October 2023 Issue

The Women's Issue Her

Honoring, Empowering & Raising Up Seven

Exceptional Women in the Coastal Bend

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This

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Quality

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HER 2023

The annual Women’s Issue honors seven community leaders trailblazing a path for others to follow. Regardless of their respective industries and fields of work, they each have dedicated time, energy and resources to enact waves of change in the Coastal Bend. We humbly present to you The

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Tips

PROVIDING THE BEST IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Pet Therapy: Animals as Healers

What are the benefits of Pet Therapy in the dental office?

In a search to help alleviate the stress of visiting the dentist, Pediatrix Dental welcomes Mila. She is a certified therapy dog that has helped our patients who may be a little nervous enjoy their dental visit.

Mila is friendly, patient, gentle, docile, loves hugs and to cuddle. She’s great with children.

Nervous parents and scared children feel an ease in their fears when they see a cute cuddly welcoming dog like Mila. The distraction of a therapy pet helps to break the anxiety sometimes felt from walking into a dental office. Mila’s calm demeanor helps to relax the children and they find joy in visiting the dentist. Positive interaction with a dog, such as petting, can decrease stress by increasing oxytocin and decreasing cortisol; the hormones related to stress. Studies have shown that just petting a dog can reduce the petters blood pressure and heart rate. The simple act of petting animals releases an automatic relaxation response, lowers anxiety, helps people relax and provides comfort. It has been scientifically proven that therapy dogs stimulate emotional support, which is good for psychological health.

We can not wait for you to get the chance to meet our furry new team member, Mila!

PUBLISHER Chris Knapick chris@thebendmag.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Kylie Cooper kylie@thebendmag.com

ART DIRECTOR Jarred Schuetze jarred@thebendmag.com

MANAGING EDITOR Alexa Rodriguez alexa@thebendmag.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Kent Cooper kent@thebendmag.com

CLIENT COORDINATOR Laurel Mikolajczyk production@thebendmag.com

COPY EDITOR

Steve Gill

PHOTOGRAPHY

Rachel Benavides

Deux Boheme

Debbie Noble

Jason Page

Lillian Reitz

Shoocha Photography

Benjamin Zaragosa

CONTRIBUTORS

Luis Arjona

Jillian Becquet

Kayla Butts

Monique Dennis

Jacqueline Gonzalez

Debra Young Hatch

Jo Anne Howell

Terrie Moore

Nick Ottensman

Vanessa Perez

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Greater Than the Sum of Our Parts

A recent episode of a podcast I enjoy discussed the idea that 2023 — at least in terms of pop culture — would perhaps be remembered as “The Year of the Woman.” The two biggest musical world tours are coming from Beyonce and Taylor Swift, the biggest movie of the year is Barbie and in seemingly every corner of the internet, someone is putting the word “girl” in front of everything (“girl dinner,” “girl math” and so on).

This notion brings a lot of positives along with it, but it also flattens the messaging a bit. The podcast host and episode guest went on to consider the possibility that too much “women empowerment” can create an exhausting feeling for women: to constantly be ready to fight for a cause; but also always make time to work on bettering yourself; and always do it all with a smile on your face. What this empowerment mindset might now always consider, though, is the idea that some days, Diana Prince might want to just be Diana Prince, not Wonder Woman.

A refreshing tone in each of the conversations I had in working on this month’s cover story included this idea: Not every day is a good day. We can’t be Wonder Woman 365 days out of the year — and that’s okay. And maybe more importantly, there are many roles we simultaneously hold that make up who we are.

For many of this year’s HER honorees, that looks like being a mother, a daughter, a friend, a mentor, a businesswoman, an industry titan, a philanthropist and so on. This issue was born out of the idea of uplifting the women in our community and sharing their unique stories. While parts of those stories hold space for their trailblazing efforts, countless hours of work and groundbreaking accomplishments, the other parts of those stories make room for the hidden quirks and simple pleasures that make each of them not just uniquely them, but whole.

After sending a press preview to one of the honorees, I received an exceptional compliment: A member of her team said the section written about this honoree was one of the first times “… someone has managed to really illustrate her as a human combined with the importance and success in her professional role.” Along the winding road to the top, it can be easy to forget the smaller, seemingly less important pieces of ourselves, but the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts.

How do you briefly sum up an incredible woman’s work and lasting legacy? It’s no easy feat, but managing editor Alexa Rodriguez and I sure do try. Their stories, which begin on page 37, are dynamic and inspiring, and to share them with you all is a privilege we do not take for granted. I hope the results strike a chord with each of you. Regardless of your gender, area of expertise or phase in life, there are great lessons to learn from all of these women’s remarkable stories.

THREE HIGHLIGHTS

Kylie Cooper, Editor In Chief kylie@thebendmag.com

THE SHAPE OF YOUR FLOOR

One in three women in the U.S. will experience pelvic floor disorders in their lifetimes, yet pelvic health physiotherapists are rare here in the Coastal Bend, Dr. Kathryn DeBerry is changing the way women think about and care for their pelvic

MAKING DELICIOUS WAVES IN THE GALLEY

My husband and I recently had brunch at The Galley Bistro and Bakeshop. From the friendly service to the exceptional food, it checked all of our boxes. The fresh pastries alone were enough

REFLECTIONS OF AN ARTISTIC BOND

After an enchanting conversation with the sisters who own Moon Over Water Gallery, our art director Jarred Schuezte came back into the office with an invigorated sense of creativity. I sense you’ll feel similarly after experiencing their shop’s artistic charm. Pg.80

photography by SHOOCHA PHOTOGRAPHY

Aubri Lutz

THE CERTIFIED LACTATION CONSULTANT AND ALL-AROUND MOM ADVOCATE DISCUSSES A CAREER PIVOT, HER EVER-GROWING DIGITAL PRESENCE AND MORE

BY: KYLIE COOPER PHOTO BY: SHOOCHA PHOTOGRAPHY

The first time Aubri Lutz witnessed a live birth in a nursing school clinical rotation, she was moved to tears. “The power and vulnerability displayed while birthing a baby completely wrecked me. [It’s] so sacred,” she said. Throughout her time as an RN in the NICU, she developed a particular interest in the enchanting relationship between mother and child. She dove headfirst into learning about new dynamic attachments, skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding and everything in between.

She fully shifted to lactation after a medical mission trip in Uganda, where the lack of resources for breastfeeding mothers led her to realize that a mother’s body is the blueprint. Seeing the joy and confidence these mothers had, even when lacking technology or scheduling assistance, brought Lutz a sense of peace that she now sets out to help other mothers achieve.

Kylie Cooper: What does your role as an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) look like?

Aubri Lutz: My main role as an IBCLC is to find out what the main feeding goal is, then help families be successful in meeting their goals and feeding their babies. I accomplish this

through a background of the birth, then I evaluate a feeding and the latching process. I also do a full physical assessment of the mom’s breast anatomy and a full assessment of the baby. Often in maternal health, providers are either solely focused on mom or solely focused on baby. In the lactation space, it is unique in that I evaluate the dyad as a complete unit. It’s such an incredible opportunity to really do detective work and to help educate families.

KC: What is the importance of mothers having accessible information and assistance from lactation consultants?

AL: I think it is so important for moms to have accessible and equitable lactation care. The majority of families report struggling with breastfeeding. It’s the one thing that happens 8-12 times daily, and if it isn’t going well, that can really shape your postpartum experience. We know that breastfeeding is linked to numerous benefits — but when you are struggling multiple times a day, you need professional support. I think the third trimester is a great time for a prenatal breastfeeding consult with an IBCLC and a breastfeeding class, then scheduling followups to check in on breastfeeding as well as a pumping consult to get you set up for a potential return to work.

KC: You have a large online audience where you share everything from quick tips to myths and beyond. How did you get started in the digital space, and why do you think you’ve been able to create such a successful online presence?

AL: I didn’t have a grand plan to make this huge educational Instagram page; I had a sweet friend tell me I should start one to just post my tips and education. I wasn’t an IBCLC at the time, so I was a little hesitant to just go for it. I really felt this push through my growing passion for lactation, and the more I prayed about it I decided I should go for it.

I started in September 2018 and made my page a place where I shared all the things I wish I had known when navigating the early days of breastfeeding. I remember celebrating when I had 100 followers and thinking, “Wow, I love that so many moms trust me.” Even now, five years and over 38k followers later, I share the exact same way. I’m talking to all my mom “Breasties.”

I share facts, education, my personal life and even how my faith is deeply woven into my business. It’s such a beautiful community that’s been built. I think so many moms are looking for solidarity and encouragement to trust their instincts, and I’m just grateful they have found that on my page.

KC: What are some of the most common misconceptions about breastfeeding?

AL: I think many people think breastfeeding is natural and they will just figure it out. When I was a firsttime mom, I assumed breastfeeding would work out just fine. However, it was not natural and was so much more complicated than I anticipated. I also think many moms worry they have low supply but that is actually not super common. Often it’s not enough education and common pitfalls that interfere with milk removal and lower supply.

KC: Most rewarding aspects of your job? Most challenging?

AL: The most rewarding aspect is without a doubt helping moms find joy in feeding their babies postpartum. Helping moms trust their bodies brings them so much relief and confidence. I will never tire of seeing moms believe in themselves and stepping boldy into their new postpartum body and journey.

The hardest part is that sometimes the answer isn’t straightforward. Sometimes it takes true detective work to find the root problem in each dyad. It might mean that we are waiting on lab work or a procedure for the baby before things improve with breastfeeding. Those are tough days, because I wish I could wave a magic wand and fix breastfeeding instantly. But that’s not an option, so instead I sit with the mom when she is overwhelmed in tears. Sometimes it means I hold a fussy baby a little longer for mom to catch her breath or take a break. I try to be present for the hard moments, and remind families they will celebrate joyful moments again.

CONTACT:

@lutz.lactation | lutzlactation.com

BRAIN INJURY CERTIFIED | STROKE REHABILITATION CERTIFIED

Championing the Cause of Menstrual Equity

CRIMSON CAUSE WORKS AT LOCAL AND STATE LEVELS TO PROVIDE PERIOD PRODUCTS FOR ALL

BY: VANESSA PEREZ PHOTO PROVIDED BY: CRIMSON CAUSE

status, and its network of support has expanded throughout the community. Crimson Cause collaborates often with local organizations and institutions, like Islander Feminists at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and the Del Mar College School of Nursing.

At the height of the pandemic in 2020, while many organizations found themselves at a screeching halt, Arevalo sought a new route to keep supporting the cause and helped found the Texas Menstrual Equity Coalition, composed of activists all across Texas.

“We met with legislators twice a week through Zoom, that was what we spent our time on in 2020,” Arevalo said. “All that work really helped us in 2021 and even in 2023 when the bill was passed, because by then we had built so much support. We worked so hard in those three years, and legislators were really receptive.”

for years alongside grassroots organizers all across Texas. While people like Rep. Howard were hard at work in the Capitol, Crimson Cause and its founder Ashley Arevalo have been blazing the trail right here in the Coastal Bend.

“Working in menstrual equity, I’ve always wanted to testify for one of the bills,” Arevalo said. This dream became a reality for her and other members of Crimson Cause in April 2021, when they traveled to Austin to testify for a ban on taxes for all period products. “There were girls there as young as 15 who showed up to testify. It was very emotional.” This feeling of common experience and struggle is what Arevalo cites as her motivation to contribute to this work.

Crimson Cause began in 2016 with a GoFundMe started by Arevalo, who carried a vested interest in menstrual equity and wanted to find a way to contribute to her community. Since then, it has achieved full non-profit

By 2020, Crimson Cause had distributed upwards of 70,000 free period products in and around the Coastal Bend, and its work continues to grow. In coalition with Islander Feminists, it succeeded in petitioning for free period products on campus and hopes to expand this movement to other major institutions throughout the city. In the long term, Arevalo sets her hopes and efforts on a future for our country where period products are completely free of charge.

“Now that people are comfortable talking about periods, let’s try to get products in schools, let’s get them in prisons,” Arevalo thought on the road ahead. “This isn’t the end-all-be-all; the tampon tax is just the beginning.”

to Crimson Cause can be directed to its Amazon located in the organization’s Instagram bio.

by

EVENTS

Datebook

OCTOBER 2023

October 27

MOONLIGHT IN THE GARDENS

One of South Texas Botanical Garden’s biggest fundraisers, the evening includes food and drink options, live entertainment, a silent auction, garden and conservatory viewings, dancing and more. STXBOT.ORG

October 28

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL

October 21

48TH ANNUAL ROCKPORT-FULTON SEAFAIR

From delicious food to the hilarious live crab races, this family-oriented event has become a favorite for all of South Texas. The Seafair also includes an expanded boat and outdoor show, market vendors, carnival rides and more.

ROCKPORT-FULTON.ORG

October 7

PRIDE PARADE AND BLOCK PARTY

Join PRIDE Corpus Christi and countless community organizations in an unforgettable celebration of LGBTQIA+ equality and human rights in the Coastal Bend. This year’s parade route will travel along Shoreline Blvd., with a free community event on the Great Lawn at Water’s Edge Park afterwards.

PRIDECORPUSCHRISTI.COM

2023 COASTAL BEND HEART WALK

Hosted by the American Heart Association, the annual walk promotes awareness, education and funding for heart health research. The 5k route kicks off at Whataburger field at 8:30 a.m. Registration is required to participate. HEART.ORG

October 20 - 22

TEXAS JAZZ FESTIVAL

A landmark event in Corpus Christi, Texas Jazz Festival boasts three days of live music across three stages, local cuisine, vendors and more. The festival will take place at Heritage Park and is free to attend. TEXASJAZZ-FEST.ORG

Have an event you want included in Datebook? Email your calendar events to alexa@thebendmag.com

9TH ANNUAL SURFTOBERFEST

Surftoberfest is taking over Chaparral St. for an Oktoberfest party with a twist. Enjoy polka bands, plenty of beer, food vendors, steinholding competitions and costume contests. CHAPARRAL ST.

As one of the most popular festivals in the area, Dia de los Muertos celebrates and honors rich culture and history. This year’s event includes live music across several stages in Downtown Corpus Christi, food trucks, art exhibitions, community ofrendas and more.

DIADELOSMUERTOSCC.COM

2023 KEDT Classic Brew

On Sept. 7, 2023, KEDT hosted Classic Brew presented by H-E-B. As one of KEDT’s annual fundraisers, the event was held at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History and featured over 150 imported and domestic beers, South Texas cuisine from more than 20 local restaurants and live entertainment.

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Ryan Zeller, Erica Delagarza and Jeffrey Delagarza

Brandon Benavides and Sarah Flores

Cecilia Orozco and Logan Cobbs

Stephanie Bellocchio, Trevor Belicek, Bethany Herman and Sarah Latham

Carman Osier, Lauren Albrecht and Zach Albrecht

photos provided by RYAN CROWEL, SPARKLING CITY EVENTS

Rae Parker and Natalie Brewster

Blake Menchaca and Justin Colmenero

photos provided by RYAN CROWEL, SPARKLING CITY EVENTS

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LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER "DR. REE"

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s a mental health practitioner and Licensed Counselor at the University Counseling Center at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, it is extremely important to me to engage in routine selfcare practices that help to sustain my overall well-being. When I think about beauty and self-care, a few key points come to mind.

First, prioritize yourself. Self-love is the best love. I have found that having a beauty routine is an act of self-care that allows me to spend a dedicated amount of time nurturing myself. Whether it is putting on makeup, doing my hair or giving myself a facial, I am able to relax and have fun, all while giving myself a little bit of TLC. You are the best version of yourself when you are taking care of yourself.

Second, practice mindfulness. My research highlights the effectiveness of participating in mindfulness activities. I am intentional about practicing mindfulness exercises that keep me grounded in the here and now. Sometimes it is a walk outdoors, listening to the waves, coloring or eating a meal that I have prepared for myself. You can practice mindfulness anytime, anywhere!

Last, but certainly not least, protect your energy. I protect my energy by resting, saying “no” and honoring what my body needs. I can do a lot of things, but I cannot do everything. Be mindful of where you are expending your energy. Avoid people, places and activities that drain you. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup.

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Read Dr. Ree's full list of product recommendations online at thebendmag.com

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Our mission is to provide the coastal bend with the highest quality medical care that allows our patients to live their best lives. Our comprehensive approach addresses how you feel, how you look, and where you are at your stage in life. We pride ourselves in providing a custom, individualized treatment plan for all of our patients depending on their specific needs.

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The Shape of Your Floor

CHANGING THE PELVIC HEALTH NARRATIVE FOR WOMEN IN THE COASTAL BEND

BY: DEBRA YOUNG HATCH PHOTO BY: LILLIAN REITZ

pelvic floor issues and I had to drive three hours — one way — to find a therapist. I decided then and there, offering pelvic health therapy for women was where I wanted to invest my physical therapy skills.” And that’s exactly what she did.

Originally from San Antonio, this South Texas native — outfitted with her physical therapy expertise and compassion — eventually found her way back to the Lone Star State, landing in Corpus Christi in 2020. Once here, she discovered there was not a pelvic health therapist anywhere in sight, solidifying her resolve to open her own pelvic wellness center.

One pandemic and two children later, DeBerry accomplished that goal, opening South Texas Pelvic Health this year to serve women in the Coastal Bend suffering from pelvic health issues before and during pregnancy, post-partum, through menopause and beyond.

Pelvic floor health is not a new concept. In fact, the notion of offering pelvic floor therapy after childbirth has been around since 1948, and with the rise in popularity of yoga and Pilates over the past 10 years, the term “pelvic floor” has become part of many people’s common vernacular. But understanding what your pelvic floor is, its inherent value and the need for it to be healthy throughout your life is another story altogether.

According to multiple studies, including a 2022 study from the Carver College of Medicine at Iowa University, one in three women in the U.S. will experience pelvic floor disorders in their lifetimes, and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) estimates there are fewer than 10,000 pelvic health physiotherapists to serve their needs. By all accounts, pelvic health issues are considered one of the most under-reported and underserved health concerns for women in the U.S. — a narrative Dr. Kathryn DeBerry, PT, DPT, PCES, is out to change in the Coastal Bend.

“The pelvic floor,” explained DeBerry, “is the Grand Central Station of your body. All the weight transfer happens in your pelvis and if those muscles are too tight or too loose, they can affect everything from your feet to your jaw.”

For DeBerry, the pelvic floor and the need for this basket of muscles — which sits at the base of your pelvis and supports your bladder, uterus and colon — to be at the top of its game in every stage of life goes beyond a job; it is instead a passion steeped in personal experience.

“Even as a trained physiotherapist, I didn’t understand the magnitude of pelvic health,” DeBerry shared candidly, “not until 2018 when I had my first child. In a small town in Tennessee where we lived at the time, there were no therapy services available. I had some significant postpartum

South Texas Pelvic Health also offers birth preparation, lactation support and dry needling and cupping services.

“Too many women suffer in silence,” said DeBerry, “thinking pelvic pain, incontinence, bowel issues and sexual dysfunction are simply part of life. They have been conditioned to believe you just have to live with those problems.” Not true.

“Another struggle for women is that pelvic health is often uncomfortable to discuss. So, women often don’t say anything — not to a doctor, family or friends. They just stay home and distance themselves from social interactions. That’s why education is critical, as well as having a safe place to have sensitive conversations.”

Compounding the problem is the fact that pelvic floor therapy is not classified as a standard of care for women in the U.S. By contrast, in Europe following childbirth, it is the standard of care, with up to 10 therapy sessions offered after each pregnancy.

“There are so many benefits to pelvic health therapy,” said DeBerry, “and we are definitely behind the curve in the U.S. I want to change that narrative for women in the Coastal Bend, hand them back their pelvic health and offer a pathway to a better quality of life.”

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Dana Sisk, President and CEO 2023 HER Honoree

The annual Women’s Issue honors seven community leaders trailblazing a path for others to follow. Regardless of their respective industries and fields of work, they each have dedicated time, energy and resources to enact waves of change in the Coastal Bend. We humbly present to you The Bend’s 2023 HER honorees.

by Kylie Cooper & Alexa Rodriguez portraits by Shoocha Photography

Dr. Kelly Miller Woman of the Year

A wall of framed photos greets visitors to the President’s office at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC). The two bottom rows of photographs depict the first 10 presidents of the university — all of whom were men. On the top row, the lone frame holds a headshot of Dr. Kelly Miller, the university’s first and only female president so far. When asked about this visual representation of a shattered glass ceiling, Miller recalls minimizing the milestone when stepping into the role. She felt focusing on that one fact took away from the decades of hard work it ultimately took her to get there.

However, she also has an important role as a mother. When Miller’s teenage daughter and friends first came to visit the office, something clicked. “They were out there taking pictures of the wall and my daughter was so proud,” she said. “The way they saw it, it made them think they can do whatever they set their minds to.”

She realized that she has a unique opportunity to show people what’s possible. As a first-generation college student, the importance of representation and the ability for people to see themselves in others’ success is not lost on her. As she points to the necklace she’s wearing — a circle of glass with a crack in the center — she says, “I think it should always be the best person for the job. But I think there’s many times when it’s going to be a female. And when it is, I want them [to know] they can have that opportunity.”

As president, she’s led TAMU-CC through two hurricanes, a global pandemic and an unprecedented freeze. These challenges taught her a valuable lesson in leadership: You can’t make everyone happy, but you do have to be fair and you have to make the best decisions you possibly can. “You must take in all the information you have, and then trust that you can make the best decision possible with that. You might make a mistake, I certainly have, but you then have to own it, apologize and fix it.”

Her superb communication skills, experience at varying levels within the university, need to truly understand how every cog in the machine works and unwavering commitment to student success all come together in making her the undeniably great leader she is.

TAMU-CC’s accomplishments just in the last school year include record-breaking graduation numbers for the fall, spring and summer semesters; the Family Nurse Practitioner Program was ranked number one in the nation; millions of grant dollars

were awarded in a variety of areas to support groundbreaking and nationally acclaimed research initiatives; a new College of Engineering was established; the Lone Star Unmanned Aircraft System Center of Excellence and Innovation became a national leader in unmanned aircraft systems studies; and incredible success was seen for Islander Athletics programs, including a school record of eight Southland Conference championships and a first-ever win for the men’s basketball team at the NCAA Tournament – the latter of which brought the type of national attention you can’t buy to both the university and our city.

Of the long list of historic accolades and advancements the university has seen under her tenure, Miller’s favorite moments along the way always come back to the students themselves. Her eyes light up as she describes sitting with the pep band throughout March Madness and then points to the drumsticks she was given. There aren’t statistics for how many university presidents sit and play with their school’s pep band, but the number is likely low. Miller is unique in this way.

She takes pride in staying true to who she is. As her responsibility grew, various colleagues would tell her she should probably be less accessible, or not laugh as loud, or restrain a certain trait that makes up her personality. “But I got promoted for being the kind of leader that I am. So, I am going to keep doing that, which is the advice I give to anyone in a leadership position,” she said. “You bring something unique to whatever position you’re in, something different; so, don’t lose that. Don’t become the stereotypical version of what you think a leader should be. You have to do your job properly and represent yourself and the job with dignity, but you can still make it your own. I think that’s what makes the best leaders.”

And at the end of the day, Miller will always be the type of university president who wants to play with the pep band. She'll always be the type of person who has a Harry Potter wand on display in her office. She’ll always feel passionate about writing her own speeches, even if that means making it a hobby she does in her free time. She’ll always be an empathetic leader who values others’ perspectives and experiences. But above all else, she’ll always be The Island University’s number one cheerleader and advocate. Spreading the good word about the way this campus and its programs are changing people’s lives and opening up new worlds of opportunity is at the core of why she does this job in the first place. - KC

Esmeralda Herrera-Teran Community Visionary

Esmeralda Herrera-Teran’s role as Director of the Antonio E. Garcia Arts & Education Center is steeped in deeply personal aspirations. “I am the west side,” she said of her childhood just around the corner — no one loves the community around the Garcia Center like she does. It raised her, shaped her and launched her into decades of educational endeavors that have brought her back to where it all started. Now, in her third year as director, she’s casting a vision for the next generation, one program and relationship at a time.

The children who have the privilege of participating in programming at the Center are seen for who they are: Individuals with astronomical potential, now with a role model who has faced and broken similar barriers, paving the way for them to do the same. A director who is committed to forming the whole child with classes and activities that will embrace culture, advance artistic expression and cultivate space for them to shine.

As director, Herrera-Teran focuses on budgeting, programming and partnerships. However, what sets her apart is her exceptional relationship with the community; it’s the reason she landed the coveted position — after applying three times — in the first place. “You want me here because I love the people, I love the campus and I want to make sure the community knows there is a University [here] that wants to connect with them, that wants to change lives and instill confidence and growth,” she said. It’s no coincidence that she personally is intent on doing the same.

She enrolled at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) at age 30 while juggling four kids and a career, seeing education as the gateway to a bright future for herself and her family. She went on to complete her bachelor’s degree, plus a master’s in counseling and a master’s in business administration — making her a first-generation college graduate, and a proud one at that.

“I never even realized I had a passion for my culture, for my past, you know, because I was trying to get away from my past and do something new,” Herrera-Teran said, remembering the epiphany she had while obtaining her counseling degree. In what some might describe as destiny, her past has now become the gateway to connecting with the kids at the Center. “I don’t have to tell anyone my story. I just say I was raised on the corner of Coleman and 19th and then all of a sudden they feel like I'm no longer the director, but just one of the people.”

Through Taste of the Westside potluck celebrations and creative ofrenda displays during Dia de los Muertos, she reinforces the shared culture and tradition of the community, because “remembering where you come from and what you’re made of,” as she put it, is paramount.

The director wears many hats: community liaison, partnership seeker, funding manager, program coordinator, et cetera … but Herrera-Teran has added volunteer, tutor and friend to the list. You can also catch her mowing the lawn and sweeping or mopping floors without hesitation. Though her accolades precede her and the right to boast is certainly hers, she sees herself as merely a single piece of the Garcia Center and the West Side puzzle.

She also has a boots-on-the-ground mentality. She identifies deeply with the community and rather than assuming needs, she’s built programs by simply asking what the needs are. “I could go out and buy someone glasses because I see they need glasses, but they might have more pressing needs,” she said. “It’s not about what we can offer, it’s about what they need first.” In her tenure, she’s committed to retention and making sure there are engaging programs for kids of all ages, especially ones that families can join. Herrera-Teran has learned that “when working with teens, if they’re happy and they’re confident, then guess what? Mom and Dad are happy.”

This past year, she spearheaded an entrepreneurship program for middle school students in which they heard from local business owners and were challenged to create a product and pitch it “Shark Tank”-style. The parents were then invited to participate in a fish fry celebration with the kids. Other programs include cooking classes in partnership with Grow Local South Texas, Barrio Writers, Ballet Folklórico and family chess club, often all happening at the same time — Herrera-Teran can be found moving tables in between rooms to make it all work.

She describes her tenacious mother as her hero and the person she hopes to emulate in this life. Her children and grandchildren are following in her footsteps in their own ways and perhaps it was her big academic achievements that inspired them or the thoughtful moments, like when she would get to work early at the TAMU-CC Early Childhood Development Center to be a volunteer crossing guard for her grandkids. Regardless, HerreraTeran is a community visionary in each space she enters, seeing beyond circumstances and breaking every barrier in her way. - AR

Dana Sisk Indusrty Leader

As the president and CEO of Rally Credit Union, Dana Sisk — only the second woman to fill this role in the company’s 68year history — is ultimately responsible for $4.3 billion in assets and 800 employees serving over 225,000 members across eight counties through 21 branches, a mortgage center and robust digital delivery channels. That’s a lot to manage.

At every turn in her road — from being an 18-year-old single mother who earned an undergraduate degree in three years to getting a good job to provide for her child to leading the largest financial institution headquartered in South Texas — you’ll find Sisk’s unwavering commitment, tenacious spirit and resilient attitude.

“There’s always a way,” Sisk said when asked about adversity she’s faced along the way. “Finding that way takes a little creativity, a lot of persistence and a lot of help. But there’s always a way.” This is a mindset she proudly adopted from her mother, a tenth-grade dropout who raised two children on her own while working at a small country restaurant and eventually became the Commissioner of Wage and Investment at the IRS.

Sisk is consistently impressive, excelling at seemingly everything she puts her mind to, while never flaunting her long list of accomplishments unprompted. Don’t let her humble nature fool you, though — her confidence and self-assuredness are palpable, attracting others and inspiring them to follow suit in being the best versions of themselves.

“False humility is one of my pet peeves,” she said. “I won’t ever show false humility when in fact, I am very confident that I can lead this organization well and that I was the right selection for the position. I’m very confident because I know how hard I’ve worked to learn the ins and outs of this business, and I am very confident in the strong team of people we have who I know will take care of business.”

What does taking care of business for Sisk and Rally Credit Union look like? At its core, Rally’s goal is to help its members improve their quality of life by reaching their financial goals. Ultimately, Sisk’s leadership and the work Rally does result in a better life for hundreds of thousands of credit- and incomechallenged residents in South Texas. Members have access to banking services, auto and home loans at competitive rates and the benefits that come with increased financial literacy.

“I think we do something unique in terms of how we serve [our] members and the people of South Texas,” Sisk said. “Corpus

Christi has some of the lowest credit scores in the nation, but we have people who have households to provide for and are working really hard, yet earning modest incomes. So, in terms of the segment of our population we mostly lend to, we serve the financial needs of this [region] in a way nobody else does.”

It's not just the work Rally does in the community that makes Sisk proud — the commitment she and the organization have to promoting from within and offering career opportunities is unique. Rally’s workforce is roughly 80% female, meaning the majority of those rising through the ranks are women. Creating these opportunities is at the cornerstone of Sisk’s leadership style.

According to a 2023 report from the Credit Union National Association, women currently hold nearly 50% of all management positions in credit unions. Moreover, the number of female CEOs at credit unions is more than 15 times higher than the rate of female CEOs at banks. In chatting about these numbers, it’s acknowledged that so often the scale isn’t tipped this way. Sisk responded, “I guess I’m not offended by statistics like that; I see it as an opportunity.”

Under Sisk’s leadership, the implementation of career path structures and training plans has allowed for 30% of employees to receive progressive transfers and promotions each year. The Leadership Development Program, which has over 150 graduates, further strengthens employee engagement and autonomy, and internal promotion rate to management level positions has also improved thanks to the creation of the Management Development Program. These programs have led to seven out of 10 new managers coming from internal promotions.

With Rally’s total employees increasing from 175 to well over 700 and turnover rates consistently below the industry average during her tenure, it’s undeniable that people want to work for a leader like Sisk. Not only is she the type of CEO whose door always stays open and whose willingness to roll up their sleeves to help is real, but she’s the type of leader whose presence alone compels others to be and do better.

Rally’s mission is simple: Improve lives and drive possibilities. Sisk’s role in leading, directing and ensuring the continuous fulfillment of this purpose is clear – and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better combination of words to describe how she, as a person, moves through the world. In all Sisk does, be it in work, philanthropic endeavors or personal matters, she’s set on improving the lives of those around her and generating and inspiring possibilities to ensure that happens. - KC

Brianna Davis Rising Star

During the photoshoot for this feature, Brianna Davis, founder and CEO of Esperanza de Tejas, INC., was answering calls to arrange for a family to get a car seat from her house. It’s what she does — no questions asked, any time of day. Emphasis on no questions asked, as the judgment-free, low-barrier concept of the non-profit makes all the difference when it comes to providing locals with diapers, wipes, food, car seats, scholarships and literally anything else it can.

If someone is in need, she fights tooth and nail to meet them where they are to assist. It’s no wonder Esperanza de Tejas, spearheaded by Davis, has been able to quickly scale its efforts to meet the needs of 8,000 people and counting since 2020. “I’m in my sunshine era,” she emphatically proclaimed. “I have a loving husband, I have my children, I have a community who backs me and I back them. I’m living the dream now and I’m so thankful.” If she could speak to a younger version of herself, she would say to never, ever give up.

Propelled by the desire to meet basic needs in the community and by using her own childhood experiences and career as a social worker, Davis essentially started Esperanza de Tejas as a triage service. She began by partnering with Corpus Christi Produce to distribute produce bags to the elderly and people with disabilities during COVID. Since then, partnerships with Driscoll Health Plan, the Free Store and local schools have allowed popups serving six counties, community gardens for kids to learn how to grow their own food and a children’s free store, where parents can have a dignified shopping experience at no cost. In early 2021, the day before her scheduled cesarean to deliver twins, Davis was out distributing water in the middle of the winter freeze.

Esperanza has built a scholarship program that’s not granted solely on academic performance, but rather community service through the non-profit. Kids are also able to learn about the college application process and resume writing, and most importantly, they are asked how they will spread amor y esperanza — love and hope — to their community.

The foundation of the work Davis does is ensuring that nothing prevents someone who needs help from getting help. She’s rejected funding from potential partners who wish to

implement financial components or other forms of questioning before receiving help. No address? No ID? No problem. Davis has witnessed countless single mothers breathe a sigh of relief when they can access basic needs without question. “Sometimes this leads to uncovering other needs and sometimes it doesn’t and that’s okay,” Davis emphasized. “You don’t even have to tell us your name.”

If there’s anyone who can speak to the gravity of having someone who has overcome hardship to be the one lending a helping hand, it’s Davis. “I want to help kids. I want to show kids that you don’t have to go down the same path I went,” she said. “In my childhood, I’ve seen things that people probably shouldn’t see at that age, but I feel like all of my experiences make me relatable to a lot of the families I serve. I will never judge anyone, only help.”

Her road to self-actualization was paved with adversity and heartache, but also with hope and love triumphant. Through challenging childhood relationships and adolescent years, her grandparents and mom always showed up with boundless love, slowly but surely infusing hope in her that would reveal itself in her current endeavors. “Esperanza is like a love letter to my community, but also a way for me to honor their legacy, because their name will forever live on through me and the work that I do here,” she said. An “angel walking this earth” in Davis’ words, her mother was always the one giving away her last $5 to a person in need and taking Davis to the Feast of Sharing every Christmas during her childhood. Her grandparents were her cheerleaders and the ones who empowered her to get her bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work, even when the odds were stacked against her. They emphasized the importance of returning home to use her skills to benefit the community.

Success for Davis is a child being able to go to daycare because they has diapers; a mom and dad excelling at work because they aren’t worried about affording basic necessities; or a kid who hears one of the staff’s stories and decides to go to college. Soon, this will without a doubt be a reality for even more families as Esperanza de Tejas works to expand and spread hope across Texas. For Davis, this is just the beginning. - AR

Dr. Esther Khatibi Medical Hero

Esther Khatibi — MD, owner, operator and the sole physician at New Life Direct Primary Care — has dared to imagine a world in which access to your physician is as easy as sending a text message. In the current climate of transactional medical care that often limits patients’ access to their physician to a few minutes at a time, Khatibi took a leap of faith, left money on the table and opened the first direct primary care clinic of its kind in the Coastal Bend.

“It’s kind of like the old days when you had a family doctor who just came to your house,” she said of her current clinic’s operations. Times are different, sure, and in her tenure as a physician, patient care has gotten convoluted with insurance and billing confusion. Not to mention that getting to actually see a physician was a challenge. “For some reason, after the 20-minute mark, patients start to really open up,” she said.

By opening the lines of communication beyond short office visits, she learned critical information and even saved her patients some expensive trips to the emergency room based on intake from an evening phone call. When she heard about the Direct Primary Care model, she leaned in without hesitation because it was what she was basically already doing.

Telehealth is changing the landscape of medical care, but the concept of direct primary care is revolutionary in its own right, especially in the Coastal Bend. New Life doesn’t bill insurance, but charges a flat monthly fee. Patients get Khatibi’s phone number and all correspondence gets digitized directly into their chart, so she doesn’t miss a thing. She works closely with the clinic’s medical assistant and a patient who calls is guaranteed to speak with them, no matter the time of day. Patients are guaranteed honest, direct, proactive and cumulative care without a long wait in an office or a time limit on visits.

Currently, Khatibi is working to bridge the gap for those who might not qualify for Medicaid, but can’t quite afford steep insurance prices; or those who have coverage for catastrophic events with astronomic deductibles and co-pays. New Life has negotiated pricing for imaging and prescriptions, and even for patients with insurance, its prices are often cheaper.

Her credentialing allows for a wide scope of expertise, but her passion — and the area in which she has seen a deficit

in quality care — is obstetrics. What started as looping OB care under the umbrella of New Life has morphed into starting a nonprofit called My DOC, which stands for Direct Obstetric Care, for prenatal, birth and post-natal care.

“We’re hoping to help lower morbidity and mortality rates for high-risk women in the community,” Khatibi said. “Studies have shown even though people have insurance, they don’t feel comfortable telling their doctor when something is going on. It’ll be a week or two before they’ll admit their blood pressure is a little high, and when you’re pregnant, that could be very concerning. So hopefully, with this model, they have access to their physician.”

By going the non-profit route, she can receive funding for supplies and equipment like an ultrasound machine, which will allow the cost of obstetric care to be even lower.

When it comes to delivering babies, there is no question she will be the one there — something Khatibi feels is of utmost importance. “I’m your doctor. I’ll arrange my vacation time around your delivery,” she insisted.

A guarantee like that is rare, but in going the extra mile, she doesn’t bill for the delivery, for rounding or for postnatal care in the hospital. Patients pay the fixed monthly price, which depending on circumstances, is between $50$150 per month, and that’s it. Insurance or not, her OB care is focused on lowering the Maternal Vulnerability Index score, which is unnecessarily high for women in our country, specifically women of color. This is something she strongly believes can be reversed through consistent, accessible, non-discriminatory care.

For Khatibi, success has never been just about money. “I really think being a community leader and having a good reputation where you’re respected for the care you give has always been way more important to me,” she said. Her generous spirit and willingness to step away from a secure position in order to work toward creating a better system for all solidifies her as a hero in the Coastal Bend medical community. She hopes to see more physicians open their minds to consider this model of care, question the limitations of the norm and work to see progress in medical care for all. - AR

Simone Sanders Humanitarian

Simone Sanders’ resume is quite impressive. And while her professional accomplishments are vast, the amount of time she’s spent giving back to this community her entire life truly stands out. She’s served in various board positions within the local and state chapters of Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE), she’s spearheaded efforts to continue and expand the only Juneteenth festival in the area and so much more — none of which she gets paid to do, and all of which she does in her “free time.”

When learning about Sanders’ background, you’ll find every step has contributed to the work she does now. “That’s just always been the mindset,” she said. “We help people.” Her grandmother helped lead a neighborhood group focused on fulfilling needs of their community, and her mother, Tina Butler, co-founded TABPHE’s Corpus Christi chapter in 1991. For this family, lending a helping hand is a part of the generational cycle.

If you’re at all familiar with TABPHE-CC, you’re familiar with Sanders’ work. Having grown up attending chapter meetings with her mother, she began her involvement long before she realized the impact she’d later make on her community. From sharing ideas on how to streamline processes to implementing social media strategies, she not only always had a voice in the room, but it was valued and respected. Sanders served five years as president before serving as the vice president of public relations on the state level and then eventually returning to the local chapter’s president role, which she still holds.

Filling gaps and blazing new trails in the community, the non-profit’s motto is simple: It exists to assist. Originally founded with a vision to ensure the higher education system in Texas provides equitable opportunities and advancement for Black personnel while fostering a positive environment for minority students to successfully matriculate, the local chapter has extended its scope to cover so much more.

“I think the community at large looks to us because for the last 10 to 15 years, we’ve been one of the only African American organizations [in Corpus Christi] trying to do the work,” Sanders said. “So, people in our community come to us with issues that aren’t really in our realm, but because we’re one of the only resources representing the African American community, we fill those gaps and provide for the people in whatever ways we can.”

Just a handful of these efforts through the years include mentorship and leadership programs for students of all ages,

putting books in barbershops and helping students maintain their reading skills throughout the summer, putting together food boxes and delivering them to different neighborhoods and, more recently, absorbing the responsibilities of planning and executing the annual Juneteenth Festival and 10 Days of Jubilee programming.

The legacy of Dr. Gloria Scott, Hannah Carter and the Juneteenth Coalition was officially passed down to TABPHECC in 2019. With Sanders at the helm, the goal was to continue the legacy, and build upon it for future generations. This year’s Juneteenth Festival was the largest one yet, and Sanders is already brainstorming ways to make it bigger and better next year.

Her visionary nature is paired with a unique sense of selflessness and an unwavering commitment to the people. “I really believe that everything I do, I do for the people and because I want to see them excel. I feel so much happiness when I look at photos from our events and see smiling faces. In a place where African Americans and African American culture is scarce or rarely celebrated, that’s so important.”

A goal-oriented, get-it-done-at-all-costs type of person who always has a plan, Sanders is known as someone you can always count on. Beyond the philanthropic-related titles Sanders holds, she can also be found helping a friend with their resume, building a website for someone starting a new project or giving a tablet to a neighbor kid so they can do an assignment.

When not busy bettering the welfare and life of individuals in our community, she serves as the community outreach coordinator for the Texas General Land Office. Sanders conducts outreach initiatives to inform, educate and maintain maximum transparency for all disaster recovery programs; serves as the community relations liaison for the Coastal Bend Council of Governments; provides briefings on recovery programs to elected officials and key stakeholders; and aids in the implementation of said programs. On top of that, she also owns and operates her own recently opened business, CC Bin Steals & Deals.

Sanders is turning 42 later this year, and is looking at the next five to 10 years as a second act, filled with endless ideas already running through her mind. And you wouldn’t be wrong to suspect that whatever this second act for Sanders looks like, it will surely entail lending a helping hand to the community that built her.

- KC

Michelle Fraedrick Alafghani Entrepreneur

Michelle Fraedrick Alafghani, the owner of Matcha Konomi and Bien Mérite, has entrepreneurship in her DNA. Her grandfather opened a small restaurant in Oregon in 1960, and by the time he sold the company in 2003, it had over 300 franchises across the country. “I come from a family of entrepreneurs,” she said. “I saw how hard they worked and what they accomplished, and it just never occurred to me that I couldn’t also start my own business one day.”

When moving to Corpus Christi in 2016, Fraedrick Alafghani was entering a new life chapter. She was a single mother with two young children but looking to find her own identity outside of being a mom. “I was studying to become a real estate agent and obsessed with drinking matcha. I made it for myself at home and thought, ‘People might buy this.’” What started as a home-based business eventually grew into a food truck where she sold matcha lattes and small food items.

Building a business from the ground up with two small children is no easy feat. “It was difficult, I won’t lie, but I never wanted to look at [being a single mother] as a barrier,” Fraedrick Alafghani said. “I knew what I wanted to make happen and I figured it out along the way. When you’re a small business owner, you must live, eat and breathe what you do. It isn’t always easy, but you’ll find that when you believe in yourself, other people start to believe in you too, and they’ll want to support you.”

Prior to creating her own matcha powder, Fraedrick Alafghani sourced it from a grocery store, but she knew both quality and affordability were important to her and wasn’t willing to bend on either. So, she created her own and it took off, making significant waves outside the Coastal Bend—so much so that it wildly outdid the food truck’s business. Now, with wholesale bulk customers around the world, Matcha Konomi has consistently ranked in the top 10 matcha products on Amazon since its inception.

Except for the online hacking incident that caused Matcha Konomi to experience two months without a single sale. So, Fraedrick Alafghani and her now husband decided to start something new in the form of a French-inspired walk-up café. In early 2019, Bien Mérite opened and thanks to a front-page newspaper article, business was instantly booming. “We had a tiny oven and could only put out so many croissants a day, but

suddenly we’d become known as ‘the croissant place,’” Fraedrick Alafghani recalled. “We started getting bad reviews because we’d always be sold out.” Her response? Give the people what they want.

The evolution of the bakery goes hand in hand with Fraedrick Alafghani’s ability to take criticism and turn it into constructive feedback. People wanted more pastries, so Bien began offering more pastries. Customers started wanting lunch items, so a lunch menu was created. Hungry diners wanted to stay a while, so the cafe increased seating and then moved into a larger location around the corner. Slowly but surely, by incorporating the people’s voice into the business, Bien Mérite continued to grow, and cemented itself as a local mainstay.

“If someone gives us a bad review, I don’t get angry. I instead look at it as an opportunity to enhance a customer’s experience,” Fraedrick Alafghani said. For her, customer experience is of utmost importance, and even if she doesn’t agree with everything a review says, she’ll take the feedback and use it to continue developing her business.

Come summer of 2024, Bien Mérite will be housed inside the historic Dobson Building. The new location will feature everything you’ve come to know and love about the local cafe — pink boxes and all. But, with the ability to intentionally design every detail and build out her dream space, Bien Mérite will take on a whole new level of dining, including a fine dining dinner concept with French fare. Rezoning was required for the long-vacant building to operate as a bakery and after the grueling five-month process, she was surprised by the outpouring of positivity.

“Typically, when an area gets rezoned, you’ll find some type of backlash, but the city seems to have really embraced this.” When asked why she thinks that’s been the case, Fraedrick Alafghani’s response speaks to one of the main reasons local businesses mean so much to a community. “At the simplest level, we’re a local meeting spot, and a city needs spaces like this to create more of a sense of community. You need those spaces where you’ll run into friendly faces or ride your bike to. That’s what Bien is. It’s more than a bakery; it’s an experience for people to come together and enjoy one another.” - KC

Tips

photography by DEUX BOHEME

A Peregrination to Port Aransas

SANDY HIDEAWAY OFFERS A RELAXING RETREAT ALONG THE GULF COAST

BY: LUIS ARJONA PHOTOS BY: JASON PAGE

Where the rolling waves of the Gulf of Mexico meet the golden sands, a beautiful home dubbed “Sandy Hideaway” at Casa La Playa invites guests for a coastal retreat. This breathtaking getaway is a labor of love, meticulously curated by the discerning owners, Abby and Tyler.

The couple’s desire to escape the frenetic pace of daily life was the impetus behind the creation of this coastal sanctuary. Their vision was clear: A space that would not only soothe the senses but also evoke an overwhelming sense of belonging. Abby and Tyler said, “We both wanted to find a place we could go to that would allow us to relax and cut away from our normal busy lives.” That’s the dream, right? To have a place where you can shed the weight of daily life and immerse yourself in a world of tranquility.

The choice of location is a critical aspect of Sandy Hideaway’s allure. Abby and Tyler discovered Casa La Playa in July 2023, enthralled by the environment of familyfriendly comfort and a strategic partnership with Grand Welcome Property Management that ensures other families can savor the delights of a well-maintained property when the couple is away.

Sandy Hideaway sits amid the Texas coast’s beauty, offering proximity to wonderful Port Aransas and resorts like Cinnamon Shore and Palmilla Beach, where dining and entertainment options abound. At the same time, it provides a serene escape from the resort fees, markups and bustling streets during the peak of golf cart traffic. Casa La Playa fosters an environment that is both family-friendly and tranquil.

The design of Sandy Hideaway is more than just aesthetics; it’s a purposeful creation that caters to families or groups seeking shared experiences and moments of

solitude. The coastal getaway boasts generously sized rooms, exquisite finishes and even an electric vehiclefriendly garage.

Their design journey was a team effort, and it’s clear they have an eye for detail. The color scheme is a composition of calming blues and jewel-toned teals, creating a sense of beachfront luxury. These shades combine with natural materials like stone, wood and earthy greens to create a spa-like ambiance throughout the residence, ensuring a seamless visual and sensory experience.

Among their cherished spaces, the open-concept kitchen, dining and living area on the first floor stands out. The communal area offers space to gather with family or curl up with your favorite book as the coastal breeze and sea salt air make residents forget their workweek stress. Throughout each floor, leading lines in the details of the wall finish attract the eye through each room.

“We created the visions and interior design together. It’s one of the aspects of our relationship that we enjoy. From landscaping projects to designing homes, we have a well-balanced contribution that brings our personalities into the spaces,” said the couple.

Furthermore, with its wooden-paneled accent wall, the third-floor main suite envelops guests in a cocoon of peace, perfectly balancing modernity with coastal charm. The gabled ceiling and vertical grooves in the accent wall make the room feel tall and inviting. Meanwhile, each room opens to a balcony, offering a gentle breeze and inviting chairs for peaceful contemplation.

From the meticulous design process to careful selection of every element, Abby and Tyler have created a seaside haven with relaxation, elegance and the joy of a beachside escape.

Pride of Texas

WHEN TO SEED TEXAS BLUEBONNETS IN THE COASTAL BEND BY:

NICK OTTENSMAN

Only in the great state of Texas will you find such an impressive number of bluebonnets blanketing the countryside along highways and fields. The familiar blue flowers usher in the spring season and serve as a reminder that we Texans have much natural beauty to be proud of.

However, in order to obtain showstopping florals in your own landscape by springtime, you have to start planning now. October is the best time to sow wildflower seeds in the Coastal Bend region, as bluebonnets germinate in the fall and grow through winter. Hearty and tough as Texas, this annual native is densely arranged and will reseed to return next spring.

If you’d prefer to bask in the glory of bluebonnet patches you aren’t responsible for growing yourself, here are a few reminders to keep in mind the next time you venture out for those lovely spring photoshoots. Contrary to popular belief, it is not illegal to pick bluebonnets in Texas. However, it is illegal to pick, cut or destroy plant life on Texas State Park grounds. Also, picking or cutting bluebonnets denies them the opportunity to reseed and proliferate. Third, rattlesnakes love to hide in bluebonnet patches, so always keep a watchful eye when gazing at these natural beauties.

a need-to-know basis

GROWING UP

Texas bluebonnets germinate in the fall and grow through winter. They are annuals, meaning they grow from seed to flower within one year. Hand broadcasting is simple and typically works well. Avoid weedy areas, as bluebonnets do not like competition. Good seed-to-soil contact is ideal for best results, so walk over the area or use a pull-behind roller for large areas.

PROFILING

Water the covered area enough to give moisture for seed germination but avoid saturating the soil. If rainfall is low, water occasionally and do not mow the area. Bluebonnets mature approximately six to eight weeks after flowering. Mow the area only after the mature flower dries out and turns yellow or brown. Waiting until the flower has died allows the plants to reseed and spread for a potentially bigger show year after year.

FUN FACTS

Earning the designation of the state flower of Texas was no small feat. In 1901, the Texas Legislature was set on naming the cotton boll as the state flower. It was reported this effort failed due to aesthetics. The prickly pear cactus flower was thrown into the mix, but ultimately it was the hard work of the Texas chapter of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America that ensured the bluebonnet would be enshrined as the pride of Texas.

UP IN THE AIR

A BENCH OR STOOL WILL ELEVATE THE SCENE AND GIVE YOU THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO ADD SEASONAL DECORATING FUN

Plant Paradise

TIPS FOR CREATING A HEALTHY, HAPPY HOUSEPLANT OASIS

BY: TERRIE MOORE PHOTOS BY: DEUX BOHEME

You just brought your new treasure home, now what? I’m talking about that shiny, green, gorgeous pot of hope. You know, the one you promise to not ignore and are determined to keep alive. Ensure your success by creating a plant paradise near your brightest window. By keeping your plants together in a bright environment, they’ll thrive and always be ready for their close-up. Next dinner party, pop one down to the center of the table or into the bathroom for weekend guests to enjoy. It’s your piece of paradise. Spread it around.

FUNCTION OF BEAUTY

WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO KEEP YOUR PLANT IN THE GROWER’S POT OR RE-POT, CHOOSE A BEAUTIFUL CONTAINER AND ENJOY

LET THERE BE LIGHT

THE MORNING SUN IS IDEAL FOR TROPICALS, WHILE CACTI AND SUCCULENTS CAN TAKE THE SUNNY

THE BRASS TACKS

KEEP IT FUN BY ADDING A TOUCH OF NATURETHEMED BRASS TO YOUR JUNGLE

First Community Bank’s Home Loan Center has been helping our Coastal Bend neighbors purchase and refinance homes for over 40 years. We’re here to lend a hand, working with you every step of the way.

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STEP-BY-STEP ASSISTANCE

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IN VINO VERITAS

FARM TO TABLE 66 THE DRINK 70 THE DISH 72

photography by DEUX BOHEME

Just a Spoonful of Sugar

THIS HALLOWEEN SEASON, GIVE THE FAMILY DELICIOUSLY HOMEMADE CANDY

BY: KAYLA BUTTS, MS, RDN, LDN PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Fall stirs up strong opinions. Team apple cinnamon may think fans of pumpkin spice are out of their gourds. Neighborhoods are divided between homes decorated with spooky ghouls and goblins and flannelclad scarecrows with pumpkins and stacked hay bales. And don’t get me started on football! Perhaps no question, however, is so divisive as the preferred Halloween candy.

I have happy memories of dumping out my loot late Halloween night. Sifting through waves of Gobstoppers and jawbreakers, offering Smarties to my sister in exchange for something, anything, chocolate.

The cycle continues year after year; though as time goes by, Gobstoppers lose their appeal when we think of the dentist’s bill for a new crown. Candy corn has its critics, and some treats become “too much” for conservative candy consumers. Where is the candy for the kids at heart?

With this pressing question, nay need, I bunkered in my kitchen and started toying with candy ideas to appeal to a more mature crowd. Being a candy purist at heart, I set my sights on caramel and lollipops.

Caramels are a trifecta of milk, butter and sugar. Commercial caramels use corn syrup to give the finished product that tacky, stuck-in-your-teeth finish. Opting for honey instead, I added a richness and velvety soft texture that corn syrup-based versions can’t touch. Infusing the caramel with lavender and topping with sea salt, you get a treat that’s complex and entrancing. My whole family was fighting over handfuls of these golden nougats. Even my self-proclaimed caramel-detesting eight-year-old eagerly devoured her fair share.

Lollipops never made the short list of my favorite candy; I’d bypass the primary-colored pops with the curved stick handed out after my pediatric check-ups. But these lollies hit top marks on taste and eye appeal — they’re almost too pretty to eat. Adding champagne, wine or spirits to the mix adds great flavor and gives the final product a lovely amber hue. I’ve taken to stirring these lollies into my coffee or hot tea. As the agave syrup infuses the drink, precious blossoms float to the top. Enjoy!

RECIPE

Botanical Lollipops

Makes 2 dozen lollies

PREP TIME: 5 minutes

COOK TIME: 30 minutes

INACTIVE PREP TIME: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

Non-stick cooking spray

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup agave syrup

1 oz. purified water

1/2 tsp rose, vanilla, or butter extract

Pinch of salt

Dried edible flowers, e.g., orchid, lavender, chamomile, rose, pansy or violet

Optional: 1/4 cup champagne or wine

Special equipment: silicone lollipop mold, lollipop sticks, candy thermometer

DIRECTIONS:

Spray lollipop mold with non-stick cooking spray. Insert sticks into lollipop molds, making sure at least 1/4 inch is within the lollipop opening. Add petals of edible flowers or whole dried flowers with their leaves and stems removed.

Combine sugar, agave syrup and water in 1.5-quart saucepan over medium-high heat (add alcohol at this time if using). Bring the mixture to a boil and cover with a lid for five minutes.

Remove lid and reduce heat to medium. Insert candy thermometer into mixture and cook until boiling and temperature reaches 310°F. Do not stir the mixture as it heats.

Remove candy from heat and stir in desired flavorings. Spoon mixture into prepared molds. Check each lollipop to ensure stick and flowers are fully covered with candy syrup. Let cool for 15 minutes, until set.

Lavender Honey Caramels with Sea Salt

Makes about 5 dozen 1” caramels

PREP TIME: 20 minutes

COOK TIME: 30-40 minutes

INACTIVE PREP TIME: 3-5 hours

INGREDIENTS:

Non-stick cooking spray

1 tsp dried lavender

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup local honey

1/2 cup brown sugar

3/4 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp sea salt

Special equipment: candy thermometer

DIRECTIONS:

Line an 8x4” pan with parchment paper. Spray the parchment with non-stick cooking spray.

Heat heavy cream and lavender over medium-high heat in a 1.5-quart saucepan until boiling. Remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain lavender through a fine sieve and reserve the cream.

Add butter, honey, brown sugar and reserved cream back into the pan over medium heat, whisking until sugar and honey are dissolved. Clip the candy thermometer to the side of the pan and submerge in the mixture, taking care that the thermometer hovers above the bottom of the pan. Stir occasionally until the mixture reaches 250°F. Immediately remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour hot caramel into the prepared pan, taking care not to scrape down the sides of the pan to avoid adding crystallized sugar to your caramel. Cool caramel for at least 30 minutes before sprinkling with salt. Continue cooling on a wire rack at room temperature for at least 5 hours, or in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.

Transfer set caramel to a cutting board, cut into 1-inch pieces and wrap in parchment or wax paper.

CHAMPS IS COMING TO STAR PLAZA

On October 14th, we're bringing premium, South Texas sourced beef, pork, Gulf seafood and more to Corpus Christi. If you've already shopped at our original Calallen store, look out for more of everything: Product selection. Counter service. Prepared foods. VICTORY.

At Champs, Your Victory Is Sealed.

In Vino Veritas

QUALITY WINE MADE ON ISLAND TIME

BY: JACQUELINE GONZALEZ PHOTOS BY: DEUX BOHEME

For Pam and Dr. Byron Conner, the creation of Siren’s Call Winery involved one essential ingredient: love. While falling in love with each other, they were also falling in love with wine, and over the years, they embarked on many a wine adventure that eventually inspired them to venture into the industry. The world of winemaking echoed a siren’s call to Pam, drawing her in with its alluring flavors waiting to be woven into exquisite blends to enjoy.

While Pam was educating herself and gaining industry experience, Byron was tirelessly supporting her every step of the way. Eventually, in June 2023, she was standing in her dream: at the grand opening of her winery, with a large crowd of people anxiously awaiting the housemade libations.

Located on Padre Island, this family-owned business features a laid-back beachy atmosphere with selections of dry, fruity and sweet wines, including frozen wine slushies.

Clever flavors of fruit wines like Mama Jama and Amazing Apple, and sweet wines like Seductive Strawberry and Passionate Peach, line the shelves in eye-catching colors. The dry selections include Pinot Grigio, Dry Blueberry and Calm Beach Sweet — a Moscato that was intended to be a sweet wine, but due to insufficient sweetener, turned out as a flavorful dry option, much to Pam’s delight.

The ingenuity doesn’t end there: Pam created a unique jalapeño wine from scratch that involves 16 jalapeños, chopped and mixed with a pound of golden raisins, per gallon for an infusion of fiery flavor. And in a playful twist on traditional wine, Pam also introduced her frozen

wine slushies: Sold by the glass or in a 500 ml plastic zipper pouch, they come in Sassy Sangria, Wild Watermelon and Peach Mango Bellini flavors.

Each flavor requires a meticulous process to achieve its perfection. This involves the initial combination of sugar and yeast to begin the fermentation process, which can last anywhere from two weeks to a month to reach the desired alcohol percentage. Then, agents are added, and the wine is sweetened. Once the desired sweetness is achieved, the aging process begins. Lastly, the wine is filtered to clear out any sediment before it’s bottled.

This is only the beginning for Siren’s Call Winery — Pam’s creativity and ambition are working overtime to bring new flavors and ideas to the quaint Island establishment.

702 N. Chaparal

Making Delicious Waves in The Galley

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DYNAMIC QUARTET BEHIND U.S.S. CHEFS INTRODUCES A NEW DINING CONCEPT TO THE COASTAL BEND

BY: KAYLA BUTTS PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Chef Zelina Rodriguez. Years passed and the couples pursued their own passions — Rodriguez and Demers formed a catering company, Saltwater Chefs, and the Cardenases owned a successful cottage bakery, Sweet Chefs.

The group realized if they combined their concepts they could offer allinclusive catering services that cover everything from the hors d’oeuvres to the wedding cake. The United Sweet and Salty (U.S.S.) Chefs was born.

Now equal partners, the two couples rented a space in the International Seamen’s Center and offered takeaway and dine-in lunches. They outgrew their space quickly and due to customer demand, rented a large space that could accommodate their lineup of culinary services. The Galley hosts tastings before large catered events, themed brunches and cooking classes for all ages.

Can you create the perfect restaurant? The answer from four talented chef-partners is a resounding “YES!” The Galley Bistro and Bakeshop checks all the boxes: a seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, palate-pleasing daily specials and thoughtfully curated coffee and desserts.

Diving into The Galley feels like exploring an underwater den for creatives. Watery-hued paintings from a rotation of local artists like Kaleigh Glover and Teresa Robertson adorn alabaster walls. In the hull, chefs, cooks and servers gracefully flit in and around ovens and cooktops. A helm decorated with a whisk and rolling pin hangs near the door, proclaiming “U.S.S. Chefs.”

This dynamic foursome shares a long history as friends and colleagues. Chef Dana Demers and Chefs Adrienne and Fernando Cardenas met in culinary school over a decade ago. With resumes that include head chef roles at Flint Hills, Compass Group Exxon-Mobil and Whataburger Field, their paths converged at Schlitterbahn under Head

Ask

No doubt, U.S.S. Chefs run a tight ship. Chef Adrienne “Adie” Cardenas hand-forms hoagie buns for the lunch special, Italian Grinders. Chef Rodriguez spoons large portions of steaming lasagna for a catering order. Chefs Demers and Fernando Cardenas work quickly, calling out orders to assemble crispy cauliflower with spicy ranch and pumpkin risotto for a group of brunching ladies.

Chef Rodriguez sums it up: “The key for me is making everything fresh and delicious.” From Adrienne Cardenas’ scratch-made biscuits and Rodriguez’s creamy King Ranch Casserole Soup, to Demers’ exotic game prep for highend ranches and Fernando Cardenas’ commitment to using quality ingredients, there is nothing USS Chefs can’t do, and do well.

CONTACT:

924 S. Staples | usschefsllc.com

F r o m l e f t t o r i g h t : L e a n d r a U r r u t i a , “ R e l i c ” 2 0 1 9 , d e t a i l ; C a s s i e N o r m a n d y W h i t e , “ g e n e r a t i v e d a r k n e s s b e t w e e n r o o t s a n d p a l m s ” , 2 0 2 3 , d e t a i l ; D a v i d H i l l , “ F e r r e t L i t t e r B o x ” 2 0 2 3 , d e t a i l .

1 0 / 2 7 / 2 0 2 3

E x h i b i t i o n o r g a n i z e d b y t h e A r t M u s e u m o f S o u t h T e x a s a f f i l i a t e d w i t h T e x a s A & M U n i v e r s i t y - C o r p u s C h r i s t i

photography by BENJAMIN ZARAGOSA

Reflections of an Artistic Bond

MOON OVER WATER GALLERY FOSTERS CREATIVE CONNECTIONS THROUGH MULTIMEDIA ART DISPLAYS AND COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

BY: LUIS ARJONA PHOTOS BY: LILLIAN REITZ

In Rockport, a town that’s no stranger to artistic flair, there’s a gem waiting to be discovered: Moon Over Water Gallery. Co-founded by twin sisters Karen Rester and Sharen Chatterton, the gallery is not just a haven for art enthusiasts, but a living manifestation of their profound bond and artistic vision.

A shared devotion to the creative process has guided Rester and Chatterton’s journey into the art world. Rooted in the belief of “listening to the wisdom of your soul,” they’ve embraced many mediums — painting with acrylics and watercolor, sculpting with clay, spinning, weaving and mixed media. Their art, as diverse as the colors of a sunset, captures emotions, textures and stories that resonate deeply with onlookers.

Their artistic journey hasn’t been confined to the sisters. They’ve nurtured a community of like-minded individuals with a history of teaching mixed media, watercolor and art healing workshops across the region and online. This passion for fostering creative connections led them to establish Moon Over Water Gallery.

“We know art can heal, cheer, evoke emotion and provoke thoughtful conversations. We know that each person possesses magic that can flourish if given the space, place and time to develop it,” said Chatterton.

Showcasing the work of 18 artists and artisans, the gallery is an amalgamation of creativity, with each artist bringing a unique story to

canvas, pottery wheel or sculptor’s table. Moon Over Water aspires to be more than a gallery; it symbolizes the thriving artistic community growing in Rockport and illustrates the sisters’ passion.

And their passion for the community means their aims extend beyond the gallery’s walls. They’re not content with merely showcasing art; they actively engage the local community, inviting people to experience the transformative power of creativity through workshops in mixed media, art books and more. A particularly heartwarming initiative is their Well Wishes Banner, a tapestry where visitors share prayers, notes of gratitude and wishes. It’s a reminder that, despite our individual struggles, we are all part of a connected human experience.

Reaching a year in existence, Moon Over Water Gallery is where creativity converges with camaraderie. It’s where paintbrushes become wands and every stroke is a spell cast to transport visitors into the artist’s realm. And as the moon casts its shimmering glow over the water, this gallery casts a luminous glow over the Rockport art scene. It’s a slice of creative heaven that welcomes everyone to come explore and become a part of the magic.

CONTACT:

302 S. Austin St., Rockport, TX 78382

moonoverwatergallery.com

The Gallery will host various workshops this fall for the community to collaborate on an art project — keep an eye on its website for details.

Live Life in Color

At She Shed, color is everywhere and maximalism is the name of the game. The popular local boutique was founded by brother and sister duo Marsha Vega Gonzales and William Vega, who joined forces and turned a color-filled shopping concept idea into a successful business. Opening its doors in February of 2020 in The Village shopping center, She Shed has remained triumphant in the struggling economy of the last few years, and with the move into a new, larger location just across the street, the siblings are proud to build on the colorful home decor, women’s fashion and wide selection of gifts that made the boutique so appealing in the first place.

“William and I love color, window displays and tablescapes. We needed more room and visibility to make an impact,” said Gonzales about the move to Doddridge Plaza. Risking it all and diving in headfirst turned out to be a great decision for the business, as it has been met with tremendous exposure and support. “It has taken the help of family, friends and wonderful business neighbors, alongside our loyal She Shed customers that have helped get us to the next chapter in our journey,” Gonzales noted.

Upon entering, shoppers are submerged in a world of vibrant hues, with textiles such as bedding, pillows, one-of-a-kind Katha bags, clothing and home decor, all handpicked with a bright color story in mind. A walk through She Shed guarantees inspiration for your next social gathering, and in its expanded furniture and decor selection, shoppers can find everything from linens and dinnerware to throw

pillows and decorative trinkets perfect for accompanying your next dinner party tablescape.

Gonzales and Vega pride themselves on exceptional customer service to create a memorable shopping experience for their customers. From the warm welcome to the music playing throughout the store, the siblings intentionally curated a space for shoppers to feel comfortable enough to not just shop, but even grab a seat and share a story.

She Shed welcomes customers of all ages looking for out-of-the-ordinary, extraordinary and unique items to brighten their lives. Whether looking for a trendy jacket, a whimsical mug or a boho chic summer dress, stepping into She Shed is experiencing what it is like to live life in color and most importantly, to shop local.

CONTACT:

3735 S. Alameda St. | @sheshedlife

SHE SHED EXPANDS THE VIBRANT HOME DECOR AND UNIQUE GIFT SELECTION LOCALS LOVE

She Shed welcomes onlookers with a grand and vibrant window display spelling out its name in bright, block letters that you can’t miss.

@azalihomes

Memories of the Beginning

ANNA MOORE SCHWEIN TOLD STORIES OF CORPUS CHRISTI’S TRANSFORMATION INTO A CITY

BY: JILLIAN BECQUET

PHOTO

CREDIT: DOROTHEA LANGE, PHOTOGRAPHER

Reading facial expressions isn’t an exact science; we all highlight different parts of what we see. When I look at this woman, I see strength and determination. When I read her words, I see the same.

This photo by the world-renowned photographer Dorothea Lange was taken five months after Lange’s legendary shot “Migrant Mother,” the Great Depressionera photo of a mother with her children huddled close. Anna Moore Schwein was at this time an elder of the city, and both her words and her portrait tell us of her life.

Schwein recorded lengthy interviews between 1938 and 1941, recounting her own memories growing up and raising a family in Corpus Christi. She also told memories shared by her mother, who also lived into her 90s and had memories of her own great-grandparents.

Schwein’s life spanned from the time of slavery through WWII. She lived in a Corpus Christi where there were only a handful of structures and a few dozen families. Her interviews tell stories of the city’s earliest days when her mother saw the building of Capt. Forbes Britton’s home on the bluff (now called the Centennial House), and the stories of how some of Corpus Christi’s first settlers came here.

Published as When Corpus Christi Was Young: Recollections of Annie Moore Schwein, her words are an invaluable resource for historians. She worked for many years as a primary school teacher and later ran a laundry business. All the while, she kept and shared her stories of Corpus Christi’s beginnings.

Eighty-year-old Anna Moore Schwein (1856-1946), August 1936.

Providing Cosmetic surgery in Corpus Christi, TX and surrounding communities