Emily Joy Garza is an animal welfare activist who owns a restorative micropigmentation and permanent cosmetics studio in Stone Oak.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
Although I am not a native San Antonian, I got here as fast as I could (especially after growing up in frigid Western Michigan). My husband and I spent over a decade as entrepreneurs in DC, before choosing San Antonio as our forever home in 2020. With my husband’s roots in SATX, we wanted our son to grow up close to his grandparents and experience the same joys of childhood — free from the hustle-and-bustle lifestyle of the Northeast.
As a proud cancer survivor and small business owner, I have dedicated my career to making a difference. Since 2013, my company, Dollistic, has restored confidence to over 10,000 clients through the art of micropigmentation, helping individuals facing challenges like chemotherapy, alopecia, trichotillomania, and other health conditions. Prior to founding my business, I spent a decade as a corporate executive with Fortune 500 companies.
List any previous experience in government or participation on local boards, commissions, or neighborhood associations.
I am not a career politician, and this marks my first run for elected office. However, my commitment to making a difference is unwavering.
As the founder of the Encino Rio Neighborhood Alliance (ERNA), I focus on enhancing neighborhood connectivity and addressing community concerns, fostering a strong sense of belonging among residents. My passion for animals shines through my volunteer work with Daisy Cares, where I organize pet food drives and teach responsible pet ownership to elementary students.
My family and I have adopted two dogs and two cats, and we actively rescue and foster animals from San Antonio Animal Care Services. I also advocate for our beloved seniors by volunteering in assisted living facilities, including supporting my 97-year-old grandfather, who also lives in District 9. As an eco-warrior with San Antonio River Aid, I strive to protect our environment. Additionally, I provide business consulting for local and global entrepreneurs, helping them navigate challenges and thrive.
In the city’s 2024-2025 budget survey, residents ranked homelessness, streets, housing and animal care services among their top concerns for the city to address. Which issues do you consider a top concern for District 9 and how would you work to address them in your first 100 days?
In my first 100 days, I will prioritize pressing issues based on community feedback.
Enhancing safety is crucial in D9. I will work to bridge the gap between neighbors and law enforcement. This includes advocating for road and sidewalk improvements, focusing on project oversight to promote walkability and bikeability throughout our District. Engaging the community through open communication will be vital for building transparency and trust among residents.
As the only candidate in District 9 who prioritizes Animal Care Services, I will elevate standards for responsible pet ownership and expand spay-neuter initiatives to tackle our stray animal crisis. My plan includes promoting adoption and foster care while strengthening enforcement of laws against animal cruelty and neglect. This approach addresses our public health and safety concerns while fostering compassion for animals in our community.
Additionally, I will support seniors by expanding transportation access and wellness programs tailored to their needs. To combat homelessness, I will initiate community outreach programs that connect individuals with available resources, including job training and shelters. By focusing on these critical areas, we can create a safer, more compassionate, and thriving District 9 for everyone. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in our community.
In a crowded field of council candidates, what differentiates you from the others?
As a cancer survivor with global experience, I deeply understand the values that matter most to our community. My journey has taught me resilience and the importance of hard work, qualities that shape my approach to leadership.
As a small business owner with a strong corporate executive background, I possess the skills needed to address the challenges we face and deliver results-oriented solutions. I am dedicated to working diligently to ensure our city government operates transparently and genuinely listens to the needs of its residents. Together, we can make District 9 an even better place to live, work, and raise our families.
If elected, how do you plan to solicit input and feedback from residents in your district?
Constituent services are a #1 priority. Transparency and accountability is essential to build trust within our community. Unfortunately, San Antonio’s current resident engagement process falls short compared to other major cities, and I am committed to bridging this gap.
I will advocate for relocating public comment sessions from only downtown on Wednesdays at 5 PM, making them more accessible for all residents. I will push for public comment meetings to be both recorded and live-streamed, ensuring our community’s concerns remain our heartbeat.
To enhance communication within D9, I will implement stringent office policies requiring staff to respond to resident inquiries within 48 hours. As the most effective candidate in District 9 on social media, I will leverage these platforms to engage all generations actively. I will create hybrid communication channels, including interactive forums for idea sharing, engaging polls, live Q&A sessions, consistent office hours, and both in-person and virtual town halls to ensure everyone is heard.
Read more about Emily Joy Garza
District 9 candidates debate reversing course on affordable housing, equity budgeting
WATCH: San Antonio Report’s District 9 debate
