New Members Officially Sworn In As Opportunity Home Board of Commissioners
September 6, 2023
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Along with newly-elected chair Gabriel L. Lopez and current board members Gilbert Casillas and Dalia Flores Contreras, four new members were officially sworn in as Opportunity Home Board of Commissioners today during a ceremony held at the organization’s Central Office. On August 2, Lopez was elected as the board’s chairman, while the City of San Antonio Mayor’s Office announced the appointment of Estrellita Garcia-Diaz, Janet Garcia, Leilah Powell and Vincent Robinson to the board on August 11.
“We are excited to welcome Estrellita, Janet, Leilah and Vincent to our Board of Commissioners and to continue to work alongside Gabe, now as chair, to fulfill our mission of providing quality, equitable housing, programs, and resources to those we serve,” said Ed Hinojosa, Jr., Opportunity Home San Antonio President and CEO.
A native of San Antonio and local affordable housing developer, Lopez will serve as chair for at least a two-year term and oversee an existing $1 billion affordable housing pipeline in San Antonio. Lopez, who formerly served as vice chair and was first appointed to the board in 2019 and again in 2021, brings extensive housing and business development experience to the organization’s leadership.
“I look forward to working with the entire board and the organization in advancing the critical work of Opportunity Home,” said Lopez. “We will continue to strengthen our housing ecosystem partnerships, and build and cultivate our relationships with policymakers and organizations as well as community members.”
Estrellita Garcia-Diaz is the vice president, Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) officer at Jefferson Bank. As CRA officer she establishes, participates and maintains relationships with community-based, charitable and non-profit organizations to create and support community programming and initiatives focused on the fair and equitable deployment of financial education, products and services. She has more than 25 years of experience in San Antonio’s financial-services industry, predominantly serving the West, South and East sides.
Originally from El Paso, Texas, Janet Garcia attends Alamo Colleges, pursuing an Associates for a Community Health Worker degree. She is a member of the Avenida Guadalupe Association, a Community Development Corporation committed to fortifying the Guadalupe Street commercial corridor, building affordable senior communities, offering housing counseling and financial education programs to underserved populations, and honoring the roots of San Antonio’s Mexican-American Cultural Heritage. Garcia and her children are residents within Opportunity Home’s housing program.
A native San Antonian, Leilah Powell has worked in many areas of the community-development sector in San Antonio, including financial institutions such as Bank of America; non-profit organizations such as the San Antonio Housing Trust and the Brackenridge Park Conservancy; as a consultant for clients including the San Antonio River Authority, Bexar County and Trinity University; and for municipal and county government, including serving as chief of policy for two mayors. She has also served on numerous boards, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA) San Antonio, the San Antonio Section of the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association and her neighborhood association.
Vincent Robinson, originally from San Antonio’s westside, is the Pastor of Harpers Chapel Ministries, located on the Westside of San Antonio. With a successful background in the glass industry, specifically in commercial glazing, Robinson’s expertise as a former General Manager overseeing commercial development has greatly contributed to his leadership at Harpers Chapel. Beyond his pastoral duties, Vincent is deeply committed to community engagement and serves on the advisory board for Chamberlain School of Nursing, working to support and guide the next generation of healthcare professionals. As a co-chair for West End Hope in Action initiative, he actively works towards creating positive change and opportunities within the community. Additionally, he established a partnership with the Department of Human Services’ homeless division, overseeing the resource hub at Harpers Chapel to provide essential support for those in need.
The board is made up of seven commissioners. Current board members, Casillas, who replaces Lopez as vice chair, and Contreras, will remain on the board. Two resident commissioners represent the Opportunity Home community on the board. Casillas and Garcia serve as resident commissioners.