In celebration of Women’s History Month, Steptoe & Johnson presents the sixth installment of our “Women Who Inspire” series, featuring female leaders who will share reflections on women empowerment, opportunities for professional women now and in the future, and the women they have looked up to throughout their careers.
Nadege Souvenir is the CEO of the San Antonio Area Foundation where she leads an organization that stewards more than 600 charitable funds and $1.3 billion in assets. Since 1964, the Foundation has awarded more than $900 million in grants and scholarships to address opportunity gaps across the region.
Nadege was recently named to the Texas 100: Influential pros to know in 2026 and also to the 2025 South Texas Power Players by the San Antonio Business Journal. She helps shape the region’s future through civic engagement and bold philanthropic leadership. She serves on the board of UP Partnership, a collective impact organization ensuring that all young people in Bexar County are ready for the future through data-informed strategies and community collaboration.
Prior to her role at the San Antonio Area Foundation, Nadege served as COO at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation where she led operations, governance, and evaluation efforts. She also co-hosted the podcast “I So Appreciate You!” to elevate community leaders. Earlier in her career, Nadege was a litigator focused on complex commercial litigation, trademark law, employment matters, and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration, and she was named a Minnesota Super Lawyers Rising Star.
One of my greatest successes was stepping away from the practice of law. I was on track to make partner, but it became clear that my passions and the best use of my skills lay elsewhere. Some might say I took a step backward by moving into philanthropy, but it was exactly the right step forward for me.
I was drawn to philanthropy, specifically community foundations, because much like litigation, the work spans a wide range of issues, but with the added purpose of helping communities thrive. Using my legal training to support nonprofits, work with donors, and help effect positive change has been a gift. I’ve never regretted that decision, and it ultimately led me to this moment of leading the San Antonio Area Foundation, even though at the time it felt scary and counterintuitive.
My biggest advice is to trust your gut because, at the end of the day, you know yourself best. Too often, we feel bound by unwritten rules or hesitate to pursue opportunities unless we meet every qualification. But when I talk to women one-on-one, they almost always know what the right next step is. We shouldn’t be trained out of trusting that instinct.
I hate that this is still an issue. We should be paying for talent regardless of who holds it. Leadership must do better and stop taking advantage of women who are advancing. At the same time, women need to articulate their value.
Earlier in my career, I accepted less than I deserved because I was hesitant to negotiate and left things on the table. We need to advocate for ourselves, and mentors and peers need to advocate for us as well. And as women move into leadership, we have a responsibility to ensure we are not perpetuating inequities.
I’m surrounded by brilliant women all the time, and I think the opportunities are unlimited. I don’t want people to frame the outer edges of their goals. For example, where you see yourself in a few years is helpful, but it could be much bigger than that. Be open to opportunities and take risks, because you never know what the catalyst for the next thing will be.
There are several — my great-grandmother, who made an impossible choice to leave a difficult marriage. A former boss who advocated for her mentees and opened doors for me. And my daughter, who leads with empathy and kindness. Seeing kindness paired with leadership reminds me that we don’t have to lose who we are to be successful.
We have to let them in, and we have to develop them along the way. Relationships matter, and talented women need access to the same networks, sponsorship, and opportunities so that when the moment comes, the choice is obvious.
My superpower is showing up as who I am. When I stopped trying to model someone else’s leadership style, I became more grounded and authentic. Women have historically minimized themselves in the workplace, and we shouldn’t. Be who you are — that’s the version of you that will be most successful.
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