On May 21, 2026, the United Corpus Christi Chamber Foundation in partnership with Leadership Corpus Christi Alumni Association proudly celebrated the graduation of Leadership Corpus Christi Class 54,  a remarkable group of emerging and established leaders who have spent the past year strengthening their knowledge of our community, building meaningful relationships, and deepening their commitment to servant leadership.

Leadership Corpus Christi was established in 1972 by the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce and has grown into one of the longest-running leadership programs in Texas. Today, through the United Corpus Christi Chamber Foundation, the program continues its mission of developing informed, engaged leaders who understand both the opportunities and challenges facing the Coastal Bend.

This year’s graduating class represents some of the most driven and community-minded professionals in Corpus Christi. In remarks delivered during the graduation ceremony, United Corpus Christi Chamber Board Chair Anna Aldridge, and Leadership Corpus Christi Class 26 alumna, highlighted just how competitive the program has become. Class 54 received nearly 75 applications, while the upcoming Class 55 drew almost 90 applicants;  a reflection of the program’s reputation and the caliber of leaders seeking to be part of it.

“Being selected for this program is an accomplishment in itself,” Aldridge shared during her remarks. “Each of you should be proud to be part of a program so many professionals aspire to join.”

As a graduate of Leadership Corpus Christi herself, Aldridge encouraged the class to view graduation not as the finish line, but as the beginning of a deeper commitment to the community. “Completing Leadership Corpus Christi is not just about finishing a program,  it’s about beginning something,” she said. “It’s the start of a deeper connection to this community, to its challenges, and to the people who are working every day to move it forward.”

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Throughout the program year, Class 54 participated in immersive sessions focused on key community issues, leadership development, and civic engagement. Through behind-the-scenes conversations, hands-on experiences, and relationship-building opportunities, participants gained valuable perspectives on how collaboration and informed leadership help shape a stronger Corpus Christi.

Aldridge also challenged graduates to remain involved long after the program ends by staying engaged with the Chamber, supporting initiatives that strengthen the region, and continuing to build upon the relationships formed throughout the year.

The United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Foundation congratulates the following graduates of Leadership Corpus Christi Class 54:

• Ashley Babbitt, Shoreline Title Company
• Luis F. Buentello, Education Service Center Region 2
• Gricelda Calzada, AEP Texas
• Janet Fonseca, Bay Vascular Surgery
• Gloria A. Fuentes, United Corpus Christi Chamber
• Cesar Gracia, Corpus Christi Army Depot
• Aaron O. Garcia, Goodwill Industries of South Texas
• Aubrey Garza, Valero 
• Maria Gomez Molina, CDS Muery
• Grace Gonzalez, The Miracle League of Corpus Christi
• Lacey Guzman, Flour Bluff ISD
• John Hanzalik, TFW Construction
• Karen Harris, The Rise School of Corpus Christi 
• Kyle Hooper, Pillar Engineering, LLC
• Jonathan Larson, American Bank
• Kristen Martinez, Splendid Aviation
• Breanna Martinez, Visit Phoenix
• Dr. Renita Newton, Seattle University
• Arcilia Padron, OakView Group Management 
• Emilia Phillips, The Swell Studio
• Lauren Pinkston, Port of Corpus Christi 
• Michael Romel, Corpus Christi Medical Center
• Rhaeann C. Stark, Sunset Island
• Carla Falconi Swallow, Texas State Aquarium
• Krisaudra Tovar, Boys & Girls Club of the Coastal Bend 
• Dr. Kristy Urbrick, Del Mar College
• Grace Welply, Cenikor Foundation
• Matthew Wesson, TAMUCC – Autonomy Research Institute
• Mearl Wisehart IV, Pape Dawson Engineers

The evening also included a special recognition of Ken Trevino, Leadership Corpus Christi Class 27, who was honored as the Leadership Corpus Christi Alumni Association’s 2026 Alumnus of the Year. This award recognizes alumni who exemplify outstanding leadership, community involvement, and continued dedication to the mission and spirit of Leadership Corpus Christi.

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Congratulations to Ken on this well-deserved recognition and for the impact he continues to make throughout the Coastal Bend community.

The Foundation also extends its appreciation to Class 54 General Chair Sammie Elizabeth Ramón, the Steering Committee, mentors, alumni, sponsors, and the Leadership Corpus Christi Alumni Association for dedicating their time and leadership to making Class 54 a success.

As these graduates join the growing network of more than 1,600 Leadership Corpus Christi alumni, the future of Corpus Christi remains bright. Their passion, leadership, and commitment to service will continue shaping the Coastal Bend for years to come.

Congratulations, Leadership Corpus Christi Class 54,  your community is proud of you, and your leadership journey is just beginning.

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