On May 6, 2026 AVANCE–San Antonio will gather for its annual Mother of the Year Luncheon, a long-standing tradition and the organization’s largest fundraiser. The event brings together community members, partners, and supporters to celebrate the women and families making a meaningful difference across San Antonio.
This year, AVANCE–San Antonio is proud to recognize two remarkable women whose work reflects the spirit of service and impact at the heart of our mission.
Jamie Kowalski, this year’s Community Honoree, serves as Vice President of Corporate Relations at The RK Group and leads RK Cares. Through her work, she supports families across the region with thoughtful, community-driven initiatives that strengthen connections and expand opportunity.
Angela Palacios, this year’s AVANCE Honoree, is an AVANCE alumna whose journey reflects the lasting impact of our programs. After completing the Parent-Child Education Program in 1998, she continued her education while raising her family, later earning her degree. Today, she serves as a Center Supervisor with United Way, where she continues to uplift and support families in her community.
The Mother of the Year Luncheon is a time to honor stories like these—stories of growth, resilience, and leadership—and to celebrate the collective impact of a community working together. For more information visit: https://www.avancesa.org/support-us/mother-of-the-year-luncheon/