Bloomberg Business Program
“Promoting Advancement in Business and Leadership”
The San Antonio Women’s Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), launched the SAWCC Bloomberg Business Program in 2014.
This program is designed to help women and men with a business mindset enhance their communication, leadership, and business skills. It consists of a 6-month meeting series (1 class per month) that includes facilitated coaching exercises, expert speakers from related fields, and discussions based on articles from Bloomberg Businessweek magazine.
2026 Six-Part Series: One session per month
May 12 | June 09 | July 14 | Aug 11 | Sep 15 | Oct 13
🕚 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. Box lunch is provided
📍 Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo, SAT 78215
For details or questions: nicole.ross@sawomenschamber.org
REGISTRATION COMING SOON!
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What to Expect
This six-part series is conducted by doctoral and professional level facilitators discussing timely topics found in the Bloomberg Businessweek magazine, offered at a discount to SAWCC members.
Major business topics will be pursued with the goal of focusing on leadership and personal/professional development, business acumen, strategies and trends, using real life examples from the periodical, as well as issues being faced by participants.
Participants are expected to attend ALL sessions, read Bloomberg Business Weekly magazine articles, in addition to any other homework assignments, prior to each session; and, be prepared to discuss during the session.
Participants will receive first-hand knowledge from expert speakers from the San Antonio business community. Classes are one Tuesday a month for six months. Dates and locations for the 2026 Session are listed below.
Past BLOOMBERG Topics
The 2026 SAWCC Bloomberg sessions are in the final planning stages but we wanted to share topics in past years. While not all of these specific sessions are confirmed for 2026, all sessions will be aligned beautifully with the core focus of the Bloomberg Business Program leadership skills.
This series is led by doctoral and professional‑level facilitators who explore timely themes featured in Bloomberg Businessweek. Each session dives into major business topics centered on leadership, personal and professional development, business acumen, and emerging strategies and trends, using real‑world examples from the magazine as well as challenges participants are actively navigating.
“Decision Making”
Explore how effective decision making is shaped by clarity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate change with confidence. Participants will examine how mindset, communication, and self‑awareness impact the decisions they make, especially in high‑pressure or rapidly shifting environments. The session offers practical tools for evaluating options, reducing overwhelm, and aligning decisions with long‑term goals and values. Attendees will leave with strategies they can immediately apply to lead with greater intention, confidence, and impact.
“Communication Styles”
This session explores how communication styles shape relationships, influence outcomes, and drive effectiveness in both leadership and team environments. Participants will learn to recognize different communication patterns, understand the impact of their own style, and adapt their approach to create stronger, more productive interactions.
Through practical insights and real‑world examples, the session highlights how intentional communication can shift conversations, reduce misunderstandings, and build trust. Attendees will walk away with tools to communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and influence—no matter the audience or situation.
“Financial Planning: Goals and Dreams”
Participants learn to rethink financial planning as a pathway to purpose, clarity, and joy. Attendees will explore actionable steps in planning, intentional goal‑setting, and making smart investment choices to turn long‑term dreams into achievable milestones; and create a financial roadmap that supports both stability and possibility—whether preparing for major life transitions, growing a business, or designing a future filled with meaning.
Participants will leave feeling empowered, informed, and inspired to take the next step toward a life where their money works in service of their goals and dreams.
“Change Management”
This session explores what it truly takes to lead through change with resilience, creativity, and conviction. Drawing from real‑world experience in both manufacturing and the arts, the presenter offers a unique perspective on navigating transition, stepping into unexpected leadership, and driving growth in evolving environments. Attendees will gain insight into how to adapt with purpose, communicate with clarity, and lead teams through uncertainty while staying grounded in vision and values.
“Using AI to enhance personal and professional skills”
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way individuals learn, work, and solve problems. Participants gain a clear understanding of how to leverage AI tools to boost productivity, strengthen decision‑making, support creativity, and streamline everyday tasks. The session also highlights emerging best practices for using AI safely and ethically, drawing from real‑world applications in fields such as transportation, healthcare, and digital infrastructure.
Attendees will leave with actionable strategies, a fresh sense of curiosity, and the confidence to integrate AI into their own workflows in a way that enhances learning, clarity, and long‑term growth.
“Multi‑Generational Patterns in the Workplace”
This session examines how different generations show up at work—shaped by distinct experiences, communication styles, and expectations—and how those patterns influence collaboration, productivity, and culture. Participants will explore the strengths each generation brings, the misunderstandings that commonly arise, and the practical strategies leaders can use to bridge gaps and build trust across age groups.
The session offers tools for improving communication, reducing friction, and creating an environment where diverse perspectives contribute to stronger teams and better outcomes. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to navigate generational dynamics with empathy, clarity, and confidence.
SESSION 1 – May 13, 2025
Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo, SAT 78215
Mona Helmy & Amy Childs | “Change Management and Decision Making”
Mona Tawil Helmy is a San Antonio artist and a plastic manufacturing CEO. Born in Syria, she graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio in 1987 with a BFA in Architecture. In 1988 she formed Helmy Plastic Manufacturing, which she ran with her husband, Abe his untimely passing in 2009 when she assumed the role of CEO. Mona is also the founder of Mona Helmy art which specializes in bold and vivid colors. She serves on the boards of San Antonio Manufacturers Association (SAMA), San Antonio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (SAWCC) and San Antonio 100 Women Leaders (SA100). She is a member of The San Antonio Woman Hall of Fame and The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).
Amy Childs is owner/founder of Align Executive Coaching. She is a certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and VP of ICF-San Antonio Chapter. She has over 8000 hours of coaching hours in confidential settings to help individuals and teams achieve personal and professional goals. As a Certified Change Management Practitioner (CCMP) and Emotional Intelligence (EQi 2.0) coach her community contributions include board positions with The San Antonio Women’s Chamber, ICF- San Antonio, and USAFA Parents. She is a proud graduate of the US Air Force Academy and Texas A &M and most passionate about her faith, family with 5 children and 2 grandchildren.
SESSION 2 – June 17, 2025
Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo, SAT 78215
Carissa Gay | “Communication Styles”
Carissa Gay is the Founder and CEO of Courageous Leaders, a San Antonio-based organizational development firm focused on growing leaders of significant impact. She builds organizational capacity by helping leaders change their conversations and create massive growth. Carissa also serves as Director of Coach Development for the Center for Coaching Excellence and adjunct faculty at The Academies. As an ICF Master Certified Coach, Carissa has spent over 5,000 hours coaching leaders across corporate, government, and academic spheres. Today she trains leaders in the conversation skills that facilitate lasting change. She served as President of ICF San Antonio and currently supports the chapter in building strategic partnerships across Texas.
SESSION 3 – July 15, 2025
Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo, SAT 78215
Lynne Randolph | “Using LLMs (AI) to enhance personal and professional skills”
Lynne Randolph is an Institute Engineer at Southwest Research Institute with a B.S. in Computer Engineering, a PMP certification, and over 25 years of experience in software systems, cybersecurity, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI). She leads SwRI’s LAMP initiative focused on responsibly integrating large language models (LLMs) across sectors like transportation, healthcare, and national defense. Lynne also contributes to national conversations on AI and digital infrastructure through her work with the Transportation Research Board and the Intelligent Transportation Society of America. A passionate mentor, she combines practical expertise with curiosity, clarity, and a touch of humor—and is driven by a lifelong love of learning. When not working, she enjoys reading, watercolor painting, board games, and exploring virtual worlds in World of Warcraft.
SESSION 4 – August 19, 2025
Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo, SAT 78215
Melinda Adams | “Financial Planning: Goals and Dreams”
“Financial Planning: Goals and Dreams”
A passionate financial advisor, business exit planner, and speaker, Melinda Adams empowers individuals, families and business owners to align their finances with their dreams. With extensive experience in financial planning, business consulting, investment management, and goal setting, she’s dedicated to helping others create a life of purpose and joy. Melinda received a B.S. Degree in Polymer Engineering from USM and an M.B.A with an emphasis in Finance from Auburn University. She lives with her husband, Ed, and their two daughters in San Antonio, TX. They spend their free time traveling, boating, camping, and enjoying the outdoors. She also volunteers with the ImpactSA, the NAWBO Foundation, Community Bible Church, and other local non-profit organizations. Life is busy but fun!
SESSION 5 – September 16, 2025
Port San Antonio, 907 Billy Mitchell Blvd. Ste 120, SAT 78226
Dr. Cleary | “Multi Generational patterns in the Workplace”
“Multi Generational patterns in the Workplace”
Dr. Thomas S. Cleary has served as the Alamo Colleges District’s vice chancellor for planning, performance, accreditation, and information systems since 2008. Cleary holds B.S., M.B.A., M.S., and Ed.D. degrees, as well as a certificate from the Institute of Executive Management at Harvard University. He is an active member of the American Association of Community Colleges, Society of College and University Planners, Association for Institutional Research, Mensa, SACCR and Big Brothers, Big Sisters, as well as regional chambers of commerce and economic development corporations.
SESSION 6 – October 14, 2025
Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo, SAT 78215
Dr. Vequist (tentative) | Workshop and Graduation
Dr. David George Vequist IV is a Professor of Management in the H-E-B School of Business & Administration and the founder/Director of the Center for Medical Tourism Research. In the past, Dr. Vequist was an executive with HCA managing the human resources for a large subsidiary (Methodist Healthcare) in San Antonio, Texas, USA and prior to that was a consultant with Ernst & Young LLP. Dr. Vequist is currently expanding his research on the impact of Health, Wellness, Dental, Medical and Retirement.
2025 Program
2024 Program
2023 Program Graduation
