics, the need for mammograms, the disparities in care for the underserved, and more. When I became the statistic, it sharpened my focus, and now I know firsthand how important screenings are for women and men.
As a survivor, I found that helping others helped me with my healing and emotional well-being. I still work with the foundation team to raise funds, not only for unfunded mammograms but for women’s health. I serve as an ambassador with For the Breast of Us, an organization created to empower women of color affected by breast cancer through education, advocacy, and community.
Advocating for the importance of mammograms, providing information to women who are newly diagnosed or contemplating aesthetic flat closure, and just being available to those who have questions about breast cancer boosts my energy. It is a healing component that doesn’t come on a prescription pad.
September/October 2022 77 Minerva L. Mendoza, MBA, CFm, CFo, COF, CDME Co-Owner Dynamic Medical Solutions/ Intimate Choice Mastectomy 13807 Red Maple Wood suite 201B San Antonio, TX 78249 O (210) 876-1130 | C (210) minerva@dynamicmedicaldme.comdynamicmedicaldme.com687-4726 With 27+ years of experience and a niche in medical equipment, Minerva is known as an industry expert. She’s the owner of a healthcare consulting business offering industry continuing education and facility accreditation preparation. In 2021 Minerva also opened a family business focused on medical equipment retail and wholesale medical supply. In the process of serving community clients, she discovered her passion – mastectomy fitting. Minerva explains, “My mother is a dearly beloved breast cancer survivor so my clients mean the world to me. I see beauty and triumph in the women who visit Intimate Choice Mastectomy Boutique, whether they see it in themselves or not.” Minerva enjoys lifting up other women and the life-long relationships she’s able to nurture in the process. She believes in the impact she can make in women through each and every appointment.
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Complementary Components in Battling
80 sawoman.com TO YOUR HEALTH
Exercise and Attitude Are
A breast cancer diagnosis is the beginning of a woman’s journey toward a clear objective: the declaration that she is now cancer free. In between, she faces many challenges, and physical strength, emotional perseverance, and mental determination are often as essential to reaching that objective as the medical treatments themselves. Important Breast Cancer
By Paul J. Watkins
During her very strenuous cancer treatment plan, Samantha still found the time and energy to become a certified cancer exercise specialist and opened a small gym in her home, where she worked one-on-one with breast cancer patients.
Having seen the success that Samantha had in integrating exercise into her own cancer treatment, as well as helping others do the same, Dr. Aponte now refers some of her patients to Samantha so they can benefit from her exercise expertise. “If anyone needs to contact me for any type of help with movement – what to do, what not to do, or to design a movement program for them to follow – I’m always available,” says Samantha.
She mentioned it to her gynecologist, who took a sample of the leakage and ordered bloodwork and imaging studies. When those studies confirmed a small lump, Samantha underwent biopsies, as well as an MRI to see if any of her lymph nodes were compromised. They were. The diagnosis was Emmalindcancer.Aponte, MD, is an oncologist at Texas Oncology who is board certified and fellowship trained in medical oncology/hematology. “Samantha had IIIA HER2 positive Estrogen positive breast cancer that required her to receive multiagent chemotherapy during her first year.”
“The most important thing is to stay positive and stay active and make sure you don’t stop what you’re doing,” concludes Samantha. “Live life like cancer has not touched you. Just because we get hit with the word that we have cancer should not stop us from living. We need to continue moving forward and making the best of it. It’s just going to be a bump on the road. Just continue living life like you’ve been doing. Don’t stop.”
Going through such an ordeal as Samantha experienced would challenge even the most confident woman, but Samantha says she found a way to stay positive through it all.
“With her background as a personal trainer, Samantha remained very active during her treatment,” says Dr. Aponte. “She dealt with her surgery and chemotherapy remarkably well. She was an inspiration as she managed to stay on treatment while working, taking care of her family, and trying to maintain some normalcy in her life.” Samantha’s perseverance paid off. She was declared cancer free in 2019. She’s now completing adjuvant endocrine therapy to prevent a relapse.
September/October 2022 81
“I love Dr. Aponte! She’s amazing!” Samantha adds. “She’s an advocate for fitness and works out herself, and she agrees that fitness can help minimize a lot of the side effects of chemo.
Dr. Aponte really encouraged me to get involved and educate others that it’s okay to exercise during cancer treatment because the more movement you do, the better you’ll feel and the healthier you’ll be as you fight your cancer.”
Samantha began a grueling treatment regimen, undergoing six rounds of aggressive chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, fourteen rounds of less aggressive chemotherapy, thirty rounds of radiation, and a full hysterectomy.
“Whatever kind of cancer you have, movement is key,” stresses Samantha. “It keeps the blood flow going and helps keep you mentally positive.” Today, she continues to work with cancer patients to help them stay healthy through their own cancer journeys.
Dr. Aponte says Samantha’s experience with her breast cancer journey has shaped the guidance Samantha gives to other breast cancer patients. “Her passion for fitness and her willingness to reach out to other cancer survivors goes beyond helping them build their bodies. She’s helping them build their resolve to overcome life’s challenges and live their lives to the fullest.”
Samantha Aguirre was diagnosed with IIIA HER2 positive Estrogen positive breast cancer in 2018. She was 38 at the time, had a husband, three children, and worked full-time as a personal trainer. She recalls how her journey began.
“I had a leakage in my nipple area on my left side. I let it go for a while. I was a fitness instructor, and I thought it was just my sports bra rubbing against my nipple, making it raw. But when I checked myself, I felt a lump.”
“I’m a mother of three daughters, and I wanted to be a role model for them. I didn’t want to show them that I was going to let something like this defeat me. I worked out throughout my entire journey, except for the days I didn’t feel well. My daughters saw that – they saw that this was going to be fine. That helped me stay positive every day. I wanted to show them that if something like this happens to them, I don’t want them to shut down; I want them to keep on moving.”
Emmalind Aponte, MD & Samantha Aguirre
For more information about Texas Oncology, visit www.TexasOncology.com
Dr. Aponte explained, “When I met Samantha, I understood her desire to keep exercising on chemotherapy. I assured her that there is clinical data supporting the benefits of exercise for cancer patients. Exercise improves their cardiac and respiratory fitness, and their overall quality of life. It can help with reducing fatigue which is a common symptom that cancer patients experience. In addition, exercising may help decrease the chances of breast cancer relapse.”
For leading edge surgical approaches and high-quality care, visit Texas Breast Specialists, part of the Texas Oncology network. With four locations in the San Antonio area, we offer comprehensive breast care, including diagnostics, surgical services, and medical and radiation oncology. Our compassionate physicians partner with you to help you understand your options and develop a personalized treatment plan. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit TexasBreastSpecialists.com.
HOPEGREATERSTANDARDSHIGHER
Alfredo A. Santillan, M.D., MPH San Antonio, TX Kathryn A. Wagner, M.D., FACS San Antonio, TX
• Change in breast size or shape • Thickening
• Irritation, redness, scaliness, or swelling on the breast, nipple, or skin near the nipple
Screening for Breast Cancer
Every fall, women band together with pink ribbons in hand to spread awareness for breast cancer. With one in eight U.S. women developing breast cancer in their lifetime, what can women do to reduce their risk of a late-stage breast cancer diagnosis?
• Swollen lymph nodes If you notice any of these symptoms or changes in your breasts, consult your physician immediately.
Ultimately, it is up to patients to take control of their health and be proactive in the fight against breast cancer. Texas Breast Specialists encourages all women to prioritize their long-term health with regular breast cancer screenings. For more information, visit TexasBreastSpecialists.com
• Nipple retraction or nipple discharge
Beginning at age 20, women should check their breasts monthly, note any changes, and report them to a physician immediately. Women aged 40 to 44 have the choice to start annual mammograms, and those aged 45-54 should get mammograms every year. Women aged 55 and older should have a mammogram at least every two years.
When should women get screened?
. The Importance of
Take control of your health
Other than adopting a healthier lifestyle, early detection with regular mammograms remains the most effective way for combating breast cancer. Understanding when and why to schedule regular screenings and knowing the signs and symptoms can result in better outcomes. As a result of early detection, there has been a steady decline in breast cancer deaths among women over the past few decades. Why are screenings important? Due to the pandemic, fewer women are going into doctors’ offices for their annual checkups or screenings, leading to more cancer diagnoses being caught late. Early detection is key, because cancer is most treatable when it is detected early and localized to one location. Screenings can detect cancerous cells before symptoms show, allowing patients to start treatment before the cancer has a chance to spread. Women who receive regular mammograms are more likely to detect cancer early, leading to less aggressive treatment and better outcomes. According to the American Cancer Society, early-stage breast cancer that hasn’t spread has a 99% five-year survival rate, versus a 29% five-year survival rate for cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Signs and symptoms While a lump in the breast, under the arm, or around the collarbone is the most well-known symptom of breast cancer, other symptoms include: of breast or underarm
• Tenderness or pain in breast or nipple
Women of every age should discuss individual risk factors with a physician to determine recommended timing and appropriate screenings. Women with a family history of breast cancer, or who are known to be of higher risk, should start screening early and take further preventive measures.
• Dimpled skin or skin resembling orange peel
I don’t think people truly understand the immense need for ThriveWell’s support in San Antonio. There are people in our community who have insurance who are choosing not to get treatment for a completely survivable diagnosis because they simply cannot afford their care.
ThriveWell Cancer
My title is Executive Director of ThriveWell Cancer Foundation, and, like most small nonprofits, that entails doing a lot of everything. In fact, the entire team at ThriveWell does a lot of everything. I have the privilege of helping patients, writing grant proposals, meeting with our amazing donors, managing super fun fundraisers, presenting to organizations who want to get involved with our mission, and working with the absolute BEST team in San Antonio. Describe your organization’s mission in your own words. ThriveWell Cancer Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for cancer by funding cancer research, providing patient support, and offering programs to improve the quality of life for patients and their families in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. Our patient assistance programs provide transportation, financial, and lodging assistance to folks as they navigate their treatment. We also provide free exercise, nutrition & wellness programs.
What is a common misconception about your organization or the mission you serve?
Erin Ercoline, Executive Director ThriveWell Center
NONPROFIT
What is your role at your organization, and what does it entail?
Visit us on Social Media @thrivewellsa or on our website www.thrivewell.org You can also call the ThriveWell office at 210-593-5949 for more ways to get involved.
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What does $100 support when giving to your organization? $100 will help provide a cancer patient with transportation for a week’s worth of appointments. What is an upcoming way to get involved with your organization? We have several upcoming community events, and we always need volunteers! In the Spotlight:
By Paul J. Watkins
Bariatric surgery, a collection of surgical procedures that help patients lose weight, began in the 1950s. Today, the gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch are the three primary bariatric procedures performed.
Advances in Bariatric Surgery Allow a Shorter Hospital Stay and Faster Recovery
Recent
86 sawoman.com TO YOUR HEALTH
“The overarching goal of weight loss surgery is to improve patients’ quality of life by improving their medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea,” informs Dr. Thomas. “Weight loss is certainly a goal of bariatric surgery, but it’s not the primary goal for many patients. It’s really to get people off a lot of the medications they’re on for their medical conditions.
In the past ten years, says Dr. Thomas, robot-assisted surgery has been another important development in bariatric surgery and has allowed bariatric surgeons to perform more technically difficult procedures through small incisions and made the subsequent recoveries even faster for patients. “I have patients who undergo a robotassisted sleeve gastrectomy and go home the same day. My typical robot-assisted gastric bypass patient goes home the next day. Even my robot-assisted duodenal switch patients typically go home the following day.”
“Now, patients are leaving the hospital in one or two days after laparoscopic bariatric surgery, rather than staying three, four, or five days following an open surgery,” informs David Thomas, MD, a board-certified general surgeon and fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. He’s the founding physician of Alamo City Bariatrics in San Antonio and also serves as medical director of bariatric surgery at Northeast Baptist Hospital.
“It means so much to me when patients come back six months or a year after bariatric surgery, and I can see they’re off all medications, their energy levels are better, and they’re able to interact more with their children or grandchildren,” concludes Dr. Thomas. “It gives me a lot of satisfaction to see that I’ve positively affected someone’s long-term quality of life.”
Please call (210) 780-5832 to make an appointment at Alamo City Bariatrics. Learn more at www.baptistmedicalnetwork.com/locations/detail/alamo-city-bariatrics---alamo-heights.
David Thomas, MD
September/October 2022 87
“If a patient is interested in bariatric surgery, the first thing I do is talk with them about their medical history, surgical history, current medications, and goals,” notes Dr. Thomas. “Those factors determine which bariatric surgery is best for that patient.
Laparoscopic surgical techniques, first used in the late 1990s, have been the biggest advancement in modern bariatric surgery. They allow surgeons to perform those bariatric procedures through 4-5 incisions, each measuring 1-2 centimeters. This minimally invasive surgical approach results in less blood loss, less tissue disruption, less time under anesthesia, less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker recovery.
bariatric surgeons have completed a general surgery residency of five years, where they learn how to do general surgery and laparoscopic surgery. In addition, most bariatric surgeons have completed advanced training that includes a fellowship or some sort of specialized training in bariatric surgery. Finally, most bariatric surgeons also carry several certifications, including a board certification in general surgery and a fellowship designation by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
When choosing a bariatric surgeon, it’s important to consider the person’s training. Dr. Thomas says that most
Ouch! The truth is: yes and no. Breast pain, heaviness, and tenderness can be the result of many innocuous conditions. One of the most common culprits is called
• Take NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (except during pregnancy)
Breast
This could be a sign of a different issue that will require deeper evaluation. Is it normal to do at-home breast exams?
Where breast pain might point to abnormal is if you’re experiencing focal pain (concentrated in one spot).
Breasts – like thumbprints, vulvas, and dimples – are unique to every individual. They may be uneven or selfdescribed as “lumpy bumpy.” Maybe yours have a ropelike texture to them, which is a common condition known as fibrocystic changes, generally thought to be the result of fluctuating hormones. However, a single, discreet lump in the breast is generally not normal. Don’t hit the panic button! Several benign causes could be behind a breast lump, but you won’t have certainty without some investigation first. So when you feel a lump, phone your provider. Based on their assessment and your risk factors, like age and family history, they’ll be able to make more definite recommendations on how to move forward. Is it normal to have breast pain?
By Jillian Lopiano, MD, MPH, FACOG – Cancer
• Invest in a supportive bra to help with breast tenderness
• Limit your caffeine intake
Is Normal?This TO YOUR HEALTH
mastalgia, which is brought on by the big two – the menstrual cycle + pregnancy. Key hormones involved in both processes increase and often diffuse pain across the breast tissue. This is particularly common in adolescents and young adults, but DIY remedies can make a big difference:
Establish a monthly routine exam in tandem with your menstrual cycle or right after when breast tissue is less dense. This type of practice is quintessential to the work we are doing at Betty’s Co. with younger women. We can’t develop body literacy if we are strangers to our own. To learn more about Betty’s Co. visit bettysco.com or call (210) 572-4931. Follow us on Instagram @bettysco
– identify and get to know the features that may be distinctive but normal to you. Once you have established your own “normal,” you’ll be able to spot a rogue freckle, rash, lump, or other irregularity, then pick up the phone and call your doctor.
Not only is it normal, but on-the-reg, at-home breast exams are one of your best tools to get to know your body + breasts. Size, shape, skin color and texture, presence of freckles or moles, hair, nipple size shape
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Jillian Lopiano, MD, MPH, FACOG Betty’s Co. Medical Director
Betty’s Co. is the next generation of integrative healthcare – providing gynecology, mental health, and wellness care for the period-havers up to pregnancyplanners. Women’s health is surrounded by stigmas and taboo topics, often preventing them from accessing the care they need. “Is This Normal?” is an ongoing Q&A series we host to give our “Betties” the space to ask the awkward questions, develop body literacy, and ultimately normalize women’s health. Is it normal to feel a lump in my breast?
COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS 92 sawoman.com
A major trend I’m seeing in my research is students having little to no “interest” in their assessment outcome results. In the US, almost all young adults make career decisions based on what they like. The problem is that for 2 ½ years, interest has been stifled. The last two years of high school, and really every year of high school, serve a purpose: an opportunity to grow, explore, learn, play, travel, succeed and fail. All of this was put on hold, affecting the mental health of everyone. So, using “interest” as a major driving force for career selections may not be useful and can create analysis paralysis. In addition, “interest” doesn’t stabilize until a person is 25 years old and is correlated to a person’s life experiences and exposures.
I pull from over 600 careers. There are careers young adults have no idea exist, so how can they express an interest in them? And when a person is depressed, nothing sounds good. That’s why I believe so much in aptitude testing, which is how the brain naturally processes information. My hope is students enjoy the learning process and find careers that feel good to them because it comes naturally.
By Dana Lofties Reeder, CEO & Founder Reeder Consulting: College & Career
Career selection and a young adult determining the biggest decision of their life require a comprehensive approach with multiple assessments and testing. These instruments help lay a foundation for these decisions. But an in-depth conversation with a career professional is critical, especially if a child is struggling. As a parent of a college sophomore myself, I know we feel it’s our responsibility to help them find their direction. It’s a responsibility we all take seriously because there’s nothing more important than our wish for our children to succeed in whatever path they decide is right for them. Let’s help them “proceed with confidence.”
A specialist in the career development field and the #1 career counseling company in San Antonio, we work with clients in all 50 states. We help individuals engage in career and aptitude testing to process information through meaningful conversations and give clarity to the stress of career decisions to Proceed with Confidence. For more information, visit www.reederconsulting.com. Contact Dana at dana@reederconsulting.com or (210) 749-0470.
COVID: The College & Career Challenges
Paths September/October 2022 93
COVID is a topic that has impacted anyone who has a child in high school or a college freshman. The last 2 ½ years, I believe, will prove to be some of the most challenging times in our youths’ lives. The research has already begun, and I’m hearing from university student success professionals, HS counselors, and mental health providers about the changes they are witnessing. And as a career counselor, I’m seeing it firsthand as well. In my practice, I help individuals 14 years of age through adulthood identify ideal careers based on who they are and what they enjoy - and ultimately will be great atthrough aptitude testing. My research led me to write this article. I work with families all over the US, which, unfortunately, highlighted stories this summer of firstyear college students failing out of school at a rate I’ve not experienced to date. Great performers in high school have stumbled in a manner they’ve never faced. There is a reason I’m witnessing this. They missed out on truly learning, so getting back into a formal educational environments has been a struggle. Learning to selfadvocate is either a new art or a relearned one. Learning to socialize again is a priority and a significant part of reassimilating into the real world and college life. If any group of kids needs friends, it’s this group. But a challenge can define their future, and I’m passionate about helping them to hopefully avoid that being a negative impact on their career story. Due to the pandemic, many families could not tour college campuses, which is critical to making an informed decision on if the school is a good “fit.” Many schools made SAT/ ACT tests optional, so it was hard for students, and the schools, to determine if they were an academic fit.
Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sunday noon - 6:00 p.m. Last pour 30 minutes prior to close.
Hill Country Curated brings you the best events, SA Woman staff favorites, things to know, and places to be in the Hill Country!
Hours: Thursday 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday - Sunday noon - 7:00 p.m.
HC CURATED
*Kitchen Closes at 8:00 Thursday-Saturday and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday
Bulverde
Singing Water 316 Mill Dam Road Comfort, TX 78013 (830) singingwater.com457-9006
Hours: Monday - Friday 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sunday noon - 7:00 p.m.
Becker Vineyards 464 Becker Farms Rd, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 (830) beckervineyards.com644-2681
In Contrada Vineyard & Kitchen 27490 Smithson Valley Rd, San Antonio, TX 78261 (830) 438-3803
Inwood Estates Winery & Bistro 223 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 (830) inwoodwines.com997-2304
Hours: Thursdays 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Fridays 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Saturdays: noon - 10:00 p.m. Sundays: noon - 8:00 p.m.
Hours: Thursday - Saturday noon - 8:00 p.m. Sunday noon - 6:00 p.m.
Fredericksburg
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m
Newsom Vineyards 717 Front St, Comfort, TX 78013 (806) newsomvineyards.com549-6732
Comfort Hill Country Wineworks 16 US HWY 87 Comfort TX 78013 (325) 370 www.hcwineworks.com-6278
Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Cross Mountain Vineyards 308 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 (830) crossmountainvineyards.com333-9931
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday noon - 8:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sunday noon - 5:00 p.m.
Los Pinos Ranch Vineyard 6009 U.S. 290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 (830) lospinosranchvineyards.com304-5778
Kerrville Hills Winery 3600 Fredericksburg Rd, Kerrville, TX 78028 (830) kerrvillehillswinery.com895-4233
Spice Wood Vineyards 1419 Co Rd 409, Spicewood, TX 78669 (830) spicewoodvineyards.com693-5328
Hours: Monday - Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
HILL COUNTRY WINERIES
Hours: Daily 11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (last tasting and wine service at 5:00 p.m.)
Baron’s Greek Vineyard on Main 5865 Hwy 290 East Fredericksburg, TX 78624 (830) baronscreekvineyards.com304-3000
Hours: Monday - Thursday noon - 7:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Kerrvile Turtle Creek Olives and Vines 211 Earl Garrett Street, Kerrville, TX 78028 (830) turtlecreekolivesandvines.com896-0010
Hours: Sunday noon - 5:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Hours: Friday - Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Flat Creek Estate Winery & Vineyard 24912 Travis Peak Trail, Marble Falls, TX 78654 (512) flatcreekestate.com267-6310
Hours: Thursday - Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sunday noon - 5:00 p.m. Marble Falls Fiesta Winery Marble Falls 309 Main St, Marble Falls, TX 78654 (830) fiestawinery.com637-7702
Allora “brings the delicate romance of the Italian coastline to San Antonio through colorful dining spaces and fresh summer flavors,” according to its website: an accurate description of Allora’s fine-tuned culinary concept. Their desire is to offer a taste of “la dolce vita” – the sweet life -- to South Texas. And I say they’ve succeeded. The stylish eatery rests in an inviting setting with broad arched-brick outdoor porches adorned with chic black and white awning-striped umbrellas and seating juxtaposed with lemon-colored throw pillows. It’s a lovely place for a fall weekend brunch. Indoors, towering ceilings, lighted archways, salmoncolored walls, and a classically handsome casual ambiance welcomes diners. Known for fresh-catch seafood and Southern Italy-style house-made pastas, Allora is alluring.
By Janis Turk Photography by Jason Chetwood Coastal Italian with a Breezy Amalfi Ambiance
Chef Robbie Nowlin, who made a name for himself in San Antonio restaurants cooking with popular local chefs and restaurateurs including Jason Daddy and Stefan Bowers, and cooking in California at the famed Michelin-starred French Laundry in Napa, has now returned to helm Allora at Pearl. Partnering with Maverick Restaurant Group, the restauranteurs have also opened Allora’s sister restaurant Arrosta at Pearl and The Maverick in Southtown. An homage to the Amalfi coast, Allora’s waitstaff sport lemon-yellow vests worn over Mediterranean blue shirts. Large fresh lemons rest in rivers of shaved ice in a marketstyle glass fish case. Watery blue arched window casings, fresh flowers at the hostess station, and light-filled spaces are large and inviting. If it all seems a bit noisy in the early evening, linger awhile over a Sole di Capri spritzer with a generous sprig of fennel, and soon the ambiance softens.
DINING
La Dolce Vita at Allora at Pearl
When I think of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, tiny villages like Positano and Amalfi perched high upon rugged hills, clinging to the cliffs with colorful buildings like dangling boughs of bougainvillea hanging impossibly just above the sea, my first thought is of lemons. I still see its lemon trees growing on terraced lots astride hillsides, boughs bending with the weight of oversized sunny lemons leaning into the light. And then, of course, there’s the sea: blue beyond blue –the sparkling waves, ever choppy, always shimmering. I recall weather-worn, wind-tossed boats ferrying tourists from Amalfi to Capri, and tiny, sunbaked dinghies of pink, yellow, and blue, resting on a little beach at the foot of Positano. There I enjoyed a large lemon stuffed with gelato, which I greedily scooped out with a tiny wooden spoon on a warm afternoon. Such delightful memories stay with me. So even though this year I may not make it to Naples and take the bus along frightfully narrow curved roads to Amalfi before the towns close for the season, here at home, I can go to Allora at Pearl, San Antonio’s newest “coastal Italian” eatery. I may not see the Mediterranean from here, but I can surely taste it.
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The menu is large, so start with small plates of antipasti, along with a sashimi-grade raw Ahi tuna in a little bowl with capers, citrus juices, and a splash of Italian virgin olive oil. Or share the oversized farro salad with butternut squash, pecans, parsnip, and cranberries. We also ordered a pie-shaped wedge of decadent duck pate on grilled, house-baked, thick sourdough bread. The chicken liver mousse also came highly recommended. Nowan mastered the art of hand-making pasta at The French Laundry, so I ordered a PRIMI (first course) serving of Tagliatelle alla Bolognese Blanco, made with veal and pork in a delicate blanco sauce with hints of citrus and sweet meats. This was delectable. For a main course, my husband ordered the Balsamicglazed roasted half chicken, smothered in caramelized onions. We had to laugh: the entrée was the size of a football. We then groaned, knowing we’d ordered far too much. I’d already been served the grilled rainbow trout splashed in brown butter and beurre blanc sauce — the best thing by far. We were too full to try dessert or the tempting digestifs on the cocktail menu. We didn’t even delve into the fine Italian-inspired wine list, but dinner had been divine. Of course, there are plentiful fruits of the sea, like olivebrined grilled octopus, striped bass crudo, flounder tartar, mussels in white wine sauce, and a deep-water, fried whole red snapper. The Tomahawk Ribeye, a Veal Chop alla Milanese, or the grilled New York strip will please meat-lovers. Next time, I’ll order the ravioli. Although Allora is nothing like any Amalfi eatery I’ve known — so large, shiny and new — its imitable essence of Mediterranean coastal cuisine was undeniable. So whenever a trip to the Amalfi Coast seems just a little out of reach, look for me at Allora.
403 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 979-9950 | allorapearl.com
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The Look StudioHair Antonio, thelookstudiohmu@gmail.comTX(210)723-5793
Adelita & Tortilla Factory 1130 Fresno Drive @AdelitaTamales adelitatamales.com
SA CURATED: DINING
Los Hermanos Tortillería 303 Commercial Ave. (210) @TortilleriaLosHermanos922-0219
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& MakeupSan
Tamales
Situated in an impossibleto-miss bright yellow building about a block west of Interstate 35, this business has been serving San Antonio’s tortilla needs since 1981. Corn tortillas are the specialty here. Made fresh daily from nixtamalized kernels ground in-house, these shaggy, rugged rounds that look as homemade as they taste have a potent aroma that greets you at the door. Once heated, they’re satisfyingly dense without feeling heavy and have a satisfying chew. Tortillas with Taylor Lane
This San Antonio institution has a history stretching back more than 80 years, so it should come as no surprise they also have arguably the city’s best selection of tortillas. Plan for long lines on the weekend. When you visit the first thing you’ll notice is the heady aroma of toasting masa wafting over the parking lot. Adelita’s basic corn tortillas, also available in mini street-taco size, are some of the best in the city with a potent aroma of freshly nixtamalized and stone-ground corn that will perfume your kitchen.
Don’t forget to buy a bag of tortilla chips while you’re there. Alamo Cafe has proudly served the greater San Antonio area for over 40 years. Since opening in 1981, tortillas have been made daily in the inhouse Tortilla Factory and served complimentary to all guests. We believe a visit to Alamo Cafe is not complete without tasting some delicious tortillas and pairing them with their famous queso. Stop in and get your warm tortillas today!
Hey, San Antonio Woman! I’m Taylor, and I love finding the best spots to eat locally. Tortilla’s are iconic and give you a taste of the many flavors of San Antonio. Explore some of my favorites below! @_tay_lane TortilleríaPanaderíaMaya 3809 Blanco Road (210) @PanaderíaTortillería627-6292 Maya Alamo Cafe 14250 San Pedro Ave. and 10060 IH-10 West @alamocafe alamocafe.com
The clack and whir of machinery is on full display in this space that feels like a factory, although the industrial edge is tempered by display cases loaded with colorful and scratchbaked Mexican pastries. In contrast, the flour tortillas here are savory and well seasoned with a mild buttery note. They poof up nicely into flaky layers when heated and were among the most flavorful on this tour of tortillerías.
PINKS ON THE PATIO-themed Fridays will feature either live music or a DJ from 6 to 9 p.m., cocktail and wine specials, along with tasting snacks. Two dollars from each drink goes back to WINGS and will be matched by Cavender Cares. The event is $5 per person, with 100 percent of those proceeds going back to WINGS. Landscaping on Plaza San Saba just off the resort’s main lobby will have a rosy hue at dusk, as PINK LED lights bring focus to the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For more information visit: LaCanteraResort.com
Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival. Join us for walkaround tastings, intimate dinners, outdoor lunches, hands-on workshops, educational panels, and more as we host chefs from across the globe and hometown favorites. The weekend offers fantastic opportunities for food enthusiasts to explore the confluence of culture that defines the culinary landscape and flourishing Texas food scene.
ENTERTAINMENT
Tasting Texas Wine & Food Festival
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! Estancia Del Norte Hotel
September 15 thru October 15
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Suzanne PresidentTaranto-Etheredge,andCEO,Culinaria
October 27-30
PINKS ON THE PATIO Friday nights in October to benefit WINGS October 7, 14, 21 and 28
Culinaria is excited to be back, introducing a first-of-itskind partnership with the iconic James Beard Foundation and long-term partner Visit San Antonio launching
Tickets at CulinariaSA.org
Sire Bar | La Cantera Resort & Spa Since its inception in 2017, PINKS ON THE PATIO at La Cantera Resort & Spa has donated more than $28,000 to WINGS. WINGS provides comprehensive breast health services to women in Central and South Texas who are uninsured.
Yoga Under the Starry Night
2ND ANNUAL UNCORK TO SUPPORT Taste of Texas Evening
October 11 - 16 | Majestic Theatre
September 8 - 25 | The Classic Theatre San Antonio Roosters tells the passionate and symbolic story of a family in the American Southwest. The Classic’s production of Roosters will be held outside at La Zona, Centro San Antonio’s newest outdoor placemaking space in the heart of the Alamo City. Tickets are currently on sale via The Classic’s website, classictheatre.org.
Ain’t Too ProudThe Life and Times of The Temptations
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations is the electrifying new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Nominated for 12 Tony® Awards and the winner of the 2019 Tony Award for Best Choreography, it’s a thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal during a decade of civil unrest in America.
A wine tasting experience and auction to raise funds for families affected by cancer.
majesticempire.com
Presented by Texas Oncology – San Antonio | Benefiting the Texas Oncology Foundation
September 15 | 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The evening will include charcuterie boards, hors d’oeuvres, and an online auction. All proceeds from the event will remain in the Texas Oncology–San Antonio community, and the program will highlight the importance of supporting area patients through financial assistance and survivorship programming. For more information please visit: www.UncorktoSupportTXOF.com
Saturdays and Sundays in September Various Times Lighthouse ArtSpace San Antonio, 221 Burleson St. Lighthouse Immersive, producers of the original Immersive Van Gogh exhibition, is partnering with America’s favorite kefir company, Lifeway Foods, to bring San Antonio yoga under The Starry Night. Admission is $59.99 per person/per class and includes the yoga class experience led by a certified yoga instructor, as well as the Immersive Van Gogh exhibition. Guests should arrive dressed for classes and should bring their own yoga mats. To reserve a spot, visit goghsanantonio.com/immersive-yoga/
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ART BEAT
Agarita
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Agarita presents free public concerts, performs at local schools, and offers opportunities for other artists through its collaborations. Follow Agarita’s upcoming projects and future performances at www.agarita.org.
This fall, Agarita opens their fifth season celebrating the music of Mozart, Mendelssohn and Schumann, and scintillating Cuban work by Guido Lopez-Gavilan through a unique collaboration with the Grammy-winning Harlem Quartet on September 3rd at 7:30 p.m. at the Carver Community Cultural Center. This program is free and open to all. As a nonprofit organization, Agarita believes that the arts should be accessible to everyone in its community.
Agarita’s Humble Hall mobile concerts help bring accessible, free performances to all ten districts of the city. These innovative open-air outdoor performances feature classical and contemporary music by a mix of outstanding composers. Along with providing a new way to experience classical music, educational outreach is also a meaningful and important part of what Agarita does. Since their start in 2018, they have provided 55 community concerts in 41 unique venues throughout the 10 San Antonio districts, 26 artistic collaborators, and have visited more than 1,800 elementary school students through their Agarita Inspires! educational outreach, all free of charge.
Spanning five seasons, Agarita’s innovative programs have included a unique outdoor pool concert featuring guest composer Nadia Botello, a custom-created sound installation interacting with the San Antonio River called “Ojo de Agua I & II,” a composition meant to be heard both above and underwater, as well as a stunning performance of J.S. Bach’s The Goldberg Variations. Additionally, Agarita has partnered with local glass-blower Gini Garcia to create a spontaneous and intricate art display and concert inspiration with the help of lighting artist Chuck Drew and visual artist Patrick McMillan.
Agarita is an innovative chamber ensemble dedicated to offering a new bold and collaborative way to experience classical and contemporary music. The San Antonio-based group is composed of founder Daniel Anastasio (piano), Marisa Bushman (viola), Ignacio Gallego (cello), and Sarah Silver Manzke (violin). Agarita nourishes the local community through eclectic artistic collaborations, free educational outreach, and adventurous programming.
Once you have made a decision, stick with it! Don’t overthink decisions that have already been made. You lose so much time and create unnecessary stress for yourself. Remember to be fully present and in the moment. It was difficult for me to not want to capture all the special moments on my phone and upload them to social media. However, I can honestly say that I never knew where my phone was the entire night! Looking back, I am so happy that I was able to be fully present and absorb every minute of our special day without any distractions. Also, I would strongly suggest investing in a reputable photographer and videographer. Their work is the BEST way to relive your special moments. I am so grateful for our wonderful team. Did you have “His & Hers” Cocktails? What were they, and is there a story behind them? We chose to serve a “his,” “hers,” and “ours” at our reception and cocktail hour. “His” was an Old Fashioned, my husband’s personal favorite and drink of choice. “Hers” was a red Sangria, my go-to drink! “Ours” was a traditional Margarita, something frozen that we all love (which was great for the Texas heat)! What was your first dance song? The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra was our First Dance. This song is an absolute classic and something that Tyler & I have sung to each other for years.
The look on my husband’s face as I walked down the aisle. It was absolutely priceless, so touching and genuine. What was the most stressful part of your wedding day?
Mr. & Mrs. Reiser April 30th, 2022
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What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day?
Do you have any words of advice for brides-to-be?
The fear of rain ruining my outdoor ceremony was always in the back of my mind! On the day of our wedding, it showered all day and finally cleared up just in time as our guests were arriving for our ceremony. Thank goodness! Where was your Honeymoon? We left three days after our wedding and spent two weeks in Bora Bora, French Polynesia. It was an absolute dream to stay in our over-thewater bungalow! A time we will never forget and continue to dream about.
September/October 2022 105 Photographer/Videographer: Prislovsky Photography | Videographer: Still Motion Stories Venue: The Gardens of Cranesbury View | Wedding Dress: Galina Signature | Groom’s Tuxedo: Hugo Boss Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Galina Signature | Hair and Makeup: Madame Makeup Planner: A Bride A Day, Monica Davis | Engagement Ring: Americus Diamond Wedding Bands: Bride - Americus Diamond, Groom - Tiffany & Co | Bar & Catering: Heavenly Gourmet Cake: Nadler’s Bakery | Florist: Freesia Designs | DJ/Band: The Rocket Brothers Band Fireworks: Liberty Fireworks Tiffany Gabrielle Rosenberg & Tyler James Reiser
Photography, mixed media, canvas print , 30 x 48 in.
Playing the game of lotería (Mexican Bingo) has been a long-standing tradition in households across San Antonio. This unique version, ¡Que Sabor! San Antonio ™ captures our “local flavor“ by showcasing dozens of traditional and iconic food images. Created in the spirit of the historic games from Mexico and Europe, this game also contains frolicsome versos or poems that are viewed as lighthearted “clues“ to the cards drawn.
Known as a fruit or a vegetable, good raw, stewed or fried
This one is crimson and grows tall, round or wide
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Conocido como una fruta o verdura, buena cruda, guisada o frita
Este es carmesí y crece alto, redondo o ancho
FINALsawoman.comTHOUGHTS
#1 El Tomate
Tracey Maurer Tracey Is a Texas native who specializes in food photography. Her background in Theatre Arts and as a professional photographer have given her a keen eye for “story telling“. Maurer‘s food-centric take on this widely popular game started out as an art-inspired lotería during the pandemic that was designed to enrich public awareness of food, history, tradition, and culture that make San Antonio so special. For more information please visit www.quesaborsanantonio.com
