Anna Almaraz ’23, a first-generation UTSA Carlos Alvarez College of Business alumna and current M.B.A. student, developed her entrepreneurial mindset during high school, starting her first business at just 15-years-old. This early business venture, coupled with a passion for community service, laid the groundwork for her mission-focused approach to entrepreneurship. Anna’s journey with UTSA has catapulted her career to new heights. The university’s experiential learning opportunities, mentorship support, and vibrant campus community have been instrumental in shaping Anna's trajectory as an entrepreneur and community leader with a vision for making a significant impact in San Antonio.

Growing up in a household that valued hard work and resilience, Anna was deeply influenced by her mother's strength and determination. Witnessing her mother navigate the challenges of being an immigrant and a single parent, Anna learned the importance of perseverance. At just six-years-old Anna was already contributing to the family income by helping her mother clean houses. This early experience instilled in her a strong work ethic and understanding of the importance of community and familial support. 

During her teenage years, Anna decided to study filmmaking at North East School of the Arts (NESA). As part of a class assignment, she created a short documentary for a local business, which the business later adopted as their official commercial. This success inspired her to create Sophie Social Marketing, LLC. She leveraged connections made while cleaning homes to secure her first client and kickstart her professional journey.

With over 25 clients and more than $675K in gross sales by 2020, the launch of Sophie Social Marketing was just the beginning of Anna’s business pursuits. That same year, Anna launched her second business, Sophie’s Sweets Cookie Co., a bakery specializing in gluten-free and traditional Mexican treats. In the bakery’s first operating year, she generously contributed her baked goods to various charitable events, notably baking over 10,000 cookies for a Christmas Eve event that provided warm meals to those in need. 

When the time came for Anna to pursue a higher education, UTSA was a natural choice. As the first in her family to attend college, she sought an accessible and supportive environment that would provide ample opportunities for growth. UTSA's reputation as a Hispanic Serving Institution and its commitment to fostering student success made it the ideal setting for her continued educational and professional development. 

As an undergraduate student, Anna engaged with programs and centers across UTSA, including the University Career Center, the Najim Center for Innovation and Career Advancement, and the Alvarez Student Success Center where she became the first student to hold a workshop for her peers. A notable milestone was her role as a work-study intern in the Alvarez College of Business Dean’s Office, where she was encouraged by her fellow UTSA staff members to apply to the Texas Business Hall of Fame—a nomination that culminated in her receiving the Harvey Najim Future Texas Business Legend Award and a significant scholarship to pursue her M.B.A. at UTSA.  

“I am both deeply impressed by Anna’s dedication and drive, and confident that her contributions will continue to inspire many and make a significant impact,” said UTSA Campaign Leadership Council member Harvey Najim. “I look forward to seeing the next chapters of her journey unfold and the additional ways she will undoubtedly contribute to our community and beyond."

Anna graduated from UTSA with her B.B.A. in marketing in the spring of 2023. As she pursues her advanced degree in management and non-profit leadership, Anna continues to run both of her businesses while also serving as a project associate at The Harvey E. Najim Charitable Foundation, the marketing coordinator for the San Antonio Children's Shelter, and the venture analyst for Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Najim Center.

Most recently, Anna and four fellow M.B.A. students took full advantage of UTSA’s career-engaged learning opportunities, and turned a class assignment into an opportunity to host a fundraising event for the Children’s Shelter. Having secured 18 corporate sponsors, the Charity Bunco event successfully raised over $5,000 which will directly support the shelter. Additionally, the event garnered over $16,000 in sponsorship and in-kind support.

Looking forward, Anna’s deep-rooted connection to San Antonio is driving her ambition to continue contributing to her community. Her goal is to lead a non-profit organization and establish a center of her own dedicated to non-profit leadership at UTSA.

“I see myself growing old in my home city of San Antonio and I don’t ever plan on leaving,” expressed Anna. “Everything has fallen into place with UTSA. I want to be one of the future business leaders they are so committed to cultivating and I want to do it in the city I love.” 

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By Jordan Allen, Senior Communications Coordinator