The Greater San Antonio Chamber has kicked off the nomination process for the Mary Rose Brown Tribute to Women Business Leaders Awards, one of the most prestigious women’s leadership awards programs in South Texas.
The honorees will be celebrated at the Mary Rose Brown Tribute to Women Business Leaders Luncheon, presented by PNC, on Tuesday, May 12 at 11 a.m. at The Grand Hyatt River Walk.
The awards honor local women leaders who have had a transformative impact on their organizations and the community. The honorees embody leadership qualities that have driven not only their success, but also the success of those around them. This year’s event is being chaired by Blakely Fernandez, a Partner with Bracewell, and Jamie Kowalski, Vice President of Corporate Relations for The RK Group.
In 2025, the Tribute was renamed in memory of Mary Rose Brown who was a highly respected business executive and community leader who served as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of NuStar Energy. A devoted philanthropist and civic advocate, Brown played a key role in founding Haven for Hope, served on numerous nonprofit boards, and was widely honored for her leadership and service.
Past Tribute honorees include the late Hon. Ruth Jones McClendon, the late Mayor Lila Cockrell, former Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade, Jane Macon, Dr. Adena Williams Loston, Janet Holliday, April Ancira, Lori Houston, Dr. Lisa Campos, Aaronetta Pierce, Marsha McCombs Shields, Susan Pamerleau, Maj. Gen. (Ret.), and many other notable women.
To nominate a woman leader, please click here. The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, February 6.
The award categories are as follows:
Executive Award for Large Business | A business owner, CEO, managing partner or top executive in a large company who has a proven success record as an outstanding business leader, has been recognized as a leading force in her industry, and has had a positive impact on the community.
Brenda Vickrey Johnson Award for Small Business | A small business owner or CEO who has a proven success record as an outstanding business leader and has had a positive impact on the community.
Freedom Award | Through military, police/fire, or other public service, this leader places the welfare of others before her own and has made a single or ongoing meritorious contribution to the community.
Promise Award | A young leader or newcomer to San Antonio who has made a significant impact on business and the community in a short span of time.
Hope Award | An exceptional leader who has had a notable impact on our community through outstanding philanthropic, community, or public service.
Legacy Award | A leader who has a longstanding record of success in leadership roles, whether in business or through volunteer, philanthropic or public service positions, and has had a significant impact on the community over the course of their career.
See below for helpful links: