SAHCC VOICES

As we enter the celebrations surrounding Hispanic Heritage Month, we were honored to welcome guest Juan Antonio Flores, President on the San Antonio-Mexico Friendship Council and EVP at Port San Antonio.

Throughout the episode, we talk about the amazing history and culture that can be found in San Antonio, the economic development opportunities that we have with Mexico, and some exciting innovations that will continue to place the Alamo City on the map for future generations to come.

About the San Antonio-Mexico Friendship Council:
The San Antonio Mexico Friendship Council is a non-profit organization founded in 1996 by the then Consul General of Mexico in San Antonio, Carlos Sada, and various prominent community leaders to strengthen and promote the shared cultural ties between the citizens of San Antonio and Mexico.

In this special Voices Podcast episode, we have a Chamber Chat between Director of Marketing & Communications, Janna Andrews, and Director of Strategic Relations & Membership, Dr. Sandi Wolff, to introduce her as the official Podcast Host for future episodes! Sandi will be leading conversations with our small businesses and leaders in our community, so take a moment to listen as she shares her San Antonio story, how she came to be at the SAHCC in the middle of a pandemic, and some exciting things happening in the world of Membership.

In honor of San Antonio’s 130th Fiesta Celebrations starting in a couple weeks, get in the spirit and listen in to our latest VOICES podcast episode: ¡Viva Fiesta 2021! This episode was hosted by Melissa Aguillon, Royal Consort to Rey Feo LXXII and President & CEO of Aguillon Creative, with guests Thomas Aguillon, Rey Feo LXXII, and Baltazar Serna, JR, former Rey Feo 62 and current President of the San Antonio Fiesta Commission.Listen and learn about what we can expect this year after the delays brought on by the pandemic and some upcoming events to get excited about!

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of SAHCC's Alexander Briseño Leadership Development Program, we were honored to host a discussion with the program's founder, Alexander Briseño himself. Hosted by Jenee Margo Gonzales, Philanthropy Coordinator for the Marianist Province of the United States and ABLDP Alumna, the episode highlights the legacy and contributions of Mr. Briseño and the ABLDP program. This year's class is already under way and we look forward to an exciting year of leadership development!

Tune in to hear about Business Recovery, Relief, and Readiness from our host, SAHCC 2022 Chair Elect, and VP of Development at True Flavors Catering, Denise Hernandez along with guests Laura Cabanilla, SVP of Community Relations at Wells Fargo, and Jacob Valenzuela, Owner of Deco Pizzeria. Each of these individuals provide unique insight into how the Pandemic has affected their own businesses as well as San Antonio businesses as a whole from the very beginning. We discuss how the recovery process has looked like since then and what's in store for the future.

Our next VOICES episode features an important discussion on the state of STEM in our community, hosted by Luisa Casso, SAHCC Education Committee Chair and Manager of Corporate Communications with Toyota Manufacturing, Texas. Listen and learn from guests, District 4 Councilwoman, Dr. Adriana Rocha-Garcia, and the Witte STEM Education Manager, Sarah Rowley as they discuss what STEM programs have looked like during a pandemic and the important role it continues to play for the future generation.

Listen in to an insightful discussion between SAHCC 2021 Chairwoman, Dr. Erika Gonzales, and President & CEO, Marina Gonzales, as they share the plans and coming opportunities our Chamber has in store for the 2021 year. There are exciting updates SAHCC Members have to look forward to, so take a moment to listen and learn how you can get involved this year!

Join guests Steven Alaniz, CEO of Momentum Physical Therapy, and Melanie Tawil, CEO of Swipetrack Solutions and who also served on the Mayor’s Covid-19 Task Force, as they discuss the effects this pandemic has had on Small Businesses in San Antonio ever since everything started back in March. From the effects on essential and non-essential business, to those early difficult decisions, and implementation of safety measures across the city, we hope you find this episode insightful as we close out 2020.

Even though this episode was recorded back in July 2020, the conversation is still relevant as we go into the holidays, and we encourage everyone to follow city safety guidelines. As always, stay safe San Antonio!

Listen as LLI & ABLDP Graduates, Patricia Luna, VP of Division Laundry, and Jason Massiatte, General Manager for WARD North America, provide insight into how they have been able to demonstrate and witness leadership in our community.

Listen in as Former Texas State Senator, Leticia Van De Putte, Former Secretary of State & VIA Board Chair, Hope Andrade, and VIA President & CEO, Jeffery Arndt share more details on VIA's Transportation Initiative during COVID-19. Hosted by Denise Hernandez, SAHCC Chair Elect and VP of Development for True Flavors Catering.