Meet the Team Members Behind Southside Collaborative: Program Manager, Mayra Carter

Mayra came to San Antonio on a sunny Sunday afternoon, 42 years ago, with a four-month-old baby and a heart full of hope. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she proudly calls herself Puerto Rican—but with "a big vein of Mexican blood," thanks to the community that welcomed her and the family she built here.

Although she has lived in San Antonio for decades, the Southside was new to her until recently. "I thought I knew this side of town," she admits, "but I had never been out here. It's isolated—no H-E-B, no Walmart, just a couple of stores trying to carry produce. My heart sank."

But Mayra, Southside Collaborative's Program Manager, is also hopeful. She sees the passion of those working with the Southside Collaborative and believes in the power of community. "With numbers and elbow grease, we can make change. Nothing is impossible."

For her, addressing financial literacy and access to resources is critical. "People are financially deprived, yes—but they also lack tools. We can help with that." That desire to help others is what led Mayra from corporate leadership into nonprofit work 17 years ago. After a long, successful career with companies like American Airlines and La Quinta, she made a change. "One day, I looked in the mirror and asked, 'What are you doing for others?'" That was the moment she decided to make a change. Since then, she's led with heart. Though once shy about public speaking, Mayra found her confidence through mentorship and community support. 

"Encouragement is powerful," she says.

"You can't change someone, but you can inspire them to think differently."

Now a proud mom and Nana, Mayra cherishes her close-knit family and the connections she's built through her work. "Some of my best friends I met on the job," she says. ​​"This kind of work—this community work—connects you in a different way. It connects your heart."