About me
Desiree H. Serna Martinez, MPA, PhD, is a journalist, public relations strategist, nonprofit consultant, and educator from San Antonio's West Side. A first-generation college graduate and second-generation business owner, she has built a career helping nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community leaders strengthen their impact through strategic planning, fundraising, communications, and leadership development.
As founder of Philanthropic & Public Relations LLC, Desiree has advised charitable organizations, professional athletes, foundations, media outlets, and entertainment leaders on public affairs and organizational strategy. Her expertise in nonprofit management has also led her to teach graduate leadership and public administration courses at the University of Texas at San Antonio and political science courses at Northwest Vista College, where she has mentored the next generation of public servants and nonprofit leaders.
Desiree also serves as Senior Editor and Executive Publicist for SA Monthly Magazine, covering politics, music, and philanthropy across Texas. A longtime community advocate, she serves on local nonprofit boards, mentors young leaders, and is a frequent master of ceremonies and speaker at civic, cultural, and public health events. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to creating opportunities for others and demonstrating that leadership can emerge from every neighborhood and every community.
