Royalty

Meet the 2021 Candidates & 2020 Royal court

2021 Candidate - George Cantu

George Michael Cantu was born and raised on the Southside of San Antonio to the (late) George R. Cantu and his mother, Connie F. Cantu of Palacios, TX. He was brought up in a strong Hispanic musical background as his father, the (late) George R. Cantu was a Tejano legend in the San Antonio music community who played and toured with Sunny Ozuna & the Sunliners, Gilbert and the Blue Notes, Liberty Band as well as Latin Breed to name a few. His late father was also inducted into the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame Museum in Alice, Texas in 2006. George’s fondest childhood memories are going downtown with his brothers and mom to see his dad play at the Historic Market Square during Fiesta and other events in downtown San Antonio. George, surrounded by music and with encouragement from his family, followed his Dad's musical roots playing alto saxophone throughout his school years and was the Drum Major of his high school band. He sang in his high school choir where he was offered vocal and jazz scholarships to the University of Texas at San Antonio as well as Palo Alto Community College.

George transitioned from an aspiring musician to focusing on a hospitality career spanning over 20 years. After college, George spent time working for American Airlines, CWT Sato Travel, Alamo Travel Group, and American Express Corporate Travel before his hotel career took off. He is currently a Dual Director of Sales & Marketing with Vista Host Management Company where he oversees the Hampton/Home2 Suites by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk. George is active in the San Antonio hospitality community where he is a member of the San Antonio River Walk Association, Alamo Area Hospitality Association, and GBTA Chapter of San Antonio with plans to get involved with the San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce. He was involved with the Society of Government Meeting Planners Alamo Chapter and MPI Texas Hill Country Chapter. He is a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC), a Certified San Antonio Tourism Ambassador (CTA), and recently acquired a Certificate of Hospitality & Tourism Management from Florida Atlantic University. George is proud to work closely with Visit San Antonio and the Henry B. González Convention Center Sales Teams.

George's hobbies include traveling the globe and spending time with family and friends. When not traveling, he enjoys volunteering with various organizations such as Haven for Hope, San Antonio AIDS Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and San Antonio Pets Alive. During the holidays, George volunteers at Elf Louise Christmas Project. His childhood music passion served him well in adulthood as he was a 5-year member of the San Antonio Alamo Men's Chorus, an organization that held numerous concerts with the San Antonio Symphony.

George is a proud San Antonian who loves where he was born and raised. No matter where he travels to or who he makes connections with, he Is proud to list  San Antonio and the River Walk as his home. He is honored to be a 2021 River Walk Royalty candidate, especially during these challenging times. He is committed to continuously promoting San Antonio and helping preserve and promote the River Walk both locally and wherever he travels. By donating to George, you are donating to a born and raised passionate candidate for 2021 River Walk Royalty. Follow George on his quest to become the 2021 King of the River Walk at fb.me/G4KingoftheRW or email: [email protected]

2021 Candidate - Annette Champion Flores

Annette Champion Flores is a San Antonio native, born and raised on the city’s south side where the San Antonio River was her backyard. She is a third-generation Flamenco dancer born into the legendary family of Teresa and Willie “El Curro” Champion. Annette continues her family’s legacy as both the Artistic Director and instructor at Teresa Champion Dance Academy. She is also a dance educator and International Baccalaureate dance instructor at KIPP Texas University Prep High School. Prior to teaching at Uprep High School, she was an adjunct professor at San Antonio College helping strengthen the dance program. Annette holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance from Texas State University and a Master of Fine Arts in Choreography from Jacksonville University.

Annette is no stranger to the San Antonio River Walk. As a child performer with her grandparent's company, Los Flamencos de San Antonio, she grew up performing at Las Canarias inside the historical La Mansion del Rio. However, her most memorable performances happened alongside her family on the stage of the Arneson River Theater, where she considered her summer home in the 90s. On that stage, she performed for many locals and tourists but considers one of her more moving performances as the Director of Fiesta Flamenca in 2012 when she produced a show in memory of her grandfather El Curro, bringing in artists such as Campanas de America, Urban-15, and Dr. Carmen Taffolla, to celebrate his life. This performance kicked off two more special productions of this caliber in the following two years. These performances raised money for both Teresa Champion Dance Academy and the American Cancer Society. Annette continues to create and produce shows throughout San Antonio with Teresa Champion Dance Academy as a freelance dancer and choreographer. During this pandemic, Annette started a live show on Facebook called “We Are the Champions,” alongside her mother Chayito Champion and grandmother Teresa Champion. The show raised funds to keep the Dance Academy operating and highlighted stories of Teresa and Curro's dedication to the San Antonio arts.

Annette is a supporter of the LGBTQ community where she is an avid supporter of Diablos Outsports Association and a member of Gay Dart League of San Antonio. She enjoys shooting darts and supporting her friends as they play kickball, dodgeball, softball, and move in a safe space in the community. Every year she supports the Angel Tree for Thrive Youth Center and performs alongside San Antonio’s amazing Drag Queen entertainers in their charity events.

Annette is a mother of two and grandmother to two beautiful granddaughters. The love of her city and the River Walk brought her to reside downtown where the River Walk is her front yard. In her spare time, she enjoys running along the river banks takes walks with her son and granddaughters. She also enjoys quality time with her family and friends watching movies, game nights, and simply just hanging out creating new memories.

Annette is a proud candidate for River Walk Royalty. “Our city is rich in culture and diversity, and the San Antonio River Walk sees this on a daily basis. I am honored to continue to Preserve, Promote, and Protect the San Antonio River Walk as a candidate for River Walk Royalty.”  #DanielnAnnetteforroyalty  #DnAforroyalty  #royaltyisinourDnA

2021 Candidate - Vanessa Garcia

As a native of San Antonio, Texas-born and raised Vanessa Garcia has grown up visiting the San Antonio River Walk and embracing it as her home. After all "Home is where the heart is." She is honored to be a candidate for 2021 River Walk Royalty.

As a loving wife and mother of three, Vanessa enjoys the River Walk by bringing her family to River Walk events and educating her children on the culture within our great City. With a retired Army brother, her favorite event has always been "The Armed Forces River Parade", and she truly holds that parade dear to her heart.

She studied Business at Palo Alto Community College and in 2012, Vanessa received her Cosmetology Operator License from the University of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. She now is a licensed stylist and assistant to the Versi Salon and Spa owner in Alamo Heights. She can express her creativity while interacting with individuals.

As a community volunteer, Vanessa believes that giving back to our community is Commitment, Hard-Work, and Dedication. She spends time at the San Antonio Food Bank, and delivers food, engages with volunteers and learns where food is most needed within our community as many are so fortunate, while others live in dire need. She promises to continue her fundraising efforts to support San Antonio Charitable Organizations that exist to help those less fortunate. 

Vanessa says that during the Pandemic COVID-19, the River Walk took a major hit with tourism, and she wants her fundraising proceeds to continue preserving the River Walk so people can come out again and feel safe while visiting "The Heart of our Beautiful San Antonio." The proceeds will also provide an Architecture scholarship at UTSA to a deserving student. The scholarship is a worthy tribute to Robert Hugman who designed the San Antonio River Walk and whose legacy will live on through the efforts of the San Antonio River Walk Association.

Follow her journey, as Vanessa Promotes, Protects, and Preserves the San Antonio River Walk and promises that 100% of her collective fundraising efforts will be donated to this non-profit organization. #staysafe #vanessa4royalty

2021 Candidate.- Daniel Garza

Daniel was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley in the small city of Roma, Texas. He grew up with his mother, Elida Garza, grandparents, and small but a close-knit family that has continuously supported him through all his endeavors. He has lived in Austin, Corpus, and Mission but now calls San Antonio his forever home as he has lived here for 6 years. Daniel works as a Physical Therapy Assistant with Blue Skies Over Texas, a retirement community known to serve retired Air Force veterans. He ensures independence by helping people learn to walk again, improve strength and range of motion, and promote safety awareness. He started his academic career at The University of Texas at Austin where he was part of the first Latino Fraternity in the country, Lambda Theta Phi, Latin Fraternity, Inc. After receiving his Associate's Degree from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, he continued his education at The University of Texas at San Antonio receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Athletic Medicine. He graduates in June 2020 with a Master of Science in Health Care Administration.

He started singing Mariachi music at the age of 13 when he learned to play the violin through his school's music program. He recently started a cooking page through Facebook called Bearly Homemade where he creates quick, delicious, and easy meals LIVE every Wednesday. You can follow him at www.facebook.com/bearlyhomemade.

Daniel chose to run for River Walk Royalty because of the deep connection he feels to the city and to the River Walk. "This is the biggest, small town you'll ever experience, and I wouldn't have it any other way. San Antonio is growing in so many ways and has the potential to grow so much further. The River Walk is at the epicenter of this growth." Daniel feels it is the anchor that holds the entire city together, and it needs to protected and promoted as such. He realizes these are challenging times and has seen how businesses have been affected by COVID-19. He desires to help alleviate the stress and current adverse conditions by volunteering and raising funds.

He a proud to be a candidate alongside his good friend Annette Flores. They can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Annette-Daniel-for-River-Walk-Royalty-100823838333058 or on Instagram @born2beRoyal_dna

2021 Candidate - Alyssa Gonzalez

On the edge of the San Antonio westside is this lil casita. Nestled on a compact street, it is the home of Alyssa Gonzalez and her family. Loud whining comes from a small, demanding Pomeranian, Lola who wakes up the family. Alyssa and her boyfriend Jonathan begin their day with their beloved dogs and their son, Ethan. They rustle around the house and begin swiffering, sweeping, and wiping down the counters as they watch wonderful events like the launch of NASA’s SpaceX’s human-filled rocket. Alyssa and Jonathan have always been fascinated with space, so much that they have their own telescope in their backyard. Even though they look to the stars, Alyssa stays grounded by the people and heart of San Antonio.

Alyssa is a third-generation Mexican American. Her family came over from San Luis Potosí in Northern Mexico in 1923. Her great, great grandfather crossed the border with his wife and seven children. He came to San Antonio to work, but he truly came for better family opportunities. Alyssa comes from a legacy that values family, education, and hard work. Her great, great grandfather came to a country not knowing any of the language and worked hard and taught himself English while working the railroads. Coming from a country of suffering for his family to have freedom, he instilled core values into Alyssa.

Although her mom relocated Alyssa and her sister, Sofia to Dallas for better education, she was born in San Antonio. The day after Alyssa graduated high school, she was called back to San Antonio. And you'll never guess who called her back: bean and cheese tacos. But really, she came back to be immersed in her native culture and to be surrounded by her aunts, grandparents, and cousins.

Upon graduating from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelors Degree in Business Marketing, she worked seven years in the service industry, Alyssa found her passion in her current career. Aside from being a dog mom,  girlfriend, sister, daughter, and mother figure, Alyssa focuses on maintaining her financial practice with New York Life. She specializes in educating the Hispanic community on financial literacy, wealth accumulation, and retirement income planning.

When Alyssa has free time, she enjoys baking for her cousins, grandparents, and neighbors. The family keeps active by biking and running along the Mission Trails. These trails remind Alyssa of her childhood when her great grandmother, “Momo” used to take Alyssa and her family to visit the house where she grew up. It sits on the grounds of Mission San Juan. With the wonderful support of friends and family, Alyssa is enthusiastic about bringing people together for fundraising, networking, and creating long-lasting relationships.

Being an ambassador of the San Antonio River Walk would allow Alyssa to continue connecting to those who are deeply rooted and want to preserve the legacy for generations to come. At  the end of the day, we are all in this together, in a “lil casita.”  

Share in her legacy at https://www.facebook.com/Alyssa-for-Queen-of-the-Riverwalk-2021-104396257964957 [email protected]

972.352.7475

2021 Candidates - Christina & Pedro Olivarez

San Antonio has always felt like home for Rio Grande Valley natives Pedro and Christina Olivarez. The married couple has lived in the Alamo City for over seven years with the privilege to have the River Walk as their "backyard" while living in Downtown San Antonio.

Christina is the Founder & CEO of The Social Butterfly Gal. As a social media strategist, she is dedicated to amplifying your social media presence. She was born and raised in Mission, Texas. With more than 10 years of digital marketing experience, Christina works with brands to provide the strategy and solutions to help them effectively reach their consumers.
She's achieved success with leading national events and brands such as Fiesta San Antonio, City of San Antonio, Downtown San Antonio, and Howl at The Moon, LLC.

In addition to SBG, Christina teamed up with her best friend of 20 years, Michelle Vallejo to co-found Hustle + Socialize. Founded in 2018, H+S brings the most diverse women’s business community of South Texas together and curates meaningful experiences that feature exclusive insights from amazing women leading in our communities. Christina is a 2020 fellow for New Leaders Council - San Antonio. In 2019, Christina was crowned Princess of Downtown by Fideo Loco Festival.

Pedro has 10 years of experience working for nonprofit organizations. His career in the nonprofit industry began in 2013 at the YMCA of Greater San Antonio as a Child Watch Attendant. There Pedro worked his way up through various departments: Health and Wellness, Membership, then as the Senior Program Director for the Boerne Family YMCA After School Program. Currently, Pedro is the Director of Guest Experience for the San Antonio Zoo.

Pedro was born in Harlingen, Texas and has lived San Antonio for the past seven years. When Pedro and Christina are not working, both enjoy spending time exploring San Antonio and the River Walk, traveling, drinking coffee at local coffee shops, and most recently, they've taken an interest in wine tasting.

Pedro and Christina are thrilled & honored to give back to a city they love so dearly by working with the San Antonio River Walk Association which serves to promote, protect and preserve one of the beautiful jewels of our city. Both hope that participating with the River Walk Royalty program will help bring additional attention and funding to sustain the beautiful River Walk and keep its historical legacy alive for generations to come.

Follow Christina on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TheSocialButterflyGal  Visit her website www.thesocialbutterflygal.net

Follow Pedro on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/pedroolivarez3

Follow their journey on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaPedroRiverWalkRoyalty

2021 Candidate: Juan Diego Polanco

Juan Diego Polanco a.k.a JD is originally from Brownsville, Texas. He attended Homer Hanna High School and graduated from The University of Texas at Brownsville. In high school, he was part of the JROTC program and its armed drill team. The team competed around the state against other high schools. When he was a freshman, the team came to San Antonio to compete, and JD fell in love with the city.

In 2002, he moved to San Antonio to pursue a career and enjoy the city he long before fell in love with. He started his career in the Alamo City as a baker in a downtown hotel. He moved around hotel departments exploring the many possibilities, and finally, in 2006 he became a concierge. He attended San Antonio College and UTSA while working full time in the hospitality industry.
After learning much about the city and what it had to offer, JD knew being a concierge was his calling. He wanted every visitor to know what our city had to offer and not miss any of the culture and beauty. He got to know visitors and helped them navigate the city by making their visit a memorable experience.

JD's goal is to continue to Promote, Protect, and Preserve our beautiful River Walk, our city, culture, and events. 

2020 Queen: Michelle Bononcini

A Native of San Antonio, Michelle has lived and loved the “210” her entire life. Her fondest memories as a child growing up in the Alamo City were riding the bus with her Dad to Commerce Street to dance to Bongo Joe’s oil barrel drums, a downtown staple in the 1980’s. Michelle stayed close to home to attend St. Mary’s University after graduating from Alamo Heights High School. She proudly transformed from a Mule to a Rattler and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Art in Criminal Justice. During her stay at St. Mary’s University, she found a second family with the sisters of Alphi Phi. As an alumna, Michelle continues to be active in the Alpha Phi Alumnae Chapter with fundraiser efforts for the Alpha Phi Foundation and the NICU Baby Safe Room at University Hospital. These efforts contribute to an increased awareness and research efforts for women’s cardiac care.

For her birthday every year, in lou of gifts, she asks her friends and family to bring a donation for a charity that is close to her heart such as San Antonio Pets Alive, The San Antonio Cancer Association, local homeless shelters, and Senior Community Centers. Michelle’s charitable passion is deep rooted from her upbringing serving the lord at St. Anthony de Padua with her ministry group and church friends. Michelle has always had a natural entrepreneur and sales personality. During college, she sold jewelry from the trunk of her car to her sorority sisters for extra cash. So it wasn’t a surprise when she started Fiesta Loca, a social media mini-series that showcases and sells authentic Mexican outfits and accessories with comedic integration and local celebrity appearances.

Her entrepreneurial spirit flows into her daily 9-5 at a local not-for profit organization. Her day consists of helping owners, new and experienced, to develop their business and operate with processes that are founded on good business practices. Just wait! Michelle’s work life doesn’t stop there. Her nights and weekends are committed to the promotions team at the San Antonio Current as she works on events such as Beer Festival and Whisky Business. Her promotional job gives her the opportunity to interact with San Antonio’s socialites while also promoting the finest restaurants, local hot spots, and events in town.

Her vivacious energy and spirit are contagious, sprinkling everyone around her with good vibes and laughter. “Que va ser esta loca?!” meaning “ What will she do next?!” In her spare time, Michelle loves to karaoke (mostly rap and yes , rap)! She loves a good Texas country concert or floating with her friends. Her friends mean everything to her. Her Mother proudly shares, “ We don’t know how she does it. She has thousands of close friends and remains loyal to each one, so I know they will support her in this ride.”

In the little time she has manages to carve out for herself she likes spending it with her family playing bingo or binge-watching Criminal Minds with a bucket of popcorn. Her biggest fan was her grandmother Josefina, who she is named after - Michelle Josephine. Michelle wants to dedicate this journey to her.

With her next venture upon her, she is ecstatic and blessed for the opportunity to help preserve, promote, and protect the heart of the our Alamo City, the San Antonio River Walk! But she can’t do it without your help! She is asking for your open hearts and charitable contributions to her fundraising campaign for 2020 River Walk Royalty.

Follow her journey at:
https://www.facebook.com/mbononcini
Insta: MJ4RiverwalkRoyalty
#Fiestaloca #MJ4Majesty

2020 King: David Cruz

Once Upon a Time there lived a Royal Prince by the name of David Cruz….a native of Delightful Del Rio. David was bewildered by the beauty of San Antonio and at the young age of 18 yrs old he made San Antonio his home. He never looked back because it has always felt like home. David Cruz attended Northwest Vista and University of the Incarnate Word.

Since his younger years, David was always surrounded by family in construction, especially his (late) father and Master Plumber, Hector Cruz. David always had Real Estate in the back of his mind and with a little encouragement from his family, David transitioned from a career in government and corporate travel (spanning almost 13 years) into Real Estate. He is now a full-time REALTOR®, Office Manager, and Director of Recruiting for Carter TX Realty. David is very involved in the San Antonio Real Estate Realm. He is a NAHREP (National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals) Director for Events, Vice-President of the San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce, in the NAGLREP (National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals) Leadership Committee and a member of SABOR’s YPN Committee.

David’s hobbies include running 5K’s/Marathons, cycling, yoga as well as spending time with his family, friends, and traveling all over the world. If David isn’t with a client and/or traveling, you can find him volunteering his time with various Non-Profit Organizations, which include CASA, SAAF, Wounded Warrior Project SA and SAPD Blue Angels- just to name a few. David is a natural born leader and philanthropist. As stated, he has the royalty and service to others attitude. He was an ambassador and held various title as a young child and teenager. During the holidays David also adopts families in need for Christmas and provides gifts to those less fortunate.

One of David’s lifetime motto's has been to reinvent himself from time to time without losing foundation. This leads him to share that he can remember his father’s words, “Take care of your character because it is what people will remember you by and your reputation is what people think of you.” He believes this to be a true analogy of what his father represented. David is a fine example of an advocate for his community. When asked what advocacy means to him, David replied, ‘having a strong and passionate voice.’ David loves San Antonio, and no matter where he travels to, when he’s asked where he’s from, he proudly mentions San Antonio, and most people know of the River Walk, then the Alamo. 

David is VERY excited and honored to be a candidate for the 2020 River Walk Royalty. The River Walk is a place where the flavors of the city (whether you like Mexican food, Italian, barbecue, or dessert) come together to create great memories. That’s why we welcome 37 million visitors each year. The history of San Antonio can be seen and felt while floating down the river, as well as the Christmas lights during the holidays adds that extra special touch. David promises to keep talking about San Antonio, and helping preserve and promote the River Walk no matter where he is. David is also known for his unique and out of the box thinking for marketing. A vote for David is a vote for continued advocacy and promotion of the South Texas Treasure the River Walk.

Follow the legacy follow David Cruz for River Walk Royalty. #D4K

Follow David and his Journey on Social Media:

www.facebook.com/David4RWKing

www.instagram.com/david4rwking

Photo Credit: JF Photography©

2020 Princess: Desiree Lancharic

Desiree Lancharic is a San Antonio native. After 12 years of friendship and 5 years of dating, she tied the knot with her husband, Aaron in 2016. They have a beautiful (and sassy!) 5-year-old daughter named Teagan.

Currently, she is the Sales Manager for Go Rio San Antonio Cruises and is active in both the Hospitality and Tourism industries. She is a Certified Tourism Ambassador and is a member of several associations, alliances, and committees across several sectors in the downtown community. She was nominated for Service Manager of the Year for her role at Go Rio Cruises. This year, Desiree has taken on the coordination and development of more community outreach programs, which has been a fulfilling experience for her. She has a deep love for Fiesta and medal collecting and has started her own family Fiesta traditions as she “Parties with a Purpose” for the 10 best days in April (which also happens to be her birthday month)!

The River Walk is Desiree’s second home, and she believes it is important to promote, preserve, and protect it.

Follow Desiree's Campaign on Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/DesireeRoyalty/?modal=admin_todo_tour

2020 Prince: Isidro "Iszy" Herrera

Isidro "Iszy" Herrera was born and raised in San Antonio, TX and grew up in the Westside of the city. Iszy is a graduate from Thomas Jefferson High School and attended San Antonio College. He started working for the Rainforest Café in 2005 as a server and worked his way up to the management team where he nowin charge of Marketing and Group Sales.

Iszy takes pride in his work and is an advocate in help keeping the River Walk in top shape. When asked about the River Walk he simply replies, "The River Walk is a huge part of the city and in my opinion is the heart of the city, so we all need to do our part in keeping it up to par."

One Of Iszy's favorite childhood memories is when his late father Pete Herrera & Mother Rosalinda Herrera, would take him and his siblings down to the River Walk during the Holidays to see the Holiday lights and enjoy a Hot Chocolate and an ice cream from Mr. Ice Cream. 

Iszy is a huge animal rights advocate and values the Animal Defense League of Texas. He rescued 2 cats (Kitty & Thackery) in which he considers to be his babies. In his free time he gives back by volunteering at local animal shelters and dog parks. He also gives back to the city during its annual maintenance of the River Walk. He partners up with Center City Development and Operations to do his part in preserving the River Walk.

As a future 2020 River Walk Royalty, Iszy's Goal is to help Achieve the associations mission to promote, protect and preserve our beautiful gem, The San Antonio River Walk. Iszy is both honored and humbled to be part of a prestigious organization. 

Follow his journey at: https://www.facebook.com/iszy.mychaels

Contact Iszy at: [email protected]

2020 Duchess: Jessica Strom

Jessica Lynn Strom is a local lifestyle blogger at JessicaLynnStrom.com and also is Programs Manager at the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas. Jessica has called the Greater San Antonio Area home for nearly a decade, and since moving to South Texas, the River Walk has carved out a special place in her heart.

Philanthropy and community giving have always been at the core of everything in Jessica’s life, from her self-titled blog which focuses on philanthropy, food, fun, and fashion, to her job at the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas. Jessica is proud to serve the San Antonio community every day.

Jessica knows the impact of community service and giving and sees it in action every day at her job and through her blog interaction when she posts about a community giving event. “People in San Antonio really care deeply about one another, and strangers are just friends we haven’t met yet. It's  something so deeply ingrained in our culture here and is such a beautiful thing to see in action.”

Though she serves the local area daily, Jessica also spends a great deal of her time outside work at local area nonprofits. She serves on the Board of Directors of the San Antonio College Alumni Association, is a member of the Junior League of San Antonio, and is involved with a myriad of other nonprofit campaigns benefiting animal and wildlife rescue groups, historic preservation, the LGBTQ community, mental health organizations, and women’s shelters. She truly enjoys making a measurable difference in the San Antonio and surrounding communities. Jessica also enjoys hikes in the Hill Country, wine tasting, playing with her dogs, and has also started learning American Sign Language.

Jessica is so humbled and excited to be part of the San Antonio River Walk Royal Court to give back to a city she loves so dearly by working with the San Antonio River Walk Association which serves to promote, protect and preserve one of the beautiful jewels of our city. She hopes that participating in the River Walk Royalty program will help bring much needed attention and funding to sustain the beautiful River Walk and keep its historical legacy alive for generations to come.

Follow her on Instagram: @jessicalynnstrom & Facebook: www.facebook.com/JessicaLynnStrom and on her blog: www.jessicalynnstrom.com

2020 Duke: Ray Salazar

Raymond Salazar was born and raised in Southside of San Antonio TX and was brought up in a strong Hispanic household and has embraced the Hispanic culture as his parents owned and operated a Mexican restaurant in the Southside of San Antonio, off Hutchins and Zarzamora, throughout his early childhood years. Throughout middle and high school years, Ray always felt the need to be involved within the community by playing sports, volunteering with school functions, and by participating in the Cultural Arts Parades yearly. Until this day, Ray still volunteers his time to the Cultural Arts Parade due to the fact that now all his nieces and nephews attend schools within the Harlandale District. After graduating from McCollum High School in 2002, his dreams were focused on obtaining a business degree while attending local community college at Palo Alto College, but suddenly Ray became sick and found out that he had gastric cancer. "I didn’t know what to think or how to feel but I did know I had a purpose in life and that’s when I realized I needed to do more for my community since I was limited to working due to my personal health issues."

Ray became involved yearly with the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner as well as The Wreaths Across America. He also started a Fiesta Medal Page called the "Fiesta Medal Freaks" on Social Media which has reached over 1800 followers within a year's time. Fiesta Medal Freaks gave Ray the opportunity to meet many dedicated Fiesta go-getters, who not only celebrate in April but keep the Fiesta spirit alive throughout the year as it becomes part of our everyday culture living in Good Ole San Antonio! And unlike any other fiesta group, Fiesta Medal Freaks offers free advertisement to any local businesses, from your next door neighborhood mom and pop shop to any upcoming community events that can bring the city together free of cost. 

On April 4th, 2018 Ray hosted his first Fiesta Medal event at the Courtyard Marriott by SeaWorld where he organized a Mariachi band, 35+ Fiesta Medal Vendors and the appearance of "Piñatas in the Barrio Royalty." Over 350+ people attended which led to the social media page, "The Great 2019 FiestaMedal Scavenger Hunt!" This group is open to the Public and encourages anyone and everyone of all ages to have fun, go back to our childhood spirits, and participate in this fun-filled Fiesta Medal Scavenger Hunt throughout San Antonio. "Believe me, it’s been a successful accomplishment to see all ages of our community coming together daily, participating and taking time out of their busy lives to take the opportunity in hiding a fiesta medal and posting clues throughout the day while others are immediately posting follow-up pictures of their new Fiesta medal finds.

By running the Fiesta Medal Freaks page, Ray has expanded his volunteer work by hosting a Candy Drive in October for children living at Haven for Hope. He collected and donated over 250 trick-or-treat bags.  In December, Ray hosted his 1st toy drive allowing him to collect and donate over 500 toys to children living at St. PJ's Children's Shelter. All these donations came from the community, and Ray hopes he can continue and expand this tradition yearly. "Not only is my focus on the children of the community, but for the adults as well!" 

"Not only is this page bringing our community together, but it’s also a reminder to us that we’re never too old or too young to not have fun and enjoy the simple things in life that bring someone a smile at no cost, just by giving up some of your daily time" -Ray.

Ray is excited for the opportunity to become the 2020 River Walk King, but regardless of the outcome, he pledges to do what he can to make people smile and enjoy life to the fullest!

"Thank you, Viva Fiesta!"- Raymond Salazar 

Fiesta Medal Freaks 

fi[email protected]

210-284-1777

facebook.com/fiestamedalfreaks 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2084234728542533/

Photo Credit: Galindo and Son Photography 

Follow my campaign:https://www.facebook.com/Ray4RWRoyalty2020/

#Ray4RWRoyalty2020

2020 Count: Victor “Tito” Caballero

A San Antonio native, Tito Caballero is both Host and Creative Director for iHeartRadio here in San Antonio. When reflecting on his fondest family memories, Tito’s childhood visits to our South Texas Treasure, the San Antonio River Walk, are top of mind – especially the thrill of attending the iconic Ford Holiday River Parade. Committed to giving back, he’s dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the centerpiece of our great city!

Tito is an advocate for those communities he has called home having donated his time and efforts to help Assistance for Vets, Serving Seniors, San Diego’s LGBTQ Center, San Antonio AIDS Foundation, and Children’s Hospital. He’s particularly passionate about helping students, regardless of socioeconomic status, to gain access to opportunities in the arts through the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. He’s also raised funding for other non-profit organizations in the arts community in hopes to further increase awareness and further urban youth initiatives.

In addition to his current on-air responsibilities at 104.5 Latino Hits and American Vida Podcast, Tito has pioneered new technology and content initiatives for both radio and television. As former president of Futuri Media, he’s assisted to the reshape of content and audience engagement models for major media companies around the world. This has led to the increase of Futuri client base to over 1000 radio and television stations and networks in over 18 countries. Tito has also developed radio ad campaigns for Coca-Cola, World Cup in South Africa, and Ford to promote their new redesigned Ford Fiesta, which targeted first-time car buyers in Latin America.

Tito was raised in the south side of San Antonio where he attended Health Careers and Harlandale High Schools. When he’s not working or donating his time to local charitable causes, he can either be found at Medina Lake, playing golf at the historic Brackenridge Golf Course, or ordering tacos at one of his many favorite San Antonio taco shops. During the San Antonio Spurs season, you can find Tito court side or with his father enjoying the game at home. Always positive, encouraging, genuine, and compassionate, Tito works hard to inspire others to be the best version of themselves.