DreamHour Speaker Series

In 2003, Willie Ng founded Blue Armor Security Services, Inc., and serves as owner, President and Chief Executive Officer. Willie is leading, guiding and overseeing the performance of the organization. Willie sets the direction and drives the company’s strategic plans and vision, and he leads business development and fiscal operations. Willie determines the company’s overarching goals and initiatives. 

With an innate ability for law enforcement and public service, Willie Ng has been serving in Law Enforcement since 1993. Recently, Willie served in the roles of Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Criminal Investigator with the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, where Willie lead multiple teams working closely with local and deferral law enforcement agencies to successfully prepare criminal cases for prosecution in Bexar County. 

Willie ng served the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office from January 1, 2015 — December 31, 2018. Prior to joining the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office as Chief Criminal Investigator, Willie served the city of San Antonio with the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) for 22 years. During his time with SAPD, Willie began as a Patrol Officer patrolling all areas of San Antonio,  then served as a Detective Investigator where he investigated various criminal offenses in the Repeat Offenders Program (ROP) and Financial Crimes Unit. Prior to retirement from SAPD, Willie worked with the United States Secret Service where he was deputized as a Special Federal Deputy Marshal and served within the unit for over seven years. Willie’s in-depth training as a law enforcement professional ranges from Hand-to-Hand Combat & Self-Defense, Hand-Written Forgery, Counterfeit Currency & Credit Card Fraud, to Lie Detection, Narcotics and Emergency Management training by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Willie is a certified Trainer for Active Shooter and Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response from Texas State University. Willie has a Master Certification in Law Enforcement by the State of Texas. Willie was deputized Special Federal Deputy Marshal with the United States Secret Service. 

In addition to public service and economic development, Willie is tireless ih his efforts towards non-profit work. Willie provides community support and consulting to business leaders, entrepreneurs, law enforcement and various local and national organizations. Willie contributes his time serving on various boards, to include but not limited to, currently serving as Board Member of the San Antonio Education Partnership (SAEP), Board of Director for Child Advocates of San Antonio (CASA), Co-Founder of the Maestro Entrepreneur Center and Maestro Leadership Development, among others. Willie is a member of the Criminal Justice Reform Committee of the Texas Associations of Business (TAB) with headquarters in Austin, Texas, where he was worked in conjunction with the team to create and implement the initiative Texas House Bill 918 which went into effect in January 2020. 

Willie has a Baccalaureate (Bachelor’s) in Criminal Justice from Wayland Baptist University, a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from St. Mary’s University, and Willie is currently working on his dissertation to finalize his Doctorate (PhD) in Organizational Leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word. Willie received the ASIS International Award for Exemplary Service to Business and Law Enforcement (2016), and in 2017, Willie received the award for Professional Achievement by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE) for his service and accomplishments in law enforcement since his career began in 1993. Willie is an award recipient at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) Dreeben School of Education in Recognition for Academic Excellence (April 2019). 

As a consummate public servant, Willie regularly speaks about education initiatives, business leadership, economic development and modern law enforcement throughout South Texas, to include assisting local Churches to improve their security detail for their congregations, and Willie is frequently invited to speak to students in local schools, colleges and universities, such as University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, San Antonio College (SAC), St. Phillis College in San Antonio, as well as multiple elementary, middle schools, high schools and charter schools.

Barrister Donatus Berinyuy is a resident of San Antonio and the President of the Cameroonian Community of San Antonio (CamCoSA) since 2023. He is a husband and father of Two girls.

Laura Thompson, the CEO and creator of TAAN TV, is a visionary leader and media trailblazer with over 16 years of experience in public relations and community engagement. Dedicated to empowering African American voices, Laura founded TAAN TV, a streaming platform offering video on demand, live streaming, and pay-per-view programming. Beyond media, Laura has been deeply involved in her community, building a vast network of mayors, city managers, corporate executives, and community leaders. Her extensive civic work includes partnerships with organizations such as CPS Energy, VIA Metropolitan Transit, and the San Antonio Housing Authority, where she has facilitated projects that strengthen community connections. Through TAAN TV, she continues to elevate diverse perspectives, creating an inclusive digital media space that drives change and amplifies underrepresented voices.

K. Day is an award winning journalist, founder of PEPPER Magazine, philanthropist and community supporter. Her work as an intuitive life coach has fostered speaking engagements for entrepreneurs, at career days for students and sensitivity training for police. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Alora nonprofit for autistic teens and adults. K. actively serves the local community and continues to act as a supporting force for the greater global community.

 Julissa, owner and president of DreamOn Group, leverages her 30+ years of Design-Build construction experience to create properties with economic, environmental, and cultural value. She founded her first company, Tejas Premier Building Contractor, Inc. using her 401K savings and has since led innovative projects like the Maestro Entrepreneur Center, which incubates 40+ small businesses and supports over 600 small businesses annually. 

Julissa collaborates closely with County and City leaders and various organizations to create programs and spaces that drive change, support small businesses, and elevate communities. Her careful and considerate approach to revitalization shows her dedication to turning dreams into reality. Currently, Julissa is spearheading the $7 million redevelopment of the historic Basila Frocks Building, preserving its legacy while creating a vibrant community hub. Her unwavering commitment to the San Antonio community and small businesses ensures it will remain a source of pride and connection for generations to come. 

Brandi Jo Newman is an entrepreneur, financial expert, and passionate advocate for empowering women. As the founder of ATHENE and several other successful ventures, she leverages her expertise in business development and financial education to foster mentorship, leadership, and opportunities for growth. Through her strategic partnerships and diverse business portfolio, Brandi Jo is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations achieve success with purpose and impact.

Born in Laredo, Texas, Rachel Sakai graduated from Texas A&M International University and the University of Texas in San Antonio.
Raquel has spent over 50 years involved in community and education; a passion fueled by her parents. Understanding the importance of education and community involvement, Rachel served on the Laredo Community Action Agency Advisory Board at 18 years of age. Rachel worked in Harlandale ISD for 32 years, as teacher, counselor, principal, and director.
In addition, she was the Executive Director for the Harlandale Education Foundation. In 2005, she was named the Director of the Gateway to College Program at Palo Alto College, which focused on preventing high school dropouts.
She has served on nonprofit boards and mentors/coaches executive directors and boards. Rachel was inducted to the 2022 Women’s Hall of Fame for Volunteerism.
With her life-partner of over 42 years, Peter Sakai, Bexar County Judge, they enjoy spending time with their two children and their families.

Roberto Treviño is a multifaceted professional with a rich background in public service, architecture, and the arts. A former city councilman for District 1 in San Antonio, he served from 2014 to 2021, championing initiatives that focused on economic development, arts and culture, affordable housing, and community engagement.

A registered architect and licensed pilot, Treviño brings a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise to his endeavors. He holds a degree in Architecture and an MBA from Texas Tech University, equipping him with the skills to navigate both design and business landscapes effectively.

Currently, Treviño serves as the Executive Director of the San Antonio Philharmonic, where he is dedicated to enhancing the cultural vibrancy of the city through music and the arts.

Treviño’s commitment to public service, combined with his diverse professional experiences, positions him as a significant contributor to the San Antonio community, advocating for a thriving, inclusive, and culturally rich environment for all residents.

To serve as the President and CEO of CASA San Antonio is a privilege. It is also an honor to work with the dedicated team and Board to serve children in the San Antonio area. 

My history as a foster, then adopted child, is what drives my motivation to let displaced children and youth know they are treasured, worthy and can overcome difficulties to become all they want to be. I believe all children have the absolute right to be loved and raised in a safe home. 

Most of my career had been in the corporate world and as in all roles relationships and collaboration are essential. I previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Home, and the COO of Chosen. The not-for-profit sector is challenging and worth every minute of the dedication it takes, as you truly know you are making a difference. 

Again, I am humbled to serve CASA and look forward to the future as we continue to support children experiencing foster care with amazing volunteer advocates. 

Teresa Garza is an accomplished media professional from Monterrey, México, with a BA in Communication, Media, and Film. She has held key roles in Spanish-language television networks, including Anchor, Field Reporter, Writer, Editor, Producer, and News Director.

During her time in Los Angeles, Garza transitioned from traditional media to social media, conducting interviews with high-profile figures, including Al Pacino. In 2015, she published Hollywood: Mi verdad detrás de lo aparente and directed the short film Easy Prey in 2018.

Garza created Mujer Poder Hoy, a television program in partnership with TVSA-City of San Antonio, which received the NATOA Award of Distinction in 2022 and was nominated for the Lone Star Emmys in 2024.

Since 2020, Garza has served as Marketing Director at YWCA San Antonio, where she directed Why Can’t They Just…?, a Lone Star Emmy-nominated documentary highlighting women’s stories and systemic challenges.

Over the past six years, Garza has conducted more than 50 interviews, continuing her mission to amplify women’s voices through storytelling.

Amira Abdelkader was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt. She immigrated to New York with her family in 1974, where she completed high school and further education at SUNY Utica.

As a Registered Nurse (RN), Amira has over 40 years of experience in the healthcare field, covering areas such as ICU, trauma care, liver and kidney transplants, and medical cosmetics.  As a Functional Holistic Wellness Coach, she has completed more than 200 hours of classroom education with some of the leading wellness providers in the United States. She has collaborated with numerous practitioners across New York, North Carolina, and Texas.

Amira served 10 years in the US. Air Force as an Officer: Captain, “Medical Flight Evacuation Nurse”, during which she traveled worldwide. She holds a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and has experience managing long-term care facilities in both North Carolina and Texas. Additionally, she managed a refugee clinic in Texas.

Since moving to San Antonio in 2010, Amira has continued to share her passion for health and a holistic approach to wellness. Her education has provided her with extensive, cutting-edge knowledge in holistic nutrition, health coaching, and disease prevention, drawing from her personal experiences overcoming chronic disease and her expertise in implementing lifestyle changes.

As an Arab-American entrepreneur, she founded her business, “Jamilina,” which means “make me beautiful” in Arabic. Her aim is to combine her expertise and resources in one place for her community. She is dedicated to educating them about the true meaning of awareness and helping them understand the importance of prevention.

Carl Booker is the Founder and CEO of Avista Products, a multi-media company he established in 1993. With an unwavering dedication to addressing business challenges within the African American community, Carl and his team at Avista Products have become industry leaders in providing innovative creative solutions.

One of Avista Products’ crowning achievements is the creation of the highly acclaimed “Blackbook,” a seven-time national award-winning resource that has become indispensable for businesses seeking to connect with the African American market. This remarkable publication is a testament to Carl’s commitment to promoting economic empowerment and inclusivity.

Furthermore, Carl Booker’s dedication to informing and uplifting the African American community extends beyond the Blackbook. He also serves as the publisher of the weekly magazine “Black Life Texas.” Through his publication, Carl fosters dialogue, awareness, and engagement on critical issues affecting the community, all while celebrating its achievements and resilience.

Carl Booker’s journey as an entrepreneur and advocate is marked by his relentless pursuit of business solutions that empower the African American community. His visionary leadership, coupled with his commitment to fostering awareness and unity, continues to shape the landscape of inclusive entrepreneurship and community engagement.