Dalia Contreras, the CEO of City Education Partners (CEP), is no stranger to the challenges and opportunities in the field of education. With a career that began in the classroom and led her through various leadership roles, Contreras has always been driven by a desire to understand and improve the systems that shape educational experiences. Today, she is at the helm of CEP, where she is channeling her extensive experience into creating a transformative impact on education in San Antonio. Contreras was in the SVPSA Fellowship Class 3.
Where Are They Now: Gable Crowder III
Transformative Growth: My Journey through the SVP Fellowship Program Participating in the Social Venture Partners (SVP) Fellowship Program has been nothing short of transformative. As the Director of Community Engagement, I have always strived to expand my horizons, sharpen my leadership skills, and deepen my understanding of the nonprofit sector. The SVP Fellowship has not only met these aspirations but … Read More
Where Are They Now? Kimberly Sama
We’re thrilled to highlight the inspiring journey of Kimberly Sama, a dynamic leader whose experience has propelled her to new heights in her career. With an infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication to making a difference, Kimberly’s story is one that truly embodies the spirit of the SVP SA Fellowship. Meet Kimberly Sama Kimberly Sama currently serves as the Senior Director … Read More
Bexar Branches: Cultivating a Greener, Healthier San Antonio
For Jaci Randel, the vision of a healthier environment where everyone can thrive has always been at the heart of her work. This passion led her to help establish Bexar Branches Alliance in 2021, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing San Antonio’s urban forests. Jaci’s journey to founding this organization is a testament to her lifelong commitment to making the world … Read More
Paying It Forward: The Journey of Ben Brooks, Jr.
Imagine the concept of “Pay it forward” and your mind would probably go right to Ben Brooks, Jr., the CEO of San Antonio nonprofit with the same name, Pay It Forward. His story exemplifies this philosophy, inspiring donors to understand why he dedicates himself to such impactful work in our city. Ben’s journey with Pay It Forward began as a … Read More
Making a Difference: The SVP Impact at Haven For Hope in San Antonio
Located in the heart of San Antonio, Haven For Hope stands as a beacon of hope and healing for individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Since its inception, this transformative organization has been dedicated to providing comprehensive services and support to those in need, helping them rebuild their lives and regain their independence. Today, we shine a spotlight on the … Read More
Culturingua receives visit from Duke and Duchess of Sussex
part of Culturingua’s Sewing for Success program, a Welcome Project grantee. The Duke and Duchess were hosted by Nader Mehdawi, Culturingua COO, and Nadia Mavrakis, Culturingua CEO, respectively.
The Welcome Project, a program of the Archewell Foundation, supports the programming provided by Culturingua for women who have recently resettled in San Antonio from Afghanistan. Through Culturingua’s Sewing for Success classes, these women benefit from group gatherings where they develop their sewing skills and build community.
Helping nonprofits make an impact
After moving to San Antonio in 2022, Rebecca White quickly found her niche. With two decades of experience in the nonprofit world, including five years leading her own consulting firm, she immediately started to explore the local nonprofit landscape.
When she learned about SVPSA from Partner Billy Cox, she was captivated.
“At first I thought wow, could this be? Maybe I don’t understand what he’s saying,” she said. “Then I dug into SVPSA and I was just so impressed.”
Helping the homeless one life at a time
As the director of homeless services for Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM), Valerie Salas often feels like Batman putting on his cape.
She leads a team of five assisting one of the city’s most vulnerable and challenging populations: people experiencing chronic homelessness.
Most of them are not candidates for more conventional homeless services due to mental illness, physical disabilities or substance abuse issues. Salas’ team meets them where they are, whether it’s on CAM’s downtown campus or the streets. When they’re ready, CAM will help them with other needs, such as ID recovery, employment, housing, and other support services.
Restoring the lives of young women rescued from sex trafficking
Residents of the Youth Center of Texas are in many ways typical young women in their late teens and early twenties. They love music, clothes, doing their hair and nails and making plans for the future.
To look at them, you’d never know they are all survivors of sex trafficking in San Antonio.
They’re now receiving comprehensive care through YCOT, the only residential facility in Bexar County providing support services exclusively to young women aged 18-22 who have experienced sexual exploitation or trafficking.