The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC) is proud to celebrate a milestone 10th anniversary for its Latina Leadership Institute (LLI), a leadership development program dedicated to empowering Latinas throughout San Antonio and beyond. Since its founding, LLI has continued to elevate and support women in their civic, professional, and community leadership journeys.
As LLI commemorates a decade of leadership, service, and community impact, we are honored to introduce the 2025 LLI Steering Committee—a group of distinguished professionals shaping the next chapter of the program’s legacy.
Laura Mayes, Assistant Vice President at WSP, and Lily Garcia, Marketing & Community Director for #IhaveaCPAguy, serve as Co-Chairs for the committee. They are joined by Estrellita Garcia-Diaz, Vice President and CRA Officer at Jefferson Bank, and Stephanie Melchor, Senior Analyst for Communications and Change Management at Toyota Motor North America, who are Co-Chair Elects for LLI Class 11.
Rounding out the committee are Marivel Arauza, Public Relations Manager for the City of San Antonio Neighborhood and Housing Services Department; Cristina Bazaldua, Regional Philanthropy Officer at the American Red Cross Central and South Texas Region; Tessa Benavides-Cooper, Director of Communications and Community Relations at the Charles Butt Foundation; Iliana Castillo Daily, Assistant City Attorney for the City of San Antonio; Andrea De La Cruz, Project Manager for DEI and Supplier Diversity at H-E-B; Danielle Garcia, Senior Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Priscilla Hernandez, Chief Deputy for the Honorable Lucy Adame Clark; Nadia Ramon, Owner of Dezynr Shop; Vanessa Vasquez, Enterprise Technical Certifications and Learning Advisor at General Dynamics Information Technology; and Brandalyne Weitzel, Owner of Adret Counseling PLLC.
Photo Credit: San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
These accomplished women bring invaluable experience, leadership, and dedication to the table as they support the incoming class of Latina leaders.
They are also pleased to welcome the Latina Leadership Institute Class 10. This remarkable cohort comprises emerging and established professionals representing various industries and organizations throughout San Antonio. From education and government to health care, small business, and the nonprofit sector, these women exemplify the strength, resilience, and vision that define Latina leadership.
United by a common goal: to grow as leaders, uplift their communities, and contribute meaningfully to civic and economic advancement in San Antonio. Class 10 will participate in a year-long curriculum to enhance leadership competencies, foster community engagement, and expand professional networks.
The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1929, is the nation’s first Hispanic chamber and the only Five-Star accredited chamber in San Antonio by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. SAHCC remains committed to advancing economic prosperity and championing leadership development through impactful programs such as the Latina Leadership Institute.
As the Latina Leadership Institute (LLI) embarks on its 10th anniversary, we look forward to honoring the legacy and future of Latina leadership in our city. We celebrate not only the impressive members of Class 10 and the Steering Committee but also the lasting impact of every woman who has been part of the LLI journey.
For more information about LLI and how to support or apply for future cohorts, visit sahcc.org.
Pictures by Erica, Founder of ER Media, LLC
