CHELSEA STEELE

Chelsea Steele – Artist, Advocate, and Storyteller

Born in San Antonio, Texas, on May 12, 1982, to Joyce and Bruce Fry—both of whom served in the military—I grew up with a deep appreciation for exploration and adaptability, having lived in various parts of the U.S., including Vermont, New York, and Colorado. My early years were marked by diverse experiences as my parents navigated their paths, including their divorce when I was two and my mother’s marriage to Donald Lee soon after.

Returning to Texas for my high school years, I immersed myself in academics and the arts, graduating with honors in five honor societies and ranking in the top 1% of my class. Theatre became a defining passion, and as President of the Thespian Society, I took on challenging roles, earning several Best Actress awards in UIL competitions over four years. Additionally, I served as Editor-in-Chief for both the school newspaper and yearbook, honing leadership and creativity from an early age.

After graduating high school, I attended Sam Houston State University for 2.5 years as a theatre major before leaving to support my family as my stepfather faced a cancer diagnosis and my mother was teaching in Wuhan, China. I later enrolled at The University of the Incarnate Word, earning a Bachelor’s Degree while embracing life’s twists and challenges along the way.

My professional journey has been diverse and dynamic, spanning roles in industries such as retail, healthcare, staffing, and nonprofit services. Starting at Quiznos and advancing rapidly to Store Manager within a month, I transitioned into leadership roles at H-E-B, USAA, Becton Dickinson, Plato’s Closet, Momentum Skilled Services, Mosaic, Robert Half, NurseCore, The Children’s Shelter, Elite Nurses, and City Year. I’ve held executive leadership roles such as Area Vice President, Vice President of Development, and COO.

My career reflects my passion for people, family, and connection. In 2011, I married my best friend and partner, whom I’ve known since the age of 17. Together, we’ve built a life centered on family values, love, and shared experiences, raising four incredible children: Lily, Everly, Emmylou, and Wylder with our spirited husky- Rocket. In 2021, I was a surrogate for a beautiful family and helped them complete their dream of having a daughter- Yuval.

I live with the belief that life should be unforgettable. My dedication extends beyond family and career to supporting City Year San Antonio, a nonprofit committed to empowering youth and creating opportunities through mentorship and service. Additionally, I advocate for arts education and live theatre. Having graced the stages of numerous San Antonio theaters and spending 13 years volunteering at The Vexler Theatre in various roles, I’ve remained a steadfast supporter of storytelling and creative expression.

Art, family, and service are the cornerstones of my journey. Through every role—on stage, in leadership, or as a family member—I strive to live authentically, connect meaningfully, and inspire others to do the same.