The DreamPanel Series brings together speakers with the goal to further conversations related to important topics that impact our community.
The Panelists are: Stephanie Garcia- Moderator, Carlos J. Contreras, III, Charles Woodin, Howie Nestel & Travis Wiltshire.
If you can’t make it in person you can still watch it live on Facebook @dreamweeksa
Check their bios below:
1.Stephanie Garcia- Moderator
As Business Development and Communications Specialist for Port San Antonio, Stephanie Garcia is responsible for cultivating new and existing customer relationships, building strategic relationships with community partners and stakeholders, media relations, event planning and executing Port San Antonio’s vision of connecting people with opportunities.
Stephanie’s success with building strategic relationships within the technology sector on behalf of Port San Antonio and her work with SATX Robotix earned her a spot on the Top 35 Latina’s in Tech list curated by Startups San Antonio. Stephanie holds a BA in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from California State University Fullerton and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the South/West Chamber of Commerce.
2. Carlos J. Contreras, III
Carlos serves as the CEO for Goodwill San Antonio where he is responsible for leading the non-profit agency in all operational and administrative areas to include the development of the organization’s vision and strategic plans.
Prior to joining Goodwill, Carlos served as the Assistant City Manager for the City of San Antonio where he was responsible for the city’s departments of aviation, convention and sports facilities, economic development, government and public affairs, and Pre-K4SA. Carlos also led government affairs efforts for the San Antonio division of nationwide homebuilder KB Home, and engaged in the practice of law for nearly 15 years, with legal concentration on administrative, legislative, and regulatory law, as well as corporate and general counseling.
Carlos holds juris doctor and master of public affairs degrees from the University of Texas at Austin, and an undergraduate degree from St. Mary’s University.
3. Charles Woodin
In the past four years, Charles has moved from Business Development Manager to Membership Director to now CEO of Geekdom, demonstrating his passion for service to the Geekdom team, its community, and plays an integral part in the greater growth and development of San Antonio. He leverages his background in engineering and technology to create innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives, establish strategic partnerships, and expand Geekdom’s impact throughout the city. After growing up close to Detroit and Flint, where he watched much degradation take place, he is energized to put forth his best efforts to be a part of building up the place he now calls home. Charles also served in the United States Air Force for 8 years focused on the collection and communication of intelligence and training as an Airborne Korean Linguist, completing his duty as Staff Sergeant. He is also a devoted father to his two phenomenal daughters, Penelope, and Amelia.
4. Howie Nestel
Howie Nestel has spent 3 decades creating an extraordinary life by serving through non-profit leadership and philanthropy in his position as Founder and President of San Antonio-based Sharkmatic Advertising. He has provided marketing services to more than 1,500 companies nationwide.
Marketing is Howie’s professional passion, but he has also launched and owned more than 20 small businesses. These enterprises provided a range of individual services including meal prep, video production, and automobile brokering and sales.
Howie is a proud husband and father of 3 children. He is fluent in English and Spanish and a high camo belt in Kung Fu. He graduated from the University of Texas Business School in Austin and has lived and worked in Canada, Central America, Europe, Israel, Mexico, and the United States. Howie holds leadership positions with numerous non-profit organizations and has donated his time, his talents, and contributed to more than 50 charities.
5. Travis Wiltshire
Travis Wiltshire, PE, a licensed Professional Engineer, has more than 30 years of experience in the Architectural / Engineering / Construction industry. As founder and president of CNG Engineering, he leads a diverse team of professional engineers and designers and has been involved in some of the most high-profile and community-impacting projects in San Antonio, leading to solid growth and national award recognition.
Travis uses his engineering experience to help foster and nurture the minds of San Antonio’s youth by being actively engaged in STEM-related programs for K-12 students in the community. Travis provides students internship opportunities that offer real-life experiences to kick-start their careers in the A/E/C industry through his company.
As a strong advocate of small businesses, he has served on steering committees and several Chambers of Commerce Boards to advance the inclusion and participation of Small, Woman, and Minority-Owned Businesses in capital construction projects.
