SAAACAM Leadership & Staff

A retired civil servant with a 27 year career in the world of air traffic control, Deborah relocated to San Antonio to be a “close-by” grandmother teaching them the importance of their legacy. Opening a bed and breakfast in the King William area of San Antonio, named for the family matriarch, “Eva’s Escape at the Gardenia Inn” immersed her family in Deborah’s personal mission of love and service for family and community. Upon her family relocating to Atlanta, Deborah realized the commitment of the bed and breakfast would prevent her from spending that quality time with those grandbabies. Selling the property, Deborah turned to community advocacy with a mission to connect the African American community to each other, opportunities, and our history. Her work as the CEO/Director of the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum, a board member of Visit San Antonio along with serving on the City of San Antonio’s Airport Advisory Commission provides an opportunity to carry out her personal mission.

As the Chief Administrative Officer of the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM), Jeff is leading efforts to build one of the largest museums of its kind in the United States. As a result of the team’s efforts, the museum is expanding its collection and curating exhibits that honor and preserve the rich African American cultural heritage of the San Antonio region and Southwest United States. By fostering community partnerships, securing funding, and driving strategic initiatives, Jeff is helping to ensure that this new landmark will serve as a powerful resource for education, cultural awareness, and historical preservation. He also currently serves as Board Chair for R.O.O.T.S Mentoring, Inc., a nonprofit focused on youth and family development, and is a member of the San Antonio Area African American Community Fund Board.

Taylor Foots serves as the Director of Exhibitions and Visitor Experience at SAAACAM, where she is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of African Americans in San Antonio and the South Texas region. With a background in nutrition, art and culture, Taylor has worked in curating exhibits, leading community engagement initiatives, and developing educational programs. Taylor played a pivotal role in launching The Soul of San Antonio exhibit and The Black History Month Art Market which has deepened public understanding of African American contributions to San Antonio. A passionate advocate for knowing our history, Taylor collaborates with local organizations and educators to ensure African American history is accessible and celebrated. Driven by a commitment to storytelling and education, Taylor strives to inspire future generations by uncovering and amplifying untold narratives of resilience and achievement.

Ever Garza received a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in History from the University of Texas in San Antonio. Currently, Ever serves as SAAACAM’s Program Assistant, and a docent in the exhibit space, Black History River Boat Tours and Cemetery Tours.

Caira Spenrath is a San Antonio native with roots in the Texas Hill Country. Her passion for history and genealogy led to degrees in International Affairs from the University of the Incarnate Word, Library Science from Texas Woman’s University, and Archival Management certification from the University of North Texas. After working in archives at the 18th Wing on Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in Austin, she now serves as archivist for the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM), where she helps preserve and share the region’s African American cultural heritage.

Debra Seward serves as the Community Engagement Coordinator for the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum. With determination, it’s my passion to bring knowledge of the work that we do to the community at-large, which is to collect, preserve, and share the African American cultural heritage of the San Antonio region.