Programs

Feb 2026

San Antonio Leaders Selected for Harvard’s Young American Leaders Program

Staff Reports

Celebrating Regional Collaboration  

greater:SATX is honored to partner with Harvard Business School in stewarding the prestigious Young American Leaders Program (YALP) for the San Antonio region. Each year since 2019, San Antonio is invited to send a cohort of leaders to study at Harvard Business School and contribute to a growing network of leaders committed to collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth — both locally and nationwide. 

San Antonio is one of 14 cities invited to participate in YALP, which convenes young professionals from cities across the country to spark cross-sector collaboration and innovation amongst the leaders within their communities and those from other communities. The Leaders will spend the week engaging in thoughtful discussions and conducting case studies about the issues affecting cities.  

Meet the 2026 San Antonio YALP Cohort 

This year’s cohort will convene at Harvard Business School June 23–25, 2026. The delegation includes leaders from across industries — business, education, nonprofit, health, technology, and public service — each selected for their demonstrated commitment to advancing opportunity and collaboration in the San Antonio region. 

San Antonio’s 2026 YALP cohort includes: 

  • Julie Bedingfield, Vice President of Community Engagement, Kronkosky Charitable Foundation 

  • Laura Cabanilla, Director, Corporate Impact, USAA 

  • Rene Dominguez, CEO, Velocity TX 

  • Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia, CEO, Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas 

  • Elisa Gutierrez, Top Store Lead, H-E-B 

  • Michael Hill, Vice President, Strategy and Analytics, SWBC 

  • Roberto Rios, Sr. Manager Human Resources, Toyota North America 

  • Jimena Saenz, Vice President Workforce Strategy, Methodist Healthcare System 

  • Joshua Scott, Senior Vice President of Talent & Workforce, greater:SATX 

  • John Tiemann, Director of Strategy and Special Projects, VIA Metropolitan Transit 

Carrying Forward a Legacy of Leadership 

greater:SATX hosts gatherings for San Antonio YALP alumni as an opportunity to come together to reconnect, reflect on their experiences, and share the lasting lessons they’ve applied in their leadership roles and organizations. 

Congratulations to the 2026 San Antonio Young American Leaders Program cohort as they prepare to travel to Harvard this June! 

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