CEO Column | Goodwill Empowers Woman in the Workforce

In 1936, Lucy Hill Cunningham—a local civic and community leader—advocated to bring Goodwill to San Antonio. Upon hearing a radio interview with Goodwill Industries founder Dr. Edgar J. Helms, who spoke to the organization’s mission and purpose in helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency through workforce development, she wasted little time in taking the necessary steps to make her dream a reality.

Cunningham wrote directly to Dr. Helms to express her interest in establishing a Goodwill chapter locally and invited him to speak at the Woman’s Club of San Antonio in March 1937. Her goal was clear: educate local influencers, spark community support, and lay the groundwork to make Goodwill of San Antonio a reality. Although her vision would not be fully realized for another nine years, her advocacy planted the seed that ultimately led to the establishment of the nonprofit organization in 1945.

This legacy reminds us that Goodwill was inspired by a woman who saw possibility where others may not have. Today, we honor that legacy by continuing to invest in women as leaders, innovators, and essential contributors to our workforce. From frontline team members to executive leadership, women make up 59% of Goodwill San Antonio’s workforce, 50% representation on our Board of Directors, and 55% of the leadership team. In 2025, 68% of Goodwill Academy students were women who trusted our staff and faculty to teach them the knowledge and skills necessary to create a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones.

According to the Texas Women’s Foundation, women represent 46% of the Texas workforce, playing a pivotal role in driving the state’s $2.4 trillion economy. With women heavily representing the healthcare sector, our work is clear: invest in career training and education dedicated to high-growth and workforce-shortage areas. Through our Academy, participants are able to access certified career training to become Pharmacy Technicians, Medical Assistants, and Nurse’s Aides at no cost.

Since the beginning, we have been dedicated to fostering an environment where all people have access to career training, leadership development, and opportunities for advancement. We work every day to help individuals overcome obstacles, build confidence, and achieve economic independence. Women’s History Month is not just about honoring the past; it’s about shaping the future. As we celebrate this month, we do so with gratitude for the women who paved the way to ensure the next generation of women leaders has every opportunity to succeed.

Carlos J. Contreras III is President & CEO at Goodwill San Antonio.

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