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VIDA: Makers & Shakers: April 2025

We’re Simon and Autumn Saleh, the husband-and-wife team behind Wanderlust Ironworks. We’ve been working as artists for years, creating everything from large-scale sculptures to custom metalwork.

Albert Gonzales, Trebla Art, stands against a larger than life painting of his that features a wabi-sabi flower, in primary colors with thick black lines.

VIDA Makers & Shakers Interview with Albert Gonzales, Trebla Art

Albert Gonzales, a Southside San Antonio artist and curator, channels his passion into Trebla Art, using creativity to inspire and connect with the community.

Southside Makers & Shakers Military Edition: Oswaldo Garcia

This special edition of our blog pays tribute to the service and sacrifices of military families, showcasing the resilience and contributions of veterans within our community. In this edition, we interview Oswaldo Garcia, a Marine veteran and VIDA resident.

Golden doodle and sibling dog Skylar sit outside with open mouths

Southside Makers & Shakers: Special Pet Edition with Archie & Skylar

As part of National Dog Week, we’re back with a special pet edition of our Southside Makers & Shakers series, that highlights members in our community. This month, we’re excited to introduce Archie & Skylar, two beloved pups who not only call VIDA San Antonio home but have also captured the hearts of many through their online presence.

Darnell Smith Speaking at a Texas A&M San Antonio Event

Southside Makers & Shakers: Darnell Smith

Darnell Smith, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Texas A&M-San Antonio, is building a lasting legacy on the Southside by expanding sports programs, fostering student-athlete success, and elevating the community on a national stage.

Brenda Anz poses for a photo with women from Women Unlimited SA

Southside Makers & Shakers: Brenda Anz

Brenda Anz, known as San Antonio’s Coupon Queen, empowers the community through Saving Our Way and Women Unlimited SA, helping people save money and supporting women entrepreneurs with resources and networking opportunities.

Jeanette Ball, Superintendent of Southwest ISD stands with students to celebrate student achievements

Southside Makers & Shakers: Dr. Jeanette Ball

Dr. Jeanette Ball, Superintendent of Southwest ISD, is a dedicated education leader committed to expanding student opportunities and fostering community partnerships to prepare Southside students for success.

Co-founder/Owner of Folklores Coffee House, Emilie Herrera

Southside Makers & Shakers: Emilie Herrera

Emilie Herrera, co-founder and owner of Folklores Coffee House, has built a community-driven business on San Antonio’s Southside that focuses on empowerment, support, and making a lasting impact through local partnerships and service.

Realtor Smile Orosco stands amongst friends at a fiesta in San Antonio

Celebrating the Vibrancy of the Southside: Makers & Shakers of 2023

This year’s Southside Makers & Shakers featured an inspiring lineup of community leaders, from entrepreneurs and educators to artists and advocates, all dedicated to making a lasting impact on San Antonio’s Southside.

Flor shares information about Celebrate Dyslexia Schools

Southside Makers & Shakers: Flor E. Gutiérrez

Flor E. Gutiérrez is the founding superintendent of Celebrate Dyslexia Schools, a tuition-free charter focused on providing an enriching, safe educational environment for dyslexic children in San Antonio, driven by her passion for improving lives through education on the Southside.

Davida S. Smyth, PhD Associate Professor of Molecular Microbiology Department of Life Sciences Texas A&M University, San Antonio

Southside Makers & Shakers: Dr. Davida Smyth

Dr. Davida Smyth is an Associate Professor of Molecular Microbiology at Texas A&M University – San Antonio, where she combines teaching and research to inspire students through project-based learning and real-world scientific experiences that address global challenges.

Southside Makers & Shakers: Sarita Zúñiga

Sarita Zúñiga is the owner of Sarita’s Dance Studio, Inc., a pillar of the Southside community, offering diverse dance education, scholarships, and professional development for aspiring dancers. With over 60 years in the dance field, Sarita is dedicated to inspiring and empowering students to achieve their dreams while giving back to the community.