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 Registration NOW OPEN
Last day to register: April 24, 2026

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Members $475 / Non-Members $575
* Lunch is included for each session *

2026 Six-Part Series: One session per month

May 12 | June 09 | July 14 | Aug 11 | Sep 15 | Oct 13

🕚 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo, SAT 78215

For details or questions: nicole.ross@sawomenschamber.org

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.

2026 BLOOMBERG Topics

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.

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.

“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 12, 2026

Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo, SAT 78215 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

“Difficult Conversations Don’t Have to be Difficult”

Presented by: Amy Childs

This session reframes tough conversations as opportunities for clarity, connection, and growth. Attendees will learn practical, confidence‑building tools to navigate emotionally charged, high‑stakes, or uncomfortable discussions with greater ease. Through simple frameworks and real‑world examples, the presentation shows how to stay grounded, communicate with intention, and create outcomes that strengthen relationships rather than strain them

Session Take-aways:

Understand the cost of avoidance
Shift from conflict to connection
Develop emotional agility
Create a culture of trust
Practice real-world scenarios

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 3 grandchildren.

SESSION 2 – June 9, 2026

Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo, SAT 78215 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

“Radical Candor”

Presented by: Randy Coats

This session introduces the core principles of Radical Candor: caring personally while challenging directly. Attendees will learn how to give honest feedback without losing trust, address issues before they escalate, and build stronger, more transparent relationships at work. The focus is on practical tools that make communication clearer, faster, and far more effective.

Session Take-aways:

A simple framework for delivering direct feedback with genuine care
Tools to build trust while still holding others accountable
Strategies to address issues early instead of avoiding or sugarcoating
Language examples for giving praise and criticism that actually land
Confidence to communicate clearly without being harsh or hesitant

Randy Coats, DBA, PCC, SPHR, CISSP, served more than 20 years as an active duty officer in the U.S. Air Force. He was a servant leader and held a wide range of positions, from managing individual teams and leading organizations as a commander and Chief of Staff, to advising executives at the highest levels.

He then joined federal civil service and spent the subsequent 13 years applying my experience and skills to U.S. Air Force workforce development. I served as the technology advisor to the Chief Learning Officer and Deputy Director of Staff to the 3-star Commander. I culminated my career as Executive Director of Futures, Analysis, and Innovation, where I applied my strategy skills to forecast the future learning and development needs of a 500,000-strong, global workforce. He became a professional coach and earned ICF certification in 2016. He is president of ICF – SA and supports many veteran, professional and executive level organizations.

SESSION 3 – July 14, 2026

Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo, SAT 78215 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

“Built to Last: Leadership, Loss, Reinvention & Legacy”

Presented by: Mona Helmy

In this deeply personal and powerful presentation, Mona Tawil Helmy shares her journey from immigrant architecture student to manufacturing executive, from family business co-founder to CEO during crisis, and from industrial leader to artist and mentor.

Through recession, personal loss, expansion, restructuring, and reinvention, Mona reveals the hard-earned leadership lessons that shaped Helmy Plastics and her life. This is not a theory-based leadership talk, it is a lived one.

Participants will explore what it truly means to lead in peacetime and wartime, trust intuition, rebuild after loss, and build something that lasts — in business and in life.

Session Take-aways:

Leadership Requires Action, Leaders move, even in uncertainty
Crisis Reveals Your Leadership Mode
Reinvention Is Not Betrayal
Restructuring is difficult, but protecting culture and talent is critical
Courage Is a muscle; fear can either fuel you or consume you
Legacy Is Built Through People

Mona Tawil Helmy is CEO of Helmy Plastics, an industrial design and custom thermoforming manufacturer she co-founded in 1990. After the loss of her husband in 2009, she assumed leadership and guided the company through recession, restructuring, and strategic growth, demonstrating that resilient leadership is forged in uncertainty.

With a foundation in architecture from The University of Texas at San Antonio, Mona blends creative vision with operational discipline. In 2020, she launched Mona Helmy Art, and later founded SheManufactures™, a peer initiative advancing women in manufacturing leadership.

She actively serves on multiple San Antonio boards and has been recognized for her leadership and community impact.

SESSION 4 – August 11, 2026

Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo, SAT 78215 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

“5 Generations of Communication in the Workplace”

Presented by: Dr. Thomas S. Cleary

This session explores how five generations — each with distinct values, expectations, and communication styles — work together under one roof. Attendees will learn what motivates each generation, why misunderstandings happen, and how to bridge gaps with practical, respectful communication strategies that strengthen collaboration and productivity.

Session Take-aways:

A quick understanding of the five generations and their communication preferences
Tools to reduce friction and prevent common cross‑generational misunderstandings
Strategies to adapt communication for clarity, respect, and stronger teamwork
Insights into motivation and expectations across age groups
Practical techniques to improve collaboration, trust, and workplace culture

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 5 – September 15, 2026

Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo, SAT 78215 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

AI “Communicating to Stay Relevant”

Presented by: Lynne Randolph

This session explores how AI is reshaping communication. Learn what professionals must do to stay relevant, credible, and effective in an AI‑driven world. Attendees will learn how to adapt their messaging, leverage AI as a strategic partner, and maintain the human connection that technology can’t replace. The focus is on practical, real‑world communication skills that keep you ahead of the curve.

Session Take-aways:

A clear understanding of how AI is transforming communication across industries
Strategies to stay relevant by blending human insight with AI‑powered tools
Practical ways to use AI for clarity, speed, and stronger messaging
Tips to maintain authenticity while communicating in an AI‑enhanced environment
Confidence to lead conversations about change, innovation, and the future of work

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 6 – October 13, 2026

Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo, SAT 78215 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

“Communicating Your Own Financial Plan”

Melinda Adams

Catherine Byer

Presented by: Melinda Adams & Catherine Byer

In this dual‑presenter session, a financial advisor and an estate planning attorney team up to demystify how to clearly communicate your financial plan—both during your lifetime and for the legacy you want to leave. Attendees will learn how to articulate goals, protect their wishes, and confidently discuss money decisions with family, advisors, and future stakeholders. The session blends practical financial planning guidance with essential legal considerations to help you create a plan that’s understood, honored, and aligned with your long‑term vision.

Session Take-aways:

A clear framework for explaining your financial plan in simple, confident language
Guidance on key legal documents and how to communicate your purpose and importance
Tools to discuss goals, priorities, and legacy wishes with family and advisors
Strategies to reduce confusion and avoid miscommunication around money and estate decisions
Tips for navigating sensitive conversations about inheritance, responsibilities, and long‑term planning
Confidence to advocate for their needs and ensure their plan is understood and respected

Presenters:

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!

Catherine Byer, is a Senior Associate Attorney and head of Estate Planning and Probate at ROSENBLATT LAW FIRM. Catherine joined the firm in 2021. Catherine is a proud alumna of Texas A&M University and graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in communication. She returned to school to earn a law degree from Michigan State University in 2015.

Outside of work, Catherine is a dedicated Spurs fan and loves attending games. She also enjoys rock shows, movies, and musicals. She especially enjoys Wicked and Chicago. In her free time, Catherine works as a special needs consultant providing her legal expertise in preparing trust and obtaining guardianship to families with loved ones who have disabilities.