2012 Constellation of Stars North Stars

Dr. Betty Merchant

Betty is currently the Dean of the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Texas at San Antonio. In that role, she has been a consistent advocate for women. She pursues pathway connections for women with women of significance for the benefit of others. Betty helps empower women seeking both personal and societal success and advocates for women in the workplace. Dr. Merchant is personally involved with and mentors young women who aspire to the professorate and other positions of leadership. She is the only women dean at UTSA and presides over one of the largest colleges at the University. She ceaselessly navigates platforms that highlight opportunities for women such as the establishment of the Consortium for Social Transformation, a ground breaking initiative which serves Women's Studies, African American Studies, and Mexican American Studies. Betty strongly supports the efforts of the Women's Rape Crisis Counseling Center and other organizations providing community assistance to women and their families. Dr. Merchant has received countless awards including the Henrietta Frances Zezula Lowak Endowed Distinguished Professor and the University of Illinois Distinguished Achievement Award. Betty shows countless acts of selflessness such as making unsolicited calls for women aspiring to crack a male-dominated job market or simply and humbly enabling the opportunity for happiness of another. Betty Merchant is a committed social advocate whose vision is the active advancement of women. We congratulate Dr. Betty Merchant for her outstanding NORTH STAR guidance and influence in the world of academe!

Chris Alderete

Chris is the Director of Business Development and Marketing for The Vita Navis Group. She has worked tirelessly as a member of Port San Antonio's Board of Directors where her talent has been essential to the organization's work in building economic opportunities that in turn provide thousands of good jobs for area families. She has devoted her energies to promote the well-being of families. She has devoted her energies to promote the well-being of families and particularly the elderly through numerous public health initiatives, such as the San Fernando Cathedral Health and Safety Fair. She serves on boards of many area charities, including SAMM Ministries, OASIS San Antonio and Catholic Charities. She also serves on the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) Board. Mayor Castro appointed Chris to co-chair the 2012-2017 Bond Committee on Streets, Bridges, and Sidewalks. Chris was appointed Chair of the Mayor's Commission on the Status of Women in 2005. She has received numerous awards and honors including the J.C. Penny Golden Rule Award, inducted into the San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame, Texas Diabetes Institute Friend Award, and inducted into the Mexican American Physician's Association Hall of Fame. Chris has served her community well and provided guidance as a NORTH STAR awardee!
 
 
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