Her Story
About Stephanie
My career path has been anything but traditional, and that’s exactly how I like it. I began my career in broadcast journalism as a news producer and reporter, but after becoming a mother, my priorities shifted. A chance encounter during a Jerry Lewis Telethon led me to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, where I served as Executive Director of the local chapter and gained invaluable experience in nonprofit management, budgeting, fundraising, and leadership.
From there, I joined the City of Brownsville as a grant writer—a position I later learned was temporary when I was signing the paperwork. I took a leap of faith, and that opportunity ultimately led me to build the Office of Grant Management, serve as Director of Planning and Community Development, and become Assistant City Manager by the age of 30.
In 2014, my family faced a life-changing challenge when my 5-year-old son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Seeking access to specialized medical care, we made the difficult decision to leave everything behind and move to San Antonio. That move opened the door to the next chapter of my career, including seven years at the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, where I led public policy efforts across transportation, education, military affairs, cybersecurity, and aerospace. During that time, I also earned an Executive Master’s degree focused on homeland security because I believe continuous learning is essential to effective leadership.
Today, I serve as President & CEO of the Real Estate Council of San Antonio (RECSA), where I advocate for policies that support responsible growth and economic development. When I interviewed for the role, I told the board that if they wanted a replica of my predecessor, I wasn’t the right fit—but if they wanted someone to elevate the organization and challenge the status quo, I was ready. Fortunately, that was exactly what they were looking for.
Throughout my career, I’ve embraced opportunities that required taking calculated risks and putting in the work to succeed. I believe growth happens outside of your comfort zone, and I’m proud to be a young Latina leader helping shape the future of a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stephanie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to take calculated risks. My philosophy has always been to say yes to opportunities when I'm willing to put in the effort required to succeed. I believe that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing challenges, even when the path forward feels uncertain or unconventional. Success rarely happens by chance - you have to be proactive, seize opportunities when they arise, and be prepared to do the work necessary to make the most of them.
I also rely heavily on my faith, which provides guidance and perspective when facing difficult decisions. It reminds me to trust the process, stay grounded, and have confidence that things will unfold as they are meant to. In the end, I believe that hard work, faith, and a willingness to embrace opportunity create the foundation for success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from my city manager when I was hesitant about applying for the assistant city manager position. He told me that he always believes that going through the interview process, whether you get the job or not, is a wonderful growth exercise. That advice stuck with me and gave me the confidence to take on challenges even when I wasn't sure I was ready.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women to take calculated risks and have faith in themselves. You can always learn more skills, but you have to be willing to listen and to work hard, and the rest will fall into place from there. If there's an opportunity before you that may seem a little scary or a little off the beaten path, embrace it. Jump in, but just be ready to put in the work. You can't just sit back and assume it's going to happen to you. That opportunity may be the only one at that time, or for a long time, so jump in and give it a shot, because at the end of the day, it all works out the way that it should.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide my life are integrity, loyalty, and service. Everything I do is rooted in a desire to serve others. Each morning, I ask myself: How can I serve? How can I give back? How can I make a difference?
It is important to me that when my time is done, I can look back knowing I made a positive impact—whether in my community, in someone's life, or within my family. That is the goal I strive toward every single day.
Above all else, family comes first. I am incredibly blessed to share life with my husband, who has been my best friend since third grade. We have been together for more than 20 years, and some of our greatest joy comes from staying active and making memories together as a family.
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