Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine Business Mar/Apr 2020 by Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine

PHILANTHROPY SPOTLIGHT

FACES AND PLACES OF THE COASTAL BEND

COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

GIRL POWER

11 Trailblazing Women in the Coastal Bend

JAMES GOURLEY

THE NEXT WAVE LEADERSHIP CORPUS CHRISTI XLIX Anniversary Issue CELEBRATING 11 YEARS OF PUBLISHING

Expressions of Inspiration

MAR/APR 2020

Corpus Christi native gives powerful insight into the lives of 10 first-generation immigrants I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

ALL BATTERY CENTER A World of Batteries to Local Power Solutions Expert Batteries & Gear for Home & Business in the Coastal Bend 

One store for all your battery needs for home and office



Batteries, chargers, flashlights, etc



A local Partner committed to serving the Coastal Bend community



Locally owned and operated



Tested and trusted products and services



We’re here to help you out with all your battery problems

4903 Ambassador Row Corpus Christi Texas 361.854.5000 Store Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am – 6pm / Sat 8:30am – 2:30pm / Sun Closed like Chick-fil-A

InterstateBatteriesCorpus.com Facebook.com/interstatebatteriescorpus Instagram@interstatebatteries_cc 2

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

ENERGIZING OUR COMMUNITIES Follow us on social media and see how we are energizing our communities.

Facebook:

@PortCorpusChristi

Instagram: @PoccaPort

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

when you land, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re home WHY ... COMMUTE? WAIT IN LINE? GET STUCK IN TRAFFIC?

SOUTHWEST | UNITED | AMERICAN | WWW.FLYCCIA.COM 2

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

CONTENTS MARCH.APRIL 2020

26 PROFILE TRAILBLAZING WOMEN IN THE COASTAL BEND

In celebration of International Women’s Month, Inspire Coastal Bend celebrates the accomplishments of 11 outstanding women who are making amazing strides in our community.

UNITED CORPUS CHRISTI CHAMBER LEADERSHIP CORPUS CHRISTI XLIX

The United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Foundation develops the next wave of area leaders and entrepreneurs through the innovative LCC program.

BUSINESS COACH 10 No Time Like Now SPECIAL FEATURE 12 Beacons of Light FEATURE 14 Spring Fashion and Fun 16 Amazing! 18 Waves of Sound ENERGY 36 Energy Advocates TASTE 38 Pizza Party

COVER STORY

JAMES GOURLEY

TRAVEL 40 Diary of a Frequent CCIA Traveler

This businessman and philanthropist invests in the community by building a brighter future at Gourley Contracting and Youth Odyssey.

EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION 42 This Land is Our Land

COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTOS BY: TWINS MEDIA

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

NONPROFIT 44 Doing the Most Good 46 Knowledge is Power PHILANTHROPY SPOTLIGHT 50 Celebration of Courage,

Boots and Bling Ball 52 Dr. Hector P. Garcia Birthday Celebration Luncheon

THINK BIG. THINK COOPER.

For Advertising Call (361) 882-3088 Locally owned and operated since 1981

www.CooperOutdoor.com I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

MEET THE STAFF COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY

MARCH/APRIL 2020

ADRIAN GARZA PUBLISHER adrian@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 361.548.1044

PUBLISHER Adrian Garza

PUBLISHER & OPERATIONS Holly Lewis

EDITOR Erin O’Brien

DESIGN DIRECTOR Elisa Giordano

HOLLY LEWIS PUBLISHER & OPERATIONS holly@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 479.935.0868

ERIN O'BRIEN EDITOR erin.editorial@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA Morgan Bartel

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mandy Ashcraft Cecilia Dupree Jessica Dusek Jacqueline Gonzalez Samantha Koepp-Stemplinger Connie Laughlin Holly Lewis Beverly Randolph Jon Reilly Becca Taylor Christina Hunter Villeda Sarona Winfrey

PHOTOGRAPHY Dustin Ashcraft Debbie Noble Eddie Seal TWINS Media

ELISA GIORDANO DESIGN DIRECTOR elisa@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 210.716.5320

www.inspirecoastalbendmag.com For advertising information or editorial comments, please call 479-935-0868 or email holly@inspirecoastalbendmag.com.

MORGAN BARTEL SOCIAL MEDIA morgan@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 620.417.5392

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PELICAN

MEDIA GROUP

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

WE ARE TRULY BLESSED to have such amazing business, community and medical leaders in our region, and for the Inspire magazine team, it’s been a true privilege to share the stories of so many remarkable folks.

Nearly 11 years ago, when Adrian brought the concept for our publication to the Coastal Bend (stemming from NSIDE, the publication his brother started in San Antonio), he had no idea how rewarding it would be to get a closer look at some of our community’s brightest stars. And I have had the good fortune of leading production for nearly six years now, and exploring all the interesting and inspirational people and places we have here in our own backyard. It never ceases to amaze me. Our mission to feature local innovation and progress in order to ignite positive growth in our community still stands true, but like everything else, we anticipate change and plan to adapt in the upcoming months in an effort to become more current, more insightful and especially more inspiring than ever. We certainly hope you have been able to draw inspiration from what you have seen in the magazine for the past 11 years, and we are excited to continue showing up in your offices, waiting rooms and coffee tables. The look, feel, comfort and professional design of the publication will always be something we deliver to you with quality and integrity. However, moving even further into the age of social media and technology, we want you to

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

have immediate access to us at your fingertips.

In the coming months, you are going to see Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine evolve. From our stories to our special features to our exciting advertising and marketing tools to our digital presence, this will be our year to truly grab hold of this community and significantly engage with it. We want everyone to feel our presence and to feel not only informed, but enlightened. Enjoy the stories in the pages ahead. I am confident you will find them riveting, endearing and even triumphant. Be assured that you are living in a community that cares, and among many ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Godspeed to all, and keep on inspiring!

Holly Lewis, Publisher holly@inspirecoastalbendmag.com

THE TEAM STELLAR seeks success both personally and professionally. When it comes to electricity, we will find the most cost-effective solutions that are custom tailored to our customers’ needs. This will allow our clients to free up time, money and give them the ability to work on their own definitions of success. -TIM CLARK, PRESIDENT

Quality Service + Competitive Pricing Why Choose us: Our customers come first. The Stellar Energy Solutions team is made up of people who understand the industry and care deeply about helping you in every way. We are here to save you time.

 Dynamic Pricing: We have several clear advantages over other suppliers, including market experience and purchasing power, which add up to more value for your business.

 Environmentally Sound: We see the big picture. As an industry leader, it’s our responsibility to explore green energy product options and offer affordable ways for our clients to reduce their environmental impact.

 Electricity Consultants: Our team of industry specialists will work with you to create an energy solution that meets all of your personal and company's needs from budget to roll-out and support.

 Fully Integrated Partnership: Stellar Energy Solutions partners with the best electrical providers in the business. There is a mutual trust in our white glove approach to serving your business and residential needs.

361.884.8973 | www.stellarnrgsolutions.com

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

BUSINESS COACH

NO TIME LIKE NOW

Employee safety and the story about moving a deer blind By: CONNIE LAUGHLIN

any years ago, I wrote this article while sitting in one of our old hunting trucks at the deer lease. I was helping my significant other move a monstrous deer blind. I would say it was at least 18 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. It wasn’t your typical deer blind, either; it had a heavy-duty iron stand with a wood hunting blind on top. He really needed a man’s help, but I was the only one available to lend a hand. For the most part, I sat in the truck and moved the trailer to and fro as he operated the forklift, trying to position the blind on the trailer so we could move it to another spot. There were some very tense moments as I watched him try to position this behemoth. There’s no time like now when it comes to safety. When you’re at home or at the ranch, and you do something stupid and hurt yourself, you should have known better! When talking about your business, there are numerous reasons you should put your safety program first – always! The first reason is it’s your responsibility to see that your employees are working in a safe environment. You are liable for them! Gross negligence comes to mind, and you can probably forget about the exclusive remedy that workers’ comp policy provides. Every company needs some sort of safety program. I’ve seen too many workers’ compensation claims, even in white-collar businesses, so I know this is true. Some business leaders I’ve spoken with have seen only minor injuries (some resulting in minor surgical procedures) so far, while some local companies have been

unfortunate and have had significant claims. Due to their lack of claims management expertise and safety programs, they were left to fend for themselves, pay expensive premiums and pay the ultimate price of not being able to bid for work since they failed to maintain a low Experience Modifier Rating. And it seems when you have one injury, there’s another one or two right behind it. Your safety and that of your employees should be the No. 1 thing on your to-do list. Every day you put it off, something else is going to pop up and it will never be done. Don’t risk the lives and well-being of your employees anymore. We hear about unfortunate accidents resulting in the loss of life due to simple accidents. We never think it could happen to us. Anyway, back to my story: After loading the blind on to the trailer, I followed my significant other in the truck as he drove the forklift up a sharp incline on the way to the new home for the deer blind. As I watched him go up and then down that hill, I could tell how unstable that forklift was. And, of course, I knew he was not wearing a seatbelt. I must add right here that this man is the love of my life, but working with him in the field makes me nervous, as too many accidents happen around him. Ask his buddies – or me, for that matter. We all have our stories. We finally arrived at the new spot, and now the task was to get the blind off the trailer and stand it upright. Things got more exciting as we tried to take it off the trailer. After numerous attempts, the thing I feared happened: It gave way and fell. It was half on and half off the trailer. When it fell, my significant other had a hold of the winch line

that was attached from the front of my truck to the blind. All I could see was his 6’2” frame flying through the air. I ran as fast as I could in my sandals to his side. (Yes, I said sandals. I know I should wear snake-proof boots every time I’m out in the field.) I was worried sick he’d been hurt. But he was O.K., and the deer blind was put in its proper place, albeit looking rather beat-up. When you play this odds game at work, you risk losing your business, as one hefty lawsuit could do you in. Have a risk assessment conducted at your place of business periodically. Get out that dusty safety manual (if you have one), and see if it requires updating – and, more than that, use it. Make sure you have a safety expert onsite holding regular safety meetings if you have a greyor blue-collar company. One solution is to partner with a professional employer organization (PEO). They help provide a safe work environment, along with a turnkey robust human resources (HR) solution, including payroll administration. Additionally, you’re assigned a professional in HR to assist you with the HR side of your company. Employment litigation can be a nightmare, so you must be incompliance with a long list of federal and state labor and employment laws. An HR professional knows how to take the bull by the horns and get your company running like a Fortune 500 company with all the employee stuff in place. For your accident-prone employees, you might want to check into the optional benefit solutions they bring to the table. They’re excellent and very affordable! Take care of your business, and be safe.

Connie Laughlin is a PEO business consultant for South Texas. You may contact her at conniel@uniquehr.com.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

SPECIAL FEATURE

BEACONS OF LIGHT

YWCA Y Women in Careers celebrates 40 years of recognizing outstanding professional women in the Coastal Bend. By: BEVERLY RANDOLPH

ince 1946, YWCA Corpus Christi has empowered women. For 40 years, YWCA Y Women in Careers has recognized the community’s professional women who have achieved prominence in their professions. The event nurtures young women and girls, demonstrating what women can accomplish. In 1979, a group of women saw a need to recognize the professional women in the Coastal Bend since there were not very many women in the professions at that time. So the Y Women in Careers Award was born. Since the beginning, this award has honored the women in Corpus Christi who broke the mold and blazed trails for women of the future. These women are our success stories, our role models and our leaders. While the “glass ceiling” still exists and the wage gap still burdens the workforce, women continue to overcome these barriers and succeed in their chosen fields. It is YWCA’s privilege to recognize and celebrate these successful women. They become beacons and role models for young girls to emulate. They influence the next generation of young women to achieve their goals. This telling of their stories is especially important for the young girls in YWCA’s YWTeen Program. YWTeens serves fifth- and sixth-grade girls, teaching them the importance of education, wise decisions and strong relationships. Many YWTeens attend the Y Women in Careers event. They have the opportunity to hear the honorees relate their experiences. The honorees help them recognize that no one is born successful. Success takes work, focus, strong decisions and education. The honorees’ stories help the girls visualize themselves as successful professional women, bringing the whole process full circle. The event is held each March, known as Women’s History Month – a fitting time to celebrate women who have achieved special recognition in their areas of expertise. YWCA has celebrated 291 such women. Each year, professional women are nominated from the community. A rigorous review process by an anonymous selection committee results in eight successful professional women being honored. They act as shining examples of women’s abilities to overcome obstacles their lives may have placed before them. These women join the ranks of the Y Women Hall of Fame. Women of the Hall of Fame are professionals in numerous fields, including medicine, public relations, law, environmental conservation, education, oil and gas, architecture, philanthropy, music, human resources, marine science, law enforcement, interior design, banking and finance, marketing and retail, nonprofit and many others. Women can and do excel in every field. YWCA is honored to recognize and celebrate these women and their accomplishments.

THE 40TH ANNUAL YWCA Y WOMEN IN CAREERS AWARDS BANQUET HONOREES ARE: • Gracie G. Flores, pension plan administrator, Corpus Christi Firefighters’ Retirement System • Sally Munroe Gill, vice president & co-owner, Gill Garden Center & Landscape Nursery • Diana K. Ivy, Ph.D., professor of communication, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi • Gracie Garcia Martin, president/CEO, Ensemble Group • Lynette Chastain Navar, nursing director, Mission of Mercy Medical Center • Melody Nixon-Bice, general manager, ZJZ Hospitality/Embassy Suites by Hilton • Constance P. Sanchez, CPA, chief financial officer, City of Corpus Christi • Dana L. Sisk, CPA, executive vice president, Navy Army Community Credit Union

WOMEN CAN AND DO EXCEL IN EVERY FIELD.

Watch for the Y Women in Careers March annual event. Bring your daughter! She will be inspired! Plan on nominating the successful professional woman of your choice for 2021. Find the form and instructions on the YWCA website: www.ywcacc.org.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

EXPLORE . RESTORE.

Make your stay in Corpus Christi more enlightening with a visit to the Texas State Aquarium. You’ll save more than memories - you’ll contribute to rescue and conservation. The largest aquarium in Texas offers an adventure for the whole family. Explore 227,000 sq. ft. of exhibits, and encounter more than 400 species, including dolphins, otters, sea turtles, sharks, flamingos and fish. Our newest experience, Caribbean Journey,immerses you in one of Mexico’s great natural wonders. Pathways wind through jungles where flamingos mingle in a lagoon, birds flutter above and sloths hang out. Peer through an underwater window into the vibrant habitats of the Yucatán Peninsula. A 400,000-gallon shark habitat lets you venture through a tunnel and a shipwreck, just inches from these predators. It’s not just a vacation; it’s a contribution to conservation. Your visit helps support environmental education programs, scientific research, beach cleanups and the rescue of birds and sea turtles. So you’re not just making memories…you’re making a difference.

#SaveMoreThanMemories / Corpus Christi, Texas / texasstateaquarium.org I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

FEATURE

SPRING FASHION AND FUN La Palmera welcomes new tenants and celebrates the arrival of the Easter Bunny. By: SARONA WINFREY

Joining La Palmera’s lineup of more than 100 shops and eateries this spring will be Lush, specializing in handmade beauty products, phone repair experts Digi I Fix, an expanded MTV Nails location and a newly remodeled Pretzelmaker. Also opening soon in the La Palmera Cafés food court are Charleys Philly Steaks and China Max. La Palmera already has an amazing lineup of retailers ready to assist shoppers with their spring style, including Dillard’s, JCPenney and Macy’s department stores, as well as Michael Kors, Hollister, H&M, francesca’s, Windsor Fashions, Torrid, Tillys and Papaya for fashion; MAC Cosmetics or Ulta Beauty for makeup; Aldo for footwear; and Kendra Scott for trendy jewelry. “We are always striving to improve the shopping and dining experience of our guests,” said Fred Walters, vice president and general manager of La Palmera. “We keep careful tabs on the retail landscape to remain responsive to trends and the desires of our customers. Even though much has changed over the past 50 years since the mall opened, it has remained relevant to Coastal Bend residents and an important part of the Corpus Christi economy.” La Palmera opened as Padre Staples Mall on July 30, 1970. The mall will celebrate with events throughout the year, including special festivities in July, and Coastal Bend residents are being encouraged to share their favorite mall memory or even photos taken at the mall over the years. Guests should go to the 50th anniversary page on the La Palmera website to submit their information. The coming of spring also means it’s time

to welcome the Easter Bunny, who arrives at La Palmera on Sunday, March 1, with a special celebration presented by Radiology Associates from 2 to 5 p.m. in Center Court. The party is free and includes arts and crafts, face painting, a petting zoo and more. Easter is April 12 this year, and the Easter Bunny will be available for photos each day in Center Court through Saturday, April 11. Guests can skip the line with an LP SnapPass, allowing them to reserve a time and pre-purchase their photo package. Go to lapalmera.com for more information and to reserve a time. La Palmera will also host a special breakfast party with the Easter Bunny on Tuesday, April 7, as part of the monthly Tide Turners Kids Club event for kids 5 and under. Held in Center Court from 10 a.m. until noon, the event is free and includes arts and crafts, games, snacks and more. The Easter Bunny will meet and greet party guests to kick off the event and then hop back to his traditional garden spot in Center Court for photos. Guests with sensory issues can once again take advantage of “Quiet Time with Bunny” events providing some one-on-one time for special-needs children to have photos taken with the Easter Bunny. The events are scheduled for Sunday, March 22 and 29, from 9 to 11 a.m. before mall opening – no fountain, no background music, no crowds – and provide extra visit time for those who may have developmental or physical challenges. Visit lapalmera.com for more information and to reserve a time. Pet lovers can also get in on the fun with

four “Pet Night with the Easter Bunny” events, each featuring a local animal organization. This year’s four events are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 24 and 26, and March 31 and April 2, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Only dogs and cats are permitted, and all animals must remain on a leash or in a carrier at all times. Those looking for a special Easter dinner out with family and friends can choose from Dave & Buster’s, LongHorn Steakhouse, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria or Chili’s Grill & Bar. And for added convenience, valet parking is available at the mall’s main entrance between P.F. Chang’s and Grimaldi’s.

“

WE ARE ALWAYS STRIVING TO IMPROVE THE SHOPPING AND DINING EXPERIENCE OF OUR GUESTS.”

For information on the many programs and events at La Palmera, go to lapalmera.com, follow us on Facebook or call 361-991-3755.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

WATCHARIN/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Spring is synonymous with new beginnings, and La Palmera is no exception, as the mall continues to welcome new retail and dining options.

Specializing in Commercial Builtto-Suit as well as Residential, Electrical, Site Work, and Civil Construction

FULL-SERVICE GENERAL CONTRACTOR AND ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

361-883-3766

Quality Results Start With Us

At Gourley Contracting, We Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Just Build, We Build Relationships. Highly-skilled and Experienced

www.GourleyContractorsLLC.com

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

FEATURE

AMAZING!

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” comes to the Harbor Playhouse. By: BECCA TAYLOR

continued

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

“ JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT” WILL OPEN ON A SEVEN-WEEK ENGAGEMENT IN CORPUS CHRISTI ON FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020, AT 7:30PM. PERFORMANCES: February Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 - 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 - 7:30 p.m.

March Friday, March 6, 2020 - 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2020 - 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2020 - 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2020 - 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2020 - 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2020 - 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2020 - 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2020 - 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 22, 2020 - 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2020 - 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2020 - 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2020 - 2:30 p.m.

April Friday, April 3, 2020 - 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2020 - 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 5, 2020 - 2:30 p.m.

TICKETS: $20: General admission $15: Students, seniors, military $10: Children For a complete listing of adult and children’s events, visit the Harbor Playhouse website or call the box office for more information.

*Group rates available

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HARBOR PLAYHOUSE

he Harbor Playhouse is going Technicolor with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s irresistible story of Joseph, his jealous brothers and one very colorful garment in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” a delightful musical parable that swirls onstage Feb. 28 through April 5, 2020. The Harbor production stars Lt. Luke Walker, U.S. Navy pilot, as Joseph. This thrilling musical adventure follows the Biblical story of Joseph, the favorite son blessed with prophetic dreams, on his journey to Egypt after being sold into slavery by his brothers. Audiences will enjoy an engaging crazy quilt of musical styles from country-western to calypso and bubble-gum pop to rock ‘n’ roll. The production includes the popular songs, “Go, Go, Go Joseph” and “Any Dream Will Do,” performed by an incredibly talented cast, along with a great children’s ensemble. This timeless tale of Joseph is filled with surprising humor for adults and dazzling delights for children, and with this cast onstage, it won’t be like any “Joseph” ever seen or heard before! At the helm of the production is director, Pam Pailes. As Pailes is the current dean of students at Flour Bluff ISD who has many years of theater experience, past shows with the Harbor Playhouse and as director of theater arts at FB High School, this show is in great hands. Single ticket prices range from $10 to $20 per show. For tickets, call the box office at 361-888-SHOW or visit www. harborplayhouse.com. Following “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” the Harbor Playhouse will present “Pirates and Petticoats” in conjunction with the 2020 Buc Days. This show will run April 24 to May 17.

Ingleside Chamber of Commerce Presents

$5.00 ADMISSION Kids 6 and Under FREE ABOUT Harbor Playhouse WHO WE ARE The Harbor Playhouse is an irreplaceable community resource that has helped preserve and enrich the artistic and cultural heritage of the Coastal Bend for 94 years through high-quality and affordably priced theatrical productions and educational programming. The playhouse is passionate about making dazzling live theater available to all members of the community and proudly serves as an anchor of the Sports, Entertainment, and Arts (SEA) District in downtown Corpus Christi, Texas. WHAT WE DO The playhouse provides a year-round schedule of classic and contemporary musicals and plays, as well as educational opportunities, produced by and for the community. Through cultural programming, the playhouse fosters an appreciation for theater as an art form and encourages leadership beyond the stage. Ultimately, the playhouse strives to cultivate the next generation of active, passionate citizens and art advocates. WHY WE MATTER The Harbor Playhouse continues to add tremendous value to the quality of life in South Texas. Annually, more than 250 volunteers, ranging in age and reflecting the cultural diversity of the area, strengthen the community through the process of creative collaboration. We play a large role in bringing people to the Coastal Bend and encouraging them to stay longer by entertaining and engaging them through the performing arts. We are proud to be an important part of the cultural fabric that makes our city and region a great place to work, live and play.

MARCH 20th 5:00 - 11:30 pm

MARCH 21st

11:00 am - 11:30 pm N.O. Simmons Park 2867 Ave, J, Ingleside TX LA TROPA F • GRUPO MASSORE SUNNY SAUCEDA • ALBERT ZAMORA RIPTIDE • UPTOWN DRIVE

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

FEATURE

WAVES OF SOUND

From folk tunes to Americana, the diverse lineup at the third annual Corpus Christi Songwriter’s Festival brought an eclectic spin to the unique Coastal Bend music scene. By: JACQUELINE GONZALEZ / Photos by: DEBBIE NOBLE

ove and live music bliss filled the downtown Corpus Christi air on Valentine’s Day weekend! Crowds gathered to listen to listen to music, hear the stories and see the faces behind the musical genius at the Corpus Christi Songwriter’s Festival. The three-day event, back for its third consecutive year, featured national and regionally renowned songwriters through many concerts, workshops and other songwriting related events. Organized by Abby Wieland, Jimmy Willden, Garrett Wieland and Dr. Timothy “Doc” Carter, the festival was an educational and entertaining success that gathered many locals and visitors to enjoy some great music, drinks, food and camaraderie. The passion that is poured into the creations of each of these artists was shared with the Coastal Bend in several local hot spots including the House of Rock, the Bay Jewel, BUS, the Exchange, the Executive Surf Club and many other fabulous downtown gems. This year, the festival presented an impressive lineup of over 30 songwriters including Garrett Wieland, Jana Pochop, Ireland Casteel and George Ensle. These four talented musicians took a moment to share their background and tell us what music means to them: Garrett Wieland moved to Corpus Christi 15 years ago to attend college and became fully immersed in the local music scene after realizing Corpus Christi was thriving with musicians. His first experience with music was the moment he learned to play the guitar and fell in love with it at the age of

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

10. When a friend recommended they work on an album together, he took on songwriting and quickly noticed his talent. He continued to write throughout the years, but his career really blossomed when he began attending open-mic nights in college and joining different bands. For Garrett, music is a way for him to understand his world in what he describes “a 3- to 4-minute package that solidifies this feeling; it’s a way of making meaning out of experiences.” Garrett just finished recording his first solo album to be released this spring. He describes his music style as story songs, which consist of Texas and Old West history songs. When Jana Pochop was a child, her parents wanted her to take piano lessons, but she had her eye on a bigger object: a guitar. After realizing that most of the music artists she listened to in the ‘90s wrote their own music, she decided to give songwriting a whirl. Although she tried writing in high school, she fully blossomed as a songwriter during college in Albuquerque, N.M. Jana heard through the grapevine that Texas had a really good music scene, so she moved to Austin, where she now resides. She plays in different shows around Texas, New Mexico, the East Coast and D.C. Jana views music as “embedded in our DNA with an ability to help us; it makes us happier, sadder and is a beautiful gift whether you play it, write it or simply listen to it.” Although most musicians have spent the majority of their lives writing music, Ireland Casteel began at the age of 14. She started out with indie folk pop, but slowly shifted into indie rock,

and occasionally experiments with Americana. She currently resides in Dallas, where she has built a name for herself through gigs around town. Music means the world to Ireland, and she loves the incredible feeling of being able to write something that people can relate to, specifically millennials and young adults. Being able to reach this audience is important to Ireland because her lyrics truly showcase her unique and youthful personality. “Musicians are all doctors – doctors of the heart,” says George Ensle, veteran singer/ songwriter, of the role musicians play in creating music. George began his career in 1967, when he shared the stage with other music legends such as Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark and Billy Joe Shaver. George’s musical prowess has earned him numerous awards over the course of his career, and his feel-good song lyrics play in the hearts and memories of his fans. He credits his faith in God, and the “chicken skin feeling” he receives when he knows something is right, as a sign from God that he is making the right decision. With over 50 years as a successful, talented singer and songwriter, George definitely has a handle on his craft. George describes a musical journey as inspirational, so he “paints with reverence and compassion mixed with a healthy dose of wit and wisdom.” Carter was especially pleased with the turnout of the event. “The third annual Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival was a huge success!” he says. “We had over 50 amazing performers ranging from Texas favorites to artists from Nashville and beyond. The level of talent onstage was mind-blowing and culminated in a stellar performance by the headline Ben Kweller. We have to thank all the artists, venues, sponsors and audiences and the Corpus Christi Songwriters Board for making this the best show in Corpus Christi!” Since its inception in 2014, Corpus Christi Songwriters hosts several events throughout the year, including In The Rounds, which is an open stage for original music only, the second Sunday each month at the Executive Surf Club. The Corpus Christi Songwriters presents showcases throughout the year at various local venues; workshops and retreats throughout the year; and the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival, Music Awards & Conference, to be held every February for your musical enjoyment.

“

MUSICIANS ARE ALL DOCTORS OF THE HEART.”

The Corpus Christi Songwriter’s Festival held an award ceremony after the festivities to honor several of the talented artists who performed during the event. • • • •

2019 Melody of the Year: Alex Winters, for her song, “Silent Storm” 2019 Lyricist of the Year: Dylan Tanner, for his song, “High” 2019 Songwriter of the Year: Michael Villarreal Corpus Christi Songwriters Hall of Fame Honorary Inductee: Bruce Gambill (who passed in December 2019) • Corpus Christi Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductees: Sonny Salinas and Steven Hansen (separate songwriters, both from Corpus Christi) • 2020 Best of Fest: Jana Pochop

For more information, visit www.cc-songwriters.com.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

COVER STORY

BUILDING A BRIGHTER COMMUNITY LOCAL TURNKEY OPERATION FOCUSES ON CLIENT SATISFACTION AND INVESTING IN THE COMMUNITY.

By: Jacqueline Gonzalez Photos by: TWINS Media

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

AS AN EXPERIENCED AND ADEPT CONTRACTOR, GOURLEY CONTRACTING PROVIDES HIGH-QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP TO CORPUS CHRISTI AND SURROUNDING AREAS. With years of experience, James Gourley, president, together with his wife, Michele Durrill, CEO, strive to provide durable, high-quality work, while keeping their clients’ needs at the forefront of the operation. Twenty years ago, James was enjoying life as a commercial diver in Florida with Michele, as they awaited the arrival of their oldest daughter, McKinna. A year later, James’ father-in-law, well-known local philanthropist and businessman, William “Dusty” Durrill, and his wife, Sam, urged James and Michele to return to Texas. Deciding this was the right move, the Gourley family made their way back to Texas, where James began his venture into contracting as an employee for Dusty’s company, Durrill Properties. He worked as the manager for the project at Concrete Street for a year before branching out to handling the multiple maintenance and construction projects for Durrill Properties. “Dusty without a doubt opened a lot of doors for us to meet people,” says James, explaining that as he gained expertise, he began working for other people outside of Durrill Properties, both privately and in the city. In addition to the business end of the company, Dusty was also a great philanthropist who inspired James to do more philanthropic work around the community. Dusty supported many different charities, and in turn, both gentlemen embarked on charity related work such as the Miradors, the Wind Dancer Monument and the Gazebos at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. “We were always doing fun things,” James recalls. “He would get in the car and say ‘Jaime, we’re going for a ride!’ and the rest was history.” The Durrill and Gourley families were hit with one of the biggest setbacks when Dusty became ill. The patriarch of the family and the giant behind the business was no longer available to be at the helm of the many projects and community work, which dealt a huge blow, both emotionally and from a business perspective. As a result, the business lost a lot of momentum going toward many of the projects they were working on, so they had to reintroduce themselves, businesswise, to the community, the city, the university and many other entities they were working for. Although the Gourley family was dealt a life-changing blow, James was inspired to carry on Dusty’s legacy and put his acquired talents to use, so he and Michele created Gourley Contracting. Through hard work and dedication,

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

• Youth Odyssey has an upcoming fundraiser, Summer Fiesta, on April 23, 2020. All proceeds go to the Youth Odyssey summer camps, summer sponsorships and free summer programming at various sites throughout Corpus Christi. • James’ children were participants in the Youth Odyssey program until the age of 13, and now they are mentors for other youth. • James received a certificate of recognition for outstanding customer service and professionalism from the professional Association of Diving Instructors in January 2020. • James and his daughters also donate time teaching scuba to IWA Aquatic Science students and volunteering at Texas State University working underwater to maintain the spring areas.

Gourley Contracting is now one of the most successful contractors in the Coastal Bend. Their clientele has expanded to the cities of Aransas Pass, Port Aransas, Rockport and Edna, and it continues to grow. The hard work and dedication pays off in the form of the many beautiful buildouts and high-end, multi-million-dollar projects around the city including medical office facilities, office remodels and ground-up buildings. Some of the most popular locations include Coastal Bend Pain Management, the UBS Financial Offices on Shoreline Boulevard, Hurricane Alley Waterpark and the new stage facility at Concrete Street Amphitheater. “Right now, we’re redoing Jerry McDonald Field for the city of Port Aransas and a new Nature Education Center at the Lavaca Navidad River Authority, which is a neat, beautiful ground-up project,” says James, explaining the multiple locations for their projects. In addition to his excellent business and contracting skills, James also makes time to give back to the community through his work with Youth Odyssey, a local nonprofit organized to address the rising tide of juvenile crime and violence. The organization partners with schools, recreation centers and low-income housing sites to work with at-risk kids ages 10-17 on key building activities that focus on communication, problem solving, leadership, trust and goal setting. Becky Meyer, executive director of Youth Odyssey, recognizes James as “an outstanding gentleman and a great role model. He can get along with anyone and make them laugh. Our teens really connect with him and have a great time when he’s around.” James has served as a volunteer for 20 years, and also serves as a board member. He was first introduced to Youth Odyssey by Dusty when they were out at the River Ranch building facilities. The ranch is part of the Devary Durrill Foundation, which was set up by Dusty in honor of his daughter, who he lost in a vehicle accident, which worked in conjunction with the Youth Odyssey to encourage outdoor activities such as camping, horseback riding and fishing at stock ponds. James, a lover of outdoor activities, volunteers every summer to help with the Youth Odyssey summer leadership camps, where he teaches Discover Scuba Diving, CPR and first aid, and introduces the kids about cattle raising and the equestrian experience at the River Ranch. James beams with pride at the success of Youth Odyssey as he recalls, “When Dusty introduced me to Youth Odyssey, it was just him and two other guys trying to reach out to the community, and it has grown by leaps and bounds since then.”

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

THROUGH HARD WORK AND DEDICATION, GOURLEY CONTRACTING IS NOW ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL CONTRACTORS IN THE COASTAL BEND. The success stories don’t just occur at Gourley Contracting. As James mentions his and his family’s love and passion for scuba diving, and their impressive talent at the sport, he recalls one of his favorite success stories with Youth Odyssey. A young man with a rough background joined the Youth Odyssey program at the age of 10; now he is in the Navy, becoming a Navy diver and, as James describes him, “one of the finest young men you’ll ever meet – a true gentleman.” The results of the Youth Odyssey program are phenomenal, and the children who go through the program are now graduating, looking at potential careers and focusing on things they may not have ever considered when they were on their previous paths. James is very proud of his work with Youth Odyssey and even more proud of the results. In his spare time, James can be found with Michele, McKinna and his youngest daughter, Riley, scuba diving for fun. James has been a scuba instructor for 35 years and has passed his love of diving to his family. Their passion for diving is so rich that they opt for a twoweek diving trip over a Christmas tree with presents underneath. Whether James is working at Gourley Contracting, volunteering with Youth Odyssey or spending time with his family, he puts his entire heart into it and is making Dusty Durrill and the Coastal Bend community proud.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Check out Gourley Contracting online at www.gourleycontractorscc.com, and find out how to get involved in Youth Odyssey at www.youthodyssey.com.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PROFILE

TRAILBLAZERS In celebration of International Women’s Month, we honor 11 outstanding Coastal Bend women. Contributing Writers: JESSICA DUSEK and HOLLY LEWIS

The month of March is recognized in the United States and many other countries as International Women’s Month. Rooting back to February 1980, when President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week, it recognized that too often, women were unsung and in many instances, their contributions went unnoticed. True to our mission of highlighting the accomplishments of local leaders, we have selected 11 outstanding Coastal Bend women to share with you in honor of International Women’s Month. We call these women trailblazers, as they each demonstrate remarkable leadership qualities in their field and also provide a phenomenal picture of inspiration, admiration, positive influence and drive. Each of these women is relentless in her role for providing others, specifically other women, with not only ambition, but compassion for others and the heart to serve beyond herself.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Linda K. Jordan CEO/Founder, L.K. Jordan & Associates Founder and CEO of L.K. Jordan and Associates, Linda Jordan, has been trailblazing the staffing industry for over 30 years. In March 2020, she and her team will celebrate the anniversary of the creation of her business. Throughout her career, Jordan has built the operations and relationships necessary toward the success of her business. She continues to champion women in business, passing the torch to her daughter, Leslie, who recently took over as president of the company. A Certified Personnel Consultant and a Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist, Jordan studied library science at Texas Woman’s University and Our Lady of the Lake College. Today, she gives back to other organizations in her community, currently serving on the board of directors of the USS Lexington, as well as advisory director of Frost Bank. Jordan also lends her support to the Foundation Board for the CHRISTUS Spohn Health System. In 2001, Jordan was an esteemed recipient of the YWCA, Y Women in Careers award. She credits her “hero,” Billie Jean King, as a catalyst who helped battle for equal rights and specifically women’s rights, including those of women in sports and women’s rights on an international scale. “When she defeated Bobby Riggs in the Battle of the Sexes in 1973, she proved that women deserve respect and equality,” Jordan explains. Jordan follows the mantra, “Live every day like it’s your last.” She hopes to influence other women to be the best version of themselves. “[Women] must believe in themselves and their ability to achieve their dreams by having the courage to take the first step. You must first figure out where you want to be or what you want to achieve, determine the steps you must take and then go for it.” Advocating equality in the workplace and women empowerment has continued to be a common theme throughout Jordan’s career. Always building up and supporting strong women hits close to home. “Women must continue to strive to meet their personal goals to set the example for others and pave the way for younger women to reach even higher,” she shares. “I have personally been blessed to have a daughter who joined my company 20 years ago and is following in my footsteps. With her drive and talent, I’m confident she will achieve much more than I ever dreamed of.”

Alyssa Barrera Mason Executive Director, Corpus Christi Downtown Management District // Interim CEO, Visit Corpus Christi Alyssa Mason serves the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District, appointed executive director in February 2018, and as interim CEO of Visit Corpus Christi in September 2019. She started an internship with the city in 2011, and then, in 2014, she was appointed Corpus Christi’s first business liaison, overseeing the Downtown Reinvestment Zone, as well as the agenda for the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation. Earning her B.A. in Business Administration in 2010, she went on to complete her master’s in public administration at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 2012. Mason earned her Economic Development Finance Professional certification in 2016, expanding her skills and professional education. She is currently working on achieving her International Economic Development Council certification, always seeking to bring professional best practices to our city. Early in her career, Mason found wisdom and support from her female mentors, Toby Futrell and Margie Rose. Witnessing their achievements in path-forging times, she gained tremendous inspiration. Today, she lends herself through community involvement, serving as president of the Leadership

Corpus Christi Alumni Association. She also is a graduated member of LCC Class 42 and sits on the board of the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Alumni Association. Holding numerous positions in the Young Business Professionals of the Coastal Bend, she has served as the organization’s treasurer, president-elect and president. Championing community leadership, in January 2020, Mason was honored as KEDT South Texas Leader. In 2019, she became honoree of Bend Magazine’s HER Women of the Year award. Earlier, in 2018, she was honored with Bend Magazine’s Person of Interest. At 25 years old, she was recognized as one of the revered Corpus Christi 40 Under 40 in 2013. She credits her mother and grandmother as her lifetime heroes. Hearing stories passed down of her grandmother – wearing drawstring pants before they were socially acceptable – Mason is certain she received her “rebellious streak” from her strong and bold grandmother. Referring to her mother as her “pillar of strength and determination,” Mason watched her persevere in the banking industry, which, at the time, was male dominated. She saw her mother overcome poverty and draws fortitude from her as she continues a 25-year battle with stage IV cancer, now on lifetime chemotherapy. Mason’s guiding mantra continues to be “Every day is your chance to make this city a little bit better.” She aspires to be an inspiration to other women, encouraging others to dare to dream about the community they want to live in and to work to build that community.

Darcy Schroeder Public Affairs Manager, Valero Bill Greehey Refineries Since 2015, Darcy Schroeder has contributed her efforts to Valero’s Bill Greehey Refineries, managing their public affairs division. Overseeing Valero’s local government and media affairs, Schroeder comes with an extensive 20-plus year background in public affairs and public relations, as well as a background in television news. In 2018, she published her first novel, “Stay Forever,” a side project that led her to become a member of Romance Writers of America. Schroeder is also active contributing member of the Corpus Christi community, serving on a variety of boards. She dedicates her personal time as board chairman of the American Heart Association. She serves as board member to the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Del Mar College Education Foundation. She serves as board secretary at the Texas State Aquarium and on the Innovation Committee at Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Schroeder holds a B.A. in Journalism with a minor in Political Science from Baylor University. In 2017, she received the Y Women in Careers award. She recognizes her mother and twin sister as her heroes from whom she draws inspiration. “We’ve always been competitive in my family (in a healthy way), and that pushes us to continue to better ourselves,” she notes. “The three of us have successful careers, but also make time for family.” A family woman, in her spare time, you can find her enjoying activities and adventures with her husband, Sheldon, and three boys (Jack, Cole and Reese). Schroeder advocates “dreaming big” and uplifting others in their pursuits. She enjoys lending her 20-plus years of industry wisdom. “I love getting calls or emails from students looking for advice about entering the world of public relations/affairs,” she says. “I’m usually pretty quick at responding to those inquiries. We need to encourage students to reach out to professionals to understand some of the challenges and benefits to certain careers.” She understands the power of magnification, supporting and uplifting others: “Supporting and encouraging others is good for the soul.” She explains, “One woman’s actions can be powerful. A group of women supporting and encouraging one another can be a powerful force that will lead to change.” She draws from a favorite scripture, “Be strong and courageous,” from Joshua 1:9. “I think we all need to remind ourselves to remember our value, and to be strong and courageous in life,” she affirms. “We all wear multiple hats, and some are bigger than others, but it’s the strength we get from seeing how other women manage and excel that helps push us forward, collectively.”

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Dr. Dolores Guerrero Dean of the College of Arts, Texas A&M University-Kingsville Dr. Dolores Guerrero has served as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas A&M University-Kingsville for the past five years. Prior to this position, she served as the dean of the Honors College Guerrero’s perseverance and natural instinct to serve others is reflected throughout her career journey, and is demonstrated by her community involvement and uplifting of women and diversity. A teacher and scholar, she has touched the lives of many with her work in humanities. Guerrero holds a BSW in Social Work from the University of Texas, as well as a master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas-Arlington. She went on to complete her Ph.D. in Social Work from at the University of Houston. Her role as dean is where she spends only a portion of her time. Guerrero has received esteemed recognition for her community involvement such as being recognized as a Y Women in Careers Honoree, as well as Person of the Year by Texas A&M University-Kingsville Student Chapter of the National Organization of Women. Growing up, she saw her mother as a shining beacon – and her sincere “hero.” Guerrero came to admire and appreciate the foundation her mother provided, while raising two children as a single mother. Attending to her and her special needs sister, it was evident that her mother positively impacted their lives and the lives of others. “She taught me the importance of hard work, determination and the value of my own internal strength and resilience in working to be successful and make a difference,” Guerrero recalls. Guerrero has received several awards, including the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas-Corpus Christi as “Estrella” (Star) Awardee in Higher Education in 2014, and the YWCA Women in Careers Honoree in 2017. Each year, she advocates for new causes and strives to support women and the invaluable role of mentorship in the Coastal Bend. She has served on numerous boards and organizations, including the Buccaneer Commission Scholarship Committee and NCMHMR Behavioral Health Center of Nueces County. Guerrero is guided by the bold T.S. Eliot quote, “Face your fears; find the courage; and take the risk.” And, as the Eliot quote states, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far it is possible to go.” We look forward to seeing the heights Guerrero reaches in years to come.

EACH OF THESE WOMEN IS RELENTLESS IN HER ROLE FOR PROVIDING OTHERS, SPECIFICALLY OTHER WOMEN, WITH NOT ONLY AMBITION, BUT COMPASSION FOR OTHERS AND THE HEART TO SERVE BEYOND HERSELF.

Judy Hendrix Director of Operations, Spohn Region CHRISTUS Physician Group For the past 25 years in health care management and administration, Judy Hendrix has overseen various aspects of the business – operational, financial, client and vendor relations. In the last five-plus years, she has dedicated her efforts to the CHRISTUS Physician Group and took on the role of director of operations of Spohn Region two years ago. Her administrative support ensures quality health care professionals and services are provided, as well as a high standard of care and wellness to their patients. Locally, Hendrix’s contributions have impacted a variety of groups to advance health care resources in Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend communities. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, she helped champion efforts to provide free tetanus injections in Rockport, the eye of the 2017 storm. Working with the Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD), her department also helped provide free back-to-school physicals to its students, increasing health benefits for local youth. In 2011, she was awarded the National Diversity Counsel Award recognizing her as a “Most Powerful & Influential Woman” in the state of Louisiana. She credits Dr. Marissa Emmons as one of her revered mentors, a leading CHRISTUS physician and VP of operations. Hendrix found support and encouragement from her colleague. “She works tirelessly with her initiatives while maintaining a high-volume practice and raising her children,” she says. “Dr. Emmons is continually an inspiration.” Hendrix’s guiding mantra stems from the great Eleanor Roosevelt: “We gain strength and courage and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face ... we must do that which we think we cannot.” Through her lens, Hendrix continues to call out fear – and rise above it. “Whether it is fear of failure or fear of success, many times, it is fear that holds us back and keeps us from working to achieve incredible things,” she shares insightfully. “My hope is to encourage women to walk through those doors of opportunity that arise and not allow their fears of inadequacy to hold them back.” Advancing in the health care industry, she has great hope for women in leadership roles. “I feel that it is crucial to have strong women leaders in health care to not only help shape policy and care from the perspective of our gender, but to inspire other women to take the lead,” she explains. “I want our women in health care to know that they do have a voice and there are always opportunities for them to excel in our field.”

Sarah L. Garza

Karen O’Connor Urban

Director of Environmental Planning & Compliance, Port of Corpus Christi

Educator, Philanthropist and Community Advocate

Sarah Garza started her career with the Port of Corpus Christi in 2002. She worked in Environmental and was promoted to her current position as director when the department of Environmental Planning and Compliance was created in 2014. She led the development and implementation of the Port’s Environmental Management System, as well as the development of its current environmental policy. Since receiving her degree with a marine emphasis from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 1996, Garza’s professional life has revolved around environmental issues and projects. Under her leadership, the Port of Corpus Christi has achieved exceptional environmental sustainability improvements. Garza is a woman who welcomes challenges and encourages others to always be open to them. Like one of her greatest influencers and “heroes,” Jean Chezard de Martel [foundress of the Order of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament], Garza finds encouragement and perseverance by relentlessly facing any challenge with her “never give up” mentality. She attacks every struggle, drawing strength from her mantra, “We can do this. We will do this – even if we have to take the scenic route.” Garza shares her words of wisdom and encouragement to other women rising up in leadership roles: “Don’t wait for empowerment. If it is important to you and you feel called to do it, go for it. Don’t hold back waiting for someone to tell you it’s ‘O.K.’ Pursue it, but not at the cost of people and relationships. Find a way to achieve it by bringing out the best in all of those around you.” Garza serves a plethora of community initiatives and organizations. To name a few, she is an active board member of the So. Tx. Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, the Corpus Christi Area Oil Spill Control Association and the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program (proxy). She also has received many accolades and recognitions; she was named a Y-Women in Careers Hall of Fame honoree in 2019, and, under her leadership, the Port of Corus Christi received the Texas Environmental Excellence Award in 2018 from the Texas Commission Environmental Quality for Pollution Prevention. She also received Public Service Commendation from Rear Admiral Paul F. Thomas, Commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District, for performance as a member of the Sector Corpus Christi Incident Command Post in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2018. In addition to her professional leadership, Garza participated from 2016 to 2019 as a candidate to become an associate of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament and was accepted in September 2019 as an associate of the congregation, a role in which she presently serves.

A self-proclaimed ordinary woman, Karen Urban will be the first to acknowledge that she has been extraordinarily blessed. This Pennsylvania native received a Master of Education from Fresno Pacific College and has held positions in teaching higher education and leadership roles in administration. Living in the Coastal Bend for the last 30-plus years, she has made her mark with her unfailing commitment to serve and mentor other woman into leadership roles, setting an example that is driven by transparency, commitment, vision and energy. Urban leans strongly on faith, inspiration and staying true to her core values when it comes to leadership. Motivation, inspiration, building dreams and identifying a means of collaboration in a high trust-low fear environment are the key ingredients she uses to help other women identify their potential to opening doors and predicting success. Urban values education; from her perspective, “a degree is a credential that helps a woman succeed, and it’s something that cannot be taken away. It allows a woman to support herself first and in an array of life’s circumstances, some of which are not predictable.” A celebrated philanthropist and community advocate in her own right, Urban currently serves as honorary co-chair for Texas A&M-Corpus Christi’s capital campaign alongside her husband, Larry. She served as board president and emeritus member of the Texas A&M University Foundation Board in 2013, and co-chaired a $37 million capital campaign in 2013. Some of the many organizations Urban is involved with include the South Texas Institute for the Arts, Junior League Corpus Christi, the Christus Spohn Foundation/System, the Ronald McDonald House, the American Heart Association, the Driscoll Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Coastal Bend Community Foundation. As “Miss Cookie,” Urban has been part of the Clowns Who Care since their foundation in 1993, a group dedicated to ministering to children receiving care at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. Urban credits some extraordinary family members as her most profound mentors: her mother, grandparents, Mike O’Connor and Larry Urban. Her advice is: “Be a stakeholder, not a placeholder,” and “be an up-stander, never a bystander.” These resonate the essence of the example she sets for those women following her lead.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Melody Nixon-Bice

Dr. Natalie Chapa Villarreal

General Manager, Embassy Suites by Hilton/ZJZ Hospitality

Director of External & Board Relations Del Mar College, Office of the President

Melody Nixon-Bice embarked on a career in the hospitality industry over 25 years ago. As the general manager of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Corpus Christi (under ZJZ Hospitality Inc.), she incorporates her vast experience in sales, marketing and operations. Whether she is inspecting guest rooms or offering assistance to her guests, her adaptability and diligence ensures a quality environment for her staff and customers alike. This year, Nixon-Bice is recognized as a YWCA, Y-Women in Careers Award recipient. She was named the Embassy Suites by Hilton General Manager of the Year in 2017, and in 2015, she was revered as part of the Embassy Suites Circle of Leadership for her work in management. Nixon-Bice hails her mother, Mavis Caldwell, and her sister, Trenette Wilson, as her “heroes.” Both have helped her overcome adversity and maintain a faith-based approach in life. Her mentor, Tamie Smith, provided her with the guidance and encouragement she needed throughout her career. A wife and mother of two, Nixon-Bice demonstrates excellence by serving her local community. She participates in numerous organizations and serves on several boards, some of which includes the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Bethune Early Child Development Nursery, the TABPHE Juneteenth Celebration Committee and Executive Women International. Passionate about her community, she advocates lending a hand to create change. “Whether you love the world we live in or not, you should be a productive part of it,” she says. “The reach can be endless, so do it with an open heart and mind, knowing the impact you can have. Make it count!” Nixon-Bice’s guiding mantra comes from the words of Etienne de Grellet: “I expect to pass this way but once; any good therefore that I can do or any kindness I can show to any creature let me do it now.” Offering kindness and support to others has been a platform Nixon-Bice uses to encourage and inspire young women to pursue their desired career paths. She encourages young women to embrace themselves and draw from their skills and resources in an effort to reach their goals and dreams of career advancement. Offering her wisdom gained throughout the years, she says, “Make good decisions, master your craft and unapologetically be you! It is important that we, as women, bear the torch of high values, hard work and success because we have a responsibility to those following our footsteps. I truly hope I am setting that example for girls and women in the community.”

Natalie Chapa Villarreal, Ed.D., currently serves as the director of external & board relations in the Office of the President at Del Mar College. Her job and volunteer duties allow her to play an active role in ensuring quality education, workforce preparation and lifelong learning for residents and students throughout Corpus Christi and surrounding Coastal Bend areas. In this arena, Villarreal works alongside various local, state and national government officials. A Coastal Bend native, Villarreal was born in Corpus Christi, and grew up in Orange Grove, Texas. She received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1999 and pursued her M.A. in Counseling from St. Edward’s University in 2002. In 2019, she went on to complete her Ed.D. in Adult Learning & Education from Kansas State University. Passionate about her work, Villarreal believes that anyone who wants to learn should have the opportunity to receive a quality education. She advocates for those pursuing education in any capacity, contributing to society and advancing themselves and their careers. Throughout her personal and professional life, she credits her “heroes” to the many strong women who raised her. Married to her husband, Eric Villarreal, for 19 years and a proud mother of three (Ezra, Eli and Carmen), she lends her time to a variety of boards and volunteer positions. She held the 201819 position as the chair of Leadership Corpus Christi Class 47, and is a graduate of LCC Class 42. In 2018, she was named the Rodeo Corpus Christi Committee Woman of the Year. Villarreal serves as a member of the Ray High School Basketball Booster Club board, and has also held numerous volunteer positions, including the Buc Days Parade and Rodeo Corpus Christi, co-chairing Rodeo CC VIP. In 2016, she was recipient of the Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Mi Casa Es Su Casa award, and, in 2015, she received the Hispanic Women’s Network Las Estrellas Award. That same year, she was recognized as one of the Corpus Christi 40 Under 40 Honorees. Villarreal is guided by her inspiring words of her personal mantra, “Learn your strengths and use them to make a difference. For so long, I focused on what I wasn’t good at and beat myself up about it. Now I use my strengths and am true to myself (which takes a lot of vulnerability). Focus on the people who see your strengths, and use that to improve our world.”

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Barbi Leo Co-Anchor, 3News First Edition // Co-Host, Domingo Live In January 2020, Barbie Leo became woman co-anchor for 3News Edition. She joins anchors John Thomas Kabos and Alan Holt, delivering stories and community updates to Coastal Bend residents. Over the last 22 years, Leo has graced viewers with her upbeat presence on KSAB Radio Morning Show. Her segment, The Morning Show with Dan and Barbie, is credited as the longest-run morning radio show within the South Texas market. Since that time, KSAB-FM has remained the top Spanish radio station in the region. Since 2005, she has co-hosted Domingo Live TV, and holds the longest-held position as a woman since its induction in 1964. Hosting fundraisers and her involvement in the arts, she has contributed her time in voice-over projects for the Performance Arts Center at TAMU-CC, as well as hosted large banquets such as The White Party, serving as mistress of ceremonies benefiting It’s Your Life Foundation, and Feria de Las Flores. Her work with the Women in Leadership Banquet and the American Advertising Federation Event benefiting the Women’s Entrepreneur Society of Corpus Christi has provided her the platform to support women groups locally. Active in the music scene, Leo supports and celebrates traditional genres in South Texas culture. Recognized at the Tejano Music Awards in San Antonio and the My Tejano Awards in the Rio Grande Valley, she also moderated the Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair Business Expo. She was featured as moderator in Tres Vidas, a musical theater performance celebrating the lives of three legendary Latin American Women: Frida Kahlo, Rufina Amaya and Alfonsina Storni. She was inducted into “La Musica del Sur de Texas” for her contributions to the Music of South Texas, and was chosen as one of South Texas Most Influential Hispanics by the American GI Forum. She is also an honoree of the Tejano R.O.O.T.S. Hall of Fame Awards. Leo credits her community and her daughter as her greatest inspirations. “Coming together, supporting each other and wanting to create positive change inspires me to be involved, engaged and committed to the community I love,” she says. She works overtime to demonstrate to her 4-year-old the importance of being strong and independent. Her faith, family and community cause her to thrive, as she teaches women to celebrate their “economic, political and social achievements.” In her work, Leo continues to supports the notion that it takes a village – and women are stronger when they move forward together.

Marion Luna Brem Author, Speaker and President/CEO, Love Chrysler Dodge Jeep, LLC Author, motivational speaker and CEO of Love Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Marion Brem just celebrated her 30th year in business. Leading her team as CEO, she has learned some things along the way. Her books, “The 7 Greatest Truths about Successful Women” and “Women Make the Best Salesmen,” reveal her applied wisdom and triumphs as a successful woman leader. She was recently featured in the film, “Glow Project,” and recognized as NASDAQ honoree in the Women to Watch segment. The first woman to have served as a commissioner on the Port Authority of Corpus Christi, Brem contributes to causes, having campaigned for the Corpus Christi Women’s Shelter Building Campaign. There, her efforts helped raise $324,000 for a new building for the organization. She has held numerous board positions with the Better Business Bureau, the Texas Mutual Workers Compensation Board, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, the President’s Advisory Board for Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, as well as the American Heart Association, to name a few. Brem was awarded Inc. Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award and chosen as one of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics in the United States by Hispanic Business magazine. She was also recognized as Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World, in which 40 women worldwide were recognized. Her authorship was recognized, as Booklist Magazine listed her as a “Top 10 Best Business Book” author. The Office of Women’s Initiatives and the White House also recognized her, and the Corpus Christi City Council proclaimed that June 22 would be Marion Brem Day, recognizing her local accomplishments and contributions. Brem credits her grandmother as an inspiring “hero.” She watched her grandmother raise six children as a single mother with two jobs – waitress by day and janitor by night. Brem has vivid memories watching her iron clothes for wealthy families in her spare time. Marion (still in grade school) decided to help her and burned herself badly, leading to a visit to the E.R. Her grandmother scolded her lovingly: “Don’t you know? I iron clothes so you don’t have to!” Marion attributes her grandmother’s strong work ethic and “no-victim thinking” to her success. Brem’s guiding mantras include, “Courage is a decision, not a gift” and “Don’t cope with problems; convert them.” As a trailblazer and holding numerous positions as the first woman in those roles, she continues to share the message of hope and strength. “Like I write in my books, we (women) are resilient by nature, nurturing, creative and loving,” she concludes. “Love. It keeps you going!”

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

In Memoriam of

Bonnie Pereida March 24, 1935 - October 11, 2011 A Coastal Bend Legacy to be Revered and Remembered

Bonnie Perieda, known in the office as “Mother Perieda,” was a woman who always broke the mold. She was the youngest woman, at age 24, registered as a member of the New York Stock Exchange. Along with her dedication to her clients and work ethic, this led her to be named First Vice President of the Corpus Christi branch of Merrill Lynch. Working in the male dominated world of wealth management, she held her own as a top revenue producer for decades. She enjoyed picking stocks and was an expert at it. Her associates would always find the door “open” to her office that was adorned with a world-class art gallery. Though she was a successful businesswoman, she still always found the time to serve, make others feel special, and set an invaluable example of what being a philanthropic superstar really is. As the Corpus Christi branch of Merrill Lynch sets forth on celebrating its 75th year in operation next year, Resident Director, Jay Wise contributes, “We together with this great community, recognize Bonnie “Mother Perieda” as a true Coastal Bend trailblazer and honor the difference she made in the lives of others.”

Bonnie 32

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

YOUR BUSINESS

In the Spotlight! 2020 ADVERTISIING INFORMATION

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES! Put your business in the spotlight with Harbor Playhouse advertising opportunities! From printed programs to ad projections, let us help increase your visibility to our diverse audience base. Through 8 great productions and more than 100 performances, we provide high-quality platforms to showcase your message. The Harbor Playhouse is a irreplaceable community resource that has helped to preserve and enrich the artistic and cultural heritage of the Coastal Bend for 94 years through theatrical productions and educational programming. Our commitment to the community provides businesses and organizations a cost-effective, creative, and efficient way to engage with over 30,000 patrons annually.

2020 SEASON 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee JAN. 17 -FEB 9

The Producers JUL. 10 - AUG. 16

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat FEB. 28 - APR. 5

Wizard of OZ SEPT. 4 - OCT. 11

Pirates & Petticoats

We Will Rock You!

APR. 24 - MAY 17

MAY 29 - JUN. 28

Cannibal SOLAR the Musical

Elf the Musical

OCT. 16 - NOV. 1

NOV. 13 - DEC. 20

1802 N. CHAPPARRAL|CORPUS CHRISTI , TEXAS 78401 | 361.882.5500 | WWW.HARBORPLAYHOUSE.COM I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

UNITED CORPUS CHRISTI CHAMBER

CREATING LEADERS Leadership Corpus Christi XLIX is set to start developing the next wave of Coastal Bend leaders and entrepreneurs. BY: CECILIA DUPREE

eadership Corpus Christi (LCC) is a 10-month intensive training program for emerging and existing leaders, building the needed skills, knowledge, motivation and vision to develop a stronger community. Established in 1972 by the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, the program is the third-oldest community leadership program in the country. Over 1,300 graduates are having a powerful impact on virtually every community and business organization throughout Corpus Christi. LCC provides access to high-level CEOs and government officials; educates participants on Corpus Christiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past, present and future; provides a networking opportunity unlike any other; and utilizes training and professional development tools such as StrengthsFinder and DiSC. Program sessions occur monthly from August through May. The purpose of LCC is to advance positive, progressive and orderly business and professional development in the Corpus Christi area by educating potential and existing business and community leaders. This is accomplished through exposure to diverse realities, personalities and challenges in the community; developing and enhancing leadership skills through in-depth

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

training; and understanding and application of a variety of leadership theories.

ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR CLASS MEMBERS Priority will be given to applicants who have demonstrated leadership potential or ability in one or more organizations and activities related to the betterment of Corpus Christi. A person must reside or work in Corpus Christi to be eligible. Prior non-acceptance of an applicant does not adversely affect future consideration for selection. People of all ages shall be encouraged to apply, and no exclusion from consideration shall be made solely based on age. Profile of the class should reflect dominant criteria of leadership potential; include more individuals from higher-level positions within organizations; reflect diversity in terms of gender, ethnicity and age; and reflect a primary orientation toward business (70 to 80 percent) and a secondary orientation toward nonprofit: education, government and other nonprofit (about 20 to 30 percent). Serving on the LCC Steering Committee can be a wonderful experience to network, expand your community knowledge and project team skills. Each year, we look for a functional balance of new and experienced alumni to provide the highest-quality experience for those participating in the LCC program. By using the goals and objectives to plan the curriculum, the LCC program can maintain and promise a consistent quality experience for participants from year to year. Monthly sessions include orientation,

LCC advances positive, progressive and orderly business and professional development in the Corpus Christi area.

Serving on the LCC Steering Committee can be a wonderful experience to network, expand your community knowledge and project team skills. opening retreat, quality of life, diversity, city and county, economic development, state and federal, education, servant leadership, closing session and graduation. LCC is a program under the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The mission of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Foundation is to develop and empower leaders and entrepreneurs to make a positive impact in Corpus Christi. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) supporting organization of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce. Programs and events of the foundation include Lemonade Day Coastal Bend, the Mano a Mano Scholarship Program, Mi Casa Es Su Casa and Conquer the Coast. Because of the support of area businesses, individuals and chamber members like you, the United Chamber Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impact on our community continues to grow. Thank you for helping us develop the next wave of leaders and entrepreneurs in Corpus Christi.

The application for Leadership Corpus Christi XLIX (49) will be available on March 1, 2020 and close on May 1, 2020. For more information, follow the chamber on Facebook (@UnitedCCChamber).

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

ENERGY

ENERGY ADVOCATES

Six reasons to use a broker when buying electricity for your home or business in 2020 SPECIAL TO INSPIRE COASTAL BEND

4. EXECUTE IN SECONDS WITH DIGITAL SIGNATURES WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT. After we’ve found the absolute best deal possible for you and we’ve hammered the suppliers down as low as they can go, we’ll generate a digital contract that you can execute with a digital signature in seconds. Then you can get back to business as usual and rest assured that we’ll be back in touch when it’s time to talk again. 5. THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION! We understand that most decision makers are not experts! Buying electricity is something you only do once every few years. So rest assured that we will take the time to answer all of your questions about supplies, prices, contracts and market trends. We pride ourselves on our ability to quickly educate you on exactly what you need to know so that you can feel confident you are making the right decision.

2. WE’RE LIKE COMPETITIVE BID-GATHERING NINJAS. Professionally executed competitive bidding orchestrated by a team of experts is crucial. We know exactly how the game is played and how to win on your behalf. We’ve got this process down to a science and would love to work with you! 3. WE MAKE IT SUPER EASY TO MAKE DECISIONS. We provide easy-to-read proposals that remove all the smoke and mirrors and give you an apples-to-apples comparison of all your options. This way, you can easily make an informed decision – no hidden fees and no hidden gimmicks in fine print.

WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON OUR ABILITY TO QUICKLY EDUCATE YOU ON EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW SO THAT YOU CAN FEEL CONFIDENT THAT YOU ARE MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION.

Stellar Energy Solutions: veteran owned and community driven. Give us a call at 361-884-8973. Our team is standing by!

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

ZFFOTO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

1. WE’VE GOT FRIENDS ON THE INSIDE. SERIOUSLY. Backdoor access to the best retail electricity providers in the country through a single point of contact is one of the greatest benefits we offer. When you work with Stellar Energy Solutions, you’ll get direct access to the internal pricing desks where deals get structured and prices are set. Make no mistake: The best pricing you will ever get comes from the pricing desk, where we get custom quotes for your home or business that are not available to the general public.

6. WE’LL MAKE YOU LOOK GOOD! We know our stuff! Unlike most, we’re not just order takers. When we make a recommendation, we back it up with the reasons why. We explain exactly what’s going on in the market, what the price trends are and why we believe certain options make the most sense. Sometimes this means going short; sometimes it means going long. No matter what, we’ll give you the honest answer so that your decision is rooted in factual data.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

TASTE

INGREDIENTS: 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons) 1 1/4 cups warm water 1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup 1 teaspoon garlic salt 1/2 teaspoon dried chili flakes 1/4 cup cornmeal Desired pizza toppings INSTRUCTIONS: 1/ Add the yeast to the warm water and set aside. 2/ In a stand mixer or food processor, add both flours, water with yeast, oil, honey or maple syrup, garlic salt and chili flakes. 3/ Mix or slowly process the dough until it forms a ball on the blade. Ensure that it is combined well and the consistency is uniform. 4/ Grease the inside of a large bowl, and place the dough at the bottom. Cover with plastic wrap and set in a warm place such as a windowsill in indirect sunlight. Allow the dough to double in size, approximately 45 minutes to an hour. 5/ Place a pizza stone or metal baking sheet in the oven, and preheat to 450 with it inside. 6/ Get desired ingredients ready for topping, and set aside.

Pizza Party We’re celebrating our 11-year anniversary at Inspire with chili-garlic wheat pizza crust. By: MANDY ASHCRAFT / Photo by: DUSTIN ASHCRAFT The term you’re looking for is “cheese pull,” and to get it closer to your mouth, you’ll need to start off with a perfect crust! It’s our 11-year anniversary at Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine, and we’re celebrating with a pizza party. Join in on the fun! This crust makes one large pizza, and is spiced to perfectly complement your toppings. Tip for getting a good cheese pull: Use cheeses like mozzarella, fontina, swiss, gruyere and provolone.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

7/ Once preheated, sprinkle countertop with cornmeal, and overturn dough onto it. Knead lightly, and press into a large circle. 8/ Remove hot stone or sheet from oven. Carefully lift dough off of the counter and transfer to the stone. 9/ Top with desired ingredients, and bake at 450 for 12 to 15 minutes. 10/ To brown the crust faster or for a deeper color, brush the edges with milk. 11/ Cheese pull!

For more information, visit www.mandyashcraft.com.

INSURANCE CLAIM SPECIALISTS • • • • • •

Residential Homes Commercial Buildings Apartments and Condos Churches and Schools Retail Centers Warehouses

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

YOUR LOCAL ROOFING FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED COMPANY

ROOFING (ALL TYPES)

• • • • •

Shingles - Composition Asphalt Metal Roofing Flat & Steep Slope Modified Bitumen Stone Covered Steel Commercial and Residential

SIDING

WINDOWS

3837 South Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi, TX www.GalvanBuilders.com

FENCING & MORE

LICENSED & INSURED GENERAL CONTRACTOR

361-857- 4341

TRUSTWORTHY & RELIABLE PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

TRAVEL

DIARY OF A FREQUENT CCIA TRAVELER

un. Sand. Breezes (that are sometimes cool and refreshing). We are all lucky to live in the Sparkling City by the Bay. But sometimes we all want to try our luck in different ways. Lucky for us, and thanks to our Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA), luck is just a few short hours away! It’s Friday morning and you’re watching the clock, because your Las Vegas getaway awaits. Your flight to Las Vegas leaves CCIA at 2:25 p.m., which means you’ll have to head to the airport from your office downtown right after lunch. Since you’re using your hometown airport, security and check-in will be a breeze. That leaves you more time for getting things settled before you head out. Your bag is already in the car. After a quick bite downtown, you’re on your way to the airport knowing dinner will be on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. After your short flight to Houston and a quick plane change, you’re on your way to McCarran International Airport and all the fun Las Vegas can provide! Transportation from the airport is easy. There are numerous shuttles to all the major hotels. Las Vegas has one of the most user-friendly taxi systems in the country. As you stroll through the opulence of the Venetian Hotel, you glance down

By: JON REILLY

at your watch. You’ll have plenty of time to drop your things and freshen up before your 7:30 p.m. reservation at Delmonico Steakhouse, one of Las Vegas’ many highly rated restaurants. You wake up Saturday morning and remember fondly the evening before, which we won’t mention here since, as the saying goes, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” You are feeling a little hungry for a giant breakfast before you head out for the day’s activities. The Grand Luxe Café right in your hotel is a great choice. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, just across the street at the Wynn Hotel is the best breakfast buffet on the Strip. After your belly is full, you’re ready to take on what the jewel of the desert has to offer in the daylight, and there’s no better way to do that than to take a tour with Big Bus. Big Bus operates on a hop-on, hop-off format. If you discover something that tickles your fancy, you can jump off and go check it out, then get another bus at the same spot and continue on your way. Be sure to make one of those stops the Bellagio Hotel and Casino to see the massive fountain show, held every hour, on the hour. Check out the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which display some of the best water feature and flower formations you’ve ever seen. Just across the street is

the Paris Hotel, whose replica Eiffel Tower offers great views of the strip in either daylight or evening. If you get the chance to watch the fountain show at the Bellagio from there, you’ll be talking about it for years! Now it’s time for some shopping! Just up the strip is the Grand Canal Shops, as well as the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace. The Forum Shops are home to 160 specialty stores, as well as an animatronic show titled “The Fall of Atlantis” and a 50,000-gallon aquarium. The Grand Canal Shops, not to be outdone by ancient Rome, offer authentic gondola rides through the experience that end under a replica of the famous Rialto Bridge in Venice. It’s a sight to behold! Why not close out the day with another great buffet? You can’t go to Vegas without hitting lots of buffets, right? Two of the best dinner buffets are at Caesar’s Palace and the ARIA Resort, both on the west side of the strip and walkable from just about anywhere. With foods from around the world and a dessert section the size of a Target, be sure to bring your appetite! It’s Sunday morning, and almost time to head back to Corpus Christi – but first, let’s have a little more fun before we turn toward the airport. McCarran Airport is conveniently located on the south end of the strip. So for the morning’s activities, we’ll be focusing there. First,

we’re going to stop in New York – well, the New York-New York casino, anyway. With a replica of the New York skyline, it’s not hard to find. But unlike the actual Big Apple, the Las Vegas one also includes a roller coaster from which you can see all the sights like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. The roller coaster is somewhat susceptible to weather. So if it’s windy or raining, it may not be running, but it’s a must-see if the weather cooperates. Finally, we’ll close out with a trip to medieval times at the Excalibur, ancient Egypt at the Luxor and the opulent luxury of Mandalay Bay. All within walking distance of New YorkNew York, they offer great food, interesting sights and, of course, fabulous people watching and casinos. Be sure to watch for the “wine angels” at Aureole in Mandalay Bay, where staff gracefully glide through the air to retrieve and uncork one of the largest selections of wine in the city. Alas, it’s time to head to the airport. Unfortunately, McCarran doesn’t have the quick breeze through security that CCIA does, so allow time for the wait at security. Before you know it, you’ll be on your flight home and then back on your own couch in Corpus Christi, reminiscing about your whirlwind trip to the glitz of Vegas. Aren’t we lucky?

Jon Reilly is a member of the airport board. For more information, contact him at jon@reillygroup.com.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

LUCKY-PHOTO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Vegas, baby – starting at CCIA

Every business is different. We get that. That’s why we provide unique investment levels, designed to help you right where you are. Don’t just take our word for it.

Research Shows... Consumers are 63% more likely to buy from a business that is a Chamber member. Companies enjoy a 49% increase in consumer favorability rating for being a member of the Chamber.

Membership is valuable & affordable, with investment starting at less than $42 per month

Consumers are 73% more likely to be highly aware of a business if it is a member of the Chamber, and 68% more likely to think positively of its local reputation. 7/10 consumers believe that being actively involved in the Chamber is an effective strategy for enhancing a business’ reputation and for demonstrating that it uses good business practices. Source: Shapiro Group, Atlanta, GA

The United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce is your...

PARTNER IN PROMOTION Increase your visibility, get the word out, gain access to cost-effective and often free advertising for your business.

CONNECTION BUILDER Looking for leads, networking and business showcase opportunities? You’ve come to the right place.

BUSINESS ADVOCATE We are your voice on issues that affect business and we maintain direct contact with leaders in all levels of government. When you need change, we make change happen.

United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce 602 N Staples St., Suite 150 Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 881-1800 For more information on chamber membership, contact Efrain Franco, Jr. efrain@unitedccchamber.com

VISIT US ONLINE AT UNITEDCCCHAMBER.COM I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION

THIS LAND IS OUR LAND

Corpus Christi native gives powerful insight into the lives of 10 first-generation immigrants. By: JACQUELINE GONZALEZ / Photos by: TWINS MEDIA

ONE OF THE MOST difficult aspects of writing is turning your thoughts into words that express the feelings you wish to convey, but Corpus Christi native, Saherish Surani, brings forth tales of woe, despair and hope in her debut novel, The Stories of U.S. The novel presents a compilation of experiences of 10 undocumented and first-generation immigrants who are living in the United States today. Surani, 20, is the daughter of Pakistani immigrants who graduated from Veteran’s Memorial High School. She is currently in her third year at Tufts University in Massachusetts, where she studies the intersections of political science, psychology and public health. What began as a passion project to understand the stories of immigrant families soon became a project to bring forth stories that may otherwise have fallen by the wayside, considering the current political climate. While the immigration crisis is political, it is more a humanitarian crisis at its core, and she knew that she was the voice from which these stories needed to be heard. She submitted a book proposal for New Degree Press in winter 2018. When it was approved, she was put in contact with several immigrants to interview, with the help of family and friends. She conducted a series of extensive interviews with 36 people over the course of a year, which included late-night FaceTime sessions and phone calls at odd times of the day and night, to accommodate their schedules and different time zones. The book opens with a note recalling the time in summer 2018, when she was in a car with her parent and got pulled over by a police officer because her headlights were off. Luckily, since she had no prior offenses, she was let go with a warning. Surani pondered the many possibilities that could have gone wrong if she were less privileged and realized that this routine traffic stop could

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

have ended in someone’s deportation. “There’s a big stigma that undocumented immigrants only come from Mexico and through the southern borders,” Surani says. So, while conducting these interviews, she aimed for diversity of country of origin, socioeconomic class and age. Some of the stories captured in the novel include those of Donovan and Paola, elderly Guatemalan siblings; Emily, a middle-school-aged child; and Sahara, a South African college student. Surani’s goal for the novel is to illustrate the similarities in one another, regardless of how different we may seem. “If the stories make readers feel something,” she says, “that’s the first step to acknowledging cultural shifts in the United States.” In today’s digital age, it is easy to get caught up in the headlines and not realize that the people we hear about in the news are real. The Stories of U.S. gives an intimate look into the lives of 10 people and will hopefully remind everyone that we are all human. Surani’s impressive debut as an author isn’t her first philanthropic rodeo. In addition to writing this novel, she is also co-founder of Project iConquer, a nonprofit project geared toward raising awareness about diabetes and childhood obesity in children ages 3-7. “We figured that 7-yearold children have already developed bad eating habits, so we wanted to reach them at a younger age, so they aren’t changing their habits, but instead, creating new healthy habits.” Surani and her sisters were inspired to

Emily, a Chinese immigrant – but more importantly, a middleschooler – encountered a terrifying experience when an immigration officer came to her front door looking for her father, who is undocumented. Emily lied to protect her father by saying he was out running errands, although he was simply hiding in a closet. As Americans, we take our privileges for granted, because Emily not only had immigration to contend with, she also had normal middle school problems to worry about – like her upcoming geometry test.

You can find your copy of The Stories of U.S. on Amazon.com. For more information on author Saherish Surani, visit saherishsurani.com.

make a change after reading the Caller-Times headline touting Corpus Christi as the fattest city in America. Realizing the correlation between Type 2 diabetes and children, the Surani sisters set forth to do research, write grants, obtain funding and writing curriculum to create an interactive program that far surpassed the usual handing out of pamphlets and hoping for the best. Their efforts paid off, because Project iConquer is now a program featured in schools where students learn about diabetes, healthy living and eating habits, and stay physically and mentally fit through educational movies, songs, puppet shows and Zumba dances. The group also planned a benefit golf tournament and a 5k walk with the It’s Your Life Foundation to support the mission of Project iConquer. Surani also spent time in Muizenberg, South Africa, where she worked on the Day Zero water crisis. Most of the townships lacked plumbing and lived in shack-style housing, such as the town of Capricorn, where Surani worked. The homes were made of leftover materials that were susceptible to rain, wind and fire, and there was no water plumbing, so when the wells would dry out, there was no water to replenish. The people of Capricorn were going on several months without water, so together with the local council, Surani helped women and children to determine nearby locations to get water and how to conserve it. Surani has a heart larger than life, and although there are many things she’d like to accomplish, for now, she wants to focus on promoting The Stories of U.S. and getting more of the stories out to educate the public on the reality and struggles of immigration. She also has ambitions to pursue a master’s degree in public health and possibly enroll in law school. Whichever avenue she wishes to pursue, she will put her heart and soul into it and achieve great things!

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

NONPROFIT

DOING THE MOST GOOD

Salvation Army’s new Center of Hope works to end the cycle of homelessness. By: CHRISTINA HUNTER VILLEDA

as well as a kids’ play area. The play area connects to an outdoor fenced playground for children to enjoy. Other subtle amenities focus on accessibility for residents. “Our facility will be ADA compliant,” states Capt. Patrick Gesner of the Salvation Army of Corpus Christi. Putting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rules and regulations at the forefront of design assures accessibility of potentially disabled veterans and other residents living in the center. Veteran housing is another core concept and driving force behind this project. The layout incorporates three dedicated rooms, securing 12 beds for veterans, as well as a dedicated lounge for veterans. Veterans will also have their own private laundry facilities. Besides the sleeping unit spaces, the Salvation Army also implements other necessary programs within the structure. Not only for the use of everyday residents, a large kitchen and dining hall are pertinent in preparing for holiday meals, as well as unexpected occurrences like disaster response. The project also emphasizes educational needs by incorporating a business center/classroom right at the entrance of the building. The center will focus on skills training for residents and other Salvation Army community programs. Administrative and case manager offices will also be onsite to assist residents or potential residents in their journey to end the cycle of homelessness. The Salvation Army is an established organization here in the Coastal Bend, touching the community in many different ways. The capital campaign for this project has been successful due to the generous gifts of multiple private donors

and foundations that all support the mission of the Salvation Army. The new Center of Hope is not only serving homeless civilians of the Coastal Bend, it is rehabilitating and reintegrating these individuals back into our community. Gesner firmly believes in the center’s potential, and that “TRA ensures this project’s success and that it will last in the Coastal Bend area for the next 50 years.”

For more information, contact Turner Ramirez Architects at 361-994-8900.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TURNER RAMIREZ ARCHITECTS

rchitecture serves civilians through direct and indirect programs. Turner Ramirez Architects and the Salvation Army are “doing the most good” by considering the needs and building the facilities for a family and veteran-centered shelter right here in the Coastal Bend. The new Center of Hope is a stateof-the-art structure meant to replace the current aging facilities on Josephine Street. The present location resides within several buildings that do not properly function to propel the current mission. The new Center of Hope will be located along the Crosstown Expressway, adjacent to the existing Salvation Army Corps buildings & Fellowship Hall. With this concept, all functions necessary for the Center of Hope will be under one roof, providing added ease of accessibility and security for residents. The design of this project focuses on increasing availability of services for families with children. Uncommon among similar housing shelters in the Coastal Bend, the new Center of Hope will be the only facility in our area that can house family units in the same space. The building will house 30 family rooms, each containing private bathrooms and closet space. In total, the structure will have 120 beds for families and children. Every other room contains a lock-off door to accommodate larger families in need of more space than a single room. Not only does the project consider the needs of families inside the individual units – it also incorporates other amenities for residents. The Salvation Army insists on having an open family lounge,

p roudly f amily o wned and o perated s ince 1971 The Frame Up began as a Frame-It-Yourself Shop and grew into the largest custom frame shop in south Texas providing excellent framing experience.

TWINS Media

Professional Photography & Videography

Weddings | Events | Editorial Commercial | Headshots

361.425.6334 www.twinsmedia.info

@twinsmedia.tx

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

NONPROFIT

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. Here’s how you can help children in the Coastal Bend community. By: SAMANTHA KOEPP-STEMPLINGER

ccording to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, an estimated 62 percent of adults surveyed across 23 states reported that they had experienced one ACE during childhood, and nearly one-quarter reported that they had experienced three or more ACEs. These exposures can disrupt healthy brain development, affect social development, compromise immune systems and can lead to substance misuse and other unhealthy coping behaviors. ACEs, otherwise known as Adverse Childhood Experiences, happen when children under the age of 18 are exposed to a traumatic event. These experiences include:

“

IT IS EASIER TO BUILD STRONG CHILDREN THAN TO REPAIR BROKEN MEN.”

• Neglect • Emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse • Emotional and/or physical household challenges • Mother treated violently • Substance abuse • Mental illness • Separation/divorce • Incarcerated household member (Source: https://vetoviolence.cdc.gov/apps/phl/resource_center_infographic.html) The significance of ACEs is that the way children view the world and their place in it begins with the treatment they receive from their caregivers, those responsible for their development and well-being, as well as the conditions to which they are exposed. These relationships and experiences are the basis for which children form their perception of themselves, and they determine how children navigate through the relationships cultivated throughout their lifetime. Such trauma at an early age may not only affect emotional development, but also influence behavior and impact physical health. Even more alarming is that a higher number of ACEs can predispose an individual to a reduction in

Please consider sharing opportunities for CASA of the Coastal Bend to provide presentations to your faith group, workplace, civic groups, homeowners’ association and/or group of friends. You can also invite others to attend 45-minute, non-committal information sessions held at the CASA office, 2602 Prescott, every Wednesday at 12 p.m. For more information, contact Diana at 361-884-2272 or diana@coastalbendcasa.org, or see more information online at www.coastalbendcasa.org or on Facebook (@coastalbendcasa).

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CASA

continued

life expectancy due to being more susceptible to falling victim to stress-related disease and engaging in detrimental behaviors. While we know that change in thinking and habits is possible, it is significantly more challenging once one reaches adulthood. Ideally, children will grow up in safe, stable and nurturing environments with people they feel loved by, and who have their best interests in mind. The hundreds of children from the Coastal Bend placed in foster care due to abuse and neglect demonstrate that an ideal upbringing can be a far or near to impossible reach for some children. April is Child Abuse Awareness month. Knowing there are children in our community suffering at the hands of those who should protect them is vital in beginning to understand what has become an epidemic in our community. Prevention is key in recognizing when families need help and awareness of ways to provide support. Connecting families to services offered by local agencies can reduce stress factors, and in doing so,

prevent abuse and neglect from occurring. However, if a child is in harm or suspected to be in harm, contact the authorities: Call the Texas Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400, or, if a child is in immediate danger, call 911. The victims of child abuse and neglect are not invisible children. These children are your neighbors, they are friends of children within your family and they are also children who will be part of determining the landscape of tomorrow – and they need your help today. There are many opportunities to support these youth when you become involved with

an agency that provides services to them. On April 2, 2020, the Coastal Bend is invited to attend the Ringing of the Bells event to learn more about some of the local child welfare agencies along with opportunities to help these children in crisis. CASA of the Coastal Bend is hosting the event at their offices, located at 2602 Prescott, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Local businesses will offer refreshments, while The HeArt Gallery, presented by Grande Communications, will display artwork by foster youth, available for purchase in a silent auction that benefits recruiting and training Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Coastal Bend. A pinwheel garden will display hundreds of pinwheels, each representing a child from the Coastal Bend who was in foster care during 2019. As stated by abolitionist and statesman Frederick Douglass, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” How can you contribute to help strengthen the lives of children within our community? Every child has a chance – it’s you.

14330 SPID | North Padre Island, TX 78418 361-949-2266 Open: Tuesday-Saturday 10-6 PM 1812 State Hwy 361 | Suite A | Port Aransas, TX 78373 361-749-2266 Open: Monday-Saturday 10-6 PM, Sunday 12-5 PM 615 Business Hwy 35 | South Rockport, TX 78382 361-729-2266 Open: Tuesday-Saturday 10-6 PM NEW LOCATION 5017 Saratoga | Corpus Christi, TX 78413 361-692-2177 Open: Tuesday -Saturday 10-6 PM

CUSTOM DESIGNED FURNITURE, ACCESSORIES & INTERIOR DESIGN

w w w.myc o a st a l h o m e tx .c om

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Get tHe moSt VALue out oF YouR inSuRAnCe CoVeRAGe  Auto

 Home

 BuSineSS

Smart choices last a lifetime. Kimberly Harrington Your Local Agent 5933 PAtton St Ste B CoRPuS CHRiSti, tX 78414 KHARRINGTON1@FARMERSAGENT.COM https://agents.farmers.com/kharrington1

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Call me today! 361.906.1616

Insurance underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Life insurance is issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3120 139th Ave. SE, Ste. 300, Bellevue, WA 98005. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own insurance. Visit farmers.com for a complete list of companies. Not all insurers are authorized in all states. Not all products, coverages, and discounts are available in all states. See agent for details.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PHILANTHROPY SPOTLIGHT

Reverend Milton Black, Minta Moore, State Rep. Todd Hunter, Jack Whitford

FAC E S & P L AC E S O F TH E C OAS TAL B E N D CELEBRATION OF COURAGE, BOOTS AND BLING BALL The New Life Refuge Ministries hosted its annual Celebration of Courage, Boots and Bling Ball at the Ortiz Center on Thursday, Jan. 23. Presented by Braselton Homes, the event featured onsite Texas-inspired activities, silent and live auctions, dinner provided by the Corpus Christi Mustangs and music from popular contemporary Christian artist Josh Wilson. The mission of New Life Refuge Ministries is to provide a refuge of hope and healing for child survivors of sex trafficking, to provide education to the community on the issue and to establish partnerships with other organizations in the fight against modern-day slavery. This annual event is the group’s largest fundraiser contributing to its Vision to End Child Trafficking by providing resources for the refuge that serves 11- to 17-year-old child survivors of human sex trafficking to help them heal their trauma. For more information on this event or how to support, get involved, request a speaker or training, visit newliferefuge.com.

Drs. Meridith and Tim Carter

Joyce Barnette

Holly Lewis, Judy Herndon, Dr. Christopher and Tressa Majka

Dawn and Kevin McCracken

Sheriff J.C. Hooper, Gabi Hiphold

Scott Jackson, Dr. Lonnie Schwirtlich

Patsy Benchoff, Kevin Delano

CCPD Chief Mike and Debbie Markle

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Bart and Michelle Braselton

PHOTOS BY TWINS MEDIA AND DEBBIE NOBLE

Scott Humpal, Fred Braselton, Bart Braselton, Michelle Braselton, Vanessa Braselton

Nikki Hale

WE GO WHERE YOU GO!

Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine on-the-go digital issues

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY! MEDICAL

DIGITAL ISSUES

BUSINESS

EVENTS

VISIT WWW.INSPIRECOASTALBENDMAG.COM FOR UP-TO-DATE ARTICLES IN YOUR FAVORITE SECTIONS, PHOTOS, EVENTS AND MORE! CONTACT US ABOUT ONLINE MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PHILANTHROPY SPOTLIGHT

Jim and Cecilia Akers, Larry Elizondo

FAC E S & P L AC E S O F TH E C OAS TAL B E N D DR. HECTOR P. GARCIA BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION LUNCHEON The annual Dr. Hector P. Garcia Birthday Celebration luncheon took place at the American Bank Center on Friday, Jan. 17. Presented by Citgo, guests were treated to a special tribute honoring Dr. Garciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beloved wife, Wanda Fusillo Garcia, and a special message from former Texas State Rep. and Assistant Secretary of the Navy Juan M. Garcia, III, the keynote speaker. Amy Canterbury, annual giving officer of the Incarnate Word Academy, gave the invocation, and the IWA choir performed. The event was packed full, including several local public servants, elected officials and local dignitaries. The funds raised support the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation in bringing awareness to his great legacy.

Councilman Ben Molina, Holly Lewis, Michael Pearce, Bettina Piotrowski, Aaron Etienne

Jim and Cecilia Akers, Drs. Nelly Garcia and Osbert Blow

Kirk Bourland and Chrissy Romeros

Incarnate Word Academy Choir

District Attorney Mark Gonzalez and Mara Scheter

Hugo Berlanga and State Rep. Todd Hunter

Cecilia Akers, Bruce Cummings, Jim Akers

Juan Garcia, Cecilia and Jim Akers

Yolanda and Tony Canales, Jim Akers, Hector Canales

PHOTOS BY EDDIE SEAL

Elva Estrada and Tony Jimenez

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Jim and Cecilia Akers, Moses Estrada

Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine Business Mar/Apr 2020

Articles inside

Celebration of Courage

Doing the Most Good

Knowledge is Power

This Land is Our Land

Waves of Sound

Pizza Party

Diary of a Frequent CCIA Traveler

Amazing

Energy Advocates

No Time Like Now

Beacons of Light

Spring Fashion and Fun