Last December, the Maestro Center held the annual 12 Days of Giving Fundraiser Challenge in which ambassadors helped raise funds for Maestro programming and initiatives. Maurice Bridges, Director of Supplier and Business Diversity for VIA Metropolitan Transit, was one of two winners for the 2019 12 Days of Giving Challenge.

“When you can go in with a group of friends, business owners, and peers that are working at other agencies and do something for a good cause, it’s very rewarding,” Bridges said.

Leroy Cavazos-Reyna, currently Vice President of Government and International Affairs for the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was also a winner for the 2019 12 Days of Giving Challenge.

The 2019 12 Days of Giving Ambassadors include Liz Medina with BBVA Compass; Dr. Ellen Riojas Clark with UTSA; Daniel Galindo with Woodforest National Bank; Julia Hamon with Wells Fargo; Julissa Carielo with Tejas Premier Building Contractors; Chris Martinez with Central Electric Enterprises & Co; and Willie Ng with Blue Armor Security Services.

Bridges is a current member of the Maestro Center’s advisory board. Before joining Via, Bridges served as President of Bridges Consulting and as a Senior Diversity Consultant for Principal Financial Group in North Carolina.

He participated in the challenge because of his belief in both the mission and approach of Maestro.

“There was something unique about the Maestro Center that caught my attention and that’s primarily because they provide a more holistic approach to small business owners,” Bridges said. “The Maestro Center is not offering a cookie cutter approach, it’s more of a customized approach based on what that individual business owner needs.”

In addition, Bridges believes in the importance of the small business community in San Antonio.

“I have a passion for small business development because they are the backbone of the economy,” Bridges said. “When they succeed, when you have a small business located in the city of San Antonio or Bexar County then usually that money turns to create economic development opportunities throughout the region.”

The 2019 12 Days of Giving initiative raised $16,285 and went towards Maestro programming and initiatives which is why it is such an important annual event.

Ultimately, Bridges enjoyed being part of the challenge.

“It’s fun, you’re doing it for a good cause and it’s friendly competition,” he said.

This fundraiser is possible in large part through the volunteer efforts of the 12 Days of Giving Ambassadors. The ambassadors are local business owners and figures in the small business community with diverse backgrounds.