Women Making Waves
By Leslie Foley
Deepika Mittal
Photo courtesy Deepika Mittal
“My biggest goal is to build a fulfilling life for my family, raise my son with strong values, and leave the world a little better than I found it,” shared Deepika Mittal, founder of CoPlay Cove, a thoughtfully designed space that brings high-quality childcare and a flexible coworking environment together under one roof. It’s built for parents of young children who want to stay productive, connected, and present, without having to choose between work and family. At its core, it’s about creating a supportive community where both children and parents can thrive alongside each other.
The idea came to fruition by observing how many families lack a built-in support system; and while traditional childcare options are valuable, they don’t always meet the evolving needs of modern families navigating changing work structures and lifestyles. When Mittal couldn’t find a space like this in San Antonio for her own family, she felt inspired to build it. CoPlay Cove is located at 2106 E. Sonterra Blvd. near the intersection of Highway 281 and Loop 1604, inside a 10,000 square foot space. Accessibility was a key factor in choosing the location, as it allows families easy access from across the city.
“My official title is Founder, though right now I often joke that I am the ‘Chief Everything Officer,’ as I am involved in all aspects of bringing this vision to life,” stated Mittal. CoPlay Cove is designed for families with young children, from infancy through early school age, who are looking for a more flexible and supportive way to balance work and parenting. “Many of our members are working parents, whether full-time, part-time, remote, or building something of their own, who value both productivity and connection,” she explained. “This is very much a passion project, and the first of its kind in this format.”
Walking into CoPlay Cove, visitors are welcomed by a small café space that sets the tone for a warm, inviting experience. To the left is the coworking area that features a range of layouts, from private offices and quiet workspaces to open desks and meeting rooms. To the right are children’s areas for different ages and stages, along with an expansive jungle themed indoor playground. Supportive spaces on site include a nursing room, a sensory room, and a dedicated “zen room” for parents. Toward the back are flexible community and event spaces for programming and gatherings.
A community manager will oversee the coworking experience. In addition, a trained team of “Cove Guardians” will support the children throughout the day to ensure a safe, engaging environment. Membership options and pricing can be found on their website (coplaycove.com); families can sign up directly or visit in person.
Mittal shared the driving forces behind CoPlay Cove “On a personal note, my husband and I were raised in immigrant families where our parents ran small businesses to provide for us. Their work ethic and resilience have been a constant source of inspiration. Before becoming a parent, I worked in product management and really enjoyed the pace and challenge of corporate life. After having our baby in 2022, my perspective shifted as I experienced firsthand the realities of balancing work and parenting. When we couldn’t find a space that supported both, it led us to create CoPlay Cove.”
Mittal’s military life includes traveling to visit friends and family, she is dog mom to Hershey, and she enjoys Cricut crafting as a creative outlet. She is also the founder of an education nonprofit, and after launching CoPlay Cove, she hopes to dedicate more time to growing that work. Giving back — especially through education — is something that is deeply important to her family, having experienced how life-changing those opportunities can be. “I try to live with the mindset of always being a little better than I was yesterday, working hard while finding joy in the small things,” expressed Mittal.
Liz Jackson
Photo courtesy Liz Jackson
Situated along the winding paths of the San Antonio River Walk, the Briscoe Western Art Museum plays host to thousands of inquisitive visitors each year. “One of my biggest priorities is expanding awareness among both San Antonio locals and visitors,” explains Liz Jackson, President & CEO, Briscoe Western Art Museum. “I want people to understand that the Briscoe is much more than a traditional art museum; it’s a place where art, history, culture, and community come together in ways that are engaging, approachable, and deeply connected to Texas and the West.”
“This is not a museum built for somebody else, it belongs to this community. It is your Briscoe, your museum,” shares Jackson. Whether you are a lifelong supporter of the arts, a tourist visiting the River Walk, or a child stepping into a museum for the very first time, she wants visitors to feel a sense of belonging. What shapes her vision is the opportunity to create experiences that connect people emotionally, creatively, and intellectually. Sometimes that happens through a major exhibition; sometimes it happens when a child walks into a museum for the first time and sees something that sparks curiosity or imagination.
Becoming President and CEO at the Briscoe was a journey that began years earlier when Jackson was Executive Director of the Museum of the Big Bend in far West Texas. “We had a very small staff and a very lean budget, which meant there was no such thing as staying in your lane,” Jackson reminisces. “One day centered on exhibitions and collections, the next demanded troubleshooting operations, fundraising, staffing, or facilities management. You learned quickly or you fell behind.” That environment forced her to become adaptable, resourceful — comfortable making decisions without perfect conditions. Looking back, “I think that experience shaped almost everything about how I lead today at the Briscoe Western Art Museum; it taught me how to move ideas forward even when resources are tight, and how to build momentum with a team that is wearing multiple hats at once.”
“My greatest strength and the one I rely on every day as leader of the Briscoe Western Art Museum is the ability to work with people,” says Jackson. Equally important is her genuine passion for leading teams, shaping vision, setting strategy, and inspiring people to rally around something meaningful. “You have to genuinely care about people and enjoy bringing them together, whether it is staff, board members, volunteers, donors, artists, members, or visitors,” she expresses. “My role is to help connect all those people to a shared vision so everyone feels invested in the mission and the museum’s success.”
“Creativity is also one of my greatest strengths. Some days that creativity is focused on developing a fundraising strategy or shaping a major event,” notes Jackson. “Other days it is imagining a new exhibition, solving operational challenges, or finding ways to move ambitious projects forward even when there are obstacles. Museum leadership demands equal parts vision and adaptability. You have to be comfortable shifting between big-picture thinking and very practical problem-solving.”
It’s clear that she's on the right track; the results speak for themselves. Under Jackson’s leadership, the Briscoe celebrated the most successful Night of Artists Exhibition & Sale in the museum’s history. It remains the museum’s signature fundraiser and brings together artists, collectors, and patrons from across the country. The momentum from that event was tremendous, and they are carrying it directly into one of the most ambitious years the museum has ever undertaken.
Capitalizing on the momentum, this month, The Briscoe will open Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story, which marks the largest and most ambitious exhibition that has been produced to date. “I am especially excited about this project because it tells stories that have too often been overlooked," explains Jackson. The exhibition explores the roots, influence, and enduring legacy of Tejano culture through extraordinary works of art and historical artifacts drawn from one of the most significant private collections in Texas, along with loans from museums across the United States and internationally. It is a major undertaking, accompanied by a full-color bilingual catalog and planned as a traveling exhibition. The response from donors and supporters has been incredibly strong, which says a great deal about how meaningful people believe this exhibition is.
The Briscoe has also launched a major gallery renovation and expansion project: the Valerie Urschel Guenther Four Pillars Gallery. This new space, due to be completed in fall of 2026, will completely transform the visitors’ introduction to the museum. It is designed to be immersive and experiential, especially for students and first-time visitors. There will be large-scale visuals, sound, music, moving imagery, and interactive storytelling that help bring the American West to life. You will hear hoofbeats, wagon wheels, drumbeats, and layered soundscapes while surrounded by sweeping tableaus of the frontier and the cultures that shaped it. “The goal is to create a powerful introduction to the museum’s four pillars of Western art: Wildlife & the Land, Native Peoples of the Americas, Vaqueros, Tejanos & Spanish Heritage, and Cowboys & Ranching,” details Jackson. “We want visitors to feel the energy and complexity of those stories the moment they walk through the doors.”
“At the Briscoe, we’re always looking for new ways to invite people into the story of the American West—especially those who may not realize that the museum is here for them,” Jackson mentions. “We’ve worked to broaden our programming and exhibitions so there are multiple entry points for different audiences.” Someone may first visit because of a major exhibition like what they have on tap for 2026: Selena Forever / Siempre Selena or their upcoming Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story, while others discover the Briscoe through Night of Artists, family programming, free community days, workshops, or community partnerships.
Looking ahead, “We want the museum to continue growing as a cultural anchor for downtown San Antonio — a place where education, history, art, and community intersect.” Through major exhibitions, expanded programming, and new immersive experiences, the Briscoe hopes to create opportunities for people to learn, reflect, and engage with stories that deepen their understanding of both the West and themselves. Those experiences create opportunities for people to connect with the museum in personal and meaningful ways.
“One of the things I am most proud of is that the Briscoe has developed a reputation as one of the friendliest museums in the Western art world. Maybe part of that comes from being Texan, but I also believe it reflects a culture we’ve intentionally worked to build,” Jackson reflects. Hospitality matters here. Warmth matters. The Briscoe is located on the River Walk in a beautiful historic building, and offers visitors a chance to experience something uniquely Texan and authentically Western. “I want every visitor who walks through our doors to feel genuinely welcomed — not as though they’re entering an intimidating institution, but as guests we’ve been looking forward to seeing all day.”
Elise Russ
Photo courtesy Elise Russ
Tucked into a corner in the heart of Castle Hills, Clementine has become far more than a neighborhood favorite — it’s one of San Antonio’s most beloved dining destinations. Since opening in January 2018, the family-owned eatery has earned a loyal following through thoughtful hospitality, inventive cuisine, and the kind of genuine community connection that can’t be manufactured.
“I love being part of the Castle Hills community, and credit much of Clementine’s success to both our location and the incredible neighborhood that has supported us over the years,” says co-owner and pastry chef Elise Russ.
Word-of-mouth praise, glowing social media posts, and enthusiastic recommendations from devoted diners and wine enthusiasts have helped propel the restaurant into the spotlight. Visitors from out of town quickly find out what the locals already know — Google top restaurants in San Antonio, and Clementine quickly rises to the top — and for good reason.
At the heart of the restaurant is a commitment to authenticity. Rather than chasing trends, Elise and her husband, co-owner and chef John Russ, focus on creating an experience that feels thoughtful, welcoming, and true to who they are. That philosophy translates into an ever-evolving menu, seasonal dishes, and curated dining experiences that keep guests returning with anticipation for what’s next.
“The goal is to keep Clementine feeling dynamic and welcoming while staying true to the creativity and hospitality that has defined us from the beginning,” Elise explains.
“I find inspiration in a variety of places, and it often comes from a mix of experiences rather than a single source,” shares Elise. “Travel is especially meaningful for me, as it offers a fresh perspective on how food is approached in different regions and cultures, often sparking new ideas when I return home.” She also loves cookbooks, food magazines, and Instagram, which help her discover techniques and flavor combinations she might not have considered before. Within the restaurant, her staff plays a big role as well, constantly bringing forward ideas, asking questions, and pushing her to experiment with new ingredients and methods, which keeps everyone learning and evolving. “In addition, our purveyors and local farmers are a constant source of inspiration,” states Elise. “The seasonal ingredients and unique products they offer throughout the year naturally guide and shape much of what we create.”
Operating and overseeing Clementine is ongoing, and requires consistency and adaptability. “I’m also very proud of building and sustaining a restaurant that has now been open for eight years. Navigating the challenges of COVID and the ongoing realities of the industry has required resilience, and I’m grateful for how far we’ve come,” explains Elise. “I don’t see us replicating Clementine in another location; that said, we are always open to new opportunities, whether that means consulting, collaborating, or being involved in projects that bring something meaningful and exciting to our city,” she adds. “San Antonio has such a vibrant and growing culinary scene, and we would love to explore new ideas and creative partnerships as time allows in the future.”
Clementine became much more intentional about supporting organizations that directly impact the local community, especially the people and groups who supported restaurants like theirs during difficult times. “Recently we hosted an industry night featuring red beans and rice, and invited guests to donate to the San Antonio Food Bank’s Summer Meals for Kids program,” shares Elise. Over the past year, they also partnered closely with CASA and Roy Maas Youth Alternatives, and they continue to search for thoughtful ways to support other charities and their important work.
A couple of summers ago, Clementine went through an especially challenging season, which propelled the team to create new events and experiences — not only to energize the staff, but also to offer both regulars and new guests fresh reasons to visit. Since then, they have had a great time experimenting with different concepts, including wine tastings, Slice Swaps, themed dinners such as Halloween and Day of the Dead events, tea parties, artist collaborations with Clay & Cuisine, and oysters on the patio. Looking ahead, Elise hopes to continue building on the foundation that has made Clementine a standout in San Antonio’s dining scene, acknowledging that these experiences allow them to connect with the community in creative and meaningful ways.
Elise believes that maintaining balance is an ongoing process, and while the restaurant industry often consists of long hours and the need for constant attention, she has learned the importance of making time for family and volunteerism. One of the accomplishments she is most proud of is serving on the board of Les Dames d’Escoffier International as a Chapter Board Liaison. “Being part of such an inspiring and accomplished community of women has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and has allowed me to contribute to the organization on a larger level,” beams Elise. The most important among Elise’s greatest accomplishments however, is being mother to three amazing children. Balancing work and family is something she is continually working on; running a restaurant is demanding, and it takes a conscious effort to ensure that the challenges of work don’t carry over into time with her children.
“One of the best decisions we made was intentionally closing the restaurant on Sundays and Mondays and limiting lunch service to once a month so we could prioritize time together as a family,” shares Elise. “Having children naturally creates balance because it reminds you that there is a full life outside of work that deserves your attention.” And husband time too! At home, cooking is definitely a shared effort. Elise laughs, “I handle the menu planning and grocery lists, while John takes care of the shopping and happily serves as her prep cook — he chops garlic much better than I do!” And you might wonder what Elise enjoys eating? “One of my favorite dishes is a simple garlic pasta — especially when the pasta is handmade by my husband. I love it loaded with garlic, good olive oil, and a mountain of parmesan cheese.”
If for some reason, you haven’t ventured into Castle Hills lately, what are you waiting for? Choose the signature Feed Me option, inquire about the popular Slice Swaps, participate in a themed dinner; or better yet, sign up on their mailing list for monthly collaborations, offerings to explore new flavors, tantalize your tastebuds, and become part of the community regardless of where you reside. “This city continues to embrace us, and we are grateful to be able to do what we love while contributing to the growing food culture. It’s something I will never take for granted. Bon appétit!”
Evita Morin
Photo courtesy Evita Morin
Strategist, social worker, nonprofit leader, American culture buff, jazz singer, photographer, actress, mother, wife, and business partner — meet the ever-evolving Evita Morin.
Morin was drawn to service and leadership since high school: head of student council, drum major, school newspaper editor, and class president, which helped pave the way to Columbia University in New York City, where she studied American history and the impact of urban systems on culture and heritage. “I worked for Mayor Michael Bloomberg as a media analyst, which taught me how civic duty, emergency response, communications, free press, and democracy play a part in the environments we often take for granted,” she explained. “It was an education in the interplay between institutions and advocacy, and it shaped how I think about organizational leadership to this day.”
Morin returned home and served at Haven for Hope under the mentorship of philanthropic business titans Bill Greehey and Harvey Najim, experiencing the remarkable privilege of helping build what became the nation's largest transformational campus for people experiencing homelessness. “Being part of building that model from the inside, and watching it become a national reference point for how cities can address homelessness with both scale and humanity is something I carry with me every day,” she shared. An added plus — it was there that she met her husband Jude, who helped build Haven for Hope’s data infrastructure.
What followed was a new mission — Rise Recovery, which transformed not only Morin, but San Antonio. She explained, “We opened San Antonio's first recovery high school, a solution for young people falling through the cracks because they previously lacked the behavioral health support needed to succeed in school. We also launched the city's first public Narcan vending machine during the opioid epidemic, a small but mighty innovation offering parents and grandparents free overdose reversal medicine for their children and grandchildren exposed to fentanyl. And, just before I transitioned to MorinCo, we opened the doors to San Antonio's only youth treatment program that accepts Medicaid.” Morin detailed, “Though the work was demanding, I was purposely fueled by two huge facts: we were creating hope where none previously existed, and we were demonstrating an innovative solution to reducing major community issues like youth dropout rates, justice involvement, and homelessness.”
Fifteen years in the field made Morin realize she was not just in love with a singular mission, but with mission-driven work of all kinds. She elucidated, “Between running Rise Recovery and raising our family, I started giving my time to the broader nonprofit ecosystem: chairing the Leadership Development Committee at the Nonprofit Council, serving on the Masters Leadership Program board, joining the Rotary Club, Leadership San Antonio, and Impact SA. In those spaces, something became clear. What I had spent years learning, how to run the business of mission-driven work and scale with soul, was exactly what other mission-driven organizations around me needed too.” Morin shared, “Stepping into MorinCo full time feels less like a career change and more like arriving at a natural next step.”
MorinCo equips mission-driven organizations with the tools to grow and the skills to thrive. Every engagement undertaken is anchored to that ethos. In practice, it means working with leaders who are spending significant energy in a reactive state: managing crises that a clearer system would have prevented, leading teams with passion but without the organizational structure to channel it, or operating without the data or strategy they need to make confident decisions and demonstrate impact. Jude brings deep technical expertise as both a software engineer and nonprofit IT advocate, and Morin provides organizational development, executive coaching, and strategic leadership. Together they address the whole picture, the people and the systems, in a way neither of them could alone. “MorinCo grew out of a real-world partnership, built on real-world experience, for leaders navigating exactly what we have navigated ourselves,” explained Morin.
Most organizations can find a technology consultant or a leadership coach. Finding both, fluent in the same language and working toward the same goal, is much harder. That is what MorinCo is. “As a Certified Scale Architect and Certified Executive Coach, I am trained in research-based frameworks for moving organizations through every stage of sustainable growth, and in designing the relationships and moments that make that growth possible, with funders, civic leaders, strategic partners, and the communities they serve,” explained Morin. “I’ll be the guide who sits alongside you, speaks your language, and helps you build something sustainable.” She further detailed, “I want San Antonio to be a city that can comprehensively serve and care for its people, its neighborhoods, and its businesses. We have every reason to be that city.”
“I am not coming into this chapter with the posture of someone who has it all figured out,” stated Morin. “I am coming in as someone who has sat in my own pilot seat, who has felt the weight of trying to lead something meaningful without the right tools, and who came out the other side with something worth sharing. This city deserves more of that kind of partnership, and I intend to spend my time here offering it.”
In closing, Morin shared her hopes for the future, “I want to be able to say that less people are going outside San Antonio to get the resources they want and need, that we have the best of the best right here. What I want other leaders in this sector to know, especially the ones who came up through the work the way I did, is that the difficulty you experience learning the business side of mission-driven leadership is not a sign you can’t do this. Resources are just not always built for us. And the turbulence you feel, it’s likely a normal side effect of good growth that just needs to stabilize. That is a solvable problem. It is, in fact, the problem I want to help us solve together as a sector.” ■
More information can be found at morinco.net
