During the early '80's in San Antonio, more and more women were moving into professional careers and advancing into top management. However, the traditional "service" clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, Jaycees, etc.) were open only to men. A small group of professional women decided it was time to start a club that would give themselves and other women new opportunities to make business contacts. Each of the founding members sought out women in various professions to join their ranks. Today's format of informal visiting, self-introductions and outstanding speakers proved to be very popular and the club grew rapidly. In just a few years, membership grew to 40 women. The Texas recession of the later '80's hit The Oakes Club hard, and the group dwindled to about 25 women. By the mid '90's, it was clear that an effort had to be made to keep the group vital and growing. Spearheaded by Linda Elliott, membership grew once again and the club regained energy. Today, The Oakes Club includes almost 60 members from diverse professions — and we're still growing strong!
The Oakes Club celebrated a successful year with a gathering at Paloma Blanca. Good food, open bar, and the joy of gathering to celebrate one another made for a memorable evening. The evening also honored the transition from the 2022 Board and President, Rebecca Helterbrand, to the 2023 Board and President, Velma Kemp. A year … More December 4, 2022 Holiday Party
The November Oakes Club speakers addressed a topic that has been requested by our members and is a part of our daily headlines – mental health. Once the speakers were introduced, the members’ luncheon conversations halted to listen, learn, and understand the epidemic our community and nation is facing. The speakers included Eric Estrada, executive … More November 3, 2022
The Oakes Club members returned to the Petroleum Club for a members-only meeting. Past President Mary Stefl shared details of the history and founding of the Oakes Club. Three women, Harriett Helmle, Carol Newman and Stephanie Coleman Ramsey, were frustrated by their inability to join existing professional organizations in San Antonio. In the early … More October 6, 2022
Oakes Club members enjoyed a return to the Petroleum Club. The packed luncheon featured guest speaker Bianca Rhodes, CEO of Knight Aerospace. Knight Aerospace has created self-contained mobile medical units that roll on or off C-130 cargo planes. With contracts ranging from Australia to the Middle East, Knight Aerospace was recently awarded multiple R&D grants … More September 1, 2022
The Oakes Club participated in a field trip to the Texas Research & Technology Foundation (TRTF), which is the home of the Innovation District on the Eastside. Members learned about the multiple nonprofit subsidiaries of TRTF, including VelocityTX, which is an incubator/accelerator for bioscience and healthcare entities, Alamo Angels, which is an investing hub, and … More August 4, 2022 Meeting
The Oakes Club normally does not host a luncheon in July due to busy travel schedules, yet our membership has been keen to stay connected. The Program Committee created a “July Social” for members to participate, and it was widely attended. Many members invited guests and the influx of new faces, combined with longtime friends … More July 7, 2022 Social
The Oakes Club members returned to the Petroleum Club in June. Vinsen Farias, CEO of Meals on Wheels was the presenter. Members learned that Meals on Wheels delivers over one million healthy, nutritious meals annually, serving over 6,000 adults, primarily through a volunteer network. Meals this past week were delivered to individuals ranging in age … More June 2, 2022 Meeting
The Oakes Club members enjoyed a private event at the San Antonio Cooking School located at H-E-B’s Central Market. The menu was a tribute to Julia Childs, with a salad lyonnaise, Florentine crepes, potatoes gratin with ham and of course – creme brulee! Three different chefs showcased their skills in front of the group by … More May 5, 2022 Meeting
The Oakes Club members had their first outing of the year, with a private tour of the Black Cowboys: An American Story exhibit at the Witte Museum. Velma Kemp, Oakes Club incoming President for 2023 served on a Steering Committee that curated and created this exhibit, which reveals that one in four cowboys was Black. … More April 7, 2022 Meeting
Oakes Club members filled the room at the Petroleum Club, and several guests joined us at the March meeting. The meeting room was buzzing with laughter, a sense of fellowship, and gratitude for once again being in each other’s presence. Member updates and news included: Congratulations were in order for member Christine Hortick, who won … More March 3, 2022 Meeting
The Oakes Club 