In this episode of SA Talk, host Zachary Espericueta sits down with Danielle Gunter. Danielle, the executive director of The Texas YES Project explains how the organization got started, how it's changed over the years, what led her there and much more.

Danielle also discusses how important it is for students to have the necessary tools when they are in the classroom so that they can ultimately succeed. 

TEXAS YES is an educational nonprofit committed to closing the gap for educational equality through the support of Title 1 students in San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, Corpus Christi and Austin.

For over 20 years the YES program has worked to provide students with the supplies/resources they need for success. Their Box of Dreams and Little Locker programs deliver schools supplies and provide easy access to books within students’ own neighborhoods. Additionally, they provide direct grants to teachers and schools to fund new initiatives such as STEAM education and classroom updates.

Where to Find/Follow The Texas YES Project:

Website: https://www.texasyesproject.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/texasyesproject/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/texasyesproject/

On this episode of SA Talk, host Zachary Espericueta speaks with children's book author, Alda Dobbs. Alda shares how and why she became an author after working for a number of years in other industries. She also explains the process of bringing a book to the market and what some newer authors should be looking out for. Also, Alda shares the meaning behind one of her book characters and how she incorporates her own experiences in her writing.

Where to Find/Follow Alda Dobbs:

Website: https://www.aldapdobbs.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aldapdobbs/

Amazon site: https://www.amazon.com/Alda-P-Dobbs/e/B08T66PS4M/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1

Schedule an Event: https://www.aldapdobbs.com/event-information

On this episode of SA Talk, host Zachary Espericueta sits down with the CEO of The Bubble Bath Car Wash, Nick Lopez. Nick discusses his entrepreneurial roots and how he helped his family transition into the car wash industry.

Nick also talks about the programs they've implemented and the effort they've put forth to give back; both to the community and to employees.

Lastly, Nick shares his experience as a fellow NLC alum who was also a business owner. Both Zach and Nick discuss how beneficial the organization can be to small business owners.

Find The Bubble Bath Car Wash on social media:

Website: https://thebubblebathcarwash.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BubblebathCW/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bubblebathcw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bubblebathcw/

On this episode of SA Talk, Zach sits down with Texas A&M University-San Antonio athletics director, Darnell Smith. The two discuss the state of the TAMUSA sports program, his backstory and what led him to this role in his career. Darnell shares how his experiences as a player in college helped his growth as a leader off the field. He also talks about the opportunities he looked past in order to come home and take the TAMUSA job. Darnell explains some of the goals of TAMUSA athletics and how they're building momentum on the Southside of San Antonio.

TAMUSA athletics website: https://www.tamusasports.com/landing/index

Follow Darnell on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaguaradsmith

On this episode of San Antonio Changemakers, Jonathan Gutierrez joins the podcast to talk about his experience in NLC-San Antonio.

From NLC Bio: Jonathan Gutierrez (he/him) is an organizer, educator, and voting rights advocate. He is passionate about developing young leaders in Texas, engaging in year-round community organizing, and in building long-term power in communities of the global majority. In his current role at MOVE Texas, Jonathan works to coach, support, and develop community organizers across South/Central Texas who engage in year-round peer-to-peer voter registration, voter mobilization, and power building campaigns in youth communities. Jonathan is motivated in his work by his belief in the transformative power of community, mentorship, and collective action. He is a proud graduate of Texas A&M International University and a proud alumnus of AmeriCorps Vista. Jonathan was born and raised along the Rio Grande, in Laredo, Texas and surrounding communities, but currently lives in San Antonio, Texas. He enjoys organizing around the issues that matter most to him, regularly tackling creative personal projects, and spending quality time with his friends, family, and being the very best tío John to his very funny and very huggable 3-year-old nephew.

Learn more about NLC San Antonio: https://www.newleaderscouncil.org/chapter/san-antonio/

Apply: https://form.jotform.com/220935355779064

Donate: https://www.newleaderscouncil.org/donate/ Nominate a Leader: https://www.newleaderscouncil.org/nominate-a-leader/

On this episode of SA Talk, Hector Cano joins the show to discuss how he started his local podcast that focuses on Texas HS, Club, & College Soccer as well as the recruiting game in the Lone Star State. Hector is the Director of Soccer and Head Women’s Soccer Coach for St. Mary’s Hall in San Antonio, TX. He’s also the Director of Soccer for College Promoters USA. Hector is a combat veteran from OEF & OIF.

Listen to The 50/50 Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-50-50-podcast/id1612105483

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7FagaQIgXxEqOhO5Z2Z5Uu

Follow The 50/50 Podcast:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwCSAc9HNjOuZzSLpny3EHg

Twitter: https://twitter.com/50_50Pod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/50_50podcast/

On this episode of the podcast mini-series SA Changemakers, Nicolette Ardiente joins the podcast to talk about what led her to Texas, her experience with NLC San Antonio, and the work she's doing out in the community.

Learn more about NLC San Antonio: https://www.newleaderscouncil.org/chapter/san-antonio/ 

Apply: https://form.jotform.com/220935355779064 

Donate: https://www.newleaderscouncil.org/donate/ Nominate a Leader: https://www.newleaderscouncil.org/nominate-a-leader/

On this episode of SA Talk, Zach invites LSAISD Executive Director, Austin Hawk, to join the show to discuss the leadership program. Austin shares how he was brought on to LSAISD and what it's been like now that he's in a leadership role. He also explains what to expect of the cohort if you are interested in applying. APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN THROUGH JULY 16TH: http://ow.ly/gT4L50JPaXa

Leadership SAISD is a FREE 9-month education leadership development program that provides community members the information and skills to become thought leaders around education. Participants develop a nuanced understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing school communities with topics such as school finance, policy and advocacy, and educational equity. Cohort members meet once a month to hear from influential speakers and experts, review best practices, explore equity in education, and conduct site visits. Seminars provide a factual, non-partisan look at how schools function.

Website: https://www.leadershipsaisd.org/

On this special episode of the San Antonio Podcast Network, Zachary gives his NLC San Antonio capstone presentation. 

NLC develops, connects, and uplifts inclusive, cross-sector leaders who transform our country through social and political change rooted in equity.