Member profile: BJ Mamuzic

If you attend an Impact San Antonio event, you’ll likely see BJ Mamuzic’s smiling face. This longtime member adds a cheerful and hard-working presence to whatever she does for our organization. Here’s what BJ has to say about Impact SA and her part in it over the years.

How long have you been a member of Impact SA? 

I first became a member way back in 2006, again in 2010, and then consistently from 2013 to present. So I figure that’s 12 years in total.

How did you first hear about us? 

My dear friend and neighbor, Bonnie Reed, invited me to an Impact SA gathering at (founding member) Rose Mary Fry’s house back in the early days.

What inspired you to join?

I was impressed by the multiplier effect of women pooling their individual contributions to make significant, transformative grants.  Many nonprofit grants still average around $10,000 to $15,000, so grants in the $100,000 range are quite amazing.

What do you find most inspiring about the work Impact SA does? 

I was inspired by the shared vision and commitment by each member and seeing the measurable impact we’re having throughout the Greater San Antonio community.  It’s amazing to go to the Our Legacy page on the Impact San Antonio website and read about the organizations and projects (that have received grants) and see the overall “Bright Spots” map of our reach throughout the community.

What roles have you taken on in the organization over the years?

Multiple roles, and I have loved them all.  In the very beginning, I was a member in financial support only. Since then, I’ve both co-chaired and been a member of Grant Review teams and also served on the board of directors as co-chair of Agencies & Applications. I have to say that I’ve had the best co-chairs to work with, along with an inspiring and amazing team of fellow board members.

Is there any role that you would like to take on in the future? 

Right now, I’m happy with my current role as volunteer. Most recently, I helped out at the registration table at our Spring Fling event. Despite more than two years when many of us did not see one another, it was truly remarkable how easy and effortless it was to reconnect with fellow members as if no time had passed. It was likewise inspiring to meet some fantastic new members.

What do you do for a living? 

I’m happily retired now, but I have worked in both the corporate and nonprofit worlds, which is why I found Impact SA to be such a perfect fit. I started with Citicorp in Chicago in the late 1980s. Then I was recruited by SBC Communications (now AT&T) in St. Louis and San Antonio, where I predominantly worked in consumer products and international wireless, ultimately holding the title of vice president.  More than a few corporate mergers and relocations later, I decided the local nonprofit world might benefit from my skills and talents. So I took on the role of executive director at St. PJ’s Children’s Home, a local United Way agency, where I led a major operations and financial turnaround before finally saying “I do” to a truly wonderful man.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

In case you’re curious, the wonderful man’s name is Bob, and he’s a major fan of Impact SA as well! Finally, I’d like to say that if the goals of Impact SA resonate with you, I encourage you to become a member or to renew your membership.  There’s such a tremendous need in our community that you’ll be glad you did!