Yes, I’m an optimist and since I’m new to the president role, I should tell you a little more about myself. I am a born and raised San Antonian and I absolutely LOVE my hometown. I am a graduate of Incarnate Word High School and St. Mary’s University. I briefly lived and worked in Dallas, but only because my then-boyfriend/now-husband said he wouldn’t marry me unless I lived away from home first. (He’s a smart man.)
I’ve been a member of Impact SA since 2018. That first year I paid my $1000 and voted. Nothing else. I definitely took “membership on your own terms” seriously! The following year I became a Grant Reviewer, and the rest, as they say, is history. I was hooked. I have since been a Grant Review Co-Lead for the Environment, Recreation and Preservation focus area, joined the board in 2022 as Grant Review Co-Chair, became Vice-President of Operations last year, and here I am as President in 2025. I have joked that I have never been qualified for any position I have ever had in Impact San Antonio, and this is no exception. But I am doggedly willing to learn about most anything and I have the time to give.
Sharon Jones Schweitzer gave us grace and professionalism as she guided us through our 20th anniversary year. She left me some big shoes to fill. I am grateful that I was able to learn from her this past year and I plan to continue learning as she will serve on the board this year as our immediate past president.
I am filled with optimism for the incredible impact we can achieve together this new year. With our 20th Anniversary year behind us, I am looking forward to the beginning of our NEXT 20 years. We have already reached our first milestone of 100 memberships to fund our first $100,000 High Impact Grant of 2025!
Our Kick-Off event is February 5th at The Veranda. I hope you will join me in continuing to strengthen our community, build meaningful connections with other like-minded women, and to be difference-makers. It’s going to be a great year. I can already feel it. Can you?!
Warm regards,
Yvonne Grothues, 2025 President, Impact San Antonio
