You may have seen Teri Wenglein’s testimonial about Impact San Antonio on our Kickoff video back in January. Teri is enthusiastic in her praise of our organization and its value to the community. Here is what she has to say about Impact SA.
When did you join Impact San Antonio? Who or what inspired you to do so?
This is my 10th year as a member. Lora Watts, my dear friend since first grade through high school in the North East ISD, encouraged me to join. I had been away from San Antonio for over 40 years before moving back, and she said it would be a great way to meet a fabulous, dedicated and diverse group of women who are giving of their time, talent and money to make a difference in San Antonio.
You say you had moved back to San Antonio after 40 years. Had you been in any charitable organizations before moving back? Is Impact SA different?
In Los Angeles and Houston, I was involved in other nonprofits. Impact SA is different because of the opportunities to stay connected and involved with grant recipients and follow their progress and growth.
What do you enjoy most about being a member of Impact SA, and what brings you back year after year?
The most enjoyment is that Impact SA is always offering opportunities for social gatherings or gatherings to help with the ongoing work of Impact — grant review, member engagement, ways to interact with members. You are not obligated to participate, but when you do, you meet some of the neatest ladies and you have a new network of friends!
What do you find most inspirational about Impact SA?
Definitely the opportunities that are given to the grant recipients and how they are moved, motivated and inspired by the dollars they receive. Also, watching the grant recipients collaborate with each other when they have a service, skill or ability that another one may need.
Have you done any volunteer work on our committees?
I served on the Grant Review Committee for Health & Wellness, and it was fabulous! We started with 27 grant requests and had to narrow it down to three or four that we could visit in person. As a committee, we worked well together and remained friends after the work was done.
What work have you done in your career?
Immediately after college, I worked for my sorority as a national field consultant. I traveled from September to April, visiting 36 university campuses around the country. I worked for the University of Texas Alumni Association and traveled the state of Texas for two years. Then I worked for Luby’s Cafeteria, handling employee training of the customer service personnel for new locations for six years, and then five years in marketing and public relations for Luby’s.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I graduated from UT Austin, both undergrad and grad school, and my son, Kerry, recently graduated from UT. We are both golfers and have been able to play Pebble Beach, Torrey Pines and Hilton Head together, making memories. Being back in San Antonio with family, reconnecting with friends from my high school years and making new friends have been the greatest joy and have brought so many wonderful opportunities to stay involved and be a part of the community.
