The founder and editor-in-chief of ESJ Magazine, Katie has been working to make sure representation exists within the sustainable fashion space, and that real conversations that lead to accountability and action are happening in fashion. Over the past year, her work with the magazine has expanded to create a bigger platform for Black women and femmes, and artists to reclaim and take up space in ethical and sustainable fashion.

Sarah Wooley is the owner of The Impact Guild.

For 15 years Brielle has worked to create brand identities and digital communication strategies for nonprofits, private businesses, and political campaigns ranging from municipal ballot initiatives to serving as Digital Director for Julián Castro’s presidential campaign. She has poured the soul of her work into advocacy and community-building and has made it her goal to uplift women and help amplify the voices of those who are continuously left behind. Brielle currently serves on the...

I hope to uncover what’s inside me — my heart, my mind, and my soul — and to use that light to build something bigger than myself. I believe this life is mine to live, but it is not for me.

An avid performer of contemporary music, STEPHANIE KEY is the founding and current Artistic Director of SOLI Chamber Ensemble. She received her BM with Distinction in Performance from New England Conservatory in Boston, and she has performed with many orchestras and ensembles across the country and internationally. She is Associate Principal and Eb Clarinetist with the San Antonio Symphony, and serves on the music faculty at Trinity University. Ms. Key is a designated Artist with Buffet...

Kiran is the President & CEO of SA2020, the nonprofit that drives progress toward a shared community vision for San Antonio through research, storytelling, and practice. She previously served as the first Chief Equity Officer for the City of San Antonio. Kiran is a 2020 Atlantic Fellow for Racial Equity.

Storytelling with intent and purpose is the thread that runs through Mary Ullmann Japhet’s decades-long career as a communications professional, and she tells those stories with enthusiasm and passion. The owner and founder of Japhet Media LLC, Mary provides public relations, media training and video and audio production services for companies, nonprofit organizations, and individual leaders. Prior to founding Japhet Media in June 2019, Mary spent 18 years as the Senior Vice President,...

Alexandra Leticia Zapata Simpson is an artist. Her love for creating has made her a proud alumni of Istituto Marangoni with a BA in fashion design as well as an alumnus of The New York Conservatory For Dramatic Arts with a degree in film television and theater arts. Today Alexandra and her husband Keith Simpson along with their two children sell life in a jar at their local juice bar SQUeeZeRS.

Leonora Walker is the founder and CEO of FREED Texas, which serves formerly incarcerated men and women ages 18 and older living in Bexar County and seeking to improve their lives in order to avoid reoffending. Walker was once formerly incarcerated, but has now been set free and delivered for over six years from incarceration and addiction.  Leonora Walker is now a Nationally recognized Designated Peer Support Specialist. 

Rocío Guenther grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico and bridges two countries, two cultures, and two languages. She currently works as Director of Constituent Services in the Office of San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, where she also serves as LGBTQ liaison.  Rocío previously worked as an International Relations Specialist at the City of San Antonio’s Economic Development Department, where she actively promoted San Antonio’s role on the global stage and helped manage official Sister City...

Hallease is a video producer and digital storyteller based in San Antonio, Texas. She has produced content for PBS, Google, SPANX and YouTube. In 2021 she became an Adobe Creative Resident, and for the next year will focus on producing an independent comedy web series, a video podcast interviewing mostly BIPOC artists about their careers, and teaching others how to tell their own story through online classes. 

In this second chapter, a new cohort of women will take the stage to share their stories. These are individuals who are changing the landscape of our city and making a tangible impact in our community every single day.

Lauren makes Herstory by being a mother, a wife a sister, and a friend. She strives to give her very best to those she loves and a faithful believer that prayer works. 

Chris makes herstory as the first Black woman to host Pecha Kucha and she is the co-founder of Ehcü Public Relations.

Naomi makes herstory as a creative, wife, daughter, sister, queen, a community advocate who has found her voice. And she won't be quiet about it. Naomi is the founder and master artisan of Say That Accessories in San Antonio, Texas. 

Krystal Hamilton makes herstory as a Pastor at Faith Community SA and owner of JustDogs34 by creating opportunities for spiritual development and growth as well as personal development, job placement, training and entrepreneurship.

Gabrielle is making herstory as a marketing and business coach on a mission to help Black business owners overcome their plateau and reach their next level. Gabrielle also makes herstory by educating and encouraging the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Rhonda makes herstory as a retired EEO Director for the U.S. Navy, leader in her church, wife, and mother. 

Bria Woods makes herstory as an Executive Digital Producer for a news station and a photographer, published internationally. She loves telling stories that matter and connecting with the people she crosses paths with.

Nerryl Williams makes Herstory as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend. For 13 years she has proudly served the medical community as a Sonographer, for such a time as this.

Rebekah makes herstory by doing her best to follow God’s plan for her life! She’s an avid actress, teacher, and professional baker and loves to spread joy where she can!

Andrea is the first black, Poet Laureate of San Antonio 2020-2023. Some of her awards include: Dream Voice 2018, People's Choice Award 2019,  Best Live Entertainment/Band Musician of the Year by the 17th Annual SEA Awards, and The Arts and Letters Award by Friends of San Antonio Public Library.  For more info visit www.andreavocabsanderson.com Instagram Vocabulous or Facebook Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson.

Aramis Parker is making herstory as a Probation Officer in Bexar County. She keeps God first while helping people change their lives around.

Piper Vann-Morgan is making herstory as a Senior at Incarnate Word High School. She is a future HBC/U graduate.