Bonnie Prosser-Elder

General Counsel, VIA Metropolitan Transit

Bonnie Prosser Elder

Bonnie Prosser Elder serves as General Counsel and Senior Vice President for VIA Metropolitan Transit, overseeing legal services, risk management, and claims for San Antonio’s transportation system. With over 25 years of public sector experience, she is a former chair of the American Public Transit Association Legal Affairs Committee and a frequent lecturer on government ethics.

Bonnie has extensive expertise in public administration, litigation management, intergovernmental relations, and ethical considerations for public and private matters. She is deeply involved in civic and professional organizations, including the San Antonio Bar Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame.

A San Antonio native, Bonnie earned her BA and Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin. She is married to Dr. Edward Carl Elder, and together they have a daughter, Marissa Brooke Elder, an attorney in Washington, D.C.

Chris Sherman

Regional President & Head of Corporate Banking, PNC Bank

Chris Sherman is the Regional President and Head of Corporate Banking for PNC Bank in San Antonio, Texas. With over 15 years of experience in the banking industry, he is responsible for delivering PNC’s comprehensive banking services to meet the needs of customers and communities throughout the San Antonio region.

Sherman played a pivotal role in PNC’s expansion into the Texas market, particularly following the bank’s acquisition of BBVA USA in 2021. He oversaw the transition of BBVA branches in San Antonio to the PNC brand, significantly enhancing the bank’s presence in the area.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Sherman is actively involved in the San Antonio community. He serves on the Board of Investors for the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of South Texas, the Advisory Board for the United Way of Bexar County, and the Board of Governors for UT Health Mays Cancer Center.

In 2024, Sherman was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Valero Alamo Bowl, further demonstrating his commitment to community engagement and development.

Originally from Massachusetts and raised in North Carolina, Sherman relocated to San Antonio in 2014. His leadership continues to contribute to PNC’s growth and integration within the San Antonio market.

Rex & Deborah Amini

Community Philanthropists

Rex and Deborah Amini are esteemed residents of San Antonio, Texas, and are recognized for their professional achievements and extensive philanthropic contributions, particularly in education and community development.

Philanthropic Endeavors

Together, Rex and Deborah have significantly impacted both local and international communities. Their philanthropic efforts include supporting a group of women in Rwanda to expand a soap-making factory, ensuring sustainable and accountable use of resources.

In San Antonio, they have been honored as the 2022 Idealists of the Year by City Year San Antonio, recognizing their commitment to educational equity and support for students.

Their dedication to community service and philanthropy continues to inspire and effect positive change, reinforcing their roles as influential figures in San Antonio’s development and beyond.

ICON Talks

Dr. Rudyard Hilliard, MD

Dr. Rudyard Hilliard is a practicing emergency medicine physician and partner at Physicians Premier Emergency Group in San Antonio, Texas. He co-founded Alamo Healthcare Partners LLC, focusing on improving healthcare access in underserved areas, including the development of the Cibolo Medical Office building, a regional hub for emergency and multispecialty care.

As co-founder and president of the Icon to Ican Charitable Foundation, Dr. Hilliard champions mentorship and empowerment programs for underserved communities in San Antonio and beyond. The foundation collaborates with partners like Microsoft and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to support HBCU students nationwide.

Currently, he serves as President of the CA Whittier Medical Society, advocating for healthcare equity and diversity in medicine. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Methodist Healthcare Ministries and supports various charitable initiatives across Texas.

Dr. Hilliard earned his MD from the University of Texas at Galveston and a BS in Biology from Howard University.

ICON Talks

John W.W. Hartsfield

John W.W. Hartsfield is a dedicated social philanthropist with expertise in nonprofit, business, and community leadership. Raised in El Paso, Texas, John learned the values of integrity and leadership through sports, serving as captain of the Louisiana College basketball team and translating those lessons into his professional and community contributions.

As co-founder of Icon Talks, a national platform celebrating leadership and empowerment, John has collaborated with notable figures like Chaka Khan, TI, and Omari Hardwick to share impactful stories. He also co-founded Icon to Ican, a nonprofit focused on fostering equity in Black and Brown communities through initiatives like mentorship programs, basketball camps, and community events.

John’s community involvement extends to serving on several nonprofit boards, including Breaking Down Walls and Plant A Seed. His commitment to youth development and connecting leaders with at-risk children has made a lasting impact in San Antonio and beyond.

John lives in San Antonio with his wife, Melissa, and their son, Preston, instilling the values of community and leadership through personal action.

ICON Talks

Mike Burns

Mike Burns is a seasoned executive, coach, and former Army Officer with over 30 years of experience in strategic leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion, culture transformation, and organizational behavior.

As the Co-Founder of The Burns Brothers, Inc., Mike leads a culture-driven agency that designs data-informed strategies to create lasting impact. Previously, he served as Chief Diversity Officer at Conduent, where he also managed a nearly $1B business line with 25,000 employees worldwide. He has also held leadership roles at Citigroup and the award-winning tech startup Medical Information Records LLC.

Mike’s 13-year military career included roles as a helicopter pilot, civil-military advisor, and Head of Diversity Recruitment at West Point, leading over 100 soldiers in impactful operations.

With degrees from West Point, Notre Dame, and Webster University, and training as a Columbia University Executive Coach, Mike is passionate about helping people and organizations align their values and goals to solve complex challenges.

ICON Talks

John Burns

John Burns, co-founder of ICON Talks, is a distinguished attorney, TV/radio personality, and community leader with over 20 years of experience in cultural marketing, event activations, and brand positioning. A Georgetown University Law Center graduate, John has built a career at the intersection of law, entertainment, and social impact.

As co-founder of The Burns Brothers agency, John drives initiatives that blend marketing, diversity, and culture to create lasting change. Through ICON Talks, a speaker series featuring icons across industries, John has interviewed and celebrated luminaries like Chaka Khan, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Common.

A passionate philanthropist, he co-founded the Icon to Ican Foundation, inspiring children with life-threatening conditions.

Major Taylor Cycling Club of SA

The Dr Linda J. Holley Honorees

The Major Taylor Cycling Club of San Antonio (MTCCSA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to promoting healthy living through cycling and active community involvement. As an associated club of The Major Taylor Association, MTCCSA honors the legacy of Marshall “Major” Taylor, the pioneering African-American cyclist and 1899 world champion, by fostering diversity and inclusivity in the sport.

Established in 2020, MTCCSA comprises members of all ages, cycling disciplines, and skill levels. The club organizes a variety of rides and events, ranging from leisurely trips for beginners to challenging routes for seasoned cyclists. Notably, MTCCSA hosts the annual All Cities Ride, inviting Major Taylor Clubs from across Texas and beyond to experience San Antonio’s unique charm while promoting camaraderie among cyclists.

MTCCSA is committed to community service, using cycling as a vehicle to reach out to less fortunate communities. The club’s mission includes honoring Major Taylor’s legacy by recognizing his achievements, strength of character, and sportsmanship, while promoting a healthy lifestyle and fostering a sense of community among cyclists.

Through its dedication to cycling and community engagement, MTCCSA continues to inspire individuals to embrace the sport and uphold the values exemplified by Major Taylor.

Black Girls Do Bike of San Antonio

The Dr Linda J. Holley Honorees

Black Girls Do Bike (BGDB) is a national organization dedicated to promoting cycling among women of color, fostering a supportive community for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The San Antonio chapter, established on June 11, 2015, by Sheroes Karen Leija and Tina Beecham, embodies this mission by organizing regular rides and events that cater to various skill levels.

The chapter’s activities range from leisurely rides to more challenging routes, ensuring inclusivity for all participants. They maintain an active presence on social media, particularly through their Facebook group, where members can find information on upcoming rides, events, and engage in discussions related to cycling.

BGDB San Antonio collaborates with local organizations to promote cycling safety and education. For instance, they have partnered with Bike San Antonio to produce informative content, such as the “Trail Riding 101” video, which offers guidance on safe practices for trail riding.

Through these efforts, Black Girls Do Bike: San Antonio continues to empower women of color to embrace cycling, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates health, fitness, and camaraderie.