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.
Six-Part Series:
May 13 | June 17 | July 15 | Aug 19 | Sep 16 | Oct 14
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 2025 Session are listed below.
2025 SCHEDULE
- SESSION 1 – MAY 13, 2025 | Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo, SAT 78215
- SESSION 2 – JUNE 17, 2025 | Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo, SAT 78215
- SESSION 3 – JULY 15, 2025 | Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo, SAT 78215
- SESSION 4 – AUGUST 19, 2025 | Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo, SAT 78215
- SESSION 5 – SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 | Port San Antonio, 907 Billy Mitchell Blvd. Ste 120, SAT 78226
- SESSION 6 – OCTOBER 14, 2025 | Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo, SAT 78215
2025 Speakers
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
2024 Program
2023 Program Graduation
