Chapter Spotlight: The Arc of San Antonio

This post is a part of our blog series where we periodically feature one of our local chapters to help you get to know our network. Member chapters provide supports, services, and/or programming to meet the needs of their region and help people with IDD live and engage in their communities.

An interview with Dona Kotzur, President/CEO of The Arc of San Antonio:

What have you learned during your time with the organization that might surprise people?

"What has surprised me most is how much people underestimate what individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can achieve when given the right opportunities and supports. Too often, society focuses on limitations rather than possibilities. At the same time, I've learned that many of the greatest challenges families face are not caused by disability itself, but by navigating fragmented systems and services. These experiences have reinforced my belief that our role is not only to provide support, but to create communities and systems where people can thrive, contribute, and be fully included."

What are some of details about you and your professional and personal experience?

"Professionally, I spent many years with H-E-B, where I often joke that I did everything but drive the trucks. Working in a variety of roles throughout the organization gave me a deep appreciation for operations, customer service, team development, and leadership. It taught me the importance of rolling up my sleeves, understanding how every part of an organization works, and recognizing that success is built by people at every level. Those experiences continue to shape how I lead today and have served me well in the nonprofit sector.

Personally, I have been married to my husband, Mel, for 37 years. We share our home with our two rescue beagles, Phoebe and Ellie, who keep life interesting and bring us a lot of joy. Family, relationships, and service to others have always been at the center of who I am.

The older I get, the more I realize that life is ultimately about people and relationships. Whether at H-E-B, The Arc of San Antonio, or in my personal life, the greatest rewards have come from working alongside good people to make a difference in the lives of others. I believe in showing up for people, building strong communities, and leaving things better than I found them."

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

"I never expected this work to change me as much as it has. The individuals and families we serve have taught me to see ability before disability, possibility before limitation, and community before programs. For that, I am deeply grateful."