Our Team
Madeline Bonilla
FOUNDER & CEO
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.
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.
Morgan Howard
BOARD MEMBER
Morgan Howard is a Dallas-born woman who has spent her life going back and forth between Dallas and San Antonio, a journey shaped by her mother’s military family roots. From a young age, Morgan developed a deep passion for helping others, which led her to become actively involved in volunteer work focused on supporting individuals with special needs and bringing communities together for meaningful causes.
A proud mother of two—a son and a daughter—Morgan considers her children the heart of her world and her greatest motivation. In her free time, she enjoys working out, crafting, building genuine relationships, and making memories with her family.
Morgan feels truly fulfilled to be a part of such an impactful initiative as The Hot Plate Project, where she continues to pour her heart into serving others and making a positive difference in the community.
Jennifer Schroeder
BOARD MEMBER
Passionate about service and community impact, Jennifer is excited to contribute her time, energy, and perspective to an organization that is making a tangible difference in the lives of others as a board member of the Hot Plate Project .
Although she is not originally from San Antonio, Jennifer quickly fell in love with the city's vibrant culture, strong sense of community, and spirit of generosity. She believes that everyone deserves access to basic necessities, compassion, and support, and she is committed to helping The Hot Plate Project expand its reach and continue serving those facing food insecurity and hardship.
Jennifer is currently a student at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where she is pursuing her education with the goal of becoming a lawyer. She is driven by a desire to advocate for others and create positive change, values that align closely with her commitment to nonprofit service. Joining The Hot Plate Project allows her to be part of something larger than herself while gaining opportunities to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact within the community.
Outside of her volunteer work and academic pursuits, Jennifer enjoys spending time with loved ones, getting active outdoors, and traveling whenever possible. She believes that meaningful connections and shared experiences are at the heart of strong communities. Jennifer looks forward to helping The Hot Plate Project flourish and continuing its mission of bringing hope, nourishment, and support to those in need throughout San Antonio.
Avery Meyer
BOARD MEMBER
Born and raised in San Antonio, Avery Meyer has always been proud to call this city home. She feels incredibly grateful to now be raising her family here and building a life in the city she loves. Becoming a mother gave Avery a new perspective and a greater appreciation for the community around her, inspiring her to become more involved in the causes and organizations that make San Antonio such a special place to live.
Avery is currently co-founding Daily Lagree, a boutique fitness studio opening on the Far West Side of San Antonio, alongside her mother. Together, they are creating a space where people feel welcomed, supported, and excited to show up for themselves.
Outside of work, Avery loves gathering friends and family around her dinner table and is always on the hunt for San Antonio's best new restaurant. She is honored to serve on the board and excited to support an organization whose mission of care, nourishment, and hope makes a meaningful impact in her hometown.