• Enterprising Women's Conference

• 
• Cindy Jorgensen
• Southwest Business Corporation
• Chief Financial Officer

About the Company: Headquartered in San Antonio, Southwest Business Corporation (SWBC) is a diversified financial services company providing a wide range of insurance, mortgage and investment services to financial institutions, businesses, and individuals. With offices across the country, SWBC is committed to providing quality products, outstanding service and customized solutions. As Chief Financial Officer, Cindy is responsible for all financial reporting and banking relationships.

About the Program: The Enterprising Women's Conference is one of the state's largest leadership and professional development training events for women from the corporate, entrepreneurial, professional, educational and non-profit arenas. The conference provides a powerful learning environment through inspiring speakers, practical workshops and networking opportunities. The conference also features the presentation of the prestigious ATHENA Award®.

Personally Speaking: Cindy became involved with the North Chamber five years ago as a member of the Small Business Leaders Awards committee, and then later in the Small Business Council. She says, "The North Chamber is tremendously important in working with businesses throughout the community. The Chamber's relationships with City and County officials, as well as with business executives, provide members with a great deal of information."

• Leadership Lab

• 
• Maria Barrett
• Oppenheimer, Blend, Harrison, & Tate, Inc.
• Marketing Manager

About the Company: Oppenheimer, Blend, Harrison and Tate, Inc. (OBHT) is a San Antonio based law firm, founded by Jesse H. Oppenheimer nearly 40 years ago. The firm's legal team consists of more than 35 attorneys who meet the legal needs of clients in the areas of Corporate & Securities, Creditors' Rights & Bankruptcy, Estate Planning & Probate, Health Care Law, Labor & Employment Law, Litigation, Real Estate and Tax Law. Maria oversees the firm's marketing, advertising, public relations and business development initiatives.

About the Program: Leadership Lab is a nine month leadership development program. Since it's inception in 1999, the program has helped to strengthen the leadership skills of 275 San Antonio business professionals. Recognized by the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives as "Best New Program", the program focuses on leadership development, including personal awareness of leadership styles and the role a leader plays in their business and within the community.

Personally Speaking: Maria has been involved with the North Chamber since 2003 and is a founding member of the CFO Forum, a 2005 Lab alumna and has been active in the Lab Alumni Association board for the last few years. Maria says she appreciates "the role the Chamber plays in helping to shape our city. I have broadened my awareness of the business community and developed key relationships."

• ATHENA Young Professional Award

• 
• Dahlia Garcia
• Sterling Bank
• AVP Business Lender

About the Company: Sterling Bank has become one of the largest, locally-managed banks in Texas, and is dedicated to the success of owner-operated businesses. The bank's hallmark is personal customer service. With more than 40 locations across the state, Sterling Bank delivers personal service in San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas - and each customer is guaranteed access to a decision-maker at the customer's local office of choice.

About the Program: The ATHENA Young Professional Award is a recognition program that honors emerging leaders between the ages of 25 and 40 who demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession; who provide valuable service by contributing time and energy to the community; and who clearly serve as a role model for other young men and women.

Personally Speaking: As a longtime chamber member, Sterling Bank has provided leadership through North Chamber and Lead SA board service and Golf Tournament and Leadership Lab committee involvement. The bank has been the title sponsor of the monthly Networking Breakfast for many years, and now is leading the charge for the inaugural ATHENA Young Professional Award program as the title sponsor. The bank truly believes in the North Chamber pro-business agenda.