Mavens Talk

Maven Collaborative

This is Mavens Talk: where women lead, and stories inspire.

  1. Mavens Talk: Asia Ciaravino & Dawn Cole

    4 DAYS AGO

    Mavens Talk: Asia Ciaravino & Dawn Cole

    Asia Ciaravino returns to Maven Talks, joined by Dawn Cole, Board Chair of the historic San Pedro Playhouse. Together, they offer a candid look at leadership, storytelling, and what it takes to guide one of San Antonio’s most iconic cultural institutions into the future. With more than two decades in nonprofit and arts leadership, Asia has built a career rooted in community-driven work and creative vision. Dawn, Group Manager of CEO Communications at Whataburger, brings experience spanning education, television, and corporate communications—offering a powerful lens on governance, brand, and leadership. Together, they share what it takes to build a CEO–Board partnership grounded in trust, purpose, and shared vision. A conversation about vision, collaboration, and why the arts continue to matter in building strong communities.

    1h 1m
  2. Mavens Talk: Susan Thompson

    26 JAN

    Mavens Talk: Susan Thompson

    On this episode of Maven Talks, we sit down with Susan Steves Thompson, Executive Director of the Hemisfair Conservancy and a lifelong San Antonian whose career spans more than 30 years in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. From leading transformational work at AVANCE–San Antonio and the San Antonio Area Foundation to stewarding a bold vision for Hemisfair today, Susan brings deep perspective on what it takes to build community through place. With personal ties to HemisFair ’68, she shares how legacy, sustainability, and inclusivity are shaping the future of one of our city’s most meaningful gathering spaces—and why public spaces matter now more than ever.

    50 min
  3. Mavens Talk: Ceslie Armstrong

    13 JAN

    Mavens Talk: Ceslie Armstrong

    Happy New Year! We kick the second season of Mavens Talk with a rock star guest, Ceslie Armstrong. From LA to NYC to San Antonio, Ceslie is an award-winning producer, publisher, speaker, and curator. She is a San Antonio native and nationally recognized leader in media and entertainment. With a 25+ year career, Ceslie has built an impressive portfolio as CEO of CESLIE Studios, Women in Film & Television Texas, and as the founding executive producer of The Celestial Awards™ and the Texas Media+Entertainment Summit™.

    1h 8m
  4. Mavens Talk: Jaselyn Blanchard and Emily Baucum

    16/12/2025

    Mavens Talk: Jaselyn Blanchard and Emily Baucum

    On this episode, we were thrilled to welcome two powerful San Antonio storytellers shaping the city’s cultural legacy: Jaselyn Blanchard and Emily Baucum. Jaselyn is the Executive Director of the Majestic Empire Foundation. Emily is the Associate Director of Public Relations for The Alamo and host of Stories Bigger Than Texas. Together, we talk about the importance of friendship, community, and protecting San Antonio's legacy.

    55 min
  5. Mavens Talk: Joanna Weidman and Marian Suarez

    08/12/2025

    Mavens Talk: Joanna Weidman and Marian Suarez

    Two powerhouse women who shaped some of the strongest workplace cultures in San Antonio.On this week’s Maven Talks, Joanna Weidman and Marian Suarez share their journeys, leadership lessons, and the communication habits that set great teams apart.

    55 min
  6. Mavens Talk: Mel Zarb Cousin

    01/12/2025

    Mavens Talk: Mel Zarb Cousin

    In this inspiring episode, Mel Zarb-Cousin takes us from her first moment on the Magik Theatre stage at age 14 to her return decades later as its first Managing Director. She shares how those early experiences ignited a passion for the arts, how her path through youth-focused nonprofits shaped her leadership, and why this role feels like the perfect blend of purpose and passion. Mel talks about dreaming big for Magik’s future and what it means to lead a beloved downtown institution into its next chapter. This conversation is full of heart, vision, and the magic of coming full circle.

    40 min
  7. Mavens Talk: Laura Vaccaro

    22/11/2025

    Mavens Talk: Laura Vaccaro

    In this episode, we sit down with Laura Vaccaro to explore her remarkable journey from healthcare leadership to Valero’s global learning and corporate philanthropy teams, and now to the helm of the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation. Laura shares the pivotal moments and inspirational women who shaped her path, the values that fuel her work, and the “why” behind her commitment to strengthening the community. A fierce advocate for women, she talks candidly about stepping outside your comfort zone, saying yes to opportunities, and recognizing the power that comes from leaders who believe in you. This conversation is equal parts wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration.

    51 min
  8. Mavens Talk: Ashley Landers

    21/10/2025

    Mavens Talk: Ashley Landers

    On this episode of Maven Talks, we sit down with Ashley Landers, CEO of Texas Creative, to explore how brand strategy and leadership collide in the nonprofit world. Ashley shares the pivotal moments that shaped her path, the power of culture and storytelling in purpose-driven work, and what’s next for brands striving to make an impact.

    48 min
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About

This is Mavens Talk: where women lead, and stories inspire.

Information

  • Creator
    Maven Collaborative
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Mavens Talk