Lead South

About:

In 1986, the South Texas Business Partnership, formally the South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, recognized a need to identify, develop, and motivate potential leaders in the community to address the needs of the Southside of San Antonio, and the City South Leadership Academy was formed. It evolved over the past 35+ years and remained as strong and lively as the community it served.

In 2022, the brand and organizational evolution of South Texas Business Partnership (SoTx) was initiated as a larger strategic effort to position both the Southside and South Texas region as a unified and strong destination for investment. Building on its core business model focused on emphasizing leadership development, expanding access to resources, and leveraging opportunities, SoTx expanded its mission to the south. The rebranding from CSLA to LEAD South aligns with the goal of attracting the next generation of leaders, visionaries, and businesses in not only San Antonio but the entire South Texas region.

During the eight-month program, LEAD South participants are exposed to a wide array of venues, knowledgeable speakers, and educational tours. Participants develop greater personal leadership skills to use and take back to their places of employment and throughout the community. Additionally, participants gain confidence through public speaking opportunities, and organizational skills are strengthened through teamwork and group activities.

If you are interested in being a part of a rewarding, hands-on program and are willing to be a committed member of our organization and mission, then LEAD South is right for you!

Annually Lead South welcomes a diverse group of people who are enthusiastic, motivated, and ready to focus on their personal and professional growth.

The South Texas Business Partnership (SoTX), together with our Board of Directors and the Lead South Steering Committee, is proud to announce the graduation of the 2025–2026 Lead South Cohort. This dynamic group of leaders represents the future of South Texas—bringing together diverse experiences, talents, and perspectives to strengthen our region. We look forward to their journey through the program as they engage in professional development, community leadership, and collaborative learning that will leave a lasting impact on our business community and beyond.

Over the past eight months, this cohort engaged in immersive learning experiences, expert-led discussions, and a brand-new capstone project—gaining the insights and connections to drive transformational change across our region.

  • Amanda Gomez-CPS Energy, Danny Espinoza-CPS Energy, Matthew Gibson-CPS Energy, Sonia Guerrero-HOLT CAT, Karen Artola-CPS Energy, Nereida Guerrero-Hinojose-VIA Transit, Jacob Hamrick-HOLT CAT, Irasema Huerta-CPS Energy, David Lampkin-HOLT CAT, Ivan Molina-Security Service, April Carmona-CPS Energy, Jordan Burbank-Texas A&M – SA, Mario Llano-VIA Transit, Cesar Lopez-HOLT CAT, Isaac Lopez-Santana Group, Dalesha Linnabary-CPS Energy, Angelica Martin-VIA Transit, Justin Munoz-CPS Energy, Maralicia Martinez-Linebarger Attorneys at Law, Santana Mendoza Jr-SAWS, Natalie McDowell-Mission Trail Baptist, Rebecca Ruiz-1st Choice Realty, Erica Salazar-1st Choice Realty, Valerie Uriegas-CPS Energy.

Your dedication to leadership, growth, and strengthening our South Texas community is truly inspiring.

A special thank you to our sponsors, CPS Energy and Texas A&M University–San Antonio, our amazing partners Jay Visuals and Texas Sugar Daddies for helping make this celebration unforgettable, and our LEADSouth Steering Committee for making this all possible. ✨

  • Stephanie Garcia-Brooks, Vanessa Quiroga-Texas A&M- SA, Art Olague- Texas A&M- SA, Diane Perez- Generations, Erica Valadez- Lone Star National Bank, Bonnie Salas-Somerset Academy – Brooks / SoTX Board Member, Alex Trujillo-HOLT CAT / SoTX Board Member, Kevin Greene-CPS Energy, Rodolfo de Leon-SouthStar / SoTX Board Member.

Lead South 2026-2027 Application Information

Applications open annually in Mid-July

Timeline:

  • Application opens mid-July 2026
  • Application closes Mid-August 2026
  • Applications reviewed and cohort announced August 2026
  • Lead South program begins (8 months) with Retreat in Mid-September 2026
  • Program fees due no later than end of September 2026

South Texas Business Partnership
3128 Sidney Brooks St, San Antonio, TX 78235