Welcome to La Mesa, the official podcast of the City of San Antonio. At La Mesa, everyone is invited to the table – whether they’re working from inside or outside city government to better the community.

In this episode, panelists discuss opportunities in construction, manufacturing, and the trades and how the San Antonio Ready to Work (RTW) program is helping local residents get the training/education needed to step into in-demand jobs. Whether you or someone you know is unemployed, underemployed, or simply ready for a career change, this episode breaks down how RTW can help you gain new skills in these industries. For eligibility and other questions, learn more and apply at: ReadytoWorkSA.com

Panelists:

• Mike Ramsey, Executive Director, City of San Antonio Workforce Development Office
• Allie Perez, Ready to Work Advisory Board Member
• Jim Robertson, Americrane CEO/President Moderator
• Moderator: Luke Simons, Communications Administrator, City of San Antonio Workforce Development Office

Welcome to La Mesa, the official podcast of the City of San Antonio. At La Mesa, everyone is invited to the table – whether they’re working from inside or outside city government to better the community.What does it take to create meaningful opportunities for women and girls in San Antonio? In this episode, the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) discusses the work they're doing to elevate women’s voices, address key challenges, and help shape a stronger future for our community. Panelists:

• Vanessa Martinez, MCSW Chair
• Dr. Gwendolyn Godlock, MCSW Vice Chair
• Adriana Pecina-Rios, MCSW Associate Commissioner
• Moderator: Melanie Mendez-Gonzales, MCSW Member

Welcome to La Mesa, the official podcast of the City of San Antonio. At La Mesa, everyone is invited to the table – whether they’re working from inside or outside city government to better the community.

In this episode, panelists dive into how the San Antonio Ready to Work (RTW) program is helping local residents take that next step. Whether you or someone you know is unemployed, underemployed, or simply ready for a career change, this episode breaks down how RTW can help you gain new skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and connect to employers who are hiring now. For eligibility and other questions, learn more and apply at ReadytoWorkSA.com.

Panelists:

• Mike Ramsey, Executive Director, City of San Antonio Workforce Development Office
• Tashina Piña­, Director, Ready to Work Alamo Colleges District
• Brendan Snow, San Antonio Ready to Work Participant
• Moderator: Luke Simons, Communications Administrator, City of San Antonio Workforce Development Office

Welcome to La Mesa, the official podcast of the City of San Antonio. At La Mesa, everyone is invited to the table – whether they’re working from inside or outside city government to better the community.

In this episode, panelists revisit domestic violence in San Antonio. For many survivors, the path to safety may not be an easy one. Leaving an abusive relationship can mean losing your home, your income, or your sense of stability. In fact, domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness among women and families across the country — and…right here in our own city.

Panelists:

• Paige Theriot, Director of Residential Services, Family Violence Prevention Services, The Battered Women and Children's Shelter
• Judith Marie Adrade, Program Coordinator at Close to Home
• Kathy Lacy, Human Services Administrator, City of San Antonio Homeless Services and Strategy Department
• Moderator: Rick Gipprich, Jr, Program Coordinator, Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence

Welcome to La Mesa, the official podcast of the City of San Antonio. At La Mesa, everyone is invited to the table – whether they’re working from inside or outside city government to better the community.

In this episode, panelists have a conversation about the 1968 Edgewood High School walkout, a pivotal moment in San Antonio’s civil rights history. Panelists include Edgewood graduates who were in attendance the day of the walkout, as well as the attorney who argued their landmark case before the Texas Supreme Court. They reflect on their personal choices that day, the pursuit of educational fairness, and how their actions continue to inspire access to education today.

Panelists:

• Albert (Al) Kauffman, MALDEF attorney who argued the Edgewood ISD v Kirby case before the Texas Supreme Court.
• Diana Herrera, an Edgewood High School student who remained in the classroom during the 1968 walkout.
• Richard Herrera, an Edgewood High School student who walked out of the classroom during the 1968 walkout.
• Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Mata, Director of the City’s Compliance, Opportunity & Access Department

Welcome to La Mesa, the official podcast of the City of San Antonio. At La Mesa, everyone is invited to the table – whether they’re working from inside or outside city government to better the community.

In this episode, panelists discuss how our community is collectively working together to end homelessness in San Antonio. Our panel includes key figures in the city’s homeless response system – including an individual who experienced homelessness before working to end it.

Panelists:

• Dominic Yanas, Governance Coordinator, Close to Home
• Kathy Lacy, Administrator, City of San Antonio Homeless Services
• Trish Deberry, President and CEO, Centro San Antonio
• Nikisha Baker, President and CEO, SAMMinistries
• Moderator: Brian Chasnoff, City of San Antonio Assistant Director, Communications & Engagement

Welcome to La Mesa, the official podcast of the City of San Antonio. At La Mesa, everyone is invited to the table – whether they’re working from inside or outside city government to better the community.

In this episode, panelists reflect on the past five years of what the City of San Antonio has done to help people in our community experiencing domestic violence. This includes additional training for police officers, more public services, support for young children, and partnerships with other organizations.

Panelists:

• Audrey Jackson, Head Start Administrator, City of San Antonio Department of Human Services
• Bianca Mendoza, Crisis Advocate Program Supervisor, City of San Antonio Metro Health
• Erica Haller Stevenson, Violence Prevention Administrator, City of San Antonio Metro Health
• Jesse Salame, City of San Antonio Assistant Chief, San Antonio Police Department
• Moderator: Rick Gipprich Jr., City Liaison for the Collaborative Commission on Violence

Welcome to La Mesa, the official podcast of the City of San Antonio. At La Mesa, everyone is invited to the table – whether they’re working from inside or outside city government to better the community.

In this episode, panelists discuss how our community is collectively working together to end homelessness in San Antonio. Our panel includes key figures in the city’s homeless response system – including an individual who experienced homelessness before working to end it.

Panelists:

• Dominic Yanas, Governance Coordinator, Close to Home
• Kathy Lacy, Administrator, City of San Antonio Homeless Services
• Trish Deberry, President and CEO, Centro San Antonio
• Nikisha Baker, President and CEO, SAMMinistries
• Moderator: Brian Chasnoff, City of San Antonio Assistant Director, Communications & Engagement