District 6 City Councilwoman Melissa Cabello-Havrda has appointed Fernanda Cardenas, a respected nonprofit executive and advocate for underserved populations, to the Port San Antonio 11-member Board of Directors. Known for her steadfast commitment to improving the quality of life for seniors and marginalized communities, Cardenas brings professional experience and passion for public service to this vital leadership role.
Cardenas currently serves as the founding executive director of the Gonzaba Foundation, a Gonzaba Medical Group nonprofit arm focused on supporting San Antonio’s older adults through community-based initiatives and accessible healthcare resources. Her work centers on reducing disparities and elevating the voices of vulnerable populations.
“Fernanda will be a terrific addition to the Port San Antonio Board of Directors,” said Councilwoman Cabello Havrda. “Her tireless dedication supporting vulnerable communities dovetails beautifully with the Port’s commitment to creating life-changing economic, educational, and entrepreneurial opportunities for people across our region.”
Port San Antonio Board Chair Margaret Wilson-Anaglia echoed that sentiment: “We’re excited to welcome Fernanda as our newest colleague. Her extensive and varied personal and professional experiences bring important perspectives to help inform our work.” She also emphasized that Cardenas is joining the board at a particularly transformative time for the Port. It is actively developing Innovation Tower, a cornerstone of its Tech Port campus and a key part of an expansive defense industrial research initiative.
Image by Port San Antonio
“A thoughtful and inclusive economic development vision, combined with a well-executed strategy, is central to enhancing the quality of life of all people in our community,” said Cardenas. “The Port has demonstrated for many years that the opportunities it creates in partnership with industry, educators, and the public sector are far-reaching and long-lasting. I am honored to be given this opportunity to help shape that path forward for today’s and upcoming generations of San Antonians.”
Before founding the Gonzaba Foundation, Cardenas spent over seven years with United Health Group as senior marketing and retention lead for government programs. In that role, she led several key initiatives to reduce health disparities and engage underserved communities. Her public service extends far beyond her professional career. Cardenas serves on the South Texas Adult Protective Services board, Texas Grandparents Raising Grandkids, and Meals on Wheels-San Antonio. She is also a member of the City and County Joint Commission on Elderly Affairs, the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women, and the San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees.
Her advocacy and community leadership have earned her numerous accolades, including the Advocacy Award from the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Leadership Awards, the Mission Partner Award from the Alamo Area Council of Governments, the Senior House Champion recognition from House of Neighborly Services, and the Unsung Hero Award from the State of Texas Adult Protective Services.
A proud St. Mary’s University graduate, Cardenas holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and dual master’s degrees in public administration and political science.
Port San Antonio, located on the former Kelly Air Force Base site, is one of the city’s most dynamic economic hubs, serving as home to leading industries in aerospace, cybersecurity, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. Cardenas’ appointment to the board is critical as the Port continues to grow as a catalyst for innovation, job creation, and opportunity across the region.
