SAHCC VOICES

On our next episode of SAHCC Voices, we take a closer look into the future of marketing with Thomas McBryde, Chief Communications Director of Happithy Marketing. We invite you to listen in as Thomas explains what Web3 is and the different strategies and technologies that businesses and entrepreneurs should keep in mind when thinking about what marketing will look like in the next 5-10 years.About Happithy:Happithy Marketing is a visionary and comprehensive agency that blends traditional marketing methods with innovative and experiential solutions. In addition to offering services such as website design, SEO, and social media management, Happithy is also able to create strategies suitable for Gamification, App Development, Videography services, and more. Beyond our services, Happithy is the journey of happy and successful collaborations. We accomplish this with core promises to our clients, our teammates, and our community.Learn more and contact Happithy today by visiting: Happithy.com

As we kick off another year at the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, we are honored to welcome our 2023 Board Chair, JR Treviño to the SAHCC Voices Podcast! Take a moment to listen as JR shares his beginnings before the Chamber, how he became involved, and what his vision is for this new year.

Join us as we clink our glasses with San Antonio's favorite culinary duo in the wine and cheese industry, Monica Nino and Bryan Gonzales, founders of The Board Couple! Monica and Bryan walk us through their whole story - how they met, how their love of an elevated night in planted the seed for their small business, and how much it has grown and developed since. More About The Board Couple:The Culinary Power Couple Has Flipped The Charcuterie World On Its Head With Their Fresh Take On Redefining What A Charcuterie Board Is & The Rules That Go Along With It.Both Are Advanced Level WSET Certified, Trained With Master Court Of Sommeliers & Have Been Certified As Champagne MOOCS.Monica Is A Proud Scholarship Recipient Of Les Dames d'Escoffier-San Antonio Chapter. An esteemed Cohort Of Women Leaders In Food, Fine Beverage And Hospitality.They Take Culinary And Wine Service To The Next Level. Their Trained Curation Of Charcuterie And Wine Has Afforded Them The Freedom Of Designing A Board That Offers Specialized Congruent Pairings.They Have Reimagined What Charcuterie, Date Nights And Celebrations Look Like With Catering. Gone Are The Days Of Stuffy Chef's Coats And Single File Lines. Their Fresh Take On Grazing Has Inspired Many To Make The Daring Pivot. They Have Pioneered The Modern Day Charcuterie Board And Redefined The Rules That So Many Others Have Patterned And Mimicked Along The Way.No Detail Is Overlooked. No Event Is Too Big Or Too Small To Be Treasured. Every Occassion Is Meant To Be Enjoyed.Learn more and order your own culinary experience today: https://theboardcouple.com/

As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to chat with industry leaders at Boeing's San Antonio location at the Port. This episode explores the amazing story of Boeing Senior Supply Chain Management Leader, Aurelina Prado, her experience immigrating with her family from the Dominican Republic, and how she was able to rise up as a Latina Leader against all odds and find her career at Boeing. We also chat with Boeing Senior Manager, National Strategy & Engagement State & Local Government Operations, Tyler Schroeder, on the innovative initiatives that Boeing has been developing to allow more access for women and women of color to thrive in this industry. One of those initiatives have already taken affect here at our Chamber with the help of a generous multi-year scholarship donated by Boeing last fall for Latina Leadership Institute class participants.About Boeing:Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense, space and security systems, and service provider of aftermarket support. As America's biggest manufacturing exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing has been part of a rich pioneering legacy in Texas for more than 86 years. The company occupies a diversified footprint with more than 5,500 employees throughout the state. The largest concentrations are in San Antonio, Houston and the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The San Antonio location is home to one of the largest military aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities in the world.To contact our team please reach out to Richard Delgado Jr. at richard.delgado7@boeing.comAurelina Peña Prado:Boeing Senior Supply Chain ManagementAurelina is the Senior Supply Chain Management leader at San Antonio responsible for implementing supply chain planning & execution solution across government platforms. Prior to her role she  supported Executive Transport  Services & Support team as an Operations  Manager for 747 Executive Programs. She  has held multiple roles  in aviation including; Aircraft Technician, Operations  Analyst , Process Engineer, and Operations  Manager. She holds a Master in Business Administration from University of Phoenix, a Bachelor of Science from Embry Riddle, and multiple certification targeting business development and strategy leadership.  As a Latina in STEM  she  has a passion to develop and  promote future women into Aerospace careers, and was a cofounder and Executive Director for Women in Aviation Alamo City Chapter. She is a Lemonade Circle board member promoting leadership opportunity to women  of color, and  serves as a member of the  San Antonio Aviation Advisory Commission.  Tyler SchroederBoeing Senior Manager, National Strategy & Engagement State & Local Government Operations Tyler serves as senior manager for national strategy and engagement for The Boeing Company and is based in San Antonio, Texas. In this role, he represents Boeing's Texas legislative interests at the state capitol and manages legislative policy for Boeing sites and subsidiaries across the state. He also oversees government and external affairs for Boeing San Antonio, including business affairs, community engagement and charitable investment strategy. Prior to joining Boeing in 2016, Tyler served as an international financial analyst and federal government relations specialist for Air Tractor, Inc. in North Texas. Tyler led Air Tractor's government relations effort on a number of small business and federal issues and helped manage Air Tractor's extensive export financing program. 

In this episode, we are joined by Eduardo Parra, Founder & CEO of Parra & Co, and who also serves on the SAHCC Board as Co-Chair of the Small Business Committee! We had a lot of fun chatting with Eduardo about the beginnings of their family run business, how they've been able to impact the city of San Antonio and more areas in Texas for 6 years now (happy anniversary!), and a deeper discussion about infrastructure and economic development.About Parra & Co:Parra & Co is a family-owned Civil Engineering Firm that Designs and Manages Infrastructure and Land Development Projects, serving public and private clients across Texas. Eduardo Parra P.E., LEED BD+CCEO | Principal Engineer Eduardo Parra is a partner and co-founder of Parra & Co and serves as its CEO and Principal Engineer. He is a civil engineer with over 20 years of experience managing and designing projects for municipal governments and private parties, both in the US and abroad. He has managed large multi-year programs of over $300 million in size. He is very keen at selecting the right team for each project, always analyzing the level of complexity, availability of budget, risk, and allotted timeline, delivering projects in an affordable and timely manner with a very personalized service to his clients. Eduardo provides overall supervision of the design teams from feasibility to delivery, including architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, permitting, environmental, geotechnical, surveying as well as utility coordination, stakeholder management, and coordination with the contractor during construction. Throughout his career, he has served as engineer-of-record and engineer-in-responsible charge for the design and construction of civil and coastal engineering, stormwater / drainage / flood control projects, transit and roadway projects, water and wastewater utility projects, disaster recovery and preparedness efforts, as well as energy efficiency & sustainability projects. He has also served as expert witness for Hurricane Recovery during Katrina and has done damage reports and recovery work after Hurricanes Katrina and Alex in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.Mr. Parra has been actively involved with regional and national professional societies and associations including serving on the board of Trustees of the San Antonio Water System, OPERA San Antonio, and the Brackenridge Park Conservancy. He serves as a Corresponding Member of the Committee on Sustainability for the American Society of Civil Engineers. He is a Fellow of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, an alumnus of Leadership San Antonio Class XXXIX, steering committee member for Leadership San Antonio class XLIII, a former board member of the U.S. Green Building Council in Central Texas and the World Affairs Council of San Antonio, and the past chair for the Energy & Sustainability Committee of the Greater Chamber of Commerce in San Antonio. He was honored as San Antonio Business Journal's 2016 40 under 40. Mr. Parra has also coordinated research on green stormwater infrastructure, rain gardens, and pervious pavement and is currently researching sustainable infrastructure practices in Europe and its applicability to Central & South Texas. He offers clients strong facilitation and communication skills to ensure that the proper resources are committed to the project to exceed client expectations. Mr. Parra is fluent in English and Spanish. He completed his Master of Science in Civil Engineering and Hydraulics from The Pennsylvania State University (2001) and has a bachelor's in Civil Engineering from Universidad Rafael Urdaneta in Venezuela (1997). 

We're excited to release our first podcast episode of 2022! Take some time to listen as Dr. Sandi Wolff, SAHCC Director of Strategic Relations & Membership, chats with Denise Hernandez, SAHCC 2022 Chairwoman and True Flavors Catering VP of Development, alongside Marina Gonzales, SAHCC President & CEO. This episode delves into Denise's background in the restaurant industry, her family and community ties, and takes a closer look at what we can expect this year as part of the Hispanic Chamber's 2022 vision and theme: "Accelerate San Antonio Business.”Read more about our Chairwoman and CEO by visiting: https://www.sahcc.org/board-and-staff

Please enjoy this wonderful conversation we had with the Port's President & CEO, Jim Perschbach. Listen and learn about the rich innovation history of what once the Kelly Air Force Base, explore the origin of some cool projects that have been developed there, such as the world's largest industrial robot, and a peak inside the Port's new innovation center coming Spring 2022.Meet our Guest:Jim Perschbach joined the Port in 2014—leading a team that provides strategic support to grow advanced industries on the 1,900-acre technology innovation campus, including aerospace, cybersecurity, defense, manufacturing and global trade. The Port is one of South Texas' fastest-growing economic engines—home to over 80 tenant customers and their more than 14,000 employees, which generate a regional economic impact of over $5.6 billion annually.Previously, he worked as an attorney in private practice with one of the nation's largest law firms, where he counseled clients in sectors that include aerospace and advanced manufacturing.In addition to his work at the Port, Perschbach serves his community in other leadership roles. He is a past chair of both the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce's Aerospace Committee and Alamo Colleges' Scobee Education Center / Challenger Learning Center. Currently, he serves on the boards of the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County and Our Lady of the Lake University.In 2018 he was appointed Honorary Commander of the 502nd Airbase Wing / Joint Base San Antonio. He has also been named by the Business Journals as one of the country's top 100 executives to watch in 2019.Perschbach holds an undergraduate degree in business administration from The George Washington University and earned his law degree from The University of Houston Law Center.About Port San AntonioPort San Antonio is the Alamo City's large and dynamic technology and innovation campus. For 100 years, the large space that is the Port has been a place where generations of talented people have focused their energy, creativity and hard work to achieve a better life for themselves and the generations who follow.That powerful concept—building futures—defines the work that is undertaken today and the opportunities we're preparing our community to capture in the century ahead.

With Giving Tuesday happening tomorrow, we wanted to release this special episode featuring SAHCC Leadership Committee Chair, Michelle Martinez, and our very own Director of Programs, Emma Hernandez, to chat about our Leadership Programs, their origin stories, how they evolved this past year, and what to look forward to with our 2022 classes!

With Veteran's Day around the corner, we were honored to record with Major General Angie Salinas, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired) and CEO, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas. General Salinas shared a bit about her own story and military background, the importance of the Girl Scouts program, and how it has evolved through the Pandemic while maintaining its strong core values of courage, confidence, and character amidst their signature cookies and camp programs.About Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas:Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world.Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends.Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. About Major General Angie Salinas:Angie Salinas, Major General U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) joined Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas as the Chief Executive Officer in July 2015. Prior to becoming the CEO, she served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 39 years. A woman of many firsts, she made history as the first Latina selected and promoted to the general officer ranks in the U.S. Marine Corps. At the time of her retirement in September 2013, she was the senior ranking woman and the senior Hispanic in the Corps. A Girl Scout alumna, Salinas is a role model to girls and women seeking to break through the glass ceiling. She commanded at every level from Lieutenant to General and is a trailblazer, serving as the first woman in multiple assignments that include Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego/Western Recruiting Region, Assistant Chief of Staff for plans and policy of a major combatant organization, and command of a recruiting district. Salinas' accolades extend past her military experience. She has been recognized with multiple awards to include the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Tribute to Women Business Leaders Hope Award, the San Antonio Business Journal Women's Leadership Award, and American Latino Influencer Valor Award. In 2016, she was inducted into the San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame, Hispanic Women in Leadership Hall of Fame and received the TAMACC Woman of Distinction. In 2021, she received the NCAA Legacy Award, as well as, the American Spirit Award Medallion from the National WWII Museum. She has been named one of 15 Phenomenal Women by Latina Magazine and one of six Power Latinas by Vivala.com. A graduate of the Masters Leadership Program San Antonio, she is a member of Excel Beyond the Bell; National Association of Women's Business Owners; the Southwest Research Institute Advisory Trustees, San Antonio Area Foundation-Women and Girls Development Fund, and the Nonprofit Council. Additionally, she serves on the San Antonio Airport System Development Committee and the board of GPMLife. A native of Alice, Texas, she holds a Master of Arts from the Naval War College and a bachelor's degree from Dominican College of San Rafael, California. She was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Dominican University in 2015 and named a Distinguished Alumni in 2016. 

In this "Coffeecast" we enjoy one of Café Azteca's signature iced coffee brews while chatting with Hispanic Business Owner, Tyler Ybarra, on how he got started, how his company has evolved during the pandemic, and what the future looks like for his small business. Café Azteca is also set to make an exciting announcement October 1, so be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram to find out more!About Café Azteca:We are a community oriented coffee shop, with drinks and recipes that have been in our family for decades. Café Azteca also recently opened a new location in partnership with SAHCC Member, Coffeecionado, on 502 W Mitchell St.Owner Tyler Ybarra, also hosts Coffee Classes on Airbnb where you can enjoy coffee from different regions of México while learning how to prepare Café Azteca recipes for you to take home and enjoy.

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 Masiate, 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.

Join Cassandra Matej, President/CEO of Visit San Antonio and Dr. Steve Nivin, Associate Professor of Economics for St. Mary’s University as they give insight to the financial impact the pandemic has had on San Antonio’s travel industry. Get a glimpse of how the industry has shifted to drive business to partners, what’s being done to advocate for consumer confidence, and get a financial forecast for how long before the industry can recover.

  Join Cherise Rohr-Allegrini, PhD, MPH,Infectious Disease Epidemiologist and the Chief Executive Officer at San Antonio AIDS Foundation, and Paul Basaldua, President of VersaTerra Development and one of San Antonio's first COVID-19 plasma donors as they discuss with Chairwoman Dr. Erika Gonzalez their efforts to support the health and well-being of San Antonio residents during the pandemic. They discuss the important role epidemiology has played in understanding COVID-19 and its connection to plasma and how research shows it can help patients fight the disease.     *This podcast was recorded in July.  

  Join Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran, District 3, and Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, President and CEO of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation as they talk with SAHCC Chairwoman Dr. Erika Gonzalez about local initiatives to build consumer confidence during the pandemic. Hear the challenges of reopening our local economy, the balance when it comes to safety protocols and why initiatives like the Greater. SAfer. Together. Pledge will make our City and local economy stronger.  

Join the SAHCC VOICES podcast for a workforce development conversation with Dr. Mike Flores, Chancellor of the Alamo Colleges District, as he discusses lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and shares some helpful insights about San Antonio’s diverse industry sectors.  From AlamoPROMISE to a major role in City of San Antonio’s Recovery and Resiliency Plan, Dr. Flores shares his thoughts about workforce development and gives an excellent summary of how the Alamo Colleges District impacts this segment of San Antonio’s economy through its many collaborations and partnerships. For more information about the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, visit our website at www.sahcc.org.

Join the SAHCC VOICES podcast on a personal journey with cultural restaurant icon and world-famous Chef Johnny Hernandez as he discusses small business resiliency during COVID-19 and shares some valuable insights and business understandings during this pandemic.  Listen to Johnny talk about how his company was able to pivot during the economic disruption and how his community and professional network helped him find answers.  From his early beginnings and finding success across the U.S., Johnny gives a comprehensive insight into the inner workings of his leadership style and experience with the Hispanic Chamber’s Senior Vice President of Business & Program Development, Leonard B. Rodriguez, leading the interview and conversation. For more information about the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, visit our website at www.sahcc.org.

This episode features Dr. Erika Gonzalez, President & CEO of STAAMP Allergy and Chairwoman of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Ramiro Cavazos. They discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on our small business community and provide an economic forecast both on a local and national level. For more information about the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, visit our website at www.sahcc.org.