River Walk Royalty Coronation
The River Walk Royalty Coronation was one of the first major programs I had the opportunity to completely transform. The River Walk Royalty Program is a long-standing tradition that raises funds for the San Antonio Hospitality Foundation, which supports college students pursuing careers in hospitality. Although the cause is meaningful, the original structure of the program had become informal and difficult to manage. Titles such as King, Prince, Duke, Queen, Princess, and Duchess were determined solely by the amount each participant raised, with limited structure, low minimums, and little guidance or recognition throughout the process.
My coworker, Cristina, and I saw an opportunity to bring prestige and purpose back to the program. Together, we rebuilt the entire structure from the ground up. We introduced a formal application and interview process, increased the fundraising minimum to three thousand dollars, created a six-month fundraising timeline, and stayed closely connected to each participant throughout their journey. Our goal was to offer support, celebrate progress, and make the experience feel meaningful rather than overwhelming.
In addition to operational changes, we elevated the ceremonial side of the program. We selected higher-quality crowns and sashes, introduced a formal line of succession for the coronation, and designed an event experience that truly felt royal. We hosted a post-coronation reception to honor the Court and their families. We produced a commemorative video to celebrate their commitment and highlight the impact of their fundraising. Every detail was intentional because these individuals spend months working tirelessly for the benefit of hospitality students, and we wanted them to feel celebrated with the same level of care they give.
The full revamp took place throughout 2024, and the 2025 Royal Court became the first group to experience the new program in its entirety. They raised more than one hundred thousand dollars together, far surpassing past years and proving how powerful structure, recognition, and community support can be.
Revamping the River Walk Royalty Program has been one of the most meaningful projects of my career. It blended logistics, storytelling, mentorship, and tradition into an experience that uplifts people who devote their time to helping college students pursue their dreams. The program looks and feels completely different now, and it has truly become a night-and-day experience in the best possible way.
