We’re looking forward to introducing you to Michal Waechter. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Michal, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of isn’t the runway, the lights, or even the record-breaking fundraising totals — it’s the community we’ve built behind the scenes. For 20 years, and especially over the past decade that I’ve served as Chair, Ranch Chic has been powered by hundreds of volunteers, committee members, and supporters who give their time, energy, and hearts to this cause.
Most people see the glamour on event night — the survivors walking the runway, the standing ovations, the celebration. But what they don’t see are the months of planning, the late-night calls, the shared tears, the laughter, and the quiet moments where we remind each other of our “why.” At every meeting, we begin with a “connection to purpose,” sharing personal stories that fuel our mission. Those unseen moments of resilience, teamwork, and love are what I’m most proud of. They are the heartbeat of Ranch Chic and the reason this event has grown into one of San Antonio’s premier fundraisers for the American Cancer Society.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m honored to serve as the Chair of the Ranch Chic Fashion Show, now celebrating its 20th anniversary in San Antonio. This event began in 2005 as a small, in-store showcase of western fashions for the Cattle Baron’s Gala, but over two decades it has become one of the premier fundraising events for the American Cancer Society. What makes Ranch Chic so special is its heart — the runway is filled with cancer survivors, caregivers, and even physicians who cared for them. It’s not just a fashion show, it’s a celebration of resilience, courage, and community coming together to raise awareness and funds for life-saving research and patient support. This year, we’ll feature more than 80 cancer survivors as models and aim to raise $200,000 in honor of this milestone year. It’s my 10th year to chair this impactful event and I know it is going to be the BEST EVER!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
In 2016, my first year as Chair, we had 23 cancer survivors walk the runway and raised $34,000. I was overwhelmed with emotion watching those models — some in active treatment, some living with lasting side effects, and others celebrating years in remission. We also honored those who weren’t with us anymore. It hit me in a profound way that cancer touches lives in so many different forms, and I kept thinking, we can do more. That night reshaped the way I view purpose and service — it was the moment I fully committed to leading this event year after year.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were times when the planning felt overwhelming — juggling logistics, sponsorships, and the natural challenges of keeping momentum year after year. But whenever I felt that weight, I thought of my parents. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, and my dad passed away from throat cancer in 2013. They are my “why.” Remembering them — and knowing how many others are walking this journey — kept me going. Giving up never truly felt like an option, because cancer doesn’t stop, and neither can we.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that what matters most to me is connection. And when it comes to the Ranch Chic Fashion Show it would be connection to purpose. At every committee meeting, we start by sharing why we’re here — the people we’ve loved, the journeys we’ve witnessed, and the hope we carry. I care deeply about honoring those connections and making sure that the work we do is always driven by compassion, authenticity, and impact.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will say that I gave my time and heart to something that mattered. That I helped create spaces where survivors felt celebrated, where families felt supported, and where hope felt tangible. If the story is that I poured my energy into helping end a disease that has touched us all, and that I rallied people together to believe in a better future, then that’s the legacy I’d be proud to leave behind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://e.givesmart.com/events/ITU/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cattle_barons_gala_sa/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cattle-barons-gala-san-antonio/posts/?feedView=all
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CattleBaronsSA
Image Credits
Ranch Chic Fashion Show photographers from 2016 to 2025
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
