At a time when women’s roles centered around the home, Alice Gertrudis King Kleberg broke norms, leaving an indelible mark on South Texas. The daughter of Henrietta and Captain Richard King, founder of the King Ranch, Alice embraced an unwavering commitment to her community.
Known as the “Princess of the Wild Horse Desert,” Alice was a devoted wife and mother. She worked alongside her husband, Robert Justus Kleberg Sr., founder and first President of Kleberg Bank, supporting the communities of Kingsville and Corpus Christi. In the early 1900s, her efforts were key to establishing Spohn Hospital, and after it was destroyed by a hurricane in 1919, Alice led the successful effort to rebuild and reopen the facility in 1923 — a testament to her hard work and a commitment to building a stronger community.
Alice’s legacy is one of strength and unyielding determination. At Kleberg Bank, we are proud to carry forward her spirit of service and stewardship by extending the Bank’s founding purpose, “to help those who showed the spirit of cooperation in community building” in all that we do.
Kayla McMains, HER 2024 Humanitarian. Photography by Shoocha Photography
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These Wondrous Women
This year marks the eighth Women’s Issue I’ve had the privilege of helping to craft for The Bend. As I review the final proof, I can’t help feeling proud of and inspired by these women— the honorees, definitely, but also the remarkable women who contributed to its creation.
From the all-female HER 2024 photoshoot production team and the three talented writers I collaborated with on this year’s feature, to the 12 female contributors on this month’s masthead and our Vice President (and my dear friend) Kaley Regas, this issue truly radiates the power of what can be accomplished when we put our minds, talents and passions together. It is an honor to work alongside each and every one of you.
Much of this issue is dedicated to celebrating women in the Coastal Bend. Within these pages, you’ll find inspiring stories of individuals who make a difference in our community in diverse and meaningful ways.
You’ll read about an organization devoted to promoting STEM careers to young women (pg. 16); meet personal trainer Paloma Trevino, whose female-focused gym fosters fitness and camaraderie (pg. 20); and discover PIK-NIK,
a delicious new gem in Rockport owned by Genevieve Thompson (pg. 58). You’ll also gain insight into the minds of four female ceramic artists preparing for an upcoming exhibition (pg. 62) and much more.
Of course, you’ll also meet this year’s outstanding group of HER honorees. For the first time, we’ve expanded the list to include eight individuals, a reflection of the overwhelming number of impressive nominations we received. The women selected—and believe me, narrowing that down is one of our hardest tasks our team encounters all year—are excellent representations of the ethos behind the HER award. Beyond their many accomplishments, they continually strive to uplift others and create positive change in our community and beyond.
Summing up an incredible woman’s work and legacy is never easy. However, managing editor Alexa Rodriguez, feature writers Kirby Conda and Vanessa Perez and I have attempted to capture the essence of each honoree’s identity—offering a glimpse into the trials and triumphs that shape their lives. Their stories, starting on page 33, are powerful and inspiring. It’s a privilege to share them, and I hope they resonate with you as deeply as they did with us.
Regardless of your gender, phase in life or industry of work, there are great lessons to be learned from each woman featured in this issue. As always, thank you for continuing to turn our pages each month and allowing us the space to share these stories with you all—providing such a platform for others will continuously be atop the list of things I am grateful for.
KYLIE COOPER, EDITOR IN CHIEF kylie@thebendmag.com
I
as they lovingly named the helmet, is an old soul with coastal charm, which influences the aesthetic of each room in the home.
AUTUMN CODED
Nothing says fall like the arrival of seasonal coffee beverages! This year, opt for a local option and try
A HIGH-SCORING SISTERHOOD
Another female-centric story in this month’s issue includes the local women’s pinball club Belles & Chimes. You can feel the friendship beaming off the page while reading that story. This group isn’t just helping to keep the spirit of pinball alive; they’re building a beautiful sisterhood in the process. Pg. 64
THE HOUSE OF JACQUES
absolutely love that the home featured in this month’s Open House section has a narrative-driven design inspired by the homeowners finding a deep-sea diver’s helmet. Jacques,
This One's For the Gals
How a local nonprofit educates girls about career opportunities in STEM
By Ava Coronado Photos Provided
There are sisters bonded by blood and sisters bonded by true friendship. Either way, memories between sisters are held like special souvenirs for the rest of their lives. Local nonprofit This One’s For the Gals—an inspiring sisterhood that encourages girls to change their lives with construction, energy and manufacturing jobs— knows this to be true.
This One’s For the Gals started as an idea to get a dozen girls on an overnight trip to Galveston for a conference and turned into an entire movement in the Coastal Bend. The organization collaborates with educational institutions, workforce development programs and industry partners to build bright futures for women in STEM. Participants learn about opportunities in STEM-related industries through conferences and exhibitions with the support of different employers who inform the girls about industry jobs. These conferences and exhibitions hold demos allowing for exciting experiences such as handling equipment with welding, crane and semi-truck simulators.
“The girls see what it’s like to explore different careers and [we] let them know ‘Hey, there’s a place for you in that world,’” said This One’s For the Gals founder and Chief Visionary Officer Stephanie Hajducek. While growing up, Hajducek was unaware big companies similar to Valero were just minutes away from her. “I had no clue I could go right down the road and get a great job with a great company. Nobody ever told me,” she said.
To support and get involved in This One’s For the Gals, you can donate and find more information on its website.
This ignited a passion in Hajducek; she was determined to step up and redefine career opportunities for young women, giving them hope in the STEM workforce. Today, she’s insistent on ensuring quality futures, not just for the women of today but for generations to come, inspiring them to get curious, discover new passions and build solid foundations for tomorrow.
“I think just helping them find their place sooner is going to be a game changer for the next generation of women,” Hajducek said. This One’s For the Gals has created a sisterhood, with a mission to educate women who need direction in their career path, declaring that potential futures exist through skilled trades and STEM for every gal in the Coastal Bend.
FALL FOR PORT A
A month of autumnal fun awaits. Head to Port Aransas for foodie trails, shopping, a fun run, and more.
Dr. Ricardo Taboada & Dr. Michael Tschickardt
For those living with chronic pain who have been searching for compassionate and skilled physicians to help them regain control of their lives, look no further than Dr. Michael Tschickardt and Dr. Ricardo Taboada with Coastal Bend Pain Management.
Dr. Michael Tschickardt, an interventional pain physician, invites you to experience exceptional care at Coastal Bend Pain Management. With board certification in Pain Medicine and specialized training in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine from Wake Forest University, Dr. Tschickardt brings over two decades of expertise and experience to the Coastal Bend community. His commitment to establishing meaningful patient-
COASTAL BEND PAIN MANAGEMENT
doctor relationships and ability to provide efficient patient care sets him apart.
Dr. Ricardo Taboada is a proud University of Texas at Austin graduate who completed medical school at Universidad Central Del Caribe in Puerto Rico. He continued his training with an Anesthesiology residency and Pain Medicine fellowship at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences and Baystate Medical Center and is board-certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine. With over a decade of experience at the Hartford Hospital Pain Treatment Center, Dr. Taboada brings expertise in interventional pain management with a strong foundation in patient-doctor
relationships. Dr. Taboada is fluent in Spanish and is excited to return to his hometown of Corpus Christi.
Both physicians specialize in Interventional Pain Medicine and can address a range of pain conditions with in-office procedures for convenience and cost savings. From neck and back pain to joint, headache, abdominal, and nerve pain, their team collaborates to devise tailored, patient centered treatment plans aimed at improved function and quality of life. Together, their mission is to restore patients’ quality of life through cuttingedge interventional treatments and complementary therapies in a comfortable and compassionate environment.
Female Fitness Haven
This women-only gym provides tailored workouts and camaraderie around fitness
By Leila Ydrogo Photos by Laro Pilartes
From a young age, Paloma Treviño would watch her mom wake up at 5 a.m. every day to go work out. Eventually, she joined her mother, sparking a love for fitness. “It always felt so natural to me that I never knew I could make it a job. It’s something I really enjoy and like to do—[so much] that it doesn’t even feel like I’m working,” said Treviño. That spark she felt has blossomed into what is known today as Bodies by Paloma, a women’s-only fitness gym.
During her time in college, she became a certified personal trainer and has been open for business ever since. She originally started training clients in 2021, but it wasn’t until after her maternity leave she realized how much a woman’s body changes during pregnancy and the journey it takes to heal the body.
“A lot of people don’t really know about the changes that happen in the body because [doctors] don’t tell you, or they don’t tell you exercises to recover,” said Treviño.
With women in mind, Treviño noticed a gap in the industry. When analyzing workouts marketed to the general public, she discovered most are still more accommodating to the male body. A woman’s body faces distinct challenges, and exercises must be tailored accordingly, especially during the post-partum period. Treviño crafts each one of her workout classes and 1:1 training sessions to meet those needs, and instructs every class to offer support and guidance.
Walking into a regular gym can be overwhelming and intimidating, no matter how experienced you are with fitness. Treviño had a unique vision for her studio beyond just pink walls and equipment.
“I wanted to create a safe space for women. Sometimes when walking into the gym, you don’t know what to do, and even if you
Bodies by Paloma offers classes on weekdays starting at 5 a.m. and Saturdays starting at 8 a.m.
do, it’s hard to motivate yourself. The encouragement you get from our studio makes a world of difference,” she said.
One of the most popular features at the Bodies by Paloma studio is the community it has fostered among the women who attend classes. This sense of camaraderie provides a level of comfort, even for first-timers. “The girls are so welcoming. I love that because it can be scary," Treviño shared. They built a community where we all make friends and keep coming back because of that.”
Treviño has watched timid firsttimers complete 100 workouts with her at the studio. Bodies by Paloma not only helps women achieve their fitness goals, but gives women the confidence to continue their fitness journeys, one workout at a time.
CONTACT
@bodiesbypaloma_fitnesscenter
into Timeless Beauty
HOME & GARDEN
Old world elegance and charm combine to create this seaside escape
The House of Jacques
Old world elegance and charm combine to create this seaside escape
By Eleanor Mason and Elizabeth Welsh, ASID
Some of the most exquisite homes in the Coastal Bend derive from the Cinnamon Shore community, but this eclectic three-bedroom, three-bathroom property, fondly referred to as “The Haus of Jacques,” is an example of what imagination and a love for interior design can produce. Seabreeze Construction built the property in early 2024. Dr. Andrew Aoshima and Brittany WendlAoshima saw the home as an investment opportunity and an ideal vacation spot, and decided to buy.
“We knew we wanted to get a place in Cinnamon Shore because it played a special part in our wedding,” Brittany said. As the home had been built before their purchase, the majority of the interiors were complete; however, the new owners added personal touches, such as fresh light fixtures, wallpaper and amendments, to create a unique seaside getaway.
Atop the stairs on an antiquated glass-front hutch sits a brass replica of an old-fashioned deep-sea diver’s helmet named Jacques, purchased as a statement piece for the new house.
“We found him in a Home Goods store before we moved in,” Brittany remembered. “We wanted to theme the house around a story of someone that was well-
Page
traveled with an old-world elegance.” The age-old style that Jacques represents shines prevalently—not just in the fine details, but in the overall décor inspiration.
On the ground level, the intimate open-concept layout offers effortless socialization while supporting a roomy feel. Deep oceanic hues, sandy tones and bold patterns throughout the home cast a scene of deep-sea life with a seamless combination of minimalism and maximalism.
White kitchen cabinets and walls set the stage for colorful highlights in the brass cabinet hardware and blue quartz countertops, while a life-sized steel hammerhead shark, created by a local artist in Rockport, hangs from the high ceiling.
“I love that this place is not so serious,” Brittany said. “It has nice pieces to it, but at the same time it’s irregular.”
A live edge wooden dining table topped with spiral candlesticks imitating plant life and a large sea shell sits beneath a palm frond chandelier. These examples of the playfulness Brittany effortlessly instilled in the design further the tale of Jacques’ deep-sea adventures.
The spacious half-bathroom continues the sophisticated underwater motif, giving visitors’ imagination plenty to absorb. Panoramic wallpaper
Jacques— the deepsea diver's helmet—sits atop the stairs, overlooking the home meticulously styled around his fictional life of adventure.
Photos by Jason
imitates a blue sky with wisps of clouds, or perhaps frothy waves lapping at a shoreline, while a homemade mirror bordered by saddle oyster shells and dried sun palm leaves inspires thoughts of the ocean.
A unique feature of the home is the reading nook, nestled beneath the staircase inside what once was a closet.
“We thought we would turn it into something cool, rather than a simple closet,” Brittany said. The hideaway, with its walls wrapped in deep-hued foliage, offers a cozy refuge for imagination to wander freely.
Up the stairs, past the octopusadorned sconces and Jacques’ resting place, bedrooms prompt a sense of cool relaxation. Creating cohesion throughout the home, the oceanic, old-world elegance stands out in the small details of the master bedroom. A stained bamboo headboard, creamy textiles and palm trees echo the ease of coastal living, while brass touches among blue tones and ombre curtains pay homage to Jacques’ shining veneer.
Viridian bunkbeds take the spotlight in the eclectic bunk room. “The bunk beds used to be white but I liked the green, and it helps keep them looking cleaner,” Brittany said. The combination of blue ceiling, woven wicker and unique grasscloth palm tree visuals transports visitors through the tropics.
Brittany and Andrew created a truly inspired space for themselves when looking for an adventure in this home away from home.
NOW GROWING
Broccoli
Tips for growing this Italy-native vegetable in the Coastal Bend
By Justin Butts
Around the time of Julius Caesar, Roman farmers ingeniously bred broccoli from a wild sea cabbage that grew along the Mediterranean coast. What we know as broccoli today is the enlarged, unopened flower of that ancient plant.
While tomatoes and eggplants are often associated with Italian cuisine, broccoli was a common ingredient in Italian kitchens long before eggplant arrived from India or tomatoes were brought from the New World.
In the Coastal Bend, broccoli thrives as a cool-weather vegetable, making October the ideal time for planting. With about 80 days to maturity, you can expect a compact head, six to eight inches across, to form by mid-December. When harvesting, cut the head at the stalk, but leave the plant in the ground. Dozens of smaller, delicious florets will continue to sprout, allowing you to harvest for as long as the plant produces them, usually until March. “Sprouting” broccoli varieties, which produce only florets rather than a single head, can yield more broccoli over a longer season compared to traditional heading broccoli.
Interestingly, a light frost or freeze activates the sugars in broccoli, enhancing its flavor. However, a hard or extended freeze will kill the plant. If severe cold is expected, you can harvest the large, dark green leaves and cook them like collard greens—they taste just like broccoli.
As March heats up, broccoli begins to bolt, attempting to “go to seed.” The plant will grow tall and willowy, covered in small yellow flowers. These flowers are not only edible and delicious but also attract bees and pollinators to your garden. Eventually, the flowers will produce tiny broccoli seeds, ready for next year’s planting.
For the best broccoli, consider varieties like Waltham and Green Magic. For sprouting broccoli, Calabrese Green Sprouting and Early Purple Sprouting are top choices.
GARDENER'S NOTES
GROWING UP
Spacing, 15”. Height, 12” to 24”. Cool-weather vegetable. Plant transplants in October in rich, welldrained soil. Since broccoli is a heavy feeder, mix three inches of compost and two cups of native wood ash per plant into the soil. Add two cups of pastured poultry manure when planting, and side-dress with another two cups at 60 days. Water regularly. Harvest the compact head when ready, and continue harvesting smaller florets until March.
PROFILING
For optimal growth, use the 2-1-2 planting pattern: plant two broccoli transplants side by side, seven inches off-center, followed by a single transplant 15 inches down the row, then another pair 15 inches farther. This pattern leaves space for dill or cilantro, which help repel pests and add garden flavor.
FUN FACTS
Broccoli rabe, or rapini, is more closely related to turnips than broccoli. It produces loosely formed heads with a bitter, sharp taste, though cooking reduces bitterness. The best variety is Natalina di Fasano Cima Grande, available from Baker Creek Seed Company. Grow it just like broccoli.
Green in all its glorious hues is definitely having its moment. Ranging from bold and bright to subtle and warm, green can transform your space depending on the shade you choose. Green also pairs so well with a variety of other colors. Neutrals, crisp linen whites and contrasting blacks beautifully balance out shades of green. Embrace the beautiful color range of green and discover the many styles that we have to offer.
Honoring, Empowering & Raising Up Women
Each October, The Bend proudly dedicates its issue to celebrating the women who shape our community. The HER feature and award serve one clear purpose: to honor the dynamic female leaders of the Coastal Bend who are creating a lasting impact and paving the way for others to thrive. Across diverse industries, these women have invested their time, energy and resources to drive meaningful change. We are honored to present to you the HER 2024 honorees.
HER
By Kirby Conda, Kylie Cooper, Vanessa Perez & Alexa Rodriguez
Portraits by Shoocha Photography
Makeup by Evangelyn Reyes, Dust My Face Hair by Jasmine Torres, Eye Mami - Makeup & Hair Salon
Styling by Alexa Gignac, Julian Gold Corpus Christi Vintage Furniture provided by Birchwood Beauties
DR. RENITA NEWTON Catalyst
Walking into Dr. Renita Newton’s office is unlike walking into other counseling centers. There is a couch, but there are also shelves of sound bowls, a gong, dim lighting and a mellow playlist. “I want people to feel at peace when they walk in,” she said. The tranquil environment transcends the chaos of life—so much so that you would never guess the work it took for Dr. Newton to triumph over her own trauma to help others do the same.
No stranger to hardship, Newton took on the role of her siblings’ caregiver after her father was incarcerated and following the loss of her mother at age 14. Though trauma, grief and an emphasis on survival marked childhood, curiosity and advocacy for herself and her siblings carried her through adolescence and beyond. It propelled her into an ambitious journey to becoming a first-generation college graduate, and now a clinical mental health practitioner with a Ph.D. “We were all like crabs in a barrel,” she said about her home life. “I was the crab that got out.” Often told to be quiet and sit down, Newton got into “good trouble,” as she calls it, when questioning life’s inequities. Not one to stay silent and accept a negative situation, Newton’s unfailing advocacy remains at the core of who she is today. “I want to be a beacon of hope for others even though I was silenced as a child,” she said.
As a teen, Newton discovered educational programs as an opportunity to escape the trauma permeating her home, but college never crossed her mind as a possibility until a school counselor encouraged her to chase a dream that felt bigger than her. Fast forward 13 years of education, multiple degrees and various professional endeavors, and that tenacious teen who would skip the bus to attend after-school clubs and forego dinner to ensure her siblings ate is now Dr. Renita Newton with a whole new set of ambitions.
Until she started the doctoral program at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC), Newton’s anthem was hard work. “For me, as a person of color, I struggled with the cultural work ethic of, ‘Do do do do, even if you’re tired, keep going,’” she said. “But what about light work?”
In her doctoral dissertation, she posed the question: If students explored six mindful interventions, would they be less stressed? The study, which focused on African American doctoral students, found that practicing deep breathing and actual rest was not the antithesis of hard work but rather the gateway to coping and ultimately succeeding. The overwhelming majority of students in the study saw success.
In December of 2023, Newton graduated from the counseling education doctoral program at TAMUCC with the prestigious Outstanding Islander Graduate award. Her colleagues noted her compassionate advocacy; inclusion for community members who regularly experience disparities in access to quality care as part of her research; and the contribution of her talents to successfully acquire a grant for the university’s inaugural Wellness Expo as deserving attributes. Her time as a counseling professional and adjunct faculty member at the University Counseling Center also reflects these principles.
Through her body of research and now with her new private practice, Bound 2 Rize— which concentrates on mending clinical mental health and sound bath meditation—Newton is changing the narrative of what it means to tend to our mental and emotional health.
“I am very big on inclusivity and bringing experiences to historically marginalized communities,” she said. She emphasized that self-discovery journeys, coping skills, breath work and practicing mindfulness as a whole are not just activities reserved for white men and women going on expensive meditation retreats. She’s determined to make mental health prioritization the norm for everyone
“Early in life, they tell you to follow your dreams and never look back. My sister never got that memo. Every day, she reaches back across the bounds of time and preconceived social norms to bring others along her journey to healing, light and prosperity. I have watched her break generational curses like a comic book superhero to find her place in the world. She is daring and she is bold.”
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Danielle Newton SISTER
“We have 60,000 thoughts a day and they aren’t all pretty,” Newton said. “I see this [her practice] being a multifaceted entity where individuals can come and get what they need to be their most confident, freed and worthy self,” she said. “I would love to be a tiny part of a movement toward whole body healing, where people become healthy and whole, where souls are glowing and energy is transformed from sadness into power.”
Newton skews toward the curious, always moving forward in a journey to self-actualization, discovery and healing. However, her superpower lies in the research and years of clinical experience resulting in a multi-faceted approach. She obtained a sound healing certification through Divine Global People and has the clinical expertise to process with clients afterward, rather than letting them go. Though she isn’t doing intake in a clinical sense, Newton’s credentials allow her to take more of a trauma-informed approach. Through this unique perspective, she finds that clients’ learning is liberated, which opens the door to healing.
Though Newton would not have escaped “the barrel” without the drive to push through barriers and the resilience to pursue education, she found curiosity about self-discovery and healing as the key to unlocking the power to do this work to its highest potential. It’s not all grit and repression, it’s not just pushing through hardship, it’s being set free from it where true healing can happen. “We are self-actualizing, we are elevating ourselves and our frequency to its highest potential,” she said.
From those early adolescent years advocating for herself and her siblings to forging a career path at the intersection of clinical mental health and mindfulness, Newton’s always been a catalyst for change. In fact, one of her next goals is to partner with neurologists to research the effects of sound bath meditation on brain waves.
She pokes holes in what is accepted as the norm and dares to imagine a world in which true healing can happen, regardless of how deep the personal wounds are. Newton is on a never-ending journey toward healing and, instead of curiosity birthed from repression and inequity as the drive, she’s living in the reality that she deserves to take up space, be heard and create a launch pad for others to do the same. - AR
ALISSA PEÑA Entrepreneur
n the vibrant tapestry of the Coastal Bend, where the rhythm of everyday life hums gently against the backdrop of sunlit shores, Alissa Peña emerges not just as a local figure but as an indomitable force in the world of haute cuisine.
Her professional pedigree is nothing short of extraordinary, yet she remains serenely unbothered by the notoriety that might accompany such acclaim. She’s a hometown luminary, though top-rated kitchens and elite restaurants across the nation would attest she could hold her own on a much bigger stage.
Peña’s journey through the culinary world is a tale of sheer brilliance. Her path has led her from the prestigious kitchens of the Four Seasons to consulting roles for esteemed brands––Mia Bella Trattoria, Andalucia Tapas Restaurant and Bar and locally, Katz 21 Steak and Spirits, to name a few—where she’s played a pivotal role in establishing dining experiences renowned for their impeccable standards and tantalizing fare.
Her culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in the early days of intense labor and perseverance; qualities that were ingrained in her from a tender age. “Work was always number one,” Peña reflected. “My work ethic was instilled in me since I was a little kid.”
In the world of professional kitchens, where precision and perfection are paramount, Peña has navigated the high-pressure environment with a grace that is both enviable and instructive. She’s witnessed the spectrum of human behavior in these intense settings.
“Working in other restaurants, seeing how different staffers are treated, is an eye-opener,” she said. “And being at the Four Seasons changed everything for me.” It was there she encountered a culture of equality and respect
that has become her guiding principle—a benchmark she applies to every restaurant she’s crafted and managed. “Simple things like eye contact and smiling make the difference,” she asserted. “Service shapes an entire experience, and, to me, service is at the top of the food chain.”
Beneath her polished exterior and a smile that can light up any room lies a profound dedication to her craft. Peña is a master of discretion, and her close-knit circle is aware of the intense commitment she brings to her work.
It’s this dedication that has earned her the revered title of “The Salsa Lady.” The genesis of her salsa empire began in December 2017 when Radiology and Associates sought her expertise for its holiday celebration. The event attendees, enchanted by her salsa—a recipe passed down from her mother Priscilla—insisted it be bottled and sold. The overwhelming demand propelled Peña into the spotlight; her salsa, initially a festive delight, quickly became a staple in local markets, igniting a fervor that led to the birth of her business, JalaPeña’s Salsa.
Peña had always envisioned this moment, meticulously planning and visualizing her dream. “I put visions down on paper to manifest them continuously all along the way to reach the final goal,” she said. Her commitment to perfection is evident in her approach, from selecting the exact shade of habanero salsa she saw on Pinterest to the year-and-a-half she spent perfecting it. Her dedication is reflected in every jar of JalaPeña’s Salsa, now a celebrated product in stores across Texas, from Corpus Christi to Austin, San Antonio, Houston and McAllen. Recently, Peña was warmly welcomed by a local retailer with a jubilant cheer of “The
“Alissa has taken her skills and knowledge acquired in some of the best food cities in America (Austin, Houston, Richmond and D.C.) and taken it all back with her to Corpus Christi to channel into JalaPeña’s Salsa.”
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Chef Quentin Frye FRIEND
Salsa Lady is here!” This affectionate moniker embodies the respect she’s garnered and her deep-rooted connection to her community.
In addition to selling products in large retailers—such as Total Wine—across the state, Peña was asked to create a special Clerksthemed salsa trio ahead of the cult-classic Kevin Smith franchise’s third installment in 2022. After the owner of Jade City Foods, a company selling food items with film tie-ins, stumbled across Peña’s salsa, she was asked to produce a line of “Salsa Shark” salsas, inspired by a joke from the film. A self-described Kevin Smith fangirl, Peña was beyond honored to take on the project, which meant slightly tweaking her recipes and fulfilling by far her largest volume of jars to date. A partnership that continues to this day, it's one of her favorite projects she's been a part of.
Despite her success, Peña remains grounded, recognizing that her journey is just beginning. She is currently in her mise en place era—preparing intentionally for the next big moment. “I am going to be ready when it’s time,” she said with unshakable confidence. Peña’s devotion to her craft is unwavering, but she acknowledges the challenges of maintaining balance. “Cooking is my heart and soul; my business and my hobby; my love and my life,” she said. The demands can be overwhelming, but she finds solace in her passion, taking time to reset and refocus. “I tell myself to shake it off, center my mind and get back to work. Through the work, I am able to process what I’m feeling.”
While JalaPeña’s Salsa is in high demand across the state, Peña’s love for her Coastal Bend roots remains a constant. “The Coastal Bend is so good to entrepreneurs, facilitating connections and supporting local,” Peña said with genuine affection. “That’s why I love it here so much.”
Her story is a testament to the intersection of passion and perseverance, a blend that has shaped not just her success but also the community that supports her. For Peña, food is more than sustenance—it’s an expression of love and respect.
“My food, my business, is me giving back,” she concluded. In every jar of salsa, Peña offers a piece of her heart, a reflection of her craft and a taste of the devotion that defines her reign as the Queen of Salsa. - K. CONDA
Judith Talavera Industry Leader
merican Electric Power (AEP) Texas serves around one million electric consumers across its 100,000 square miles of Lone Star State territory. Providing electricity and restoring power after outages is certainly no small feat; the tedious and often dangerous job requires significant manpower. As Chief Operating Officer (COO) and President of AEP Texas, Judith Talavera oversees all 1,600 of those employees, dedicated to providing electricity to our corner of the world. Not to mention, she’s the first woman and only the second Hispanic individual to hold the job in the company’s tenure.
AWhen starting with AEP Texas 24 years ago, Talavera entered a heavily male-dominated industry as the Manager of Governmental Affairs. Eight years later, she became the Head of Regulatory Service and in 2016, she took on the role of President and COO where she now oversees the distribution operations for the company, all customer service work and the regulatory, finance, safety and performance departments. Her road to becoming an industry leader included a lot of hard work and bravery, but it wasn’t exactly linear.
As a first-generation Mexican-American, Talavera’s childhood was marked by unwavering support and the gentle nurturing of ambition. When Talavera was approached as a middle-schooler about attending a Vanguard school, her parents let her decide, and take ownership of her decision—despite the 6 a.m. commute and increased workload.
After an encounter with a news anchor for an interview in high school, Talavera set her sights on becoming, as she said, the “Hispanic Barbara Walters.” But her high school was a magnet school for business, landing her in the McCombs School of Business at the University of
Texas. She explored her career interests with two internships: one with a state representative and another with Telemundo, eventually resulting in a major change from business to journalism and government.
Her internship turned full-time job as a legislative assistant was the gateway to the government affairs position with AEP Texas. In reflecting on her 16 years in government affairs and regulatory service, Talavera recalled many a night on the capitol floor, sometimes at 1 a.m. and pregnant with her first child, advocating for interests that affected individuals working a dangerous job. One piece of legislation she’s most proud of helping to push through is integrating electrical service workers and vehicles into the “Move Over Law,” which requires drivers to put at least one lane between their cars and roadside workers when on a highway with two or more lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. A common thread in Talavera’s career is safety, especially in her current role.
“It’s a dangerous industry even if people aren’t physically working out there in the field, touching electricity,” she emphasized. “We do a lot of driving and have a very strong safety culture; we want to make sure all our team members get home to their loved ones every day.”
Between severe weather threats increasing and the public’s general expectation for electricity to be restored after an outage, it’s Talavera’s directive to invest in the reliability and resiliency of the system. “It’s a balance to make the necessary investments we know we have to make, while also being very mindful to keep rates affordable for customers.”
She’s dedicated to keeping a pulse on the community, knowing how the needs change and how AEP Texas can meet them, including a willingness to adopt new technologies to address needs quicker.
“Judith Talavera has an incredible drive to always do the right thing, whether it pertains to her job, her community or her family. No matter what she is doing, she is fully invested and focused on the task at hand. Even though she has a tremendous responsibility being the President/COO for AEP Texas, that has never interfered with her being the best Mom to her sons. Beautiful, smart and caring – she is truly a role model to us all.”
| Ric Talavera HUSBAND
From the start of her career, she’s forged her path as a female in the male-dominated industry without letting it serve as a crutch. “I’m proud to say that AEP has several women in leadership positions, but we still have a ways to go,” she said. “I always felt empowered and very capable of doing the job that I was hired to do. I have a certain background and expertise and skill set that I bring to the table that maybe the other candidates, male or female, didn’t have.”
Talavera reflects on her 19-year-old self approaching a man from the state rep’s office she recognized at the airport to ask for an internship: “I was terrified, but what if I had let fear win? Where would I be? Certainly not here.” Though this advice is easier to give as an executive at the top of her game, she’s had to live it repeatedly while climbing the corporate ladder. For young women just starting to realize their potential, this is undoubtedly the advice she would give.
Now, a poised and confident industry leader, Talavera walks the halls of AEP Texas’ headquarters as a powerful person, no doubt, but one who embodies servant leadership at its core. “I’m not going to ask [employees] to do anything that I wouldn’t do myself,” she said of her leadership style. “I very much believe in the power of team—I know I don’t have all the answers, so I want to make sure I have a diverse team of people around me who each bring their own unique skill sets.”
Talavera noted she wouldn’t be here without the support of mentors, colleagues and especially her parents, grandparents, husband and two children. She recalled her sons beaming with pride when learning she would be the company's first female president, and attributed her success to the strong women in her life who provided gentle encouragement along the way.
At every turn in her career, Talavera has considered how she might be a piece of a larger puzzle, without diminishing the value she brings to the table. Her proudest moments range from being the first person in her family to graduate college to watching with pride as AEP workers lined the streets to restore power after Hurricane Harvey. Talavera’s 24-year career proves that leadership isn’t about dominance, but rather nurturing your talents for the betterment of the community at large. - AR
Dr. Alainya Tomanec Medical Hero
oing where the need is greatest every day comes with an expected amount of difficulty, but Dr. Alainya Tomanec does not shy away from confronting challenges head-on. As a wife, mother and eldest sister to six brothers growing up, Tomanec is no stranger to solving problems and has graciously accepted the roles she inhabits both in her personal and work life. Decisiveness, attention to detail and a lasting sense of empathy, she says, fill the gaps where practical knowledge simply isn’t always sufficient.
Born and raised in the rural areas of Alice and Orange Grove, Tomanec recalls her choice to go into medicine as one made from a practical standpoint of finding good work worth doing. The path indeed proved worth it, especially as she progressed into medical school at Texas A&M University, where she began to find her practice niche and community with colleagues.
As a full life—among her practice, a husband and a family—quickly took root, Tomanec’s path led her back to the Coastal Bend, where she currently serves as Program Director of the Emergency Medicine Residency program, as well as the Associate Medical Director, at Spohn Shoreline.
While leadership was not something Tomanec had readily considered at the beginning of her career, it has proven a catalyst for positive change in line with her sense of advocacy, for her patients and her team.
Tomanec describes the group of emergency medicine residents—36 of whom she oversees each year—and attendings as a tight-knit family of adrenaline junkies with whom even most micro-expressions speak many words. While certain pockets of job satisfaction might be found on the floor tending to patients, she said teaching opened
up another door to something she never expected to be so fulfilling. In seeing where residents shine and offering them insight, she finds invaluable opportunities to plant seeds and watch them grow.
Tomanec’s readiness to take on different roles has also made her a vital asset in assessing, improving and in some cases protecting the hospital’s programming and operations. Last year, Spohn Shoreline reversed its decision to close its doors on the Emergency Residency Program. The initiative to save the program was led by Tomanec and her leadership colleagues, who argued extensively that such a decision would be detrimental to both the medical community and the wider community.
A survey conducted by the Nueces County Medical Society of all physicians in the area found 40% had plans to retire in the next five years, massively affecting the already dwindling healthcare resources in the Coastal Bend. With figures like this in mind, Tomanec highlighted the necessity of working to retain providers in our region, especially those at the beginning of their careers and with a lifetime of service ahead of them.
“We love the program and we love teaching. But really what we were concerned about was how it would impact the care and the community,” Tomanec said. “We're all passionate about [the program] because we all live here. Specifically, I didn’t want to see anything go backward in the region, because I grew up here. I’ve seen the healthcare landscape change, and we’re not where it needs to be anyway. We don’t need any steps backward; we only need steps forward.”
For all the stress and potential heartbreak the experience brought, Tomanec said she and her team felt energized to do more. Their circumstances only stood for an instance of what could realistically happen to other
“Dr. Tomanec is a true hero in our community. She has transformed patient care as a key supporter of the Emergency Medicine Residency program. Her influence extends beyond the emergency department, as she collaborates with hospital leadership to improve care across the region. She is a beacon of strength and perseverance, admired for her unwavering commitment to her profession and personal life.”
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Dr. Kristopher Sutherly COLLEAGUE
programs—something they hope to help avoid by providing insight through action plans and policy writing. The importance of having people across departments and disciplines meet on the same grounds of understanding was a key finding for them; and at the end of the day, being able to provide care and meet patients’ needs took focus.
As a woman in medicine, Tomanec acknowledges it is a jarring truth that she may often be the only woman in many rooms, especially in a leadership role, but has come to embrace the strengths of her perspective.
“Women are much more impactful from an emotional perspective than men are; that ability exists,” she said. “We have different levels of insight. If you’re not the majority in the room, then you have a special perspective that doesn’t otherwise exist. So, I try to tell [residents] that you need to capitalize on that.” Tomanec expressed gratitude that by watching her succeed in medicine and leadership, her two daughters will never expect anything less to be the norm.
Keeping a balanced life with room for self-care is no easy feat, but Tomanec is conscientious about even the finest details in her days. With a steady eye on the present, she finds worth in tackling each day, one task at a time. She tries to begin her day with a drive down Ocean Drive, uplifting herself by listening to hymns. To end the day in the same place she started, she often plans time to talk to someone she loves. Tomanec says the process of reaching for certain things and letting others go is one she has become willingly accustomed to—focusing on what fills her calendar today as opposed to tomorrow helps her to move forward with the constant goal in mind.
“We want people to be able to get good health care here; we need accessibility,” she stressed. “We have a lot of work to do. We don’t just focus on recruiting ER positions, we need specialty and primary care, too. It’s one of the basic things you have to have in town. You have to be able to stay here and get good medical care when you need it.”
Tomanec’s transcendent dedication to her field has proven a vital asset for the community—she’s a strong advocate for expanding the future of medicine and healthcare in the region for every individual who calls the Coastal Bend home. - VP
Dr. Jennifer Pollac CommunityVisionary
n Dr. Jennifer Pollack’s desk, a ceramic card holder bears a quote from Ed Harte, the Harte Research Institute’s (HRI) namesake: “Make a difference.”
The ethos of those three words is felt immediately upon entering the research facility—it echoes down the halls, into the laboratories and within the hearts and minds of each individual contributing to HRI’s mission. Especially Dr. Pollack.
It’s that mission that brought her back to HRI. She first joined the team in 2007 for her postdoctoral work as an assistant research scientist. After moving to the university’s Life Sciences department in 2011, she made her HRI homecoming in 2018.
“This is just such a special place,” Pollack said. “It aligns with the why behind what I do, as it was founded on the idea of getting out there and doing something good; making a legacy contribution. You learn that this is really how you move the needle—this is where real change can be made.”
Now chairing Coastal Conservation and Restoration at HRI, Pollack oversees research focused on science-based insights to support natural resource management, enhance coastal ecosystem sustainability and assess changing conditions on habitats like oyster reefs, while exploring restoration strategies for lost ecological functions.
A colleague once likened their work to bricklaying. In the beginning, there wasn’t much there, perhaps just the foundation of a structure, but gradually the structure begins to take shape. And the hard truth of this line of work is that they’ll never be done laying bricks. “The amount of habitat loss is enormous,” she admitted, “but when you see tangible changes—like those visible on Google Earth—it helps make the effort feel less daunting.”
When you walk into Pollack’s lab, the most notable thing you’ll find—aside from the
groundbreaking work being done behind the door and under the microscope—is that the overwhelming majority of researchers inside are women. She finds that somewhat serendipitous but certainly significant.
“It wasn’t my intention to build an almost all-female team,” she said. “It’s a rigorous process to be a part of our team—you have to be willing to never stop learning and work together. You need grit to push past failure and break boundaries.”
And the presence of a female leader can lower barriers to entry for aspiring scientists. “Representation matters,” she noted, reflecting on her own career, where most of her mentors, though great, were men. Now, she provides that inspiration for a new generation of female scientists.
One of Pollack’s legacy projects is Sink Your Shucks. Though trained in benthos, she hadn't focused on oysters until joining HRI, where a growing interest in funding habitat restoration led her to pursue oyster reef restoration. At the same time, local restauranteur Brad Lomax and HRI Chair Dr. Joe Fox discussed Lomax’s large volume of oyster shells. When the conversation got back to Pollack, a lightbulb went off. Drawing on her experience from the Carolinas, where a state-run oyster recycling program existed, Pollack envisioned a similar initiative for HRI.
If too many shells are taken away, an oyster reef disappears; but in a literal plateto-bay cycle, new generations of oysters are able to move into prior generations’ shells. The program, over the last 15 years, has collected more than 3 million pounds of shells and constructed over 45 acres of reef in the Mission-Aransas estuary bays.
The impact of Sink Your Shucks extends beyond the immediate environmental benefits: Pollack explained oysters are a phenomenal entry point into conservation and restoration. By securing the right partnerships,
“Jennifer Pollack is one of the most quietly brilliant people I know. Her down-to-earth nature always makes me feel at ease, and her deep care for others is something I truly admire. I’ve seen firsthand how she’s made a real difference in Corpus Christi with her work, and she’s shown me how women can make a real impact in science by leading with both heart and intelligence.”
| Sara Sells Morgan FRIEND
educating the community and creating public participation events, tangible results of restoration at work are seen.
“You can see it in their eyes,” she said of participants at community events. “People use their own hands to make a difference, and in doing so, we create new stewards of the bay and the coast. That is the Sink Your Shucks, and really the HRI, effect.”
A researcher and scholar at one of the highest levels, Pollack’s list of achievements is extensive, but what she values most is connecting HRI’s work with key decision-makers. She credits former HRI executive directors Dr. Bob Furgason and Dr. Larry McKinney for instilling the importance of being an “honest broker” of knowledge. “We present all the information, and it’s up to the decision-makers to act on it,” she explained. “I’m not here to advocate for a specific decision, but I will provide facts they can trust.”
One of Pollack’s most admirable qualities is her openness to admitting when she doesn’t know something. In fact, problems excite her, and finding solutions to problems, even if that means bringing in other minds and perspectives, excites her even more. When presented with a challenge, she instantly reframes the perspective to that of new opportunities.
“With the nature of our work, our pressing needs are constantly changing depending on environmental threats,” she said. “I’m not in the business of being the best at everything, and we have top experts in their fields here. So, when presented with a new challenge, we involve the right collaborators and find a way forward. With new questions, we need someone to come up with new answers, and I’d rather that someone be us.”
In August 2023, Pollack was named the Larry D. McKinney Endowed Chair at HRI. As one of the highest honors awarded to HRI faculty, the appointment sets her at the pinnacle of scientific research both nationally and internationally.
However, no matter her title, the number of published works, secured grant dollars or students she’s ushered into the next phase of their career, the positive changes she contributes to will always be what keeps her going. Though habitat loss, rising sea levels and climate change’s varying effects are real and omnipresent threats, if she can help to leave this place a little better than she found it, if she can lay just a wall’s worth of bricks, she’ll consider all the hard work worth it. - K. COOPER
Dr. Rossy Lima Rising Star
t is no secret that the places we come from, our stories and our experiences draw us inextricably together. In telling her stories and helping others to tell their own, Dr. Rossy Lima finds the connection of community she believes all people need.
As a professor of Spanish and linguistics at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, an internationally celebrated poet in multiple languages and a steadfast advocate for Latin American literary arts, Lima has dedicated her life and passion to the human tradition of storytelling to foster connection. She recalls the seed of oral tradition and crafting stories planted in her earliest memories, with her mother standing in their kitchen, reciting excerpts of books or poems she had committed to memory.
Sometimes our communities find us, but as Lima traces in her work, we are more compelled to seek out or cultivate our own communities in the many places we call home. Since immigrating at age 13 to the United States from Veracruz, Mexico, along with her mother and two younger siblings, Lima remembers the risk and resulting isolation of her mother uprooting their entire life to afford her children better opportunities.
“I think [my experience of emigration] opened my empathy in a way that I can now understand other people when they’re going through different forms of isolation, because I can relate to that,” Lima said of her early days in the U.S. as a middle schooler.
Throughout her undergraduate career and life in the Rio Grande Valley, Lima found herself in pursuit of community through creative projects like zines and art exhibits, something that ultimately led her to her most steadfast companions—namely her husband, Gerald.
“I really admire when people are not afraid of doing things for the first time,” she said. “I look for those individuals.”
Lima self-identifies as a pragmatist with a penchant for optimism—a quality that has led her through a myriad of academic accomplishments such as a B.A. in Spanish literature, an M.A. in literature and linguistics and a Ph.D. in Spanish linguistics and applied linguistics, as well as countless projects and programs which she spearheads. As the executive director of the Latino Book Review, Lima has advocated and acquired funding for literacy development in marginalized communities with a dedicated lens toward improving diversity, equity and inclusion.
Lima, along with her husband, went on to co-found the Center for Latin American Traditions, Innovation and Resilience (CLATIR) and Jade Publishing to foster more appreciation and representation for diverse Latin American works in wider culture. In her work with CLATIR, or Centro Latir, Lima partnered with her husband and brother, Arturo, to open a non-profit dedicated to three main pillars: education, culture and service.
By providing opportunities for enrichment and connection within the community, as well as filling potential gaps in resources, CLATIR aims to empower youth by lending safe spaces for them to succeed. As an educator and advocate, Lima cites the goal of making education accessible and inclusive as the driving factor behind much of her work.
“I never saw myself reflected in the books at school. Even at the library, I remember reading David Copperfield and To Kill a Mockingbird and thinking, ‘This is cool, but what does it have to do with me?’ I was always hungry for those stories that reflected my experience, my culture, something that would allow me to comment,” she said.
“Dr. Lima’s vision for a better tomorrow is evident in her tireless work to promote cultural heritage, foster inclusivity and enhance educational opportunities. She has transcended challenges and created impactful, long-lasting change in the community.”
- Gerald Padilla HUSBAND
Lima describes her desire to publish diverse authors through Jade Publishing in conjunction with giving a spotlight to these works through the Latino Book Review as giving the gift of connection in the community; highlighting that, although our experiences are unique, more often than not we find granules of relation and connectivity in the stories we hear.
Her personal works of poetry have been celebrated internationally and acclaimed for their themes on the immigrant experience, the complexity of identity and self-exploration through cultural connection. Her book of poetry Migrare Mutare received the honor of being adapted into an opera, set to the music of Venezuelan composer Reinaldo Moya and sung by soprano Elena Villalón at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in 2022. Lima recalls this experience with a mix of surrealism and humility.
“I see myself as a vessel. Yes, I [wrote] these poems, but these poems are a forest, one from the way I am experiencing the world around me,” Lima said. “But ultimately, I feel that I am just transporting these words that resonate with other people. And they resonate with them, not because they are mine, but because for some reason or in some way, I connected with them.”
Between plans to publish her future works, publishing the work of other artists and a full teaching schedule, Lima traces the path to purpose and joy in the connective tissue of art and community. Her curiosity and eye for opportunity shine through even in the quiet moments between projects, currently citing a desire to contribute more toward social justice and equity efforts.
In everything she does, Lima draws back on her multitude of experiences as an immigrant starting from scratch, the sustained networks of support she has found as the true source of her resilience and her intuitive ability to create community wherever she goes. While her work in the community has just begun, others may already find themselves forging connections and finding opportunities in the spaces she dared to envision. - VP
ayla McMains
Humanitarian
Philanthropy is often a pursuit of the heart, shaped by personal experiences and deep-seated passions.
For Kayla McMains, a dynamic force in the Coastal Bend’s charity landscape, this journey began in a profoundly personal way.
It was the Cattle Barons Ball, co-chaired with her husband, that first ignited her love for fundraising and nonprofit work. “It was a lot of work, but so rewarding,” she recalled. “I knew I didn’t want to stop there.” That initial spark quickly evolved into a blazing commitment to multiple causes, making McMains a cornerstone of local charitable efforts.
Today, McMains’ calendar is a testament to her dedication. She remains an influential figure at the Art Museum of South Texas, serving as a trustee and a key member of the ArtBall committee. Her past role as co-chair for the museum’s summer fundraiser, Artrageous, continues to showcase her deep love for the arts.
Alongside this, McMains lends her efforts to the American Cancer Society, helping to organize its annual couture-style show, and is a driving force behind the Circle of Rosé, a new initiative for the American Heart Association.
But perhaps the most touching aspect of her philanthropic work is her involvement with the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) of South Texas, where she serves on the Development and Capital Campaign committees. The House holds a special place in McMains’ heart following a personal tragedy in 2023.
“We lost our son when I was nearly 30 weeks pregnant,” she said. “That experience led me to RMH.” The Ronald McDonald House provides a sanctuary for families who need to travel for their children’s medical care. For McMains, it’s a place that allows families to
focus solely on their child’s recovery without the added stress of finding a place to stay or preparing meals.
“The House is completely free and open to any family in need,” she explained. “There’s always a wait list, which is why our current capital campaign aims to build a larger facility— what we’re calling the ‘legacy build.’”
The House currently has space to serve 25 families, a number that will nearly double with the new construction of a five-story facility for the nonprofit. In addition to serving more families in need, the new 48,000-square-foot building will include a teen zone, an outdoor kitchen area and a rooftop garden—all in service of helping families to feel a little more at home during unimaginably difficult times. With a fundraising goal of $20 million, this initiative is a testament to McMains’ commitment to expanding the support network for families during their most vulnerable times.
McMains’ dedication is fueled by a genuine desire to make a difference, and it’s evident in every aspect of her work. As president of the Corpus Christi Young Lawyers Association, she helps organize multiple fundraisers throughout the year, and her involvement with the Texas Bar Foundation further underscores her commitment to advancing legal aid and justice.
Her personal life and professional commitments—running her own law practice and being a busy mom and wife—are seamlessly integrated into her philanthropic endeavors. “I live and die by my calendar,” she laughed. “Balancing everything is challenging, but it’s all worth it.”
Her husband’s support has been crucial in this balancing act, enabling her to dedicate time to these causes. “He’s incredibly
“Kayla’s dedication to advancing the missions of numerous organizations is extraordinary. Her contributions have bolstered critical health and wellness initiatives and enriched our community’s cultural and legal landscapes. Kayla’s unwavering commitment to helping others, even in the face of her own challenges, speaks to the strength of her convictions. She is a true force for good and a champion of service.”
| Rosaura Bailey FRIEND
supportive,” McMains said. “Without his help, managing both my family and my volunteer work would be impossible.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of her philanthropy is the immediate effect she sees. “After spending a few hours at RMH, anything you thought was a problem suddenly seems small,” she reflected. “It’s an incredibly humbling experience.”
This perspective not only fuels her ongoing commitment but also serves as a lesson she hopes to pass on to her daughter—a legacy of giving back and making a difference in people’s lives.
In addition to her direct involvement with various organizations, McMains’ law practice also reflects her commitment to service. She has long been an advocate for indigent defense, accepting court appointments to represent individuals who cannot afford an attorney. Though she has recently scaled back to focus on misdemeanors, her dedication to ensuring fair representation remains unwavering. “Indigent defense is a cornerstone of my work,” she said. “It’s crucial to me to provide legal aid to those who need it most.”
Her philanthropic work is confirmation of the power of community and the difference one person can make. Her involvement spans a wide array of causes, from health and wellness to the arts and legal aid. Each organization she supports is important to her for different reasons, but RMH holds a particularly profound significance. “It’s a place where families can find solace during their most difficult times,” McMains said. “I’m so proud to be part of a team that supports such a vital resource.”
Despite her numerous commitments, Kayla’s future plans include a period of slowing down after fulfilling her current obligations. “I want to focus more on RMH,” she said. “It’s a cause that means so much to me, and I want to give it the attention it deserves.”
Her dedication to philanthropy and community service is a shining example of how personal experiences can inspire profound acts of kindness and generosity. As McMains continues to balance her roles as a mother, wife and legal professional, her influence on the Coastal Bend’s charitable landscape remains significant. Her story is one of resilience, compassion and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. - K. CONDA
Cheryl Votzmeyer Rios
Woman of theYear
e it through her words, her artwork or her many contributions to the local arts scene in Corpus Christi, Cheryl Votzmeyer Rios is a storyteller through and through. But more than anything, when she tells the story of the historic Ritz Theatre—either the many stories held within its walls or those she knows are yet to be written—she beams with a special sparkle in her eyes.
A significant piece of Corpus Christi’s history, The Ritz has lived various lives since it was built in 1929. It was the first talking movie theatre in the area and later provided a stage for musical acts such as Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley before closing its doors in 1989. In the early 2000s, restoration conversations began to take shape thanks to Monica Sawyer, the president of the nonprofit behind the theatre’s rehabilitation, Corpus Christi Positive Action Toward Cultural Heritage (CCPATCH). However, various hurdles held progress up, and it wasn’t until the creation of an executive director role two years ago that the restoration efforts saw a reenergized spirit.
Votzmeyer Rios stepped into that role in November 2022. When the job posting came her way, she remembered thinking, “I don’t know a lick about rehabilitating historic buildings, but I do know how to build a team. I know how to bring the right people to the table and ensure we work toward a common goal and vision.”
And that is exactly what she did. Passion and confidence penetrate everything Votzmeyer Rios sets her mind to—traits she traces back to the women in her family, especially her grandmother—so there’s no underestimating what she’ll achieve. She’s a troubleshooter by nature and her ability to follow through on promises and exceed all expectations is beyond admirable. She is a chameleon in the sense that adaptability is a strong suit.
In the executive director role, she is responsible for the overall strategic direction
of the theatre’s operations, finances, planning, promotion and fundraising for the restoration. As the public face and corporate spokesperson, her ultimate objective is to usher The Ritz into its newest chapter.
“This theatre was built almost 100 years ago and it’s going to be restored and reopened to serve the community again,” she said. “I’ll be gone one day, my team will be gone one day, but that building will be open and operating. What better way to give back to this community than to bring joy and excitement back to this beautiful gathering space? It’s really the people’s theatre.”
Though her current feat is reviving one of the city’s most cherished landmarks, Votzmeyer Rios has always been intertwined with the local arts scene. From starting a decorative painting business and later a creative consultant firm to serving as K Space Contemporary’s Education Director for six years—when she spearheaded many of its current arts education programs, one of which is responsible for over 20 public murals—she’s been heavily involved in community arts since moving here in 1996. Her involvement with Texas Women for the Arts and the Downtown Management District’s art-forward initiatives are just the cherry on top.
When asked why it’s important to be involved in the community this way, her answer falls perfectly in line with why restoring The Ritz feels so integral to our city’s story. “Art tells a story—our story, our history—and it’s what makes our world such a beautiful place to live in.”
Just shy of her second anniversary with the theatre, with the help of a phenomenal board, the checks on the revitalization to-do list are impressive. In 2022, a $230,000 grant from the National Parks Service and Texas Historical Commission was secured for exterior repairs. In 2023, OTJ Architects began initial designs. The creation of a founding donors circle, Friends of the Ritz, aided in outreach and fundraising efforts and she added a Capital Campaign Manager to the team.
“Cheryl Votzmeyer Rios is a smart, confident and radiant leader who embodies a “Can-Do” attitude, always tackling challenges with grace and positivity. She empowers others through her encouraging words and fearless spirit. As a community-driven leader, Cheryl has big visions and the determination to make them a reality. Her role in the Ritz Theater revitalization promises to add new cultural vibrancy to downtown Corpus Christi.”
| Michelle Smythe MENTOR & FRIEND
In November of last year, Stoddard General Contractors began exterior work and the theatre obtained a matching grant for the $230,000 it received in 2022 through the city’s Type B Incentive Fund. This year’s milestones include The Ritz Theatre’s official listing on the National Register of Historic Places, a completed feasibility study, a move to a new administrative office, hiring a grant writer and local marketing firm Bucket Works, receiving reimbursement from the THC grant and launching capital campaign planning in which over one million dollars will be raised— all under Votzmeyer Rios’ leadership.
“Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t an easy thing to do,” she said. “I literally give myself a pep talk in the mirror every morning.” And when she is met with naysayers, she extends grace, while firmly believing in the work she and her team are doing. “I know this is a big project, but keep following us, watch what work gets done, and let me know when you’re ready to jump on board.”
Her vision for the theatre’s future includes a consistently packed house, various performing arts programming and arts education in areas such as set, costume and technical stage design, all under one historic roof … a roof Votzmeyer Rios can see from her living room window every day.
“It’s an absolutely necessary piece of downtown,” she said as she gazed toward the historic structure. “Restoring this building means preserving a piece of our history. Sometimes it’s hard for me to believe that I’m going to help make that happen, and it wasn’t luck that got me here–it’s been a lot of hard work and heartache and trial and error, but I am excited and proud to be a part of this legacy.”
And when it comes to legacy, Votzmeyer Rios’ will surely be defined by her unwavering determination to improve every space she enters; her ability to get things done and never take no for an answer; and her dedication to ensuring a piece of our city’s history is not forgotten. At the end of the day, all of her hard work is for the people in this community, and at the end of the restoration timeline, The Ritz Theatre, the people’s theatre, will open its doors once again. - K. COOPER
aeptexas.com
Judith Talavera
Baking for the Season
fall desserts. Although saying goodbye to peak-season berries and stone fruits may be bittersweet, we can look forward to the best produce of autumn: apples, pears, pecans, pumpkins and sweet potatoes.
Apple cinnamon monkey bread is one of our favorites. As the dough pieces bake, they meld into a golden, caramelized mass, resulting in an irresistible gooey, sweet center. Pumpkin muffins are another seasonal favorite—made with a blend of pureed pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of maple syrup, they offer a moist and tender crumb. We crown each muffin with a dollop of cream cheese filling and a gingery streusel topping.
Fall baked goods offer a warm embrace of seasonal flavors and comforting aromas that perfectly complement the crisp autumn air. Each bite is a reminder of the harvest season’s bounty and the joy of gathering with loved ones around the kitchen table. As we savor these baked delights, we not only indulge in their rich flavors but also create lasting memories to enrich the fall season, making it a truly special time of year.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Makes 1 dozen muffins
PREP TIME: 25 minutes COOK TIME: 22 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/8 tsp cardamom
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 tbsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Filling
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup sweetened
condensed milk
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Crumb topping
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp cup brown sugar
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger Pinch of salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tins with paper liners. Spray liners with non-stick cooking spray.
Make the muffin batter: In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, stir together maple syrup, pumpkin, eggs, coconut oil and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Make the cream cheese filling: Beat
together cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Make the streusel topping: Combine allpurpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger and salt in a small bowl. Using a fork or pastry cutter, press butter into the dry ingredients. Incorporate only until you have large and small crumbles. Fill prepared muffin liners with 1/3 cup muffin batter. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of cream cheese filling on top of batter. Sprinkle crumb topping onto each muffin, applying a small amount of pressure onto the streusel to make it adhere. Bake muffins for 20-22 minutes, until set.
Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread
Makes 1 large loaf
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
BAKE TIME: 45 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
3 17.5 oz cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls
2 large apples, peeled and diced
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray or spread softened butter around the inside, and sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of flour around the inside of the pan. Shake the pan to coat the sides with flour. Stir brown sugar and cinnamon together in a medium-sized bowl. Place melted butter in a separate bowl. Cut prepared cinnamon rolls into fourths. Submerge each piece in butter, then roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Sprinkle half of the diced apples into the bottom of the prepared bundt pan. Cover the apple pieces with half of the cinnamon roll pieces. Top the cinnamon roll pieces with another layer of diced apples, followed by cinnamon roll pieces. Evenly pour any unused butter onto the top of the loaf. Sprinkle any remaining cinnamon sugar on the top of the loaf. Place bundt pan on baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes until bread is golden brown and dough is set. Remove loaf from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes prior to inverting the monkey bread onto a large plate/serving platter. Enjoy warm or cool.
C. Dale Eubank, MD, F.A.C.O.G.
1. Lorelai,
Autumn Coded
Aside from its specialty roasts, Driftwood is known for seasonal coffee drinks made with housemade syrups. This fall, it’s the Lorelai, a latte made with maple-brown sugar syrup topped with pumpkin spice, served iced or hot. 4703 S. Alameda St.
2. Choco Chupacabra, Creatures Coffee & Tea Co.
A double shot of espresso paired with Cocoa Puffs cereal milk, chocolate and marshmallow “lava” creates this unique and bold concoction. It’s a fun and nostalgic drink for chocolate lovers in the fall. @creaturescoffeeandteaco
3. The Myrtle, The Coffee Mugg
Enjoy a delightful combination of cold brew, marshmallow and pumpkin, topped with a fluffy cold foam—a perfect blend for those who love fall flavors in their cold brew. 1112 Morgan Ave.
Stinger’s Coffee
Dark chocolate meets toasted marshmallow syrup in this mocha with a double shot of espresso and steamed milk. Topped with whipped cream, marshmallows and chocolate swirls, it’s a dreamy fall dessert in a cup. 1304 Airline Rd & 7042 S. Staples St. #106
5. Honeycomb Latte, Roasted
This delightful blend of sweet honey, earthy taro and rich hazelnut offers a balanced mix of warmth and sweetness, ideal for when you crave something both comforting and indulgent.
5535 Bonner Dr.
6. Sea Turtle, Island Joe’s Coffee
Served hot, iced or as a “fro-joe,” this decadent espresso drink features caramel, mocha, pecan syrup and milk, making it a great choice for a sweet treat with a nutty twist. 14829 S. Padre Island Dr.
7. Cinnamon Dolce Latte, Bien Mérité
A cozy mix of English toffee, cinnamon and espresso, this latte delivers warm, comforting flavors that are especially satisfying during the colder months. Available hot or iced. 1336 S. Staples St.
8. Seasonal Latte, Hester’s Cafe
The house latte is transformed into a fall favorite with your choice of pumpkin spice or maple spice flavoring … and lots of whipped cream. It’s a classic fall beverage that you're sure to crave. 3812 S. Alameda St. & 1714 S. Alameda St.
9. Caramel Apple Crisp Latte, The Brewery Coffee
This latte offers a hint of crisp apple with house-made caramel sauce. Whether you enjoy it hot or cold, it's a delicious twist on fall’s classic caramel apple flavor. @__thebrewery__
The Perfect Pik-Nik
Scratch kitchen fare creates a casual, elevated culinary adventure on-site or off
By Mandy Shelton Photos by Matthew Meza
"I
waited for this building for over a year and a half,” said Genevieve Thompson, restaurateur and owner of Rockport’s PIK-NIK. “We’re just so happy to bring it back to the eatery.” Captain Charles Davis and his wife Mollie commissioned Rockport’s iconic art moderne building in 1942 after a fire destroyed the original 1920s structure at the intersection of Austin and North Streets. Several restaurants occupied the site over the years, including the beloved Kline’s Café.
After serving as a post-Harvey haven for the Rockport Center for the Arts, “the Kline Building” relocated in spring 2021, with Thompson among those who watched the slow migration four blocks south. Thompson’s new venture, PIK-NIK, opened its doors in April 2024.
A landmark designated by the Texas Historical Commission in 2022, the building now settled at the corner of St. Mary’s and Magnolia offers indoor and outdoor seating. An herb garden greets visitors at the front door and, in a pinch, may contribute to the offerings on the plate—like this summer’s tomato-watermelon salad with fresh mint. “Those things have saved us so many times,” Thompson said of the plants with a giggle, “little as they are.”
Thompson described the restaurant’s vibe as “boho but moody,” with carefully selected features serving PIK-NIK’s “culinary-driven and experiential” mission. She designed a purpose-built peninsula to host coffee classes and cooking demonstrations. Wine Down Wednesdays and Beer:30 Fridays occur weekly and are PIK-NIK’s versions of happy hour specials.
The menu is loaded with wine pairings and bulk seasonal salads, perfect for crafting a picnic. To build your own basket, simply choose from the deli case and display of retail products. “Everything here you can put in a picnic basket and take with you to the beach,” Thompson said. “It’s a picnic; you can come in and pick.”
Several namesake dishes at PIK-NIK pay homage to a century of Rockport culinary history inside the building’s white stucco walls. Try
PIK-NIK pop-up events start at $150 for two hours and include setups within 10 miles of Rockport Beach, covering the Live Oak Peninsula — even boats!
The Kline Avocado Flatbread with arugula, prosciutto, tomatoes, red onion and an over-easy egg; or the PIK-NIK Chicken Salad with pecans, pickles, red grapes, red onion and boiled egg with mayo. The Theo’s Roast Beef Sandwich is also a hit and combines roast beef, gruyere, fried onion and horseradish mayo on sourdough.
Thompson made a name for PIK-NIK last year by curating pop-up experiences such as beach proposals and garden parties. “I wanted to get the brand awareness out there by launching the summer before,” she said. “I honestly didn’t know if I was going to secure this building, but I just put it out there in the world.” She and fiancé/ business partner Darrell Shirley made the move to Rockport in April 2023, though they have been visiting for years. The legacy of the location is not lost on the new occupant.
“So many different influences in this building,” Thompson said. “I love the history part of it, and I’m hoping that PIKNIK will be the next iconic eatery here and that we’ll be part of the tradition.”
CONTACT
1006 St. Mary’s St., Rockport
AROUND THE BEND
Ceramic Captivations
Works
from professors across Texas A&M campuses will line the walls of this year’s Oso Bay Festival
By Evelyn Martinez Photo Provided
In chemistry, the Greek prefix “tetra-” describes a group of four held together by a unique chemical reaction. For Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) assistant ceramics professor Leandra Urrutia, the word describes her newest collective of ceramic professors from A&M campuses across Texas—down to the alchemy between them. This October, experience TETRA’s magic firsthand during TAMU-CC’s Biennial Oso Bay Festival.
“We’re all so prolific anytime we come together,” Urrutia said. “I’m excited to share it, especially with our community who might not have the biggest art exposure. It’s important and inspirational to other people.”
The Oso Bay Festival happens every two years at TAMU-CC’s Weil Gallery and focuses on the various art disciplines offered by the university. When the department chair and new gallery director approached Urrutia about this year’s Oh So Ceramic exhibit, she embraced the opportunity to welcome the group’s fresh work to the Coastal Bend.
With help from TAMU-West Texas assistant ceramic professor Misty Gamble, who had collaborated with Urrutia on a previous project, the women landed on two other A&M colleagues: TAMU-Commerce’s Christy Wittmer and TAMIU-Laredo’s Emily Bayless. TETRA debuted as a group during The State of Things exhibit in January on Laredo’s A&M campus, less than a year after its official formation in April 2023.
“Collaborating with the members of TETRA and bringing that work to TAMU-CC opens up new avenues of collaboration between us as faculty and our students,” Bayless said. “I teach in Laredo, which is geographically distant and makes it important for me to find new ways to connect my work and the education my students get to other communities.”
Oh So Ceramic will feature the unique perspectives synonymous with each artist’s individual work. Gamble’s “Of Flesh and the Feminine” will come out to stun once again. Wittmer will debut her mixed-media interpretations of morality and longing, while Urrutia’s work aims to create a “psychic space” for the viewer to meditate within themselves. Bayless’ collection will also deal with concepts of womanhood and ritualistic devotion through traditional ceramic altars.
According to its members, TETRA’s most valuable asset as visiting artists is not only presenting thought-provoking ceramic work, rather giving smaller communities the comprehensive knowledge of four pioneers pushing the limits of what the medium can
“Some people think about ceramics as just pots, and I like to share with my students and the community that ceramics can be so much more,” Wittmer said. “This exhibition and the conversations we will have around it will help the community’s ideas about ceramics grow.”
The group hopes the festival’s publicfacing events during the first weekend of October will help build this “expansive dialogue” about ceramics. The events include an hour-long discussion panel, live demonstrations and an all-day beach firing across the street from the university. The exhibition will remain on display in the Weil Gallery until Oct. 31.
“As expanded academics, scholars and researchers, as well as active practitioners in the field, it makes the dialogue we have with the community about our work very unique,” Gamble explained. “Through panels and demonstrations, we give the gift of our amazing conversations to help people reflect on how they think and have that space to reconsider.”
CONTACT
Weil Gallery, Center for the Arts, 1st Floor
"PARTRIDGE PLYMOUTH ROCK" MISTY GAMBLE
A High-Scoring Sisterhood
Belles & Chimes rallies around women for pinball fun
By Julie Penne Photos by Benjamin Zaragosa
Quasars Arcade, a dark, cool amusement cave, is a haven for sensory stimulation, competitive spirit—and girl power. This is because the arcade also serves as the headquarters for the small, but growing, Corpus Christi chapter of Belles & Chimes. As the city's first women-only pinball club, it brings together women and girls of all ages and experience levels who love the game. Started two years ago, the group meets on most Sunday evenings to play, compare notes on techniques and socialize.
“Belles & Chimes offers friendly competition and encouragement for women who have been into pinball since childhood, who may have started playing later in life or who want to learn,” said Jenika Hernandez, one of the group’s members. “We all love pinball, and we want to see it thrive in Corpus Christi. That common bond makes the arcade our safe place.”
Hernandez is one of the players who compete in tournaments locally and in San Antonio and Austin. Coordinating the Corpus Christi tournaments is Valeria Moreno, who has been playing pinball for about two years. A former pool player, Moreno organizes and runs the local tournaments under the governance and rules of the International Flipper Pinball Association, so the Corpus Christi players will be well prepared for competitions outside the city.
“The tournaments are structured, but fun,” said Moreno. “It’s definitely friendly competition. The camaraderie is what it’s all about.”
Hernandez and Moreno take their pinball skills seriously, sometimes wearing fingerless athletic gloves to pump the flippers and coaxing the machine to lead the silver ball into the highpoint channels. Both said pinball can be physical at times—they sometimes find themselves contorting their stances, maximizing their body language and jiggling the machine to the verge of getting a
“Tilt” warning. Their rewards for a high score are seeing the bright visuals flash, hearing the machine ding and accepting the high fives of their fellow players.
Veronica Harris, a web designer, mother of two young children and stepmother to two adult kids, joined a couple of years ago. She and her husband Billy, a member of the South Texas Pinball League, often make a weekend trip to Quasars for a family outing. They even have two pinball machines at home; one is vintage.
“It’s just a fun group of women, whether you come for conversation and casual play or a tournament. What’s not to love about playing a fun game surrounded by people who share a common interest?” she said.
Belles & Chimes exemplifies the power of friendship and the joy of pursuing a hobby that transcends generations. As these women gather each week to perfect their skills, swap stories and encourage one another, they’re not just keeping the spirit of pinball alive; they’re creating a space where everyone can feel at home.
See Belles & Chimes’ Facebook and Instagram pages for information on how to join the club.
Gold Star Memories
How women of Corpus Christi worked to honor their children’s wartime sacrifices
By Jillian Becquet
During World War I, it was common practice to hang a red and white banner with a blue star to symbolize that a particular home had an active-duty service member in the family. If they died, a gold star was sewn over the blue star. Thus began the American Gold Star Mothers organization, as mothers across the country sought to honor the memories and sacrifices of their children.
In 1931, Corpus Christi dedicated the Gold Star Court of Honor to these heroes and their mothers. The project was the first of its kind and was supported by a variety of community civic organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
The memorial has changed over time but still honors these former residents in the same home at Spohn Park. The gold star light reading “Our 1917 World War Gold Star Heroes” is still a central piece; crepe myrtle trees were planted across the park, bronze medallions were added for each serviceman and a flagpole was installed. In 2001, a granite monument with the names of residents lost in WWI was installed as part of the memorial.
The work of women’s civic groups such as DAR, the American Gold Star Mothers and others provided a thoughtful space of remembrance and honor featured prominently downtown following the Great War.
Photo by Doc McGregor, Corpus Christi Public Libraries, La Retama Special Collections & Archives.
The center of the original Gold Star Court at Spohn Park, 1931.
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