Alumni Awards

Sabrina San Miguel '16 '19 is a lifelong storyteller who uses the written word not only to express her feelings and thoughts but also to support the San Antonio community and champion social change. Born and raised in Denver Heights on the city’s east side, she holds a B.A. in English and Gender Studies and an M.A. in English.  

As director of development at the American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions (AITSCM) she oversees fundraising, communications and marketing for the nonprofit, which helps preserve and protect the culture and traditions of the Native American tribes and other indigenous people who resided in the Spanish colonial missions.  

“We are the second-largest Native American center in Texas,” said San Miguel.

Moreover, the organization spearheads an initiative that promotes responsible fatherhood by helping males and fathers achieve greater self-esteem and better awareness of their responsibilities to their families and community. Many of the men the AITSCM serves are perpetrators of family abuse and neglect and are often caught up in the court system.  

“We offer classes and training on issues like harm reduction and help these men work through the issues that they’re dealing with,” she said. “Oftentimes, they arrive with their arms crossed. They don’t want to be here. But the moment they're around other men, and they’re allowed to be vulnerable, it can be a transformational experience. I make sure that we're telling these profound, impactful stories about how we're helping families and communities.”  

Outside of work, San Miguel is a prolific poet. Her work has been published in such high-profile publications as the Los Angeles Times. She’s also working on two books. One is a collection of short stories, and the other is a book of poetry.  

She said much of her poetry is about intergenerational trauma, as well as how sisterhood can serve as a form of healing. She experienced this first-hand at the University, where, after she earned her master’s, she worked as a development and annual giving officer.  

“I was dealing with my own trauma, and I grew really close to a lot of women in my cohort at A&M-San Antonio,” she said. “Even though we were from very different backgrounds, we had a lot of similar experiences, and we were there for each other to work through our issues.”  

San Miguel said her professors at the University also left an indelible mark. She recounts a story of working on her final graduate research project. She was dealing with a domestic issue and had to bring one of her children to her class presentation.  

“I gave that presentation with a baby on my hip, in front of everyone. I probably wouldn't have graduated if I didn't have the support of my professors who were so open, welcoming and non-judgmental. They really helped me get across the finish line. A&M-San Antonio is such a unique place and community. It really was life-changing and transformational for me. I’m just so grateful.”