Unique Area Foundation training program emphasizes diversity & social justice

Following in the footsteps of last year’s successful inaugural class, the San Antonio Area Foundation announced the launch of the 2022 class of its newest professional development program.

The second-ever San Antonio Equity Fellowship Program got off the ground earlier this month. This one-of-a-kind opportunity is specifically geared for local nonprofit leaders of color to gain personal growth and advance their careers.

“This is a transformational program focused on bringing together African American, Latinx and American Indian community leaders who are committed to constructively altering societal conditions and creating equitable opportunities for all,” said Patricia Mejia, Vice President of Community Engagement and Impact at the Area Foundation.

The six-month training curriculum, which runs through April 2023, involves monthly sessions focused on transformational leadership, intercultural understanding, social change, policy action, community improvement and arts expression.

The main criteria for applicants includes being a senior or executive leader or member of the board of directors of a local nonprofit organization, commitment to participate in all in-person sessions, support from participants’ respective organizations and self-identification as Black, Latinx, American Indian or multi-racial.

The program is modeled after a similar course created by the Multicultural Leadership Academy of the Latino Policy Forum in Chicago.

“The San Antonio Equity Fellowship is designed to create a cadre of passionate, transformational leaders committed to equity, social justice and cross-cultural collaboration that will benefit all citizens of San Antonio,” said Carol Rodriguez, a consultant who will help facilitate the Area Foundation program. 

“Based on the successes realized in Chicago from collaboration between graduates of the program in that city, we anticipate fruitful projects positively impacting policy and programs in San Antonio,” Rodriguez added.

Congratulations to the 2022 San Antonio Equity Fellowship Program participants! They are:

  • Noah Almanza, Roy Maas Youth Alternatives, Inc.
  • Allen Blair, SAMMinistries.
  • Viridiana Carrizales, ImmSchools.
  • Claudia de Vasco, The Public Theater.
  • Dominic Dominguez, Gardopia Gardens.
  • Maruice Gibbs, San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum.
  • Destiny Hernandez, American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions.
  • Tiffany Jones-Smith, State of Texas Kidney Foundation.
  • Natalynn Masters, Black Outside, Inc.
  • Adriana McKinnon, Youth Center of Texas.
  • Robert Melvin, San Antonio for Growth on the East Side.
  • Grady Morris, Covenant Christian Children’s Homes of Texas.
  • Stacie Orsagh, Esther Vexler Yoga School.
  • Cuauthli Reyna, San Anto Cultural Arts.
  • Simon Salas, Good Samaritan Community Services.
  • Maria C. Turvin, Yanawana Herbolarios.
  • Shay Wilson, Each One Teach One.