About Forward Progress Arts & Entertainment Center

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Patsy is the Founder of Another Open Door Production Company and an Award-winning filmmaker. She also founded the InDept Arts & Film Festival of San Antonio. Patsy’s communication and networking skills and her influence in the Entertainment Industry will serve our young adults through her many community and professional partnerships. She is employed full-time by the Texas Workforce Commission. Ms. Whitfield is responsible for the organization's overall management, coordinating activities, networking with other organizations, and establishing collaborating partnerships. Patsy is also the Co-Founder of the SABIFF Awards Banquet, Never Met A Stranger.

Nevetta is currently furthering her education at the University of Phoenix while working full-time as a Therapeutic Director for St. Jude’s Children Ranch. Also, she works with various organizations and ministries throughout San Antonio, where she specializes in youth services and forging collaborative efforts with other ministries. Nevetta’s insight and wisdom allow her to encourage and guide the Arrows when needed.

Board Member

G. Sterling Zinsmeyer is a veteran producer and creative leader in film, theatrical production, and the arts. With a career spanning independent cinema and stage work, Sterling has been instrumental in bringing compelling, community-centered stories to audiences nationwide. His production credits include notable films such as Latter Days (2003), Adam & Steve (2005), and The Deception (2012), works celebrated for their cultural impact and representation of LGBTQ+ narratives. 

Sterling’s commitment to artistic innovation extends into the world of opera and stage, having originated and commissioned the chamber opera Fellow Travelers, which premiered to critical acclaim and was recognized as one of the year’s top classical music events. 

A native of San Antonio, TX, and alumnus of the University of Texas and New York University, Sterling began his career in the arts in New York City before expanding into film production and creative consultancy. 

Today, he continues to develop independent works across media, championing diverse voices and artistic exploration. Sterling brings his deep industry experience, creative vision, and passion for storytelling to the FwdProgress board.

Board Member

Laura Thompson is a dynamic CEO, media executive, and community leader with over 16 years of experience in public involvement, public relations, and digital media strategy. She is the Founder and Creator of TAAN TV – The African American Network, a streaming platform dedicated to amplifying Black voices and creating pathways for emerging talent in film, television, and digital media.

Through TAAN TV, Laura leads the development of subscription-based and pay-per-view programming, community-centered talk shows, and live events that elevate underrepresented storytellers. Her work focuses on mentorship, talent development, and strategic partnerships that expand access to media careers for youth and creatives of color. She has successfully built relationships with corporations, municipalities, and community organizations to increase visibility and opportunity for diverse voices.

Prior to launching TAAN TV, Laura served as a Public Involvement and PR Executive for over 16 years, leading high-impact campaigns for organizations including Alamo Colleges, CPS Energy, VIA Metropolitan Transit, H-E-B, the San Antonio Spurs, San Antonio Housing Authority, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Her career has been rooted in community engagement, coalition building, and storytelling that drives social impact.

Laura brings extensive board leadership experience, having served with organizations such as Sistas in Business (Founder, President & Board Chair), Alamo City Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Women Business Owners, City Year, African American Leadership Institute, American Advertising Federation, Queen of Soul, Inc., and the Davis-Scott YMCA.

She is also the founder of multiple youth-centered initiatives, including Work is the Hustle, Read & Lead, Contour Visions, and Camp Logo, which promote financial literacy, leadership, and creative skill-building for young people ages 6–15. Her work continues to inspire and equip the next generation of storytellers and entrepreneurs.

Laura is deeply committed to mentorship, workforce development, and empowering communities through media, education, and advocacy. She joins the FwdProgress board with a shared passion for creating equitable pathways for youth and elevating authentic voices.

Board Member

Dr. Tunette Powell is a nationally recognized scholar, community-rooted leader, and equity advocate dedicated to transforming educational systems for Black children and marginalized communities. She currently serves as Assistant Research Professor and Director of Parent and Family Partnerships with the Children’s Equity Project at Arizona State University, where she leads community-engaged research focused on advancing justice, belonging, and equitable outcomes in early learning and K–12 systems.

Dr. Powell holds a PhD in Urban Schooling from UCLA, where her groundbreaking dissertation examined school-induced trauma and the impact of disciplinary practices on Black families. Her work centers on building ecosystems of learning, care, and collective power that honor community knowledge and elevate parent and family leadership.

With more than a decade of experience across higher education, K–12 systems, and nonprofit leadership, Dr. Powell has led national research initiatives, secured millions in federal and foundation funding, and published extensively on racial equity, family-school partnerships, and educational justice. She is also a sought-after keynote speaker and public scholar, appearing in major media outlets and speaking at conferences across the country.

A former founder and executive director of a healing-centered nonprofit, Dr. Powell brings a deep commitment to mentorship, youth advocacy, and community-driven solutions. Her leadership reflects a core belief that liberation begins with community and that transformative change must move at the pace of those most impacted.

Dr. Powell joins the FwdProgress board with a shared vision for empowering young people, uplifting authentic voices, and building pathways rooted in justice, joy, and self-determination.

Board Member

LaVonna Stewart is a licensed Real Estate Broker and community leader with nearly a decade of experience in residential and commercial real estate. She is the Founder and Principal Broker of LV Stewart Collective, LLC, where she specializes in client advocacy, strategic negotiations, and data-driven market analysis to help individuals, families, and investors achieve their real estate goals.

With a strong background in leadership and governance, LaVonna previously served as President and Board Chair of the San Antonio Association of Real Estate Brokers (SAAREB), guiding the organization through strategic planning, financial stewardship, policy development, and community advocacy. Her service also includes leadership roles with the Texas Association of Real Estate Brokers (TAREB), National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), and the San Antonio Board of Realtors (SABOR), where she continues to advocate for fair housing, homeownership, and economic empowerment.

LaVonna is a graduate of the Texas Realtor Leadership Program (TRLP) and has been recognized nationally for her service, earning multiple Young Realtist Awards from NAREB, along with honors from Rotary International and Catholic Charities. She is also a former Volunteer of the Year with Catholic Charities, where she supported families through financial wellness coaching.

Driven by a passion for service, mentorship, and community development, LaVonna brings strategic leadership, financial insight, and advocacy to the FwdProgress board. She is committed to expanding access to homeownership, building generational wealth, and supporting youth and families through sustainable community initiatives.