Full Name
Julissa Carielo
Job Title
President
Company
DreamOn Group
Speaker Bio

Julissa’s continuous drive to transform dreams into reality inspired her to Co-Found the DreamOn Group. She takes a very thoughtful and careful approachto development projects. Julissa co-founded the DreamOn Group to develop,construct, and manage properties that bring economic, environmental, and cultural value to the communities she serves. Working with governmental agencies, non-profits, and cultural organizations to bring forth change in communities and create the opportunities that people deserve has been Julissa’s primary motivator in all she does.

As a pioneer in the construction industry, Julissa gained industry experience from the ground up by working for an architectural firm, a building manufacturer, and eventually for a general contractor. In 2006, with a dream and her 401k savings, she started her own construction company. Tejas Premier Building Contractor, Inc. was born out of hard work and determination and now stands as a principal contractor in Texas. She is a dedicated business leader and educator who has committed much of her life to implement equity and advancement in the community.

Her commitment to San Antonio and making it a better community to live in is at the heart of her business focus. She is a leader in identifying needs and solutions, knowing how to accomplish the goal, and seeing it to the end. In 2015, Julissa envisioned transforming an unused elementary school into what is now known as Plaza de Sueños, an entrepreneurial center designed to support local small businesses by providing training, guidance, and the tools needed to grow and scale.

More recently, Julissa collaborated with Prosper West to acquire and transform the historic Basila Frocks building. Reopened in 2025, the space now serves as a vibrant community hub offering small business retail, office spaces, and community-centered events.

Julissa co-founded the DreamOn Group to bring forth change and share with others the unique nature of community building. She is a leader in collaborative efforts with community partners, working directly with the County and City of San Antonio leadership to develop funding mechanisms. Julissa has extensive experience working with non-profits to help build programming for full activation of their programs and spaces. Over the years, she has gained immeasurable experience working with community leaders to identify issues and solutions that reduce poverty on the Westside. As a trusted community leader, Julissa has thoughtful experience working with small businesses and local art organizations to activate ongoing programs that involve and serve all.

Julissa is known for her expertise in bringing community partners together for the greater good of the community. Julissa has served on numerous boards throughout her career and has been involved in exciting community leadership programs. In addition, Julissa has represented San Antonio in many national organizations like Presidential Leadership Scholars Class 40, a national leadership program where she was selected among 800 applicants nationwide to represent in Washington DC.

Julissa’s drive is unmatched, and community leaders know that she will bring a community vision with integrity and passion for bringing the leadership needed to complete the project. She served at the Mayor’s invitation to co-lead the Economic Transition Team during COVID-19 to help identify local businesses having trouble developing a plan to get them back to business. Julissa co-created an economic playbook that numerous large and small companies utilized to open their business back up safely.

Julissa is a native Texan and grew up in San Antonio. She is a graduate of St. Mary’s University and is highly involved in the community. Julissa’s greatest passion is her family, and she enjoys time spent with her husband, Oscar, and their two boys.

Julissa Carielo