Toni Riester Wood, a longtime San Antonio-area educator, is enjoying her stint as co-chair of the Environment, Recreation & Preservation Grant Review Committee. Here is how she got involved in Impact SA and how she feels the organization benefits our community.
When did you first learn about Impact San Antonio?
I have had the privilege of working with some wonderful women during my almost 30-year career in public education. Back in 2018, I was invited by three colleagues from North East ISD to be the fourth member of a shared membership for Impact SA. I still remember attending our first Grant Award Night. We were all excited to be in this giant room with almost all women, all of whom were working together to empower these remarkable agencies. I was inspired by the energy in the room that first evening while learning about these incredible agencies all working to meet the many needs across the San Antonio area.
Who or what inspired you to join?
That very first Grant Award Night was the hook for me to not only continue my membership, but to eventually become more involved with the organization as our children left for college and we had a little more time . Additionally, I was interested in being a part of an organization completely powered by women, all of whom volunteer their time. Finally, as a longtime public educator, I have a strong commitment to ensuring that our community is served well. I believe the five Impact focus areas — Arts & Culture; Education; Environment, Recreation & Preservation; Family; and Health & Wellness — cover what’s needed to help a community thrive.
What do you enjoy most about being a member?
I have really enjoyed learning about the numerous San Antonio community agencies and all they are doing to help our beautiful city shine. Many of the agencies I had never heard of before, and each year we learn about 10 more (two grant finalists from each Impact SA focus area). I have also enjoyed meeting other women from all ages and stages, and all committed to ensuring a bright future for San Antonio and the surrounding area.
What roles have you played in the organization?
I was only part of a shared membership until this year. Then I became co-chair of the Grant Review Committee for Environment, Recreation & Preservation. I honestly had no idea about all that went on behind the scenes to get to Grant Award Night until this year.
How was it for you to jump in so quickly as co-chair of a Grant Review Committee?
Jumping into the role of co-chair has been very smooth! I was partnered with a co-chair who has some experience with the process, and she and I have worked very well together. Additionally, we have been well supported by the two Grant Review board members, Angelle St. Germain and Suzanne Yarbrough, through a couple of training sessions and through access to incredibly detailed handbooks and materials that provide guidance and directions for every step of the process.
What do you think is most important for everyone to know about the work Impact SA does in our community?
Being a part of Impact SA is a powerful yet simple way to impact our entire community! It feels good knowing that your entire donation will go toward a grant award recipient. Collectively, we have the power to change lives. One of my favorite quotes is by Coretta Scott King: “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
What do you do for a living?
I am a longtime public educator. I have been a teacher, principal, director of instructional improvement, chief instructional officer and interim superintendent in districts in the San Antonio geographic area. I now work for an educational consulting firm in Austin, Moak Casey & Associates. We support districts all over the state with finance, legislation, strategic planning, assessment, academics and accountability.
