Our Team
Madeline Bonilla
FOUNDER
Madeline Bonilla was born and raised in San Antonio, a city that has always held her heart. In recent years, she discovered a love for cooking — first as a creative outlet, and later as a way to connect with others. That passion quickly grew into something bigger: the idea that food could be more than just a meal. It could be a bridge, a way to bring comfort, dignity, and joy to those who need it most.
From that spark, The Hot Plate Project was born. What started as a dream has become a nonprofit dedicated to preparing and delivering nourishing meals to shelters and neighbors across San Antonio. For Madeline, every plate served represents more than food — it’s a moment of care and a reminder that no one in this city should feel overlooked or forgotten.
Her vision for San Antonio is rooted in community and compassion: a city where people look out for one another, where no one goes hungry, and where food brings us closer together. When she isn’t working on The Hot Plate Project, Madeline enjoys trying new recipes in the kitchen and spending time with her family, who remain her greatest source of encouragement.
Ysabella De Leon
BOARD MEMBER
Ysabella's journey has been shaped by constant change and a heart for connection. Growing up she moved frequently which gave her the chance to experience many difference circumstances and communities. These experiences gave Ysabella a unique perspective on people and the challenges they face, instilling in her a deep sense of empathy and a passion for helping others from an early age.
Rooted in her Mexican heritage, Ysabella draws strength and inspiration from San Antonio, where family traditions and culture run deep. She especially loves cooking and finds joy in preparing meals for others, seeing food as a way to show love, share traditions, and strengthen connections. Living in San Antonio her whole life has only deepened her appreciation for the ways culture, food, and community are woven together.
Of all of the people she enjoys helping, children hold a special place in her heart. This passion is shaping her future as she plans to continue her education at the University of Texas at San Antonio to study child psychology. This ensures she will reach her goal of dedicating her career to helping children grown and overcome challenges, while being surrounded by the people and food she loves here!
The Hot Plate Project reflects the values Ysabella holds closest to her heart; community, compassion, and the power of food bringing people together. Contributing to its mission allows her to give back to the beautiful city she loves in a meaningful way, while helping create spaces where people feel supported and nourished.
Hannah Lee
BOARD MEMBER
Born and raised in San Antonio, Hannah Lee is a fourth generation Texan who grew up witnessing her single mom working hard to give her the best life she possibly could. She bonded closely with her mom through food — watching her cook, helping her in the kitchen, meeting her for lunch dates as she grew into adulthood.
Her dad, on the other hand, struggled with addiction and homelessness. Watching her dad suffer softened her heart as she grew older, and she always knew she wanted to use her gifts and blessings to bless and nourish those around her, who didn’t have the means to nourish themselves otherwise.
The Hot Plate Project is important to Hannah for this reason exactly — it’s deeply personal. Her love for food and passion for helping those who don’t have access to it fuel her mission.
Now residing in Southern California with her husband and baby, Hannah often visits the special city that raised her, spending time with family and friends, sharing stories and memories over chips & queso and crispy dogs, and patiently awaiting the start of the Spurs season and Fiesta parades.
Despite living across the country, she cherishes San Antonio and finds great purpose in giving back to the city that gave her so much.
Jennifer Steffen
BOARD MEMBER
Jennifer Steffen has heart for San Antonio! She was born in Japan to a military family but has lived in San Antonio since childhood, and hasn’t left since! She attended the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she discovered a passion for creativity and business ventures - majoring in Business Entrepreneurship.
Alongside that, she found deep fulfilment in giving back and being part of the community through holding multiple pageant titles (in the running for Miss Texas), having a platform of raising money for Children’s Miracle Network and for wounded warriors.
She currently is an entrepreneur with businesses that include sound therapy and custom design. She enjoys playing classical piano, taking care of her 3 Labrador Retrievers, and good food! She currently lives in Boerne, TX with her sweet husband.