Women in Leadership: A Conversation on Courage, Collaboration, and Community

At the March 19 luncheon of the Rotary Club of San Antonio, members and guests gathered for a dynamic panel discussion featuring four accomplished leaders: Cris Daskevich, CEO of CHRISTUS CHILDREN'S and a senior leader in maternal services; Jamie Kowalski, Vice President of Corporate Relations at The RK Group; Jennifer Browning Shemwell, CEO of Phyllis Browning Company; and Grace Uwizeye-Allen, Founder and CEO of Graceful Etiquette®. Together, they brought diverse perspectives shaped by careers in healthcare, business, real estate, and professional development, offering insights on leadership, mentorship, and the power of community.

From leading major healthcare initiatives to shaping corporate philanthropy, building a premier real estate firm, and guiding individuals in professional presence, each speaker exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and impact.

Leadership Rooted in Purpose and Authenticity

Throughout the conversation, a common theme emerged: leadership begins with authenticity. Cris Daskevich reflected on the importance of listening to one’s inner voice and stepping forward when called to lead. Her journey—from early leadership roles in school to building a children’s healthcare system in San Antonio—underscored the value of purpose-driven leadership.

Grace Uwizeye-Allen reinforced this idea by emphasizing alignment between belief and action. She noted that effective leaders must genuinely believe in what they communicate, as teams quickly recognize when authenticity is lacking. Her experiences highlighted the importance of self-awareness and operating within one’s purpose to create meaningful impact.

Leading by Example and Lifting Others

Panelists also emphasized that leadership is demonstrated through action. Jamie Kowalski shared how her early experience as a teacher shaped her approach—modeling behavior, showing up consistently, and doing the work alongside her team. That philosophy continues to guide her leadership in business and community engagement.

Jennifer Browning Shemwell spoke to the influence of mentorship, particularly the example set by her mother. She highlighted the importance of paying that mentorship forward by coaching others, fostering empathy, and cultivating professionalism within her organization.

Across the panel, there was strong agreement that great leaders invest in people—whether by mentoring, empowering teams, or creating environments where others can succeed.

Collaboration, Resilience, and the Human Connection

The discussion also explored the realities of leadership challenges. From navigating high-pressure environments to overcoming assumptions and biases, each speaker shared how resilience and adaptability play a critical role in success.

Daskevich pointed to collaboration as a cornerstone of transformation, noting that meaningful progress happens when organizations and communities work together. Uwizeye-Allen added that emotional intelligence—reading the room, understanding people, and finding common ground—is essential in bridging differences and building trust.

In closing, the panel offered a powerful reminder: leadership is ultimately about people. Whether casting a vision, solving problems, or building relationships, the most impactful leaders are those who prioritize connection, communicate clearly, and lift others along the way.