I first met Kirk Thompson three years ago at our kids’ school. I was immediately taken by her genuine smile, no-nonsense practicality, and wonderfully dry sense of humor. She’s the real deal. In the last couple of months, Kirk has launched 100 Women of San Antonio, a group aimed at aiding local nonprofits, and I’m honored to let her share more about herself and her big-hearted plans for San Antonio through these questions.
Michelle: What is your background and how did you come to live in San Antonio?
Kirk: My husband Matt and I have been married for 16 years and have one son, Ace, who is 11. Our little family moved to San Antonio a little over seven years ago from Dallas, and we LOVE it! I’m originally from the New Orleans area and ended up in Texas for an internship after completing my master’s degree at the University of Southern Mississippi, meeting Matt, and the rest is history. I became a half Texan (but get home to Louisiana as often as I can).
Workwise: after serving as the public relations and corporate communications director for Half Price Books for nearly 10 years, I started Permanent Ink Public Relations after moving here, and I’m am now a PR consultant, serving a variety of clients, mostly in the retail sector. I love the flexibility of working from home, my clients have been amazing, and I am truly blessed to get to spend time volunteering at my son’s school and doing all the “mom stuff” I want.
M: How did 100 Women of San Antonio come to be?
K: I’ve been involved with a variety of charities and causes in San Antonio, and I’ve always left different events feeling great about supporting them but also wondering, “How can I make a bigger impact on my community?” I was always curious how much a cause actually received when I attended fancy galas, and thought about ways I could cut through the overhead and make my donation go further. About that time, a group in my old neighborhood in Dallas formed, called “100 Women of Lake Highlands,” which is essentially a crowd-sourcing concept in which a large group donates a more reasonable amount, and these combine to a HUGE amount that can immediately make a huge impact on the community. I told a few friends about the vision—to create a mission where a group could make a huge difference with little time or money needed from each person—and they loved it. So I got to work, and in about six months or so, I was ready to launch. The general idea is that 100+ women will meet three times a year, vote for one of three charities/causes that are presented at the meeting, and write a $100 check directly to that cause. We do not touch any money, there is no overhead, and we give $10,000 or more to that cause in one hour.
M: What kind of women are you looking for, and what happens if you get over 100 Women?
K: 100 Women of SA is open to ANY woman! Our new members so far are one of the most diverse groups you will find: retirees, full time employees, teachers, doctors, school board members, stay-at-home moms, empty-nesters, women from every age range and background. So, in addition to making a huge impact on our community, there is a great networking component here and a great opportunity to make new friends. The whole idea is to grow and grow. While we need at least 100 members, we will never cap the group. In fact, 100 Women of Lake Highlands just registered 350 women, so they will award $35,000 at their first meeting. I would LOVE to get to that here in San Antonio, and we should, because we are inclusive of the whole city. Our first meeting is March 7, so we encourage everyone to learn more on our
Facebook page, ask any questions she may have, and sign up through the Google doc pinned to the top of the page.
M: What woman had the most impact in your life?
K: Like most women, I suspect, my mom. She’s the kindest person you will ever meet, but always firm and focused in her decisions—all qualities I admire. She is quick to listen, slow to speak—something I have to constantly strive to do. The best thing she ever taught me was to seek those out who look new in any situation and welcome them. It’s life-changing on both sides!
M: What four words describe you?
K: This is hard! Efficient, clever, creative, and a bit short-tempered (but working on it!).
M: What do you love about San Antonio?
K: San Antonio is such a unique crossroads of culture. We love the Hispanic influence on the city, which focuses on family and friendship. It’s been easy to plug in because everyone is so welcoming and willing to be friends. We are also full converts from Mavericks to Spurs fans, and we LOVE this team! It embodies everything we love about SA.
M: What would a perfect day in San Antonio look like for you?
K: I have had the perfect day in San Antonio! It started with beautiful weather, top off on the Jeep, early game at son’s baseball tournament. Between games, we went to the farmers market at the Pearl, grabbed a couple beers from Southerleigh, walked around, and headed back to the fields. Ended with watching college basketball and grilling out with good friends on the back patio. Put that on repeat, y’all!
M: Favorite breakfast taco spot?
K: Original Donut Shop and Bill Miller (tie)
M: Favorite restaurant for out-of-town visitors?
K: La Fogata
M: Favorite local dessert?
K: Buttermilk Pie at The Dienger Trading Co. (Boerne) and Viva la Dough edible cookie dough
M: Favorite coffee shop?
K: Local Coffee
M: Favorite place to spend a Sunday afternoon?
K: The patio at Tycoon Flats—$3 frozen mimosas in a jar
