Annually, March is designated as Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month celebrates all women’s contributions in American history and honors the generations of trailblazing women, girls, and non-binary persons who have built, shaped, and strengthened our communities.

Every day, women help make our organization and communities a better place with their leadership, strength, and resilience. The San Antonio Food Bank is proud to serve alongside our women hunger fighters and serve our women neighbors.

We want to highlight inspiring women who have helped shape the Food Bank by being pillars of healing and hope for their families and our community. In doing so, we are honored to share their journeys and stories with you.

Explore the journey of Erika M. Borrego, the Food Bank’s Chief Operations Officer:

Where are you from and how did you end up calling San Antonio home?

I’m originally from Brownsville, Texas. I came to San Antonio to go to college at St. Mary’s University in 1993 and have called this my home ever since.

How did you get your start at the San Antonio Food Bank?

My first job was as the Agency Relations Manager for the San Antonio Food Bank and, in that role, I was blessed to work with our partners in the community who give resources to those in need. Subsequent to that, I worked as the Director of Partner Services overseeing multiple programs and continuing to work with partner agencies as a support in their efforts to serve our community. Since 2011, I have served at the Chief Operating Officer overseeing programs and operations and most recently operations to include Culinary, Warehouse, Farm Facilities, Transportation, and Disaster Response. I’ve been blessed to serve alongside our CEO, Eric Cooper, for nearly 17 years. 

What motivates you to be a non-profit leader?

As a social worker, I have a vested interest in making our community a better place, not only for the marginalized but also for people who want to be part of the solution. Working for a non-profit allows me to exercise both of these service muscles at the same time. We are our best when we are in service of others.

On the flip side, being in “need” could be around the corner for anyone of us at any time. We are there to perform the labor of love by connecting people with resources to those in need, and make the community better for all.

A unique part of working at the Food Bank is the opportunity to partner with over 500 like minded non-profits in the community.  So, being a non-profit leader at your San Antonio Food Bank allows me to work with many valuable non-profit partners in our community. I’m not sure what could top that.   

What does serving your community mean to you?

I’ve been blessed. My family always provided well for me and my sisters. I feel that serving my community is my way of expressing gratitude for the blessings that have been bestowed on me.

My private school education (Pre-K through University) instilled a spirit of service and gratitude in me that has stayed with me through my adulthood. I genuinely feel like I owe my service to those around me. 

I’ve always operated under the core value that it is our social responsibility to elevate those around us. Together we rise. 

Who are some of your favorite women or non-binary trailblazers and/or mentors?

I would be remiss if I didn’t give credit to my mother, Victoria Borrego, whose strong willed personality taught me (and my sisters) a great deal. Independence and using our voice are two of the most valuable lessons learned from my mother.

I so much admire so many strong and beautiful women I am privileged to know in person. I won’t name them lest I forget someone, but beautiful strong women are all around us.  

As of late, I am most impassioned by Ruth Bader Ginsberg. She trailblazed in the most subtly fervent way. She believed in women’s rights, women’s equality and that women should be in all places where decisions are made. She was never afraid to sit in her truth. She was a mother and a provider and her husband’s equal. She was a student of life and was committed to always learning. She turned obstacles into opportunities and didn’t take no for an answer. I aspire to live my left in this spirit.   

How is “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope” important to you?

As women, we must lift each other up. We must provide a healing and hopeful net for our families, our co workers and our communities. We must use those nurturing tendencies we have to self-protect and to protect others. Healing and hope sure are two things we can use more of in this world. Healing brings peace and hope brings perspective and movement. Come at everything in life from a place of actionable peace and perspective.  

What is your best advice for girls or non-binary future leaders?

Do not let fear guide you. Silence the centuries of voices that have told us we cannot and should not, because we can and we should. Chose the path that blazes a trail for those behind you. No woman left behind. Be compassionately truthful even when it is uncomfortable to do so. View your hardships and trials as preparation for something bigger and better. Find your place… the one that fulfills your soul and gives of the greatest gifts you have to offer.

As someone once said “Here’s to strong women… May we be them. May we know them. May we raise them.” 

Explore more journeys and learn more about how the San Antonio Food Bank is honoring Women’s History Month at safoodbank.org/womens-history-month.