When thinking about the most popular, well-known cities in Texas, undoubtedly places such as Houston, Dallas, or Austin come to mind. A city like San Antonio, navigating the fine line between city and town, more often than not gets overlooked. However, in the recent years it is safe to say that the burst of metropolitan growth, start-up activity, and artistic diversity has really sprouted interest towards the city and its people. What's even more unique is the ethnic and gender makeup of some of the people making the city just a little bit cooler.
Latin heritage is a big deal within the limits of San Antonio; any local can tell you that. From the colorful murals inspired by Mexican-American culture, to the huaraches and huipils you can find for sale at Main Street Plaza, or even the elotero and paletero man around every few corners in the heart of downtown, San Antonio is truly a diamond in the rough. The community here is brought together by a lot of grassroots factors (although it is arguable that no bond is tighter than our love for the Spurs). More importantly, amidst the culture clash of "Mexico meets the U.S." and the beautiful blend that comes with it, we find ourselves on the coattails of none other than Latina women working locally within the city to aspire and inspire growth.
One of these women, Sandra Gomez-Obregon, a self-made marketing expert originally from Mexico, currently runs her own multi-cultural advertising agency right out of the offices at Avenida Guadalupe in the Guadalupe Cultural Arts District. Obregon has run her business, Emprendedora, the Spanish translation of the word 'Entrepreneur' in its female form, for roughly six years, engaging with people all over the U.S. and Latin America sharing a message of unity through Latin culture, as well as feminism, advocating for women in the workplace.
Women like Obregon represent something huge for the city of San Antonio. As an immigrant, as a Latina, and as a woman, Obregon is the epitome of what this city needs to further progress in continuing to put itself on the map. A non-conventional business owner, Obregon showcases her Mexican roots and latinidad (her Latin heritage) and places these at the forefront of her business, hence the reasoning behind the 'multi-cultural ad agency' label.
Working ardently behind the scenes she, just like many other successful women within San Antonio, are driving business and encouraging growth, simultaneously demonstrating just how forward this city really is. Currently, Obregon is awaiting the official ribbon cutting for her Avenida Guadalupe office which will occur on March 30 and will be open to the public. In true San Antonio fashion, empanadas and light refreshment will be provided.
No one can really say where San Antonio will be in the next twenty years, and of course no one expects the city to be the next Big Apple. For the moment being, thanks to women like Obregon, we can be sure that the unique culture, feel, and vibe of this city is in good hands and set to bring about better things for its residents moving forward.
For more information on Emprendedora and Sandra Gomez-Obregon, feel free to check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/soyemprendedora
