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18
FEATURE
THE CHANGE MAKERS BY JANAYE BARABIN PHOTOS BY ANNIE RAY
ATX
14
STAFF PICKS Who is a woman-identified icon who you consider a Change Maker?
16
WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A CHANGE MAKER The women who own Austin Woman magazine know what it takes to be change makers.
33 53
THE LIST
CHANGE MAKER PROFILES
WOMAN to WATCH
2024 ANGE MAKERS
62 DENISE BRADLEY 63 HEATHER BRUNNER 64 EMILY CHENEVERT 65 BERTHA RENDON DELGADO
66 DR. SEEMA DESAI 67 KARINA DRAKE 68 FRANCÉS JONES 69 LURLEEN LADD
70 MICHELLE LAPIDES
AND KATHERINE LEES
71 72 73 74 75 76 77
ANDRA LIEMANDT SHARI WYNNE RESSLER JACQUELINE SAMIRA ANGELA SHAW RONNIE SHETH CHINA SMITH LOURDES G. ZUNIGA ATX
WOMAN to WATCH
78
LEAH WISE ATXWOMAN.COM | 5
6 | AUSTIN WOMAN | JANUARY 2024
A PUBLICATION OF AW MEDIA INC.
VOLUME 22, ISSUE 5
KIP GARVEY COO
BETSY BLANKS VP of Business Operations
CY WHITE
MICHELLE BERMEA
Managing Editor
Media Sales Director
NINA GLORIA
Media Sales Executives
Contributors
This month, we asked our contributors: What’s a new experience you want to have in 2024?
DARBY KENDALL Copyeditor
• She does ceramic wheel throwing. Production Coordinator
KATHERINE KEMP
• She can sew historically accurate costumes. “This year, I’d like to try oil painting. After watching Bob Ross for so many years, I think it’s time to get the supplies and paint along
ABBY SCHWARTE
with him.”
STACY COALE
JAIME ALBERS
JORDAN FARIS
Creative Director
CHANEL INGRAM
DARBY KENDALL
Copy Editor
• Her favorite food is queso.
CONTRIBUTORS
Editorial: Janaye Barabin, Cy White Art: Jaime Albers, Annie Ray INTERNS
Samalie Apira, Maggie Fipps, Taylor Harbin, Haley Noble, Hannah Nuñez, Georgia Valles
JAIME ALBERS Creative Director
• She is half Polish but can’t speak a lick of it. • She is a Midwesterner KC Chiefs fan. Go, Taylor’s Boyfriend! • She almost went to culinary school because cooking is her jam. “My husband and I are taking our first international trip in 15 years. Traveling to the Dominican for some much-needed R and R!”
AW MEDIA INC. MELINDA GARVEY
TERRY MITCHELL
Co-owner/Co-founder
Co-owner
SHURONDA ROBINSON
GRETEL PERERA
Co-owner
Co-owner
LANA MACRUM
ANA RUELAS
Co-owner
Co-owner
• Her favorite color is green.
LYNELLE MCKAY
NEHA SAMPAT
Co-owner
Co-owner
• She loves being outside.
SAMANTHA STEVENS Co-founder
JANAYE BARABIN Writer, “The Change makers,” Pg. 18
• She loves to travel.
“I really want to learn how to make my own clothes!”
Austin Woman is a free monthly publication of AW Media Inc. and is available at locations throughout Austin and in Lakeway, Cedar Park, Round Rock and Pflugerville. All rights reserved. To offer feedback, email feedback@awmediainc.com. For submission information, visit atxwoman.com/jobs. No part of the magazine may be reprinted or duplicated without permission. Visit us online at atxwoman.com. Email us at info@awmediainc.com. 512.328.2421 | 7401 West Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX 78739
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Editor’s LETTER
H
ello and Happy New Year, dear readers. I hope your holidays were joyous, restful and spent with those who mean the most to you. Let me ask you a question: What does a “change maker” look like to you? Hard-pressed to find an image in your head, or to even define what “change maker” means? Look no further than the pages of this book. We have six incredible women gracing our cover as great representations. Look deeper, and you’ll get more than 300 examples of what change makers are really made of. Look back in history, you’ll notice how many women were at the forefront of movements, cultural shifts…changes that alter the face of society. Within this special edition of Austin Woman, you’ll find that change makers come in many forms, from many walks of life, professions, ideologies, backgrounds and histories. There is no “one size fits all” formula to being an innovator, no roadmap to being an inspiration. The only thing everyone on The List has in common is they are a woman-identified citizen of Austin who wants to make the city, the world, a brighter, more hopeful and vibrant place to live, especially for those who have historically been left out of the good this world has to offer. Far too often on lists like these, in magazines like this one, we’re introduced to the same people. Much of the time, they look exactly the same, and excuses abound for why that is, none more prevalent than, “Well, that’s just the way it is.” I call BS! The world is too vast, too full of life to relegate it to the same antiquated ideas of greatness, of those who deserve recognition, respect and reverence. It’s 2024! Time to stop tip-toeing around the issue. If no one else will, I’m here to say the quiet part out loud: Power and prominence is not a birthright of cis-hetero white men. Anyone dedicated to doing something with all their heart and sharing that passion with the world is worthy of the title “Change maker.” If you’re reading this magazine, you understand that and are a change maker yourself. It’s time for us to stand up and be counted, even if we’re the only ones counting (for now). Because at the end of the day, we make the world go round. Pardon me for borrowing an overused phrase, but truly, girls run this motha!
CY WHITE EDITOR
Editor’s Picks: The Change maker Playlist SCAN THE QR CODE!
Publication of Austin Woman would not be possible without the support of our monthly advertisers and sponsors, who believe in the impact we are making in the Austin community. The team at Austin Woman is grateful for these businesses that have shown their commitment to the advancement of women in Austin and hopes you, as readers, recognize their efforts and support these businesses.
10 | AUSTIN WOMAN | JANUARY 2024
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Megan Baumer Sophie Parrott Morgan Bergman Liliana Patino Beverly Biehl Jean Poeet Amanda Bonilla Melinda Quiroz Paula Bookidis Alexia Raven Jessica Campos Felicia Reed Aditi Chauhan Jenny Remington Elizabeth Colvin Jamie Rose Lindsay Crowell Ana Ruelas Faye Dedrick Raka Sandell Patti DeNucci Jeanne Teshler Lauren Dwiggins LisaBeth Thomas Lala Elizondo Nelda Trevino Sierra Fernandes Avni Trivedi Lollis Garcia-Baab Stephanie Verdugo Cristina GarciaAna Villegas Chappell Laura Webb Marisol Giron Liz Wendler Bonnie Glass Cassandra G. Wiggins Tara Godby Joy Wiggins Jill Goodman Kim Barnes Mica Gutierrez Amy Bell Jen Henderson Lillian Brown Wendy Howell Krista Burk Veronica IMery Meghan Butler Lisa Ivie Miller Perla Cavazos Nikitra JacksonChristina Collazo Sagirius Nichola Cotto Jill Jacobs Michelle Denny Shelby Johnson Raette Hearne Amy Jones Mindy Hofman Veronica JordanTaryn Kinney Matlock Charlotte Lipscomb Ann Kasper Meg Lowry Carrie Kass Cherie Mathews Sarah Kyle Lynelle McKay Lurleen Ladd Searcy Morgan Kendall Law Brooke Murray-Etnyre Tatiana Leadbetter Sabrina Nelson Leesa Lee Holly Odom Andra Liemandt Heather Parsons Rebecca Lopez Alison Roscoe Eliza Loyola Lori Schneider Liliana LozadaCyndi Schultz Beverido Jessica Shor Hilda Lunderstedt Diana Skellenger Bobbie Mack Trinity Stennfeld Cindy Matula Isabella Taylor Hye Moon J Rene Walker Tulsee Nathu Felicia White Janene Niblock Tiffany Wilson Andrea Nucete-Elliott Kim Ortiz
FASHION SHOW PRESENTING OUR INAUGURAL
02.13.24 | 5-7 PM AUSTIN PBS-KLRU Join us for an evening of style as we celebrate seven ACC Fashion Incubator stars. Enjoy networking, cocktails, light bites, and shopping at Boutique Pop-Ups.
Amenta Cutliff / Taumeti Rachel Banbury / Banbury Saints Carolyn Nash / G180 Swim Fannie Gunton / Lost Generation Lisa Husberg / Loka.Haus Aaron Torres / Sleep Never Nina Means / Nina Means Scan for tickets
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Contact us for event sponsorships | sales@atxwoman.com | 512.328.2421 Fashion design: Amenta Cutliff / Taumeti | Model: Victoria Bioko | Photo: Cléver Cardoso Photo created in partnership with the Austin Community College Department of Professional Photography
ATXWOMAN.COM | 13
Staff PICKS
Who is a woman-identified icon who you consider a Changemaker? The staff at Austin Woman share some iconic womxn who they count as Changemakers. BETSY BLANKS, VP OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS It’s hard to narrow it down to a single woman changemaker in history because there are so many! Betty Ford is one that I find particularly meaningful. She was a great example of how the First Lady can truly impact policy, but her post-presidency work is why I believe she is such an important woman in history. She spoke publicly about her substance use challenges when no one talked about those types of issues. She used her status to not just give a voice to those who were discarded, but also to provide a long-term solution with the Betty Ford Center. We see now more than ever the impacts of addiction, and she tried to shed light on this taboo topic when no one wanted to acknowledge it.
CHANEL INGRAM, MEDIA SALES EXECUTIVE Susan B. Anthony took the ripples of change and turned them into waves, but to understand her, you need to understand where we started. The Colonies modeled their legal system after English laws, which excluded women from voting only after marriage, holding that a woman’s legal rights were considered merged with her husband’s. During the Revolution, the Colonies unilaterally outlawed women from voting in 1777 through each Colony’s individual legal process. However, the U.S. Constitution incorporated inclusive terms like “persons,” “electors” and “people” when it was ratified in 1788, omitting mention of race and gender. Voting rights listed male-specific language for the first time in the 14th Amendment, which Anthony, then a well-known and outspoken Abolitionist, championed to have amended to include women, a mission which ultimately failed. Incensed by laws limiting her rights without any form of legal redress, she gave her voice, already known for its Abolitionist advocacy, to amplify the movement already in progress. She’s best known for boldly casting an illegal ballot, a pleasure for which she was arrested and fined, but she also founded her own newspaper, spoke and rallied across numerous states and blazed the trail for women just like us to have a voice in our government. Susan B. Anthony never witnessed women’s suffrage triumph, dying just 11 years before the 19th Amendment was ratified. She also never enjoyed the heady sensation of casting a legal, equal vote of her own. It is my honor to vote on her behalf, to make sure her legacy thrives. Make no mistake, friends, failing to vote is exactly how rights are rescinded. What was written into an amendment can be removed with another, so constant vigilance is key. Get registered, vote loud and vote proud.
14 | AUSTIN WOMAN | JANUARY 2024
CY WHITE, MANAGING EDITOR You want to talk about making changes? There’s no way we can leave out the Black and Brown transwomen who fought tooth, nail and with every other part of their bodies to ensure that when we talk about equality we mean every body. Marsha P. Johnson is more than an icon of LGBTQIA+ liberation. She’s more than a cute story to tell about Stonewall (which is often misremembered and misunderstood the further we get away from the date of the riots) and freedom. She was a force to be reckoned with. She sacrificed her freedom, her comfort, her health and her life for the inalienable right for trans men and women to be treated and respected as human beings. She was the living, breathing embodiment of “no weapon against me shall prosper,” and every single one of us who has been disenfranchised—and I can safely say that’s everyone reading this right now—owes Ms. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera and all the trans women who fought on the front lines our gratitude, our respect and, without question, our love. Thank you, Ms. Johnson, for everything. JORDAN FARIS, MEDIA SALES EXECUTIVE Not only was French and Polish physicist and chemist Marie Curie the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, but she also won the award twice (and is the only woman to do that). Curie discovered the elements radium and polonium, which became monumental in research for cancer treatment and cures. “Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” (She’s still the only person—man or woman—to win the Nobel Prize in two different sciences.) MICHELLE BERMEA, MEDIA SALES DIRECTOR Being a proud Hispanic woman, Frida Kahlo has always inspired me to cross society’s traditional roles. Most would be conquered by 32 surgeries, chronic pain, several miscarriages, and bedridden confinement, but it was at this time that she found a voice through art that would empower the modern woman. Each brush stroke she made depicted her true emotional pain and suffering. She’s been called a Surrealist, but in her own words, “I never painted dreams. I painted my own reality.” She unapologetically defied society’s expectations and challenged traditional roles assigned to women, thus becoming one of the leading symbols of female empowerment.
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ATXWOMAN.COM | 15
What It Takes to Be a Change maker The women who own Austin Woman magazine know what it takes to be change makers. BY CY WHITE PHOTOS BY ANNIE RAY
W
e at Austin Woman magazine know a thing or two about what it takes to be a change maker. In fact, we know eight things. The owners of the decades-old publication have all in some way elevated Austin’s community in their historic and storied careers. Each woman is an agent of intentional change, living and breathing examples of using their positions to do good for the people of this city. Their roles as business owners, entrepreneurs and in many cases C-suite career women are purely a means to something greater: a promise to leave the city they love better with everything they do. As everything, it starts at the beginning. Co-Founder and -Owner Melinda Garvey has been hailed all over Austin as a true change agent, a coconspirator and innovator. Twenty-two years ago, she had an idea to bring something unique and sorely needed to the city: a publication that celebrated women. A simple concept, but from the seeds of that idea bloomed a legacy that continues to look for areas of improvement, innovation and real, lasting change. “Being a change maker means knowing that when you help others rise, everyone rises,” she says. “It means pushing past the fear, frustrations and doubt and showing up. It means continuing to advocate for change, even when your efforts are overlooked. It means throwing caution to the wind and literally throwing out an entire magazine full of ‘stories’ to list 318 female change makers because it matters.” Shuronda Robinson is an icon of change and intention, but her humility might make you overlook just how profound an impact she’s had on the everchanging landscape of Austin. President of Adisa Communications, founder of the Joyful Living Center, Robinson’s mission has always been to help guide people to become their best selves. Her work and accomplishments are a
Melinda Garvey
Shuronda Robinson
16 | AUSTIN WOMAN | JANUARY 2024
master class of intentional leadership. In 2022, she was honored at the NAACP Austin 57th Annual Freedom Fund as the Dewitty/Overton Highest Honoree, not to mention being awarded the key to the city by Former Mayor of Austin Steve Adler. “Being a change maker means being curious and humble,” Robinson says. “It also means being tough and going against general conventions for the sake of expressing our truth, exploring failure for the sake of one’s own learning and growth. Change makers carry a vision forward by having the tenacity to see it through.” In this same vein, Terry P. Mitchell has become an undeniable agent of progress in Austin. A native of East Austin, a serial entrepreneur and business woman, Mitchell has a fierce spirit for equity that translates to tangible change for the city’s most underrepresented. As co-chair and steering committee member of The Black Fund, she has been part of a shift in the economic landscape for Austin’s Black citizens. In February, members of the community gathered at the Paramount Theatre to celebrate The Black Fund awarding 21 nonprofits a total of $355,500, the start of a goal to award $1 million to Black-owned and -led organizations throughout Austin. As a founding member of Austin’s Black Leadership Collective, Mitchell is instrumental in the change she wants to see in the city, gathering with 100-plus like-minded Black leaders to enact shifts in the white supremacist narrative.
Terry P. Mitchell
Gretel Perera
Gretel Perera has striven to break the mold for what it means to be a Latina in the tech industry. As a woman in a high position of influence at Expedia Group (the director of PR), she understands fully well what it means to be the only her in the room. In March of 2023, she envisioned a future where Latina leaders and executives could gather to give voice to power within the community. With that vision, she spearheaded the creation of L500, a private, invitation-only network of the most influential and inspiring Latina leaders in Austin. The world has taken notice. In December 2023, L500 received an invitation to the Hispanic Leadership Summit at the U.N. headquarters from Claudia Romo Edelman, founder of the We Are All Human Foundation. In the words of Perera herself, “A change maker is someone who makes an impact on their community by inspiring others through change, leadership and by breaking the mold.” Another powerful voice for Latina executives: Ana Ruelas. As the founder and managing partner of The Agency Austin, she’s paved the way for Latinas within the real estate space. She brings so much more to the table than her extensive experience as a Fortune 500 executive. With her ability to seek out and bring to the surface the boundless potential in everyone she meets comes a deep passion for education. She’s split her time throughout the years serving on the boards of community-forward organizations such as the Texas Book Festival, Latinitas and Con Mi Madre. She illustrates her heart for philanthropy through her support of local nonprofits like The Center for Child Protection Services, The Texas Advocacy Project and Ballet Austin. As a private banker and executive director at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Lana Macrum-Craig knows full well the power of being a woman in a space that has historically been mostly saturated with men. She hasn’t allowed that fact to deter her or force her into mental submission. She’s a fighter, a vocal advocate for women in these isolated pockets of industry and
Ana Ruelas
Lana Macrum-Craig
a pillar of support for families within the community. As a member on the board of directors of nonprofit Hand to Hold and the SAFE Alliance’s Women of Hope, she not only speaks with purpose; she propels that purpose forward with her own hands. With a team of ambitious tech professionals and a dream, Contentstack CEO Neha Sampat had a long and uncertain road to her current success. Imagine, a woman with zero technical background taking the reins at not one, but three tech-forward companies. With Contentstack, the funding rounds were grueling, but at the eleventh hour, Contentstack received an incredible $31.5 million in Series A funding. To date, the tech company has raised a grand total of $169 million in seed funding. She’s gained notable international attention from the likes of Forbes, Fortune and legendary hip hop icon and entrepreneur Snoop Dogg, to name a few. She also takes active roles in initiatives like the ScaleUp Diversity Pledge and Pledge 1%. (She also knows her wine as a certified sommelier, one of only 25 women with the title.) “Being a change maker means constantly challenging the status quo with the conviction that there’s always a smarter, better way,” Sampat says. “A change maker looks beyond the obvious, driven by the endless pursuit of possibility. It’s a journey of relentless optimism and courage, transforming every obstacle into a stepping stone toward innovation and progress. At its core, being a change maker is about shaping a future fueled by vision and unwavering belief in potential.” Lynelle McKay is the perfect example of putting her heart into her work, having experienced not one, but two retirements. In her latest post-professional journey, she gifted Austin Woman with her dedication and genuine love of helping others. The former CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA has leveraged her time and dedication to ensuring that future leaders have the guidance and support they deserve. She refers to herself as a “transformational leader,” and with the work she’s done, from her tenure with Girl Scouts of the USA to her time spent as a vice president and general manager at Motorola, she’s more than lived up to that tagline.
Neha Sampat
Lynelle McKay ATXWOMAN.COM | 17
The CHANGE These six remarkable women exemplify what it truly means to be a changemaker. BY JANAYE BARABIN PHOTOS BY ANNIE RAY SHOT ON LOCATION AT WILCO WORKSPACES. STYLING BY TERESA S. TEST. MAKEUP BY ADELA TOUVELL OF KISS N’ MAKEUP. HAIR BY MICHAEL DUNN OF DECO BLUE SALON. SPECIAL THANKS TO HAILEY HARRELL.
A
ustin Woman’s inaugural Change Makers issue highlights six women in Austin’s community who are changing the city’s landscape for the better. These women embody what it means to be a changemaker. Despite the numerous obstacles each of them have faced, they have taken each challenge as an opportunity to grow and learn. Their stories are varied, but the one thing that connects them is their passion; each woman has a passion that drives them forward. These women forge their own paths when there isn’t one. They’re the kind of women who create their own methods when the existing ones don’t work. They look out for the people society disgards. They are dreamers, thinkers and pioneers.
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Left to right: Ana Villegas, Lawton Cummings, Lisa Jauregui, Maleka Momand, Janice Omadeke and Emily Rollins
MAKERS
ATXWOMAN.COM ATXWOMAN.COM | 19
20 || AUSTIN AUSTINWOMAN WOMAN| |DECEMBER JANUARY 2024 2023
General Partner at Capital Factory
Lawton
After a recurrence of breast cancer, Lawton Cummings decided to shift gears. “I needed to do something that kept me intellectually engaged but also in a positive mindset,” she says. “I [went] back into litigation, and I love the intellectual side of it, but I prefer the building of something. I love to learn about complicated things. It’s a very high-trust situation because in venture we’re investing really early, and then we help them grow.” In 2020, she took a job as a partner at Notley, a local venture nonprofit that, according to their SXSW bio, invests in “a diversified mix of investments to fund and operate multiple initiatives across various sectors of need.” There, Cummings was able to both invest and do nonprofit work. “I learned a great deal in those two years, and I really fell in love with early-stage investing.” During her time at Notley, she met Joshua Baer, CEO and founder of Capital Factory. “We worked together doing some nonprofit work that we both love,” Cummings remembers, “and we geeked out over AI.” After Cummings expressed a desire to do more, Baer offered to make her a general partner at Capital Factory. Cummings recognizes that many women and people of color face barriers that prevent them from building wealth, and is doing what she can to help. “That’s a big problem,” she begins. “How do you build enough wealth to secure yourself and your family? A great way to build wealth is to invest in things like venture funds, but some funds require anywhere from $250,000 to a $1 million minimum investment. Venture funds tend to have very high minimums, so the amount of women and people of color who invest in them is extraordinarily small. That really made me ask why. Are we more risk averse? Do we not know? Or do we not have the capital to begin with? That’s why it was important to me to lower the minimum for people who have been traditionally locked out, like women and people of color. Forty percent of my investors are women, and 51% are Black and Latinx out of 85 investors. For the 11 founders invested in, 36% are women. It’s not because we’re focusing on it. My fund doesn’t focus on it. We’re simply looking for the best.”
cummings
Lawton Cummings
ATXWOMAN.COM ATXWOMAN.COM | 21
22 | AUSTIN WOMAN | JANUARY 2024
Founder and CEO of BK Beauty
Lisa
When Lisa Jauregui started her YouTube channel nine years ago, her goal wasn’t to start a business. Despite her background as a professional makeup artist, she didn’t think the channel would go anywhere. “I didn’t even know people were monetizing it, which was good,” she admits. “I think if I would have gone into it expecting something, I would have gotten discouraged. I did it for three years just for fun. I didn’t think what I was doing was that important.” It began as a creative outlet, but she was surprised when people reached out to her after she took a month off and stopped making videos. “I had a bunch of viewers reaching out to me to see if I was okay. After that, I put my all in and grew the channel.” Then in 2019, she launched BK Beauty with the money she saved from YouTube ads. The inspiration for the brand name came from her daughters, Brooklyn and Kate, and the values she wanted to teach them. “When I was a young mom, I was growing as a woman and gaining more confidence in myself,” she says. “My perception of beauty and makeup was shifting. I struggled with the idea that I was teaching my kids that putting on a bunch of makeup is what makes you beautiful. That wasn’t what I wanted to teach my kids.” As Jauregui reflects on the inspiration for BK Beauty, her smile grows, showcasing her genuine passion. “I wanted them to know that true beauty comes from a place inside by being kind to others and yourself. I struggled for a long time because I didn’t give that kindness to myself. That was what I wanted to teach them, that true beauty is kindness.” Jauregui’s authenticity has helped her build her audience and truly connect with people. “My whole thing was to teach women makeup in an attainable and easy way. I was a young mom, and my approach to makeup was a little different. I tried to connect with women in that stage of life to make makeup easier and less complicated. It didn’t need to be 16 steps,” she insists. “You could still feel and look your best with something that was easy to wear every day. It can be very overwhelming sometimes, especially with all the products out there. But ultimately, if you feel great, wear it. It’s not about what’s right and what’s wrong, or if you’re this age don’t wear this. If you love it, who cares what everyone else does? Embrace it.”
jauregui
Lisa Jauregui
ATXWOMAN.COM | 23
momand
Maleka Momand
Maleka
Co-Founder and CEO at Esper, Forbes 30 Under 30
24 | AUSTIN WOMAN | JANUARY 2024
Maleka Momand first thought of the idea for Esper when she worked for a venture capital firm in San Francisco. “That was my first exposure to how complicated policymaking and regulation can be,” she recalls. “It led me down a path of asking government agencies how they create and manage policy, and I realized there was no technology to manage it.” After discovering how complicated the process was, she started to think about how she could simplify it. “We wanted to build this operating system for the government to help them manage it. We started in 2018, and in the same year, we moved our headquarters from San Francisco to Austin and set up shop. Today, we work with more than 60 government agencies across the United States, from the NYPD to the State of Iowa.” Momand and Co-Founder Lilli Oetting had what some may consider an unorthodox relationship. “We were introduced through an acquaintance, and we didn’t know each other that well before going into business. It’s a little unconventional, but we built a lot of trust over the last six years building the company together.” Momand believes that this is a benefit rather than a hindrance. “Sometimes when you’re friends with someone you can almost be too nice and become a yes man. Because we didn’t know each other, we really defended our opinions and argued and talked it out to find the right answer. I think it was a bonus.” Esper has had amazing growth during these five years, and the two co-founders were even featured in Forbes’ 30 under 30 list for social impact in 2022. Momand appreciates the material gains the company has made, but she makes it a point to not let that make her complacent. She’s focused on achieving a high level of success, for her and her team. “I’m really proud of the team. Most importantly, we’ve been able to successfully promote people internally to director and senior-level positions. A lot of times, startups will hire out, but we’ve been able to nurture really great people and give them opportunities for career growth.” It’s clear to see how much Momand appreciates her team, as her tone becomes full of admiration when she praises them. “They’ve crushed it, and we’ve seen that a lot this year. These are great people who I want to work with over and over again, so I’m really proud of the team we’ve built.”
ATXWOMAN.COM | 25
omadeke
Janice Omadeke
Janice
Author of Mentorship Unlocked , Serial entrepreneur, exited CEO and Founder of The Mentor Method
26 | AUSTIN WOMAN | JANUARY 2024
Often feeling left out of mentor relationships in corporate America, Janice Omadeke founded The Mentor Method, an enterprise platform that matches underrepresented employees to mentors at the company where they work. She became one of the first Black women to raise $1 million in institutional funding, and Austin’s first Black woman to have a venturebacked tech exit. After The Mentor Method was acquired, Wiley Publishing reached out to Omadeke about writing a book on mentorship. “Since I didn’t have mentors, I relied heavily on books to help me understand how to level up my professional acumen, and I often didn’t see myself reflected in those,” she reveals. “The authors typically came from a certain point of privilege, or were already the COO of global companies. This book is my opportunity to make sure that professional development is accessible to everyone by sharing my lived experiences and how I leveraged mentorship to excel in my career. So when Wiley invited me to write this, I started reflecting on my own journey.” When writing Mentorship Unlocked, Omadeke strived to make it as accessible as possible. “I wanted it to be something that was approachable for all the people who felt left out of other professional development books. My book is very detailed, so it empowers the reader to build their network and create a career that is fulfilling and sustainable.” She wanted to ensure that the readers would be fully equipped to build successful mentor relationships. “It’s relatable but very strategic, tactile and practical. The reader should walk away with strategies on how to build their network of mentors throughout the entire span of their career.” Though many would call her a success, there’s more that she wants to do. “I am grateful for the mentorship and the resources and opportunities I’ve been afforded to even reach [these] milestones. However, I don’t feel like I’m done in my career,” she insists. “There’s so much more I want to do. Success for me right now is feeling content with my life knowing there is a bright future ahead. There’s more work to be done in enhancing the way professionals are able to connect and build fulfilling careers. That’s what success looks like for me, helping other people define their measures of success and helping them accomplish that in their own careers.”
ATXWOMAN.COM | 27
LOCATION: POPPI CORPORATE OFFICE, AUSTIN 31 Navasota St., Suite 270 | drinkpoppi.com
28 | AUSTIN WOMAN | JANUARY 2024
Owner of Town Square NW Austin
Emil y
After their dad suffered a stroke in 2019, Emily Rollins and her siblings had to decide whether or not he would be in assisted living. Like many families, the siblings struggled with their decision. “It’s either you do it all on your own, which leads to stress and eventually giving up—and home care is extremely expensive, and not as engaging—or you could put them in assisted living, and some folks start to decline.” Rollins made the decision to invest in Town Square, a senior day care modeled after a small town, to provide an alternative for those who may be struggling to choose between home care and assisted living for the seniors in their lives. The team at Town Square is very well trained. Each employee is required to go through multiple training programs, as well as a comprehensive program by Tam Cummings, one of the most renowned gerontologists in Texas. The center was designed especially for seniors who were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as a way to keep them engaged. “We’re really trying to build a sense of community here for a large portion of the population that people probably just ignore,” Rollins says. “I think there’s a lot of folks who think social security takes care of everything, but there’s so much financial need. We provide support groups for their caregivers and loved ones, and we talk about mental, physical and financial health so they’re not lost, giving them the tools they need so that they don’t feel so alone.” Rollins’ goal is to make care accessible to as many people as possible. “We’re doing everything we can to not let money be an issue,” she says. “There’s such a wealth of people in that generation that just become invisible to the rest of the community, and we get to make them visible again. People have friends here; they have people they like to talk to and people they eat lunch with. They feel like they’re part of something versus just being cast aside. I never thought I would do this, but it’s the most fulfilling work I’ve ever done in my entire life.”
rollins
Emily Rollins
ATXWOMAN.COM | 29
30 | AUSTIN WOMAN | JANUARY 2024
Latinitas Board Director
Ana
Ana Villegas grew up in Peru but moved to the U.S. when she decided that she wanted to grow her career. “I went into engineering and found a job in Peru where I worked for eight years while doing a master’s in finance and marketing at night,” she recalls. “I knew I could grow my career even more in the U.S. because there were more opportunities, so I applied for an MBA at Kellogg. I was on my own, but I had my spirit and a belief in myself that I was gonna make it happen.” Villegas stayed with a friend after graduating and worked several jobs just to stay in the U.S. “After six months, I found an opportunity with Dell. It was operations and not marketing, but at the time it was the only door I had at the moment, so I took it.” She struggled during her first years until she learned how to navigate the environment. “I was clueless and didn’t know about networking or anything,” she admits. “I had to learn the playbook of corporate America. I stayed at Dell for 16 years and moved up the ladder as years went by. Eventually, I was approached by one of my mentors, who had just become the chief marketing officer at National Instruments (NI). She wanted me to join her as vice president of demand operations in marketing at NI. I was super scared because it was my first time leaving the world of Dell, but I learned. Then the CMO left to become CMO of IBM, so I went for the role and I got it.” Villegas attributes her resilience to her grandmother, who she counts as one of her biggest inspirations. “My grandma has always been my main role model,” she says. “With no college education, she co-founded an organization for women who had been abused. She dedicated her life to this and would give whatever she had. People would scream at her and even come after her. [She believed] she made an impact. That level of giving back, no matter what, that’s what keeps me going. The more I do, I think about who else I can help.”
villegas
Ana Villegas
ATXWOMAN.COM | 31
WHERE LEARNING KNOWS NO LIMITS. FIND OUT MORE 32 | AUSTIN WOMAN | JANUARY 2024
Alpha School unlocks your child's potential, teaching them 2x faster than standard schools, fostering essential life skills, and shaping their future. Start your child’s transformative educational journey today!
The LISTS
WELCOME TO THE LIST
Welcome to Austin Woman magazine’s inaugural Change Makers List, comprised of woman- and femme-identifying folks who are making significant and intentional strides to uplift Austin’s community. This list represents phenomenal names in business, tech, art, activism, C-suite, education and professional development, as well as people elected to seats of influence by the community, for the community.
This list is by no means exhaustive. However, we at Austin Woman have found that the unfortunate norm on lists like this is a significant lack of women-identifying people and people of color. While unfortunately we can’t list each and every phenomenal woman-identified person in Austin, we sincerely hope this is the start of something magical: A list
ANGE MAKERS ANGE MAKERS
that showcases the array of Austin womxn from all walks of life, all
professional backgrounds, all passions, visions and experiences, with
one thing in common—they are creating impact in our great city, even
if they are rarely recognized for doing so. Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not happening all around you. We hope that this list brings you hope—and builds confidence in the generation of womxn change makers to come.
ATXWOMAN.COM | 33
CHANGE MAKERS
the Arts
These women-identified creatives are redefining the landscape of the arts in Austin. They combine varied experiences, talents, industries and a common red thread of passion to continue to cultivate and nurture the true artistic spirit of Austin and push it beyond the confines of the slogan "Live Music Capital of the World."
MAMA DUKE
BARBARA MORGAN
RECORDING ARTIST & SONGWRITER
CEO
SWAN SONGS
TRIPLE WHAMMY RECORDS
AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL/ON STORY
Artist, entrepreneur, singer-songwriter and leader
Recording Academy member and an award-winning artist
Co-Founder/CEO of Austin Film Festival and Executive Producer of On Story
RUBINA ANJUM
AMANDA JOHNSTON
SYLVIA OROZCO
CHRISTINE ALBERT CEO
ARTIST & CEO
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
RUBINA ART GALLERY
TORCH LITERARY ARTS
MEXIC-ARTE MUSEUM
Creating satellite imagery-inspired artworks; inaugural Artist-in-Residence at ABIA
Passionate artist and leader amplifying Black women writers at Torch
Artist, curator, co-founder and executive director of the official Mexican and Mexican American museum, Mexic-Arte
ELIZABETH AVELLAN
FRANCÉS JONES, ESQ.
VICE PRESIDENT; PRESIDENT
TROUBLEMAKER STUDIOS; EYA PRODUCTIONS Film producer and co-founder/co-owner of Troublemaker Studios
JANN BASKETT CO-PRESIDENT
SXSW Co-President and CBO of SXSW; supporting co-conspirator at Yard Dog Art
CHRIS COWDEN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FOUNDER
VISIONARY LAW FIRM Experienced trademark law firm empowering visionary founders making social impact
LURLEEN LADD FOUNDER
WAVEMAKERS WOMEN IN MUSIC Singer/songwriter sharing music, improving the industry for women 40+
BEILI LIU ARTIST; PROFESSOR
BEILI LIU STUDIO; UT AUSTIN
Best job in the world: director of Women & Their Work
Artist, Carnegie Fellow, Pollock Prize Awardee, Fulbright Distinguished Arctic Chair
MELA SARAJANE DAILEY
SHARON MAIDENBERG
WOMEN & THEIR WORK
CEO
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO
AMERICAN ARTISTS PROJECT
THE CONTEMPORARY AUSTIN
Grammy-winning performer, producer and national nonprofit CEO
Executive director and CEO at The Contemporary Austin
BERTHA DELGADO
NAGAVALLI MEDICHARLA
CO-FOUNDER, ART CURATOR, ART ACTIVIST, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ARTE TEXAS INC. Native Chicana East Austin resident with numerous awards for preserving cultural art
34 | AUSTIN WOMAN | JANUARY 2024
SINGER/COMPOSER, MUSIC/ARTS ADVOCATE
NAGAVALLI.COM Singer/composer, first AAPI Music Commission Chair, Mayor's Arts Commission appointee, D&I advocate
P1NKSTAR ARTIST & MUSICIAN Ur Fav Electr0nic Pop Superstar
CHINA SMITH FOUNDING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
BALLET AFRIQUE Pioneers youth development in ballet with African cultural fusion
HEIDI MARQUEZ SMITH CEO
TEXAS CULTURAL TRUST Community and nonprofit leader, experienced public servant
TK TUNCHEZ CEO & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
LAS OFRENDAS & FRIDA FRIDAY ATX Award-winning CEO, community builder and creative entrepreneur
ASHLEY WHITE FRYER FOUNDER/PRINCIPAL & CO-CHAIR
ASHLEY WHITE PUBLIC RELATIONS & WOMEN IN MUSIC AUSTIN CHAPTER 20-plus-year veteran of music and entertainment PR
CHANGE MAKERS
Corporate Power Playe rs
The corporate rock stars on this list have truly elevated the game in each of their respective industries. They've not just broken through the glass ceiling; they've utterly obliterated it, reaching down through the rubble to bring up other women-identified professionals in their wake. Imposter syndrome, where? You won't see any imposters here!
THAI LEE
ROSE STUCKEY KIRK
CEO & PRESIDENT
CEO
SHI INTERNATIONAL
VERIZON
Visionary leader and architect of equitable change
#5 on Forbes' list of the Richest Self-Made Women
Award-winning journalist; executive producer of {Without A Net: The Digital Divide in America}
HEATHER BRUNNER
LETICIA MENDOZA
LISA SU
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
CEO
AMD
TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
Loves semiconductors, solving problems, challenges and pushing innovation
AMBER BRADBURY GLOBAL SITE STRATEGY & OPERATIONS
CEO
WP ENGINE CEO of unicorn technology company that's tripled in size since 2018
Creative, compassionate, results-oriented leader with a demonstrated history of building strong community partnerships
EVONNE DELANEY CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCE OFFICER
YETI
CATE PRESCOTT
Twenty-plus-year HR professional focusing on empowering talent engines in dynamic organizations
NI
TAMARA FIELDS
CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER & SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT 25-year international CHRO driving growth across industrial, retail, distribution, manufacturing and tech industries
OFFICE MANAGING DIRECTOR
ACCENTURE Business veteran helping better serve clients with creative, strategic and transformative solutions
MELANIE FISH
ALISON ROSCOE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS
Travel expert appearing on national broadcasts to share tips, trends and travel news
CATHY HARM
Highly experienced leader with an exceptional record of commitment in sports
Inspires, empowers and develops female leaders to significant leadership roles within the community
SPURS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT Respected professional, passionate about the impact of sports in our community
JENNIFER WARREN VP, GLOBAL BRAND MARKETING & CREATIVE
INDEED Innovative global marketing leader, advancing better work for all
WHITNEY WOLFE HERD EXECUTIVE CHAIR
BUMBLE
DIONN SCHAFFNER CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER
BONTERRA Discovering and implementing ways to enable opportunities for those who have systemically lacked access
VP OF CENTRAL TEXAS
H-E-B
AUSTIN COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS SENIOR MANAGER
AUSTIN FC
HEAD OF GLOBAL PR
EXPEDIA GROUP
PERRI TRAVILLION
ROSANDRA SILVEIRA
More dedicated than ever to advancing gender equality and putting an end to misogyny
ELSA ZAMBRANO SVP, GLOBAL TALENT AND CULTURES
NXP SEMICONDUCTORS Developed and implemented flexible work and well-being strategies addressing effects of the pandemic on NXP’s global workforce
GLOBAL CONSUMER SALES SVP
DELL TECHNOLOGIES L500 board director, "Most Powerful Latina Class of 2023," diversity advocate ATXWOMAN.COM | 35
CHANGE MAKERS
Education
The women-identified education professionals on this list have dedicated their lives to ensuring that every Austinite gets the tools and resources they need and deserve. With their gazes ever toward the future, they are creating pathways for more brilliant minds to further elevate the Austin community.
MONICA M. MARTINEZ
MACKENZIE PRICE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
CO-FOUNDER
CAPITAL IDEA
UT AUSTIN
ALPHA SCHOOL & 2HR LEARNING
Second-gen family and education advocate, withmore than two decades of service
Award-winning author, educator and public historian; helped secure four state historical markers along the US-Mexico border
Revolutionizing K-12 education through AI learning and life skills development
ROSEMARY CAVAZOS PROGRAM SPECIALIST
JUDITH DULLNIG FOUNDER
LINDA MEDINA-LOPEZ
WOMEN'S STORYBOOK PROJECT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Founder of a nonprofit that connects children with their incarcerated mothers through the joy of literature
SHALEIAH FOX CHIEF CAMPAIGN OFFICER
THINKERY Cundraiser, philanthropist and community advocate uplifting professional and personal success of women and communities of color
KENDRA SCOTT WOMEN'S ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
Mission-driven executive director of Pflugerville Education Foundation
Empowering founders to find the best path to their destinations
DEIRDRE MENDEZ
DR. ANA MARÍA TEKINA-EIRÚ MAYNARD
DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR GLOBAL BUSINESS
MCCOMBS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Intercultural consultant, speaker and author helping U.S. companies identify and resolve culturally based problems
ST. EDWARD'S UNIVERSITY
TARA MIKO BALLENTINE
24th president of St. Edward’s University, the first Hispanic and second female president
BRIGHT LITTLES
FOUNDER Award-winning entrepreneur, parenting change maker, preparing the next generation
KASSI KINCAID FOUNDER AND PROGRAM DIRECTOR
BOOK DAYS
LILLIAN MILLS
Children's literacy pioneer, inspiring global creativity and career transformation
MCCOMBS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
DEAN First female dean of the McCombs School of Business
DR. KRISTI KIRK PROVOST
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY First woman provost in Concordia University's 100-year history
JULIE MUELLER CAMPUS PRESIDENT
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AUSTIN CAMPUS Ambassador for women in the skilled trades and STEAM careers
36 | AUSTIN WOMAN | JANUARY 2024
FOUNDING DIRECTOR
PFLUGERVILLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION
MONTSERRAT FUENTES, PH.D. PRESIDENT
LESLEY ROBINSON
FOUNDING EXECUTIVE & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
PUERTO RICAN CULTURAL CENTER Nature's clarity coach, master-certified spiritual life & dreamwork coach (ICF Trained)
BROOKE TURNER VICE PRESIDENT OF STEAM LEARNING
THINKERY Award-winning change catalyst for lasting outcomes through education and entrepreneurship
MONIQUE UMPHREY PROVOST & EXECUTIVE VICE CHANCELLOR OF ACADEMIC & STUDENT AFFAIRS
AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE Passionate provost, Dr. Umphrey masters data, innovation and systemic change
DR. MELVA K. WILLIAMS PRESIDENT & CEO
HUSTON-TILLOTSON UNIVERSITY President and CEO of the largest private HBCU in Texas
CHANGE MAKERS
Elected Off icials & Chamber Leade rs These elected officials and leaders of the various Austin Chambers of Commerce strive to give their all for the community that put them in their positions, positions they revere with the utmost respect. They truly embody the sentiment "by the people, for the people."
ALISON ALTER
VANESSA FUENTES
DONNA HOWARD
COUNCIL MEMBER
COUNCIL MEMBER
REPRESENTATIVE
CITY OF AUSTIN
CITY OF AUSTIN
Tough, proven leader fighting for a safe,
Policymaker focused on making Austin a
TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
green, resilient ATX
better community for all
TINA CANNON
VIKKI GOODWIN
CEO
REPRESENTATIVE
AUSTIN LGBT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Longtime community leader, savvy politico and recovering entrepreneur
Texas State House Representative District 47
SHERYL COLE
NATASHA HARPER-MADISON
REPRESENTATIVE
COUNCIL MEMBER
TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
CITY OF AUSTIN
Champion for civil rights and greater economic opportunity for all
PAIGE ELLIS MAYOR PRO TEM & COUNCIL MEMBER
CITY OF AUSTIN Mayor Pro Tem and City Councilmember representing Southwest Austin
LULU FLORES REPRESENTATIVE
TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Latina, attorney, community advocate, leader, honesty, integrity, tenacious, fighter
Speaker, mobility advocate, multi-passionate social entrepreneur and innovative problem-solver
TAM HAWKINS PRESIDENT & CEO
GREATER AUSTIN BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Passionate about civic engagement on local, national and international levels
GINA HINOJOSA REPRESENTATIVE
TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Leader on environmental policy, fierce defender of Austin's local control, proudly serving the constituents of District 49
Ten-term state legislator, women's health champion and Lawnchair Lady
MACKENZIE KELLY COUNCIL MEMBER
CITY OF AUSTIN Austin native, volunteer firefighter, police advocate and health care worker, embracing a lifetime of public service
TARA LEVY INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
AUSTIN YOUNG CHAMBER Engaging partner, facilitator and problem-solver; nonprofit strategist, teacher and guide
MONICA MUÑOZ ANDRY PRESIDENT & CEO
GREATER AUSTIN HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Activator, connector and champion for the Latino business community
LESLIE POOL MAYOR PRO TEM & COUNCIL MEMBER
CITY OF AUSTIN Policymaker focused on Austin's resilience, sustainability, attainable housing and transportation
ATXWOMAN.COM | 37
CHANGE MAKERS
F ashion, Beauty & Design
While it's true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the women-identified creatives on this list want every person they work with to truly feel that they are a beauty to behold. Their passion for fashion (beauty and design) is evident in the lives they touch. They are truly making the city a little more gorgeous, one Austinite at a time.
MARTHA LYNN KALE
LOREAL SARKISIAN
FOUNDER & OWNER
CAMOUFLAGED
MIRROR MIRROR SALON
WARDROBE STYLIST, DESIGNER & PHILANTHROPIST
It’s about so much more than just an aesthetic treatment
Award-winning salon owner, hairstylist, mentor and industry innovator
LOREAL LUCIANA LLC, STYLED BY LOREAL LLC, XOLO FOUNDATION
VANESSA BARENDT OWNER
NINA BERENATO OWNER
NINA BERENATO JEWELRY Traditional metalsmith and owner of Austin-based all-woman jewelry shop
YAZMIN CASTAÑEDA FOUNDER
ORIGIN MEXICO Woman-Owned Business of the Year 2022, Women's Way Finalist 2023
ANAIS CRUZ
NINA MEANS FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
KENDRA SCOTT
ACC FASHION INCUBATOR CADRE INNOVATION
FOUNDER & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER
Global fashion designer, creative director, fashion technology startup executive, mom
RAEKA MORAR FOUNDER & CEO
RAEKA BEAUTY Seasoned entrepreneur and creator, elevating beauty with passion and expertise
CO-OWNER
CHELLE NEFF
PIEL MORENA
FOUNDER
Business owner and community engagement and communications professional
KARINA DRAKE OWNER
ALEXA JAMES BABY
Wardrobe stylist, designer of Loreal Luciana, CEO of XOLO
URBAN BETTY SALON CEO and founder of the award-winning Urban Betty Salon
ASMA PARVEZ
KENDRA SCOTT Continues to lead her billion-dollar company on the foundation of three core pillars: Family, Fashion and Philanthropy
COURTNEY SHIELDS FOUNDER & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER
DIBS BEAUTY Mom, entrepreneur and self-proclaimed pro at finding the silver lining
CAMILLE STYLES FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
CAMILLE STYLES Founder and editor-in-chief of leading lifestyle digital publication
FOUNDER
RUBY SULTER
STYLED BY ASMA LLC
CO-FOUNDER
On a mission to create a space that inspires creativity, warmth and joy
Empowering Muslim women through personalized styling, fostering confidence, embracing visibility
Championing women to lead their "Bold. Determined.Fierce.Outstanding" lifestyle
ANNE DRANE
KAREN HELTON PAWANDA
TABRIA WILLIFORD
CO-FOUNDER & CEO
OWNER/MAKEUP ARTIST/BROW SPECIALIST
FOUNDER
TAWA THREADS CO.
Empowering women in Africa to create change through fashion craftsmanship
KISS N’ MAKEUP, LLC Austin's original brow-shaping and natural makeup artistry; 25 years of experience
Etsy Design Award finalist advocating for outdoor inclusivity through nature-inspired designs
AMBER GLASSMAN
CONNI REED
TIFFANY WILSON
SAWA SAWA
CO-FOUNDER & CEO
FOUNDER & CEO
B.D.F.O. LIFESTYLE
OWNER
BRYAN ANTHONYS
CONSUELA
29ELEVEN THE SALON
Experienced entrepreneur, designer and writer empowering others to share their own story
Austin-based artist whose design philosophy is The Art of the Unmatched
Textured-hair specialist, salon success coach, owner of top five salon
38 | AUSTIN WOMAN | JANUARY 2024
CHANGE MAKERS
Finance
It's not just about money with these titans of finance. It's about ensuring that every person gets the resources, support and, yes, financial backing they need to make their own dreams come true. In breaking boundaries in the finance sector, they've allowed others to do the same in their respective industries.
DRU ARMSTRONG
LUISA GAVINO-MARTINEZ
CARLA MOLINA
CEO
COMMERCIAL BANKING MARKET LEADER
AFFINIPAY
PNC FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP
HEAD OF US EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS AND AUSTIN MARKET EXECUTIVE
Customer-focused CEO, with extensive experience in running high-growth software organizations
Commercial banking executive. Stanford graduate. Latina. Mother. Wife. Community
BANK OF AMERICA Leads U.S. external communications and Austin community engagement
leader
SARA T. BRAND KERRY RUPP
CLAIRE HARRISON
ASHLEY PHILLIPS VP OF DEVELOPMENT
MARKET PRESIDENT
JUST COMMUNITY
TRUE WEALTH VENTURES
TEXAS CAPITAL BANK
Venture capital investors of women-led companies improving environmental or human health
Strategic advisor developing new client opportunities and Texas Capital Bank’s growth
20 years at the intersection of money and meaning
BELEM DAVILA-RODRIGUEZ
CHEREMMA LEE
GENERAL PARTNERS
IRS-REGISTERED TAX PREPARER
TAXOMATIC-O LLC Assists taxpayers and small businesses with taxes in Austin and the surrounding communities
CLAIRE ENGLAND
AVP SPEND LIFE WISELY AMBASSADOR/ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FIRST UNITED BANK/ UNABRIDGED ACADEMY Champion for creating positive social impact and executing big dreams
INVESTMENT PARTNER
DR. OKSANA MALYSHEVA
GPG VENTURES
MANAGING PARTNER/CEO
Seasoned venture capital investor and executive, Kauffman Fellow, native Austinite
PAM FRIEDMAN
SPUTNIK ATX VC Investor; bullish on Austin; lifetime learner; physicist in business; Forbes 50/50
MANAGING DIRECTOR & PRINCIPAL
YVONNE MCGILL
ROBERTSON STEPHENS
CFO
Grows, protects and provides financial advice to women in divorce
RAQUEL GARCIA MARKETING DIRECTOR
DELL Founding member and current global sponsor of Women in Action, enabling women to grow and thrive at Dell
UFCU
ALLEGRA MOET BRANTLY
Marketing executive. Brand ambassador. Community builder
FACTORA WEALTH
FOUNDER & CEO
MALINI RAJPUT MARKET PRESIDENT
CAPITAL ONE Motivated leader that thrives on success, communication and collaboration
PAOLA RETES ADDIE OLSEN RASCHE CO-LEADS
AUSTIN WOMEN IN VC Co-leads
ANGELA SHAW SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF TALENT
AMPLIFY CREDIT UNION Award-winning senior vice president of Talent
MICHELLE YEH GILLIS MANAGING DIRECTOR & MARKET EXECUTIVE
J.P. MORGAN Leads the Technology & Disruptive Commerce team for Texas in the commercial bank
Teaching women how to build wealth and invest confidently
ATXWOMAN.COM | 39
CHANGE MAKERS
F ood & Beverage
If the way to one's heart is through the stomach, then you should fall head-over-heels for the food and beverage rock stars on this list. Staples and upstarts alike, these women-identified connesieurs of all things delectible have changed the game in the food and beverage industries, making their marks in a city absolutely bursting with remarkable talent.
ABERDEEM
REGINA ESTRADA
JEN D. RODRIGUEZ
BAKER/PASTRY CHEF
GENERAL MANAGER
FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE CHEF & OWNER
STREET SWEETS
JOE'S BAKERY & COFFEE SHOP, INC.
3 SMALL PLATES LLC
Latina-owned dessert truck owner and pastry chef
KENDALL ANTONELLI FOUNDER & CO-OWNER
ANTONELLI'S CHEESE Award-winning small-business founder and speaker, on a mission to spread joy through cheese
GABRIELA BUCIO OWNER
GABRIELA'S GROUP One of the city’s most popular and fastgrowing restaurant management groups
KRYSTAL CRAIG CO-FOUNDER AND MANAGING CHEF
INTERO AND POETA Native Austinite, award-winning chocolatier, pastry chef and managing co-owner of Intero and Poeta
ILIANA DE LA VEGA CHEF
EL NARANJO
James Beard America's Classic Winner and East Austin original community-focused small business
KELLY GASINK CO-FOUNDER
DENISE SILVERMAN
STEPHANIE HOUSTON CEO
ISLAND GETAWAY RUM CEO and co-founder of America's first Latina-owned production distillery
MARGARET JABOUR
WINE & FOOD FOUNDATION Invests in the wine and food community through education, appreciation and enjoyment
AMANDA TURNER CHEF DE CUISINE
OLAMAIE
TWIN LIQUORS
Rising star chef Amanda Turner
Texas Businesswoman of the Year, awarded by the Woman’s Chamber of Commerce Texas
MARITZA & REYNA VAZQUEZ
CLAUDIA LEE OWNER & PARTNER
CO-OWNER
CO-FOUNDER
ST. CECILIA SODA CO.
PANTALONES
Co-Owner of a local women-owned, smallbatch, damn delicious sugar-free sparkling water company
The woman behind premium organic tequila
40 | AUSTIN WOMAN | JANUARY 2024
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
OWNER & EXECUTIVE VP
CAMILA MCCONAUGHEY
Brand, creative and vision leader at Poppi; social strategist
SICC PALETTE
Co-founder of four successful businesses, three sold to publicly traded companies
TANIA DEGREGORIO
POPPI
CHEF & OWNER South Indian Texan chef and media personality
UNDERDOG
FOUNDER & CHIEF OF BRAND
DEEPA SHRIDHAR
AUSTIN COCKTAILS
2022 James Beard Award-winning owner of traditional Mexican restaurant El Naranjo in Austin
ALLISON ELLSWORTH
Master flavorsmith of chef-curated culinary travel experiences around the world
Managing partner and owner of Underdog ATX
FARRAH MOUSSALLATI SIBAI
FOUNDERS
VERACRUZ ALL NATURAL Award-winning Austin staple
SHARON WATKINS PRESIDENT
CHEZ ZEE AMERICAN BISTRO Founder and president of City of Austin Iconic Austin Legacy Restaurant Award winner
RANIA ZAYYAT FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
LIFT COLLECTIVE
AFIA FOODS
Aka the Wine Director, managing partner
Visionary brand founder bringing Mediterranean food to U.S. shoppers
of Bufalina Pizza and Palm Pizza
CHANGE MAKERS
Health & Wellness
It's no surprise there are so many incredible women-indentified professionals in the health and wellness industry. The natural urge to nurture takes on a transcendental nature in the gifted hands and hearts of those on this list. Each one here has dedicated their life to ensuring that everyone in Austin can live theirs to the fullest.
DR. SHARITA AMBROSE LA'TOYA SWAN
JULIA CHEEK
DR. CLAUDIA F. LUCCHINETTI
FOUNDER & CEO
DEAN
FOUNDERS
EVERLY HEALTH
DELL MEDICAL SCHOOL
ALLURE ALLIANCE INC. We make Black women our business through holistic health education
Reached $1 billion-plus valuation four years from launch by building the future of diagnostic care in Austin
Heading up Dell Medical school’s work in education, research and clinical care
ABENA ASANTE
DARA CHIKE-OBI CSO DR. LYDIA CONTRERAS CEO
SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER
ST. DAVID'S FOUNDATION Passionate advocate for community health improvement
GRIÖ
DR. NICOLE CROSS
AN PHAM
BOARD-CERTIFIED FAMILY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN; BEST SELLING AUTHOR & KEYNOTE SPEAKER ON ANXIETY AND CORPORATE WELLNESS
Multiple Emmy Award-winning journalist and Ph.D.-level psychotherapist
SPECTRUM NEWS
ALLY DAVIDSON FOUNDER & CEO
CAMP GLADIATOR
KRISTA BERGERON OWNER
Wife and mom to three kids, 2020 Inc. Top 100 Female Founder, American Gladiator champion
AUSTIN SIMPLY FIT Owner of Austin's premier personal training studio
SARAH JONES SIMMER CEO
DENISE BRADLEY VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING & CORPORATE AFFAIRS
FOUND CEO of Found, transforming how our society treats, manages and talks about weight
ST. DAVID'S HEALTHCARE Marketing and corporate affairs strategist for nationally acclaimed health system
HEALINCOMFORT Award-winning inventor, helping 40,000plus patients throughout the U.S., Canada and U.K. heal after mastectomy surgery
DR. OMERINE ASEH
Board-certified family medicine physician
FOUNDER & CEO
Co-Founders of the award-winning Griö baby bottles
NEWS ANCHOR/NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH CORRESPONDENT
YOU FIRST ANXIETY AND WELLNESS
CHERIE MATHEWS
BLANCA LESMES
FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR
ONE OF THE KIDS Autism mom, founder, mentor, fostering positive change for autism therapy
NATALIE SANDERS CEO
BODYPOSIBARRE Barre instructor focusing on joyful movement and fat liberation
ELAINE SHI CO-FOUNDER & CO-CEO
BODYSPEC Making preventative health easy and pleasant for everyone
AMY SWEET CEO
HALCYON HOME Award-winning health care CEO with a passion for helping people
CO-FOUNDER & CEO
MARIA BROWN-SPENCE CEO
BB IMAGING L TELESCAN CEO addressing maternal-fetal outcomes utilizing ultrasound technology
HEARTS2HEAL Fosters inclusive grief support and mental health programs, eradicating stigma ATXWOMAN.COM | 41
CHANGE MAKERS
Housing
It's no secret that housing insecurity is a major cause for concern in this great city. The women-identified professionals on this list have taken the issue to heart, and in thier capable hands have given hope to those who want, need and deserve a safe place to lay their heads at night or to securely conduct their own businesses.
MICHELE ANDERSON
KENDA DAWWAMI
MEAGAN MCCOY JONES
CEO
CO-FOUNDER & CO-PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT & CEO
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
CONSTRUCTINOPLE
MCCOY'S BUILDING SUPPLY
Helping further Austin Habitat's mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope
Austin-based entrepreneur and real estate expert
Austin-based entrepreneur and real estate expert
YVETTE FLORES
DIANE SKELLENGER
ELLEN BEAMAN CEO
CASABELLA ARCHITECTS, INC. Chief of hustlin' and keeping people happy at the family firm
EMILY CHENEVERT CEO
AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS CEO for a 20,000-plus member organization
CO-FOUNDER/BOARD CHAIR
REALTY AUSTIN/HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AUSTIN Brains and heart of Realty Austin
BRIANA LACEY-KING
JOLSNA JOHN THOMAS, ESQ.
MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER
THE ROSENDIN FOUNDATION
Top producing loan officer, funding homeowners and first-time investors
Rosendin Foundation president inspiring construction of the future
MEGAN LASCH OWNER & PRESIDENT
CG&S DESIGN-BUILD CG&S Design-Build does more than fix houses; they make houses whole
42 | AUSTIN WOMAN | JANUARY 2024
PRESIDENT
AMP LENDING
MARKETING MANAGER
OWNER & GENERAL MANAGER
SKELLY BUILD Award-winning woman-owned Austin-based construction company
IRIS DAVIS-QUICK
DOLORES GUERRERO DAVIS
FOUNDER & CEO
O-SDA INDUSTRIES Austin 40 Under 40 Finalist for three consecutive years
LEZLIE TRAM LE FOUNDER, COMMERCIAL BROKER & DEVELOPER
LT COMMERCIAL GROUP Entrepreneur turned CEO supporting business owners in commercial real estate
CHANGE MAKERS
Nonprofit
Austin's resiliency, drive and sense of community shines through brightest with the womanidentified leaders of its nonprofit organizations. These beacons of community impact are digging in with their hands and feet to ensure the city continues to foster real equity, generosity and hope for those Austinites who are underrepresented and deserve their voices to be heard.
STEPHANIE BAZAN
JANE HERVEY
SUSAN RAMIREZ
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FOUNDING DIRECTOR, CREATIVE PRODUCER
FOUNDER & CEO
FUTURE FRONT TEXAS
Speaker, wife, boy mom, full-time advocate, believer, achiever, blessed
GENERATION SERVE Award-winning leader, mom, community advocate, philanthropist and public speaker
PAULA BOOKIDIS CEO
GIRL SCOUTS OF CENTRAL TEXAS Preparing girls for a lifetime of leadership
DESTINY BROWN PRESIDENT
AUSTIN AREA URBAN LEAUGE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Leads community empowerment, advocacy in Austin focusing on equity, development
CHELSEA ELLIOTT FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
HALF HELEN
Award-winning creative producer and accidental nonprofit founder
GABRIELA KANE GUARDIA Nonprofit executive, STEAM advocate, Texans for the Arts board member
On a mission to make the world a better place through helping others
ANDRA LIEMANDT
DEBBIE TATE
FOUNDER & CEO
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
THE KINDNESS CAMPAIGN
CENTER FOR CHILD PROTECTION
CEO of The Kindness Campaign, creator of KindGym, emotional health speaker and author
Children’s advocacy center and sole nonprofit in Travis County involved in the investigation of crimes against children
BESSY MARTINEZ
LISABETH THOMAS
FOUNDER & CEO
PHYLLIS EVERETTE FOUNDER & CEO
Creative CEO and founder empowering Latina women through leadership, advocacy and community initiatives
SAFFRON TRUST WOMENS FOUNDATION
JULIE MCELRATH
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
IMPACT AUSTIN Leads nonprofit strategy and fosters impactful partnerships to empower communities
ANDREA HERRERA MORENO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
TEXAS ALLIANCE FOR MINORITIES IN ENGINEERING Connector who believes in our collective power and mutual responsibility
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF CENTRAL TEXAS
AUSTIN LATINAS UNIDAS, THE LATINA FOUNDATION
DEMETRIA GEORGE CASTON
LINDSEY SANDERS
LATINITAS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Resilient and tenacious leader helping people see their world clearly
Nonprofit executive, community leader, women's health care advocate
NATIONAL ANGELS
PRESIDENT & CHIEF CAUSE OFFICER
CLEAN CAUSE FOUNDATION Envisions a world where everyone with a substance-use disorder has what they need on their recovery journey
RAASIN MCINTOSH FOUNDER/VICE PRESIDENT
RAASIN IN THE SUN/ DOWNTOWN AUSTIN ALLIANCE Visionary, philanthropist and curator of all
FOUNDER
NOT ON OUR WATCH TX Award-winning producer and speaker determined to protect our kids
MIKAILA ULMER FOUNDER & HEAD OF OUTREACH
HEALTHY HIVE FOUNDATION Student, published author, social entrepreneur, 2023 AfroTech Future of Tech honoree
CHERELLE VANBRAKLE COMMUNITY ADVOCATE & DIRECTOR OF MODEL COMMUNITY
UNITED WAY FOR GREATER AUSTIN Equity-focused leader driving social change through community engagement and
things public art and creative placemaking
strategic partnerships
DR. JOHANNA MOYA FÁBREGAS
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CON MI MADRE Passionate nonprofit community leader and education warrior
LOURDES G. ZUNIGA FINANCIAL HEALTH PATHWAYS Award-winning humanitarian leader, Presidential Leadership Scholar and UNICEF Ambassador ATXWOMAN.COM | 43
CHANGE MAKERS
Personal & Professional Development
If you're looking for an opportunity to better yourself personally or to elevate professionally, look no further than the women-identified professionals on this list. Each one will most certainly guide you on your journey to personal and/or professional evolution.
KIM ANTHONY
EMLYN LEE
ROSE SMITH
FOUNDER & CEO
FOUNDER & COMMUNITY COLLABORATOR
FOUNDER & CEO
BRAVE COMMUNITIES
Award-winning CEO of Black Women In Business, coach and community champion
SINGLE MOMS SOCIETY Trailblazing CEO founding Single Moms Society, empowering nationwide single parents
DR. SEEMA DESAI FOUNDER & CEO
SEEMA DESAI COACHING AND CONSULTING Helps ambitious leaders go from busy and overwhelmed to productive and fulfilled
LAURA DONNELLY NONPROFIT FOUNDER & CONSULTANT
Community-builder. Social entrepreneur. Travel enthusiast. Justice, equity and inclusion co-conspirator.
DR. SHAUNA T. SOBERS CEO & LEADERSHIP EDUCATOR
VENUS PIÑEYRO DE HOYOS FOUNDER & CEO
SAFESPACE PLUS & THE INCLUSION PLUS INSTITUTE Latina equity strategist creating safe spaces for innovation and progress
JENNY REMINGTON
THE RADICAL CONSULTANT
CAREER GROWTH & SELF-CARE COACH
Uses 20-plus years of experience to develop more avenues toward media and tech equity through collaboration and mentoring
Rediscover your path, reignite your career and reconnect with you
JENNY REMINGTON COACHING
KRIZEL RODRIGUEZ FOUNDER & CEO
VAISHALI JADHAV FOUNDER
MANDALIGHT LEARNING
LEADING LADY NETWORK & HOLA SIS Visionary leader, entrepreneur and TEDx speaker championing women's leadership
Executive leadership facilitator leveraging experience at Gallup and Whole Foods
VASAVI KUMAR FOUNDER
SAY IT OUT LOUD Author of SAY IT OUT LOUD
44 | AUSTIN WOMAN | JANUARY 2024
BLACK WOMEN IN BUSINESS
SHAUNATSOBERS LEADERSHIP CONSULTING Author, TEDx speaker, strengths-based coach, intercultural communication specialist
TANYA TARR BEHAVIORAL SCIENTIST
CULTIVATED INSIGHTS Workplace well-being expert and master trainer helping build burnout-proof lives
DR. TERI VARNER PROFESSOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
ST. EDWARD’S UNIVERSITY Academic visionary with garnered experience in teaching and mentorship
CHRISTI WELLS JULIE SHANNAN
OWNER & CEO
FOUNDER
Latina entrepreneur helping families reclaim time through personalized home assistance
BIG MISSION CONSULTING Innovator dedicated to building strong nonprofits that make a measurable impact
ALL THE SMALL THINGS TX
CHANGE MAKERS
P R, Marketing & Events
If there's one thing the people of Austin know how to do it's show out for its creatives! These leaders of PR, marketing and eventing have raised the bar on what it means to truly represent the creative minds, movers and shakers of the city. They keep it local, keep it fresh and, most importantly, they keep it fun.
LYNNA BARTOSH
ELAINE GARZA
LINDA POOLE
PARTNER & EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
FOUNDER & CEO
DUAL DIRECTOR OF CATERING SALES
GIANT NOISE
HUNT, GATHER
JW MARIOTT AUSTIN & AUSTIN MARIOTT DOWNTOWN
Award-winning creative leader, designer and entrepreneur
Founder and CEO of Giant Noise, named one of America's Best PR Companies by Forbes
JESSICA CAMPOS
KIM HANKS
ATTORNEY-TURNED-MARKETER
CO-OWNER & CEO
MARKETING FOR GREATNESS
WHIM HOSPITALITY
Marketing expert and award-winning SEO agency owner
Austin's hospitality icon, pioneer of transformative experiences driving economic growth
BARBARA CAVNESS CEO
(UN)COMMON LOGIC CEO whose goal is maximum effort everyday while striving for excellence
MÓNICA CENICEROS FOUNDER & CEO
ATXGALS & THE CATHEDRAL Artist, founder and CEO of atxGALS and The Cathedral
ELIZABETH "ZIZI" CONDE CHIQQ, LLC
Here to show that sapphic experiences are best when all senses are used
CHARLIE FAYE ADRIENNE LAKE CO-FOUNDERS
DAYDREAM BELIEVER CREATIVE
MICHELLE LAPIDES KATHERINE LEES CO-FOUNDERS & CO-OWNERS
RESPLENDENT AGENCY Innovation-focused founder whose goal is to have the best client list rather than the largest client list
SANDRA SPALDING DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
TWIN LIQUORS Spirited cheerleader, spreading hospitality for Twin Liquors
CINDY LO
NICHOLE VALDEZ
CEO & CHIEF EVENT STRATEGIST
SR. REGIONAL MARKETING & SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER - CENTRAL TEXAS
RED VELVET | STRONG EVENTS
H-E-B
Internationally awarded event creative who loves a challenge; no boring events allowed!
Cultivates relationships within the Central Texas community and H-E-B
KATHLEEN LUCENTE FOUNDER & CEO
RED FAN COMMUNICATIONS CEO, trusted advisor, expert in elevating B2B brands
ALYSE GAMBLE
ECPR/TEXAS
Influential trailblazer with Haitian roots, focusing on DEIB, fashion and community impact
FOUNDER & CEO
Transforming brands through inclusive marketing and strategic accessibility solutions worldwide
KRISTIN MARCUM
ENTREPRENEURER/H-E-B
ALI SLUTSKY
DOZANÜ INNOVATIONS
Consulting services for musicians, music businesses and nonprofits
FASHION MODEL & CONTENT SPECIALIST
Hospitality professional and renowned industry hotelier with more than 30 years of experience
CEO & OWNER CEO of Austin's leading public relations firm
FABIANA MELÉNDEZ RUIZ FOUNDER & CEO
REFUERZO COLLABORATIVE Award-winning storyteller nurturing stories that reinforce community
HEATHER WAGNER-REED FOUNDER & CEO
JUICE CONSULTING Award-winning PR and marketing veteran
LESLIE WINGO PRESIDENT
SANDERS\WINGO DEIB expert and strategist, keynote and TEDx speaker, advertising badass, mom
EMILY WRIGHT VP, GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS
BUMBLE Communications leader listed as one of The PR Net's Marcomms’ Most Influential, 2023
ATXWOMAN.COM | 45
CHANGE MAKERS
Social J ustice
Let's get real: No city ever elevates without the tireless (and oftentimes thankless) efforts of those who stand for justice. Let's get even realer: Women-identified activsts and advocates are the backbone of real change in any city, and especially Austin. These women-identified warriors work intentionally and without cease to ensure that Austin, the world, is truly a better place for everyone.
SUSANA ALMANZA
KENDRA GARRETT
LAURA RAMOS JAMES
DIRECTOR
AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT/CO-FOUNDER
FOUNDER & OWNER
Environmental justice activist appointed to the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council
BETCO HOUSING LAB/ THE BLACK FUND
Award-winning injury attorney breaking barriers for equal justice in Texas
PAMELA BENSON-OWENS
People-centered houser with a focus on development and policy
ALICIA ROTH WEIGEL
MINDY HENDERSON
PODER
PRESIDENT & CEO/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EDGE OF YOUR SEAT CONSULTING/SIX SQUARE Insightful and energizing speaker on leadership, embracing change and all things inspirational.
MARÍA AMELIA CALAF
DISABILITY RIGHTS ADVOCATE, SPEAKER, AUTHOR, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION, QUEST MEDIA ADAPTIVE , LIFESTYLE PLATFORM FOR THE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION
BOTKIN CHIARELLO CALAF
A leader in disability rights, working to empower and create progress for the disability community
Skillful litigator and counselor solving intellectual property and business disputes
HON. DENISE HERNANDEZ
BINI COLEMAN
TRAVIS COUNTY
PARTNER
CEO
212 CATALYSTS Catalyst for transformative action
BROOKE CROWDER
JUDGE OF COUNTY COURT AT LAW #6 Presiding Judge of County Court at Law #6 and the Transformative Youth Justice Program
SKYE HOWELL
RAMOS JAMES LAW, PLLC
FOUNDER
INTREPIDA STRATEGY Star of Every Body, author of Inverse Cowgirl and health care consultant
NATALIE SANDERS FOUNDER & HOUSE MOTHER
THE ORISHA MERE PROJECT & HOUSE OF LEPORE 2023 DivInc. Spacemaker of the Year and 2023 Mother of the Year
LILY TRIEU CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ASIAN TEXANS FOR JUSTICE Co-Founder and executive director of a statement nonprofit serving AAPIs
SUSIE VYBIRAL FOUNDER & CEO
PARTNER & GRANT WRITER
ROOM REDUX
FOUNDER & CEO
FULL HUMANITY CONSULTING
THE REFUGE FOR DMST
Together we can create the future our ancestors dreamed of
Doctoral candidate, L’Oreal Paris WoW national honoree
Privileged to work with brave and courageous young women
VIRGINIA CUMBERBATCH CO-FOUNDER & CEO
ROSA REBELLION & VIRGINIA CUMBERBATCH RACIAL JUSTICE CONSULTING Racial justice educator disrupting unjust systems through creative activism by and for WOC
ANDREA ELIZONDO CO-FOUNDER
TEXAS MENSTRUAL EQUITY COALITION Movement leader that took down the tampon tax in Texas 46 | AUSTIN WOMAN | JANUARY 2024
JOYCE JAMES PRESIDENT & CEO
JOYCE JAMES CONSULTING Nationally recognized racial equity expert, transforming systems toward an antiracism culture
SUSANNA LEDESMA-WOODY PRESIDENT
DEL VALLE COMMUNITY COALITION NONPROFIT (DVCC) Working mother, advocate, founding member and current president of DVCC
MADELYN MORNEAULT EVENT MANAGER
UNIFIED Event manager for Unified's annual celebration of activism culture
NAKEENYA WILSON FOUNDER, CEO & CO-OWNER
BLACK MAMAS VILLAGE, ADROIT CONSULTANCY, THE VILLAGE PLACE Social justice advocate, community servant and equity thought leader
SALWA YORDI ECHTAY REPORTER, INFLUENCER, NONPROFIT PROFESSIONAL
FARANDULATEXAS, TELEMUNDO AUSTIN, LATINITAS Founder, reporter and director weaving narratives, bridging cultures and celebrating diversity
CHANGE MAKERS
Startup
The women-identified entrepreneurs on this list know fully well what it means to build something from scratch and see it thrive. These business owners represent a fraction of the ingenuity, ambition and tenacity it takes to lead a company into greatness. They truly epitomize why Austin has been one of the best cities for startups for the past decade.
KATHERINE ALLEN
KATIE FANG
KAY SHEILS KINGSBURY
CO-FOUNDER & CEO
FOUNDER & CEO
CFO
FLO RECRUIT
SCHOOLINKS
APPTRONIK, INC
2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 for Enterprise Technology
Award-winning CEO and founder of SchooLinks, building the future talent pipeline
CFO to high-growth disruptive technologies
ADELLE ARCHER CO-FOUNDER & CO-CEO
ETERNEVA Inc. and Forbes 30 under 30
AMY ARNOLD JESSICA WALKER
BETH GOFF-MCMILLAN CEO
SKG AND FOLIO Henry Crown Fellow, CEO, passionate advocate
CO-FOUNDERS
TAYLOR HARRELL
CARD MY YARD
FOUNDER & CEO
Two moms with simple goals: to serve families and make positive community impact
Millennial multigenerational Austinite and 14-time award-winning business owner
JEAN ANNE BOOTH CEO
LIVELY FOUNDATION
SHANAZ HEMMATI CO-FOUNDER & COO
MONICA TALAN FOUNDER
CRYPTOCONEXIÓN Technology translator who helps you stay ahead of the curve in Web3 and AI
DR. ANDREA THOMAZ DR. VIVIAN CHU CO-FOUNDERS
DILIGENT ROBOTICS Groundbreaking female founders and social robotics experts.
BROOKE WAUPSH FOUNDING CEO
UNALIWEAR, INC.
ZENBUSINESS INC.
SWOOVY
Serial entrepreneur extending independence with dignity for vulnerable people
Loves solving problems and enjoys constant learning
Accomplished entrepreneur, named "female disruptor," social impact advocate
SIDNEY COLLINS CO-FOUNDER & CEO
DE ORO DEVICES Startup founder and brain research nerd, Pacific Coast Business Times' 40 under 40
MICHELLE DAVEY CO-FOUNDER & CEO
WHEEL HEALTH Powering virtual care to put great health care in everyone’s reach
JESSICA EWING FOUNDER & CEO
LITERATI Passionate founder and CEO whose mission is to ignite a love of learning and a love of life
JOY MILLER PROGRAM MANAGER SMALL BUSINESS DIVISION
CITY OF AUSTIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Supports small business start-up and growth at low or no cost
CHERIE WERNER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FIESTA COMMUNITY Ambassador of connections, community builder, life coach and encourager, servant leader
SHARI WYNNE RESSLER
SARAH PUIL
FOUNDER & CEO
FOUNDER & CEO
BOXT
Ecosystem builder, innovator and entrepreneur
Award-winning winery on a mission to change the way we all enjoy a glass of wine at home; your house wine has arrived
WEN ZHANG
JACQUELINE SAMIRA CEO
HOWDY.COM
KASAMA RETREAT HOTELS
FOUNDER & CEO
INNW INSTITUTE Self-made female entrepreneur and CEO of INNW Institute
Founder and CEO of the fourth-fastest growing Austin company, 238th in U.S.
ATXWOMAN.COM | 47
CHANGE MAKERS
Sustainability/ESG
This list showcases warriors of environmental justice and leaders who are investing in intentional advancements in environmental, social and governance. These giants of environmental advocacy and ESG are beacons of hope for a planet that needs dedicated protectors.
TAMARA ATKINSON
KATIE COYNE
SHELBY ORME
CEO
SUSTAINABILITY EXPERT & SPEAKER
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS CAPITAL AREA
ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - WATERSHED PROTECTION DEPARTMENT512
CEO cultivating Austin's local workforce
CITY OF AUSTIN
CRISTA BAILEY CHIEF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
HIM FOR HER Operator with a natural lean toward strategy, business development and designing impactful partnerships
LISA BARDEN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Award-winning queer ecological planner and chief steward of Austin's environment
REZA CRISTIÁN SUSTAIN THE MAG
JACKSON WALKER
Helping to make Austin Net-Zero through inclusive storytelling, sustainable fashion and community organizing
Passionate Austinite leveraging influence for positive policy advancements
Champion for food justice in Austin and surrounding areas
CUSTOMER & INNOVATION LEADER, CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY & ESG
DELL TECHNOLOGIES Award-winning sustainable IT innovator and women in tech advocate
SENIOR VENTURE ASSOCIATE Investor utilizing finance to benefit the planet and future generations
MUNA HUSSAINI CO-FOUNDER
RECODE THE QUO
DEIGHAN CHERRY
Creating a more equitable, inclusive and diverse startup tech community in Austin
CO-FOUNDER
FLY GIRL GLOBAL The future of women fly-fishing starts with us
BRANDI CLARK BURTON
LARESSA QUINTANA GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS CONSULTANT
ALYSON FREEMAN
CAPITAL FACTORY
Environmental activist, educator, community organizer, Parks board member for Austin District 1
FOUNDER
KEEP AUSTIN FED
SANIKA BHAVE
SHELBIZLEEE
STACEY INGRAM KALEH CO-FOUNDER, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
KALEH MEDIA, LLC.
ANISSA RODRIGUEZ DICKERMAN, PH.D. CEO
PECAN STREET INC. Latina CEO advancing climate justice and innovation
ROBIN SCHNEIDER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
TEXAS CAMPAIGN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Environmental activist and executive director of Texas Campaign for the Environment
LAUREN TAYLOR VICE PRESIDENT & TEXAS DISTRICT PLANNING LEAD
WSP USA
FOUNDER & CHIEF INSPIRATION OFFICER
Writer, strategist and advocate advancing ethical AI, education and philanthropy
ECONETWORKING, THE AUSTIN COMMON, AND LEADING HERE INITIATIVE
Engineering News-Record National 2024 Top 20 Under 40
ALEXIA LECLERCQ
CHELSEA TOLER
Championing award-winning sustainable business leadership and green business resources
48 | AUSTIN WOMAN | JANUARY 2024
CO-FOUNDER
START:EMPOWERMENT Environmental justice organizer and nonprofit leader
CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF IMPACT OFFICER
LOGICTRY U.N. World Logic Day host providing better access to resources for communities
CHANGE MAKERS
Tech
It's no secret that Austin has blasted up the rankings of booming tech cities in the past five years. The women-identified leaders on this list have shaken up the industry, demanding space and respect in an industry saturated with male-identified gatekeepers. These pioneers prove that tech is no longer an All Boys Club.
OYINDAMOLA ADESINA
CAROLINA BARCENAS
ALLEY LYLES-JENKINS
CO-FOUNDER & COO
HEAD OF PLATFORM DATA SCIENCE
SIMBI INTERACTIVES
AIRBNB
PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT, PRODUCT STRATEGY & EXPERIENCE DESIGN
Award-winning educator and product lead driving STEAM education in underserved communities
Data and AI senior technology executive
SLALOM CONSULTING
ESTHER ALEXANDER SECURITY ENGINEERING & GOVERNANCE LEAD
SILICON LABS Experienced engineer, musician, mentor, mother and STEAM enthusiast
AMBER ALLEN CEO
DOUBLE A LABS Revolutionizing business communications with an innovative video chat platform
GRACIE ARENAS STRITTMATTER SUPERVISING DIRECTOR TIBURON TECHNICAL OPERATIONS
EA SPORTS Accomplished technical artist and organizational leader, with more than a decade of video games experience
MARIELY BANDAS-FRANZETTI VP, PRODUCT IT
CISCO Thought leader, status quo challenger, passionate collaborator, expert at designing sustainable growth models and a turnaround strategist
KAREN BANTUVERIS FOUNDER & CEO
USHA BODDAPU CEO & FOUNDER/PRESIDENT CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF AI SCIENTIST
ESOLVIT INC./ARYTIC, INC AI and IT expert leading national awardwinning companies
LIZ COUFAL CO-FOUNDER & VICE PRESIDENT
Creator of products changing how people interact and experience technology
RACHEL MARTINEZ HEAD OF CHANNEL & ALLIANCES
OTAVA Elevating partnerships and alliances to new levels
ANGELIA MCFARLAND
VALKYRIE INTELLIGENCE
FOUNDER & CEO
Co-Founder passionate about tearing down barriers to exclusive spaces, from politics to AI
EOP MEDIA, LLC
LETY DURAN NETTLES
MARISELA RYLANDER
CHIEF PRODUCT OFFICER
VP, GLOBAL PEOPLE
NOVANT HEALTH
THE KNOT WORLDWIDE
Operationalizes business strategies and drives large enterprises to globalize, modernize, commercialize and scale their technology
Accelerator of talent and business outcomes, with a focus on bringing the best to an organization and its people
KARYL FOWLER
Serial entrepreneur helping to bring individual agency to identity and data
RONNIE SHETH CEO
CO-FOUNDER & CEO
SENEN GROUP
TRANSMUTE
Founder and CEO of SENEN GROUP, global strategic advisory firm for data and AI
CEO at Transmute, verifiable data for fast, secure cross-border trade
MONICA LANDERS
MEME STYLES FOUNDER & FOUNDER
FOUNDER & CEO
MEASURE
STORYFIT
Award-winning data activist and Afro-Futuristic time traveler
AI pioneer and strategist, transforming the entertainment and media industry
SIGNUP.COM Business innovation expert, founder and CEO
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CHANGE MAKERS
UN World Logic Day
These women leverage logic to make the best decisions for their organization, community, foundation or business. Often celebrated as champions for collaboration, innovation and impact, they value knowledge and strive to use logic to encourage success. They are driven to create a better future for all and work to elevate their local and global networks.
MORGAN ALEXANDER
EMILY GUPTON
NICOLE SCHILLING
DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS
COO
LAWYER
DCX COMMUNITY
FOLIO & AUSTIN WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY
GUNDERSON DETTMER
Business advocate focusing on building and maintaining strategic long-term partner relationships
MELISSA ANDREWS FOUNDER & CEO
HOSTHELPR Wielding the powers of data and enterprise for social impact
JACLYNN BRENNAN CEO
CREATIVE DUALITY & FYLI Creative entrepreneur focused on community building, uplifting women founders and fostering diversity
ANIKA CHOKHAVATIA PRESIDENT OF FRESHMAN LAUNCH
TEXAS MCCOMBS SCOHOL OF BUSINESS U.N. World Logic Day co-chair, founder: anti-polarization news software
CARLEY DEARDORFF STRATEGIST FOR BACKSTAGE CAPITAL & DIVINC CONSULTANT
BACKSTAGE CAPITAL
COO passionate about community, people and equity
WENDY HOWELL CEO
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL NETWORK Connector for good, passionate advocate for women and girls, angel investor, speaker
ASHLEY J. JENNINGS MANAGING DIRECTOR, TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION
UT AUSTIN TEXAS INNOVATION CENTER Award-winning technologist for more than a decade, helping hundreds of founders, raising millions
BETHANY LEFFINGWELL SENIOR ADVISOR, SOCIAL IMPACT
GREATER AUSTIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Mission-driven philanthropy and communications executive
ABBY PESEK
On a mission to drive meaningful change and amplify the voices that often go unheard
COO
OLIVIA DELL
COO of the Austin-based social enterprise Charity Charge
PARTNER & CO-FOUNDING PARTNER
REGENERATION.VC, NOVA IMPACT, THE COMETA COLLECTIVE Venture capital investor, solutionist and network leader
KATE GREHL PARTNER
FIRST CHAIR INVESTMENTS Partner at First Chair Advisory, fostering renewable, impact-first businesses
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CHARITY CHARGE
NATALIE POINDEXTER
Advisor to founders and investors in the startup ecosystem
MICHELE SKELDING PRINCIPAL/CO-CHAIR
CAPITAL SAGE VENTURES/50/50 WOMEN ON BOARDS Bringing deep industry knowledge to Capital Sage Ventures and 50/50 Women on Boards
SOFIA SUNAGA CO-FOUNDER
INTERGEN.FAMILY Supporting human flourishing to make wealth work for all life
PARIS TINGLEY ENTERPRISE SALES
LOGICTRY Championing Logic AI tools and solutions for communities, nonprofits and businesses
LILY TURNER MANAGER, GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
OPPORTUNITY AUSTIN Recruiting capital to Austin, supporting Austin's entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem
PAIGE VELASQUEZ BUDDE PARTNER & CEO
FOUNDER & CEO
ZILKER MEDIA
NPI CONSULTING HOUSE Master grant developer and international community builder
Veteran marketer, keynote speaker, partner and CEO of award-winning PR and marketing agency
ARI SALAFIA
ALICYN YARBROUGH
FOUNDER & CEO
CEO
TAXTAKER
A GLIMMER OF HOPE
Green Tax Visionary CEO unlocking billions in sustainable incentives nationwide
Leading women-centered solutions in the fight to end poverty
9th 9th ANNUAL ANNUAL
2024 2024
Applications NOW OPEN
Are you or do you know a woman making an impact in one of these categories? HEALTH & WELLNESS • MAKER • STEAM BEVERAGE & CULINARY ARTS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • RISING STAR SOCIAL IMPACT • PRODUCT INNOVATION BUSINESS TO WATCH $1-5 MILLION BUSINESS TO WATCH > $5 MILLION I AM AUSTIN WOMAN CORPORATE CHAMPION FOR WOMEN
APPLY TODAY SCAN CODE TO APPLY OR VISIT ATXWOMAN.COM/WOMANS-WAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES | SALES@ATXWOMAN.COM
MAKERS ANGE MAKERS The profiles
The women-identified professionals in this section wanted to tell you more about themselves. They've expanded their individual listings in order to really allow you to know what they have to offer and what makes them the truly remarkable, what makes them undeniably change makers. Read on to find out more about who they are, their motivations and their histories within their particular industries.
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Sponsored Content
Morgan Alexander
Tara Miko Ballentine
Director of Partnerships, DCX Community dcxcommunity.com morgan@dcxcommunity.com
Founder, Bright Littles brightlittles.com tm@brightlittles.com
UN World Logic Day
Education
Morgan Alexander is an Austin-area native and a proud Texas A&M Aggie. As the director of partnerships at DCX Community, Morgan serves as a client-partner advocate and resource, focusing on building and maintaining strategic long-term partner relationships and business development. DCX Community is a local nonprofit that helps leaders combat loneliness and isolation while driving business growth through purpose-driven experiences and community. Before joining the DCX team, she spent many years as a sales representative and manager in the medical, marketing and pharmaceutical industries. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, rescue dog, family and friends.
The world has changed, but the tools we need to parent have not. Unable to find age-appropriate tools to prepare her daughter for the real world, Tara Miko Ballentine took matters into her own hands and launched Bright Littles, award-winning social-emotional conversation cards and journals created with educational experts. The goal of Bright Littles is to empower parents, educators and caregivers to start conversations of kindness, empathy and understanding through questions, games, art, activities and more. Dedicated to empowering the next generations of courageous, critical thought leaders one conversation at a time. Real change starts with real conversations!
Karen Bantuveris
Paula Bookidis
Founder & CEO, SignUp signup.com
CEO, Girl Scouts of Central Texas gsctx.org
Tech
Nonprofit
Karen Bantuveris launched SignUp.com (previously VolunteerSpot) in 2009, with the mission of enabling anyone to quickly mobilize and coordinate good works in their local schools and community. Today, SignUp has empowered more than 30 million people across the U.S. and around the world to actively engage in events, meetings and activities relying on successful group participation and volunteer coordination. Whether it’s accomplishing great things, getting more time with friends and family, earning workplace recognition, giving back to worthy causes or any other goal that brings happiness, SignUp will help you do more with ease guaranteed!
As CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Paula Bookidis drives the organization’s mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place, serving more than 12,500 Girl Scouts and supporting more than 5,000 adult volunteers across Central Texas. Delivering entrepreneurship, STEAM, outdoors and life skills programming, the organization offers Girl Scouts in grades K-12 of all backgrounds and abilities space to be unapologetically themselves as they find their voices, build confidence in their abilities and rise to meet new challenges.
Denise Bradley
Heather Brunner
Vice President, Marketing & Corporate Affairs, St. David’s HealthCare stdavids.com
Chairwoman & CEO, WP Engine wpengine.com 917.520.1496 | press@wpengine.com
Health & Wellness
Corporate Power Players
Denise Bradley is vice president of marketing and corporate affairs for St. David’s HealthCare. In this role, she is responsible for planning and executing marketing and corporate affairs strategies for the eight-hospital health care system in Austin. Bradley has held a variety of state- and nationally recognized positions, including both director of correspondence and special projects manager in The White House Office of the First Lady. Her work experience also includes lecturer at UT Austin, research and policy analyst for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Presidential Management Fellow.
As chairwoman and CEO, Heather Brunner has steered WP Engine through hyper-growth, leading the company from startup to a global brand with 1200-plus team members and six offices around the world, serving more than 200,000 customers and millions of users in more than 150 countries. During her tenure, Brunner has built a company culture that embraces diversity and continues to draw and retain great talent internationally. Recognized as a Great Place to Work for Women, in 2023, WP Engine retained 98.5% of its global female talent and 98% of people of color in the U.S.
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Maria Amelia Calaf
Emily Chenevert
Partner, Botkin Chiarello Calaf bccaustin.com/attorney/maria-amelia-calaf
CEO, Austin Board of Realtors abor.com
Social Justice
Housing
Clients call María Amelia Calaf (MAC) in times of crisis, when immediate action is required. A seasoned first chair litigator, MAC handles business disputes with a focus on trade secrets, business torts, breach of contract and constitutional challenges. Her advocacy skills have earned her recognition from Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers and Austin Monthly’s Top Attorneys, while her commitment to championing Latinas led Texas Lawyer to name her a Diversity and Inclusion Champion. She currently serves on the Latina Commission for the Hispanic National Bar Association and is the founder of the Austin chapter of Cafecítos, an organization for Latina lawyers.
Emily Chenevert ensures Austin Board of Realtors (ABoR) is fueling the success and improving the professionalism of the organization’s 20,000-plus members. She is the youngest and first female CEO for ABoR and Unlock MLS and is chair of the MLS Technology Holdings, LLC, board of directors. She has a proven record and passion for advocating on behalf of REALTORS and homeowners across Central Texas, and under her tenure of leadership at ABoR, she’s led the implementation of two five-year ABoR strategic plans while elevating the organization’s profile and impact, regionalized ABoR’s footprint and member services and championed MLS listings data integrity standards.
Liz Coufal
Bertha Rendon Delgado
Co-Founder, Valkyrie Intelligence valkyrie.ai
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Arte Texas facebook.com/artetexas
Tech
The Arts
Liz Coufal is the co-founder of Valkyrie, an applied science firm building advanced artificial intelligence technology for enterprises and the U.S. government. She also launched Valkyrie’s pro bono practice, allowing the company to donate their data science services to impactful nonprofits. In addition, she’s spent the past seven years serving on multiple local and statewide campaigns as well as leading voter activation efforts citywide. Coufal proudly serves on the City of Austin’s Downtown Commission, which focuses on prosperity, safety and affordability in Austin’s downtown district.
As the daughter of a Chicano Brown Beret activist, activism is part of my bloodline: my grandfather, Edward Rendon, Sr.; my grandmother; and a Chicana activist mother. As a woman in the art industry, I have been challenged, but my perseverance has garnered Arte Texas several awards, recognitions and commission pieces. Our first exhibit took place in 2016, at the Dougherty Arts Center; that was the beginning of La Lucha Sigue, where we display collections of art expressing our culture and East Austin. We fight to preserve our history and culture, and that fight continues in East Austin today. ¡Que via Arte Texas!
Dr. Seema Desai
Karina Drake
Transformational Success Coach & Speaker, Seema Desai Coaching & Consulting drseemadesai.com hello@drseemadesai.com
Owner, Alexa James Baby alexajamesbaby.com info@alexajbaby.com
Personal & Professional Development
Fashion, Beauty & Design
Dr. Seema Desai is a credentialed performance and well-being coach. Her work helps ambitious leaders go from stressed, overwhelmed and frustrated to productive, effective and fulfilled. She empowers people to discover the inner peace that lives within so that they can unlock the Transformational Success they seek. Desai is the author of the book Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides and co-host of the podcast Happy and Human. Though no longer seeing patients, Desai is a general dentist who practiced in the Austin area.
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Karina Drake is the owner and founder of beloved children’s shop Alexa James Baby. The shop was inspired by her daughter, Alexa James, and their time living in NYC. Leaving a career in advertising, Drake took a leap of faith and opened Alexa James in 2018. Within the first year, Alexa James Baby was recognized both locally and nationally as a top children’s shop in Texas. Today Alexa James Baby carries some of the most exclusive children’s brands, many brought to Austin via the shop. However, Drake remains proudest of her relationship with her customers and community.
Sponsored Content
Chelsea Elliott
Pam Friedman
Founder & Executive Director, half Helen halfhelen.org
Managing Director & Principal, Robertson Stephens rscapital.com/team/pam-friedman-cfp-cdfa
nonprofit
Finance
Chelsea Elliott never dreamed her childhood nickname, “half Helen,” would spark a life of service to her community. Facing blindness in one eye and deafness in one ear at just 10 years old, Elliott boldly embraced the nickname, paying homage to her hero, Helen Keller. After graduating college in 2013, Elliott founded the nonprofit to help people see the world clearly. A decade later, half Helen’s mobile optometry clinics have provided comprehensive vision care and prescription eyeglasses to 9,255 low-income central Texans. Elliott’s dedication earned her the Social Impact award at the 2023 Women’s Way Business Awards.
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Pam Friedman is a woman to watch in financial planning and investment management. She is managing director and principal of Robertson Stephens wealth management, the founder of Divorce Planning of Austin and a lecturer for The University of Texas’ McCombs School of Business. Wealth Solution Report recently recognized her as the 2023 Woman Financial Planner for the Year. As a certified financial planner and certified divorce financial analyst, Friedman passionately educates her clients to help them develop their financial plans. Whether getting married, living together or ending your relationship, her books on the subject, I Now Pronounce You Financially Fit and Financially Fit Divorce, are important reading.
Luisa Gavino-Martinez
Beth Goff-McMillan
Commercial Banking Market Leader, PNC Financial Services Group pnc.com/insights/cib
CEO, SKG & FOLIO skgtexas.com | foliosi.com bgoffmcmillan@skgtexas.com
Finance
Startup
Luisa Gaviño-Martinez is a 20-year financial services industry veteran who leads PNC’s Austin commercial banking team. She is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and advocating for others. Gaviño-Martinez holds an M.A. from Stanford University and is a graduate of Leadership Austin and Hispanic Austin Leadership. She currently serves on the board of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, Girl Scouts of Central Texas and El Buen Samaritano. Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, she is married to Carlos, a native Texan and Stanford grad. They have two teen children, Tyler and Akano.
Beth Goff-McMillan is the CEO at SKG and FOLIO. SKG is one of the nation’s largest MillerKnoll dealerships. The company is 100% woman owned, has made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies for three consecutive years and has been recognized as one of Austin and San Antonio’s Best Places to Work. FOLIO is the first SaaS-based platform for the commercial furniture industry. GoffMcMillan is an Aspen Institute Henry Crown Fellow, member and past chair of the Austin Chapter YPO, on the steering committee for Austin Women’s Fund, an E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year finalist and recognized by ABJ as a 2023 CEO of the Year.
Frances Jones Esq.
Executive Director, Latinitas latinitasonline.org
Founder, Soul Matters - Visionary Law Firm visionarytrademarklaw.com
Nonprofit
The Arts
Gabriela Kane Guardia, executive director of Latinitas, is a dedicated advocate for culturally relevant STEAM education and Latina prosperity. Former deputy director at Texas Folklife, Guardia earned her B.A. in International Studies and Spanish from Texas A&M and has an M.A. in Latin American Studies from UT Austin, where she specialized in arts and cultural management. She is committed to public arts support, having interned with Texans for the Arts during the 86th Texas Legislature. In 2021, she joined the prestigious NALAC Leadership Institute. Guardia gives back through board service with Austin Emerging Arts Leaders and Texans for the Arts.
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Gabriela Kane Guardia
Francés Jones, Esq., is founder of Soul Matters - Visionary Law Firm, “Trademark For Visionary Founders,” a boutique trademark law firm serving clients nationwide and globally. Jones empowers diverse visionary founders and their allies, including women, Black, Latinx, Asian, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA+ and disabled founders, helping secure their legacies by securing their trademarks. Licensed in New York, New Jersey and Texas, Jones has more than 30 years of experience working with international media companies. She’s passionate about helping visionary founders in all industries. Jones has worked with brands from Univision to Unilever, and she was named a 2023 Tri Delta Woman of Achievement.
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Kristi Kirk
Lurleen Ladd
Provost & Executive Vice President, Concordia University Texas concordia.edu
Founder, Wavemakers Women in Music 40+ & Lurleen Ladd Music wwimusic.com | lurleenladd.com
education
The arts
Dr. Kristi Kirk is the provost and executive vice president at Concordia University Texas, the first woman in the school’s nearly 100-year history to hold that position. In her eight years in the role, she has helped widen the doors to higher education in Central Texas for people of all backgrounds. Kirk recently spearheaded Concordia’s Right Call, an initiative that breaks down financial barriers and expands access to higher education. This strategy is highlighted by a near 40% reduction in the published tuition cost, simplifying tuition by including all fees in the total cost.
Michelle LAPIDES & Katherine Lees Co-Founders & Co-Owners, dozanü innovations dozanu.com
PR, Marketing & Events Established in 2017 by Katherine Lees and Michelle Lapides, dozanü innovations pioneers in transformative marketing. This dynamic deaf duo has revolutionized the industry, delivering universally resonant messaging and breaking accessibility barriers. Recently acclaimed as one of Austin’s digital marketing innovators, dozanü leaves an indelible impact. Weaving authenticity into every campaign, Lees and Lapides redefine inclusivity as a lifestyle. Offering a comprehensive suite of marketing solutions, dozanü serves Fortune 1000 and Valuable 500 corporations, catalyzing impactful and inclusive marketing transformations. From fractional chief marketing officers to teams and media buying, dozanü ensures truly accessible marketing.
I am a performing singer/songwriter and serial entrepreneur who intends to change the music industry for women 40+. I came to music later than most but right on time for myself. I know there are many women just like me who have found music as a calling but struggle to get started and then grapple with ongoing challenges of an ageist industry. Further, many women feel disconnected from the support of peers. Wavemakers aims to improve professional connections, increase bookings and wages for women 40+.
Andra Liemandt Founder & CEO, The Kindness Campaign tkckindness.org
Nonprofit Thought leader, author, CEO and Founder of The Kindness Campaign. Since 2015 Andra Liemandt has been a driving force in emotional health, with the creation of her nonprofit The Kindness Campaign (TKC). Providing innovative arts-based programming, TKC serves schools and students beginning at age 3. Since TKC’s founding, Liemandt has overseen the launch of the KindGym app, a full suite of school-based emotional health programs, and Kind Leadership: a program for high school students to build long-term leadership skills. Kind Leadership develops communication, social awareness, self management, inquiry skills and thinking as a leader. Learn more at tkckindness.org.
Cindy Y. Lo
Linda Medina-Lopez
CEO & Chief Event Strategist, RED VELVET Events weareredvelvet.com
Executive Director, Pflugerville Education Foundation thepfoundation.org linda.medina@pfisd.net
PR, Marketing & Events
education
When Cindy Lo started RED VELVET 21 years ago, she did so with the mission to outplan, outplay and outparty! RED VELVET is an international award-winning experiential agency that creates compelling experiences through design and collaboration for brands on the cusp of disruption. She authored Behind the Red Velvet Curtain, sharing how she built the company with just $8,000 and no formal hospitality experience. Fast forward to late August 2023, Lo acquired Strong Events, the longest-running special events fabricator. She is currently operating both companies separately with their respective teams. Lo calls Austin home with her husband of 19 years, their two children and Darwin their Frenchie.
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Driven by her unwavering commitment to education and equity, Linda Medina-Lopez has propelled the Pflugerville Education Foundation (PEF) to new heights. Her unique combination of leadership, fundraising and community engagement has expanded PEF’s mission, heightened community visibility and fostered partnership growth. Since 2006, PEF has raised $2.3 million, empowering teachers, students and school campuses through grants and scholarships to drive innovation and fulfill classroom needs. Recently appointed to the UT System’s Chancellor’s Advisory Council, MedinaLopez tackles statewide education and health care challenges. She holds a bachelor’s from UT El Paso and a master’s in education from Concordia University.
Sponsored Content
Leticia Mendoza
Chelle Neff
Director of Marketing & Communications, Texas Disposal Systems texasdisposal.com lmendoza@texasdisposal.com
Founder, Urban Betty urbanbetty.com 512.371.7663 | contact@urbanbetty.com
Corporate Power Players
Fashion, Beauty & Design
Leticia Mendoza spearheads marketing, corporate communications and community relations for Texas Disposal Systems (TDS). Under her leadership, TDS has forged impactful partnerships with organizations such as Austin FC, UT Austin’s Texas Athletics and Rodeo Austin. She leads the TDS Eco Academy, a program designed to educate K-12 students and staff about waste reduction. With a demonstrated history of positive change in Central Texas through nonprofit board service, Mendoza is committed to addressing hunger, promoting environmental sustainability, ensuring access to affordable health care and empowering youth through education. She’s a native Austinite and an alumna of Leadership Austin and Hispanic Austin Leadership.
Chelle Neff has been a leader in the U.S. salon industry since founding Urban Betty in 2005 and has more than 20 years of experience creating innovative practices in the salon and beauty worlds. The business has grown to include three locations, its own product line and a team of more than 80 talented stylists with a loyal customer base. For four consecutive years, Inc. 5000 named Urban Betty one of the fastest-growing privately held companies.
Abby Pesek
Susan Ramirez
COO, Charity Charge charitycharge.com abby@charitycharge.com
Founder & CEO, Austin Angels austinangels.com
UN World Logic Day
Nonprofit
Abby Pesek is the COO of Charity Charge, a social enterprise powering business credit cards for nonprofits nationwide. She was a marketing intern for the company as a senior at UT Austin and accepted a full-time operations role upon graduating. Pesek’s commitment to growing the program stems from firsthand experience with everyday challenges in the nonprofit sector. She is the former president of the UT Service Scholars, three-time mission trip veteran, Special Olympics volunteer and treasurer of the Sparkle Club, a nonprofit she co-founded with her sisters-in-law that brings cheerleading and additional healthy living opportunities to youth with disabilities in Central Texas.
After learning the harrowing statistics surrounding foster care, Susan Ramirez envisioned radical support for every child in care. In 2013, she walked alongside a single foster mom with six teenagers, and Austin Angels’ Love Box program was born. Dare to Dream, a mentorship program, came soon after. Ramirez saw potential to transform lives nationally. Under her leadership, Austin Angels launched the National Angels network, now spanning 20 cities, aiming to change the statistics. Austin Angels represents a sustainable solution to one of the country’s toughest social issues, guided by Ramirez’s dream to reach every child experiencing foster care by 2050.
Shari Wynne Ressler
Jacqueline Samira
Founder & CEO, Kasama Hotels kasamahotels.com 512.300.3063 | shari@kasamahotels.com
Founder & CEO, Howdy.com, Inc. howdy.com j@howdy.com
Startup
Startup
Shari Wynne Ressler is an Austin-based entrepreneur, attorney and ecosystem builder dedicated to helping people achieve success. Wynne Ressler’s current project is KASAMA Retreat Hotels, intentionally designed to meet the demand for high-impact leadership, corporate, retreat and event experiences. KASAMA members are innovators and thought leaders, successful humans who come together for collaboration and connection, and to transform self and society. She moved to Austin in 1996, co-founding RWR Legal, where she provided legal/business consulting for emerging companies until June 2021. During her tenure, she cofounded SKU, a leading CPG accelerator. She remains active in Austin’s entrepreneurial/investor ecosystems.
Jacqueline Samira, CEO and founder of Howdy.com, is revolutionizing how companies build their remote teams. She grew Howdy to $3.5 million ARR, earning a spot in Y Combinator, the preeminent accelerator behind startups like Airbnb and Coinbase. Following this, Samira raised a $2.9 million Series Seed and an $18 million Series A from notable investors Greycroft and Obvious Ventures. Howdy.com connects Latin American talent with U.S. companies, championing efficiency, in-person teams and community. Featured in TechCrunch, Forbes, and Business Insider, Samira is an advocate of holistic well-being, enjoying yoga, reading, family time and emphasizing a balanced lifestyle.
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Angela Shaw
Ronnie Sheth
Senior Vice President of Talent, Amplify Credit Union goamplify.com ashaw@goamplify.com
CEO, SENEN GROUP senengroup.com
Finance
Tech
Angela Shaw is the senior vice president of talent at Amplify Credit Union, where she oversees human resources and culture. A native Austinite, Shaw chose to stay and impact the city even though she felt she would find easier pathways elsewhere. At Amplify, Shaw has been instrumental in developing the “Culture of Welcome,” a philosophy of collaboration and inclusivity that guides the organization. In addition, Shaw has been giving her time in the community through volunteer leadership and adjunct teaching. She has built her brand leaving a legacy as a servant leader who selflessly gives of herself above and beyond.
Ronnie Sheth is the founder and CEO of SENEN GROUP, a global strategic advisory firm helping clients unlock the power of data and AI. As a young, diverse woman in highly competitive and disruptive fields like consulting and STEAM, she has led SENEN to differentiate based on divergent, nontraditional thinking to solve complex problems using data and emerging technologies such as AI. Her focus is on helping the public, private and nonprofit sectors drive lasting positive impact on society as a whole by creating humancentered, transformative experiences that set up our future generations for economic, social and cultural progress.
Rosandra Silveira
Ali Slutsky
Dell Global Consumer Channel Sales SVP, Dell Technologies dell.com
Founder & CEO, Resplendent Agency resplendent.agency
Corporate Power Players
PR, Marketing & Events
Rosandra Silveira, a transformative leader at Dell since 1999, has been instrumental in the company’s Brazilian launch and its global expansion. Today, as a senior vice president, she manages crosscultural teams and multibillion-dollar businesses across 13 countries. A passionate diversity and inclusion advocate, she co-founded L500 to elevate Latinos into executive roles, and contributes as a Forbes Council member. Honored with the Most Powerful Latina 2023, Woman Worth Watching in Leadership 2023, and Woman in Business Award Austin 2023, Silveira’s leadership extends beyond the boardroom to mentorship and community impact, epitomizing her role as an Austin Woman Change maker.
Ali Slutsky established Resplendent Agency in 2012, specializing in hospitality-centric public relations. Over the years, she strategically broadened services and extended the agency’s footprint beyond Texas, fostering a robust team across offices in Virginia. Slutsky derives fulfillment from nurturing brand growth and fostering career development within her team. A Chicago native, residing in Austin for 16 years, she acknowledges the city’s entrepreneurial ethos, particularly in supporting small enterprises. When not immersed in professional pursuits, Slutsky indulges her passion for international travel and recently welcomed an 8-year-old shiba inu named Pierogi, a name aptly resonant with her industry.
China Smith
Amy Sweet
Founder, Executive & Artistic Director, Ballet Afrique balletafriqueaustin.org
CEO, Halcyon Home halcyonhome.com
The Arts
Health & Wellness
China Smith, founder of Ballet Afrique, blends African dance with classical ballet, enriching Austin’s arts scene. Youth mentor and arts coordinator, she inspires students with her creative approach. Smith’s notable works include Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite, the Nina Simone Suite "Four Women”, “Echoes of Harlem” and the Love Letter series. Her mentorship has led students to earn dance scholarships into universities and arts programs around the world. Additionally, Smith is a proud mother of two, balancing her artistic passion with family life. Her commitment to inclusive dance education and innovative performances has made her a cherished figure in Austin’s cultural landscape.
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Amy Sweet is an accomplished forward-thinking physician assistant and CEO with a life goal of ensuring people have quality hospitalityfocused health care in the setting of their choice. She founded Halcyon Home 11 years ago, growing to one of the largest womanowned businesses in Austin by providing home care (caregivers), home health and hospice services in Central Texas. She also started the Halcyon Foundation 501(c)(3) to assist struggling patients and employees who need a helping hand through a crisis, as well as expanding health care education. Sweet understands the value of putting every patient, client and employee first.
Sponsored Content
Chelsea Toler
lezlie Tram lee
Co-Founder & Chief Impact Officer of Logictry & President of KFG Foundation, Logictry worldlogicday.com/events/2024/austin
Founder, Commercial Broker & Developer, LT Commercial Group ltcommercialgroup.com
sustainability/esg
housing
Passion for supporting impact movements through technology and community has been the driving force behind Chelsea Toler’s career. She has been able to move $100-plus million toward impact initiatives, in alignment with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, alongside her business partner Olivia Dell, with NOVA Impact and KFG Foundation, and served as the first fundraising team member for I Live Here I Give Here, where she helped to raise $20-plus million in 24 hours for 750 nonprofit organizations. As the co-founder and chief impact officer for Logictry, Toler works to establish Logic as a new impact category by co-hosting the largest U.N. World Logic Day gathering in the world.
Lezlie Tram Le is the founder of LT Commercial Group, a commercial real estate firm focusing on providing guidance, opportunities and advocacy to local businesses and minority communities. Le has been managing her businesses since the age of 22. She draws on both her entrepreneurial and brokerage experience, consulting with business owners to find retail locations, overcome language barriers with contracts, leases, negotiations and communications with city officials, and navigate dos and don’ts to avoid costly mistakes. Le formed LT Development Partners in 2020. Her ultimate goal is to create affordable spaces for local small businesses to grow and thrive.
jennifer warren
Cherie Werner
VP, Global Brand Marketing & Creative, Indeed indeed.com jwarren@indeed.com
Founder & Executive Director, F.I.E.S.T.A. Community fiesta.community
corporate power players
startup
Jennifer Warren serves as the vice president of Global Brand Marketing and Creative at Indeed. Her team has played a pivotal role in advancing Indeed’s mission to “Help People Get Jobs,” driven revenue growth by elevating Indeed’s global brand presence and has advanced the conversation around inclusive hiring practices. Warren began her career at T3 and GSDM. She is a three-time CMO, has led two successful Super Bowl campaigns and garnered acclaim as a top CMO. She’s received prestigious awards, including ANA’s Hall of Achievement and Ad Age’s Woman to Watch. Beyond her professional endeavors, Warren treasures spending time with her family—Samy, Maddie, Hope and Clara.
Cherie Werner, a seasoned community builder, founded FIESTA in July 2021, the largest monthly Meetup serving as Austin's “Ellis Island,” spotlighting founders and fostering serendipitous connections. Co-Leading Gather Together, she also empowers women founders, contributing to a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Recognized as a Super Connector and collaborator, she excels in building bridges within the community. In 2019, she cofounded KOYA Innovations with her husband and daughters. She’s defined by a commitment to community building, empowerment of others and collaboration.
salwa yordi
~ Lourdes G. Zuniga
Founder, FarandulaTexas | Freelance Reporter for Telemundo Austin | Communications Director at Latinitas farandulatexas.com
Founder & Executive Director, Financial Health Pathways financialhp.org
social justice
nonprofit
Salwa Yordi is a prominent Venezuelan immigrant of Middle Eastern descent. Best known for founding FarandulaTexas and as an entertainment reporter at Telemundo Austin, her dedication and passion have made her one of the first Spanish-speaking entertainment reporters in Austin. She also holds the position of director of communications at Latinitas. Yordi’s journey in the U.S. began in 2001, when she was 15 years old. Despite initially not knowing English, her determination led her to graduate with honors from Ellison High School, then to pursue higher education at UT San Antonio. Yordi has worked with various organizations including HomeAid, where she worked to benefit underserved populations in Austin.
Lourdes G. Zuñiga is a social impact leader, a Presidential Leadership Scholar and a founding member of the UNICEF USA Austin Task Force. She is the founder and executive director of Financial Health Pathways, a nonprofit that advocates for economic justice and fights the criminalization of poverty. A journalist from Peru, Zuñiga supports the Hispanic community through philanthropy and education. In 2021, ABJ recognized her as one of the most influential women in Central Texas, and in 2022, she added ABJ Best CEO finalist to her recognitions. Zuñiga has joined the inaugural BizWomen Leadership Council and is a proud alumna from LBJ Women’s Campaign School’s inaugural class.
ATXWOMAN.COM | 59
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WOMAN to WATCH
2024 ANGE MAKERS Our pages are full of stories of Austin’s most engaging, empowering and successful women, and this section is specially designed to provide you access to even more incredible role models and success stories. Be part of this amazing group and share your story with thousands of women. Contact us at sales@atxwoman.com or call 512.328.2421 for more information.
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Health & Wellness
DENISE BRADLEY
S T. D A V I D ’ S H E A LT H C A R E | V I C E P R E S I D E N T, M A R K E T I N G A N D C O R P O R A T E A F F A I R S
D
enise Bradley is vice president of marketing and corporate affairs for St. David’s HealthCare. In this role, she is responsible for planning and executing marketing and corporate affairs strategies for the eight-hospital health care system in Austin. Bradley has held a variety of state- and nationally recognized positions, including both director of correspondence and special projects manager in The White House Office of the First Lady. Her work experience also includes lecturer at UT Austin, research and policy analyst for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Presidential Management Fellow. She serves on the board of directors of 4ATX Foundation and the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, on the community advisory board of Helping Hand Home, and is a member of the Austin Area Research Organization. She also chaired the 2023 Go Red for Women Campaign for the American Heart Association.
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2024 ANGE MAKERS
Corporate SECTION Power Players
H E AT H E R B R U N N E R
WP ENGINE | CHAIRWOMAN AND CEO
A
s chairwoman and CEO of WP Engine, Heather Brunner has steered WP Engine through hyper-growth into global technology leadership. Brunner has led the expansion of WP Engine from an Austin startup to a global brand with 1,200-plus team members around the world to now serve millions of users and over 200,000 customers. A 30-year technology veteran, Brunner has generated billions in enterprise value, delivered growth and led business strategy for privately funded new ventures and Fortune 500 companies. During her tenure as WP Engine CEO, she has been honored by Great Place to Work with the CEO Leadership for All award, EY Entrepreneur of the Year for Central Texas, the Austin Business Journal Best CEO award and a Stevie Award for Executive Leadership. Brunner serves on the board of directors for Camden Property Trust (NYSE: CPT), an S&P 500 company. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international economics from Trinity University. wpengine.com
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2024 ANGE MAKERS SECTION housing
E M I LY C H E N E V E R T
U N L O C K M L S A N D A U S T I N B O A R D O F R E A LT O R S | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
E
mily Chenevert ensures Austin Board of Realtors (ABoR) is fueling the success and improving the professionalism of the organization’s 20,000-plus members. She is the youngest and first female CEO for ABoR and Unlock MLS and is chair of the MLS Technology Holdings, LLC Board of Directors. She has a proven record and passion for advocating on behalf of REALTORS and homeowners across Central Texas. Under her tenure of leadership at ABoR, she’s led the implementation of two five-year ABoR strategic plans while elevating the organization’s profile and impact, regionalized ABoR’s footprint and member services and championed MLS listings data integrity standards. abor.com
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2024 ANGE MAKERS The Arts
B E RT H A R E N D O N D E LG A D O
A R T E T E X A S | F O U N D E R /A R T C U R AT O R / E X E C U T I V E
I
was the first Chicana from East Austin to be featured on the front page of Austin Chronicle in 2020 and the first Chicano/Chicana organization to receive the Preservation Austin Merritt Award for Best Mural For La Raza in 2018. A changemaker for women in the art industry, a woman of Mexican descent breaking barriers like no other in East Austin. The first Chicana from my barrio to recreate, curate and exhibit more than 40 artists and murals in my hometown, putting art on the map nationally. It has been the biggest challenge but also the best thing that has ever happened for us. I am so grateful to open the doors for so many and pave the way for future generations to come. facebook.com/artetexas
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2024 ANGE MAKERS Personal & Professional Development
DR. SEEMA DESAI
S E E M A D E S A I C O A C H I N G A N D C O N S U LT I N G | T R A N S F O R M AT I O N A L S U C C E S S C O A C H & S P E A K E R
D
r. Seema Desai is a credentialed executive coach specializing in performance and well-being. Her coaching helps high-achieving, ambitious leaders go from stressed, overwhelmed and frustrated to productive, effective and fulfilled. Through her speaking, coaching, workshops and online course, she empowers people to discover the inner peace that lives within so they can unlock the Transformational Success they seek. Desai draws on her cultural background and experiences with imposter syndrome, angry mom syndrome and postpartum depression to bring empathy and compassion to the people she serves. Desai is the author of the book Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides and co-host of the podcast Happy and Human. She serves as co-president of the Austin chapter of Pratham USA, a nonprofit organization aimed at creating learning equity for underserved children in India and globally. Though no longer seeing patients, Desai is a general dentist who practiced in the Austin area. drseemadesai.com
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2024 ANGE MAKERS
Fashion, Beauty & Design
KARINA DRAKE
ALEX A JAMES BABY | OWNER AND FOUNDER
K
arina Drake is the owner and founder of beloved children’s shop Alexa James Baby. The shop was inspired by her daughter, Alexa James, and their time living in NYC. Leaving a career in advertising, Drake took a leap of faith and opened Alexa James in 2018. Within that first year, Alexa James Baby was recognized both locally and nationally as a top children’s shop in Texas. Today, Alexa James Baby carries some of the most exclusive children’s brands, many brought to Austin via the shop. However, what Drake feels most proud of is successfully building something from the ground up, fighting to keep it alive during Covid-19 and showing her daughter that with a strong dream and hard work anything is possible. alexajamesbaby.com
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2024 ANGE MAKERS The SECTION Arts
FRANCÉS JONES, ESQ.
S O U L M AT T E R S – V I S I O N A R Y L A W F I R M | F O U N D E R
F
rancés Jones, Esq., is the founder of Soul Matters - Visionary Law Firm, “Trademark For Visionary Founders,” a boutique trademark law firm based in Austin, serving clients nationwide and globally. Jones empowers diverse visionary founders making a social impact and their allies, including women, Black, Latinx/Latine, Asian, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA+ and disabled founders, and helps secure their legacies by securing their trademark brands. Licensed in New York, New Jersey and Texas, Jones has over 30 years of experience working with international media companies. She’s passionate about helping visionary founders in all industries, but especially those in consumer product goods, health and wellness, and food and beverage. She has worked with brands including Univision, Unilever, General Mills, Warner Bros, Sony, Heineken, Ford, Pepsi, Will Smith and the Latin Grammys, and she was named a 2023 Tri Delta Woman of Achievement. Most importantly, Jones is the proud adoptive single mom of a beautiful young daughter. visionarytrademarklaw.com 68 | JANUARY 2024 68 | AUSTIN SPECIAL WOMAN PROMOTION | ATXWOMAN.COM
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2024 ANGE MAKERS The SECTION Arts
LU R L E E N L A D D
WAV EM A K ER S WO M EN I N M U S I C 4 0 + A N D LU R L EEN L A D D M U S I C | FOUNDER AND SINGER/SONGWRITER
L
urleen Ladd is a performing songwriter and the founder of Wavemakers Women in Music. She enjoyed past business success in health care and the nonprofit arena, but music was the dream waiting in the wings. Since 2018, she has released two albums of original music as well as a Christmas album in 2023. Sharing her music is the joy multiplier in her life, but she is equally committed to helping other female musicians 40+ make strides in their careers. She founded Wavemakers in early 2023 to shine a light on inequities and opportunities for women in the music industry. Wavemakers is making waves of positive change for women 40+ in music. wwimusic.com | lurleenladd.com
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2024 2024 ANGE ANGE MAKERS MAKERS PR,SECTION Marketing & Events
K AT H E R I N E L E E S A N D M I C H E L L E L A P I D E S D O Z A N Ü I N N O VAT I O N S | C O - F O U N D E R S + C O - O W N E R S
T
he visionary powerhouses behind dozanü innovations, Katherine Lees and Michelle Lapides are leading lights in the marketing realm. As Deaf co-founders and seasoned marketers, they’ve been reshaping the industry since 2017, earning accolades like being 2023 Rising Star finalists. Lees, a strategic mind with extensive marketing expertise, complements Lapides, a creative force dedicated to crafting universally resonant messages. Beyond awards, their impact extends to being recognized among Austin’s Top 15 digital marketing innovators by Best Startup Texas. They’ve not just built a company but a family, a team of full-time employees, each proudly disabled, showcasing their commitment to diversity. Certified as a Disability-Owned Business Enterprise, a Women’s Business Enterprise National Council-Certified company, an LGBT+-owned business and a woman-owned small business, dozanü offers comprehensive marketing services, crafting an inclusive narrative and setting a blazing trail of innovation in an evolving industry, with clients spanning Fortune 1000 and Valuable 500 corporations. dozanu.com
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WOMAN to WATCH
2024 ANGE MAKERS nonprofit SECTION
A N D R A L I E M A N DT
T H E K I N D N E S S C A M PA I G N | F O U N D E R + C E O
T
hought leader, author, CEO and founder of The Kindness Campaign. Since 2015 Andra Liemandt has been a driving force in emotional health through her nonprofit The Kindness Campaign (TKC). Providing innovative, artsbased programming, TKC serves schools and students beginning at age 3. Last year, TKC served 55,423 students at nearly 100 schools across the country for World Kindness Day, provided Kind Campus training to 53 elementary schools and translated its emotional health curriculum into Spanish, as well as Ukrainian for Ukrainian refugee families currently living in Budapest. Liemandt also spearheaded the KindGym app, a suite of school-based emotional health programs, and Kind Leadership, a self-paced program for high school students to build long-term leadership skills. Kind Leadership develops communication, social awareness, self-management, inquiry skills and thinking as a leader. Participants present annual work that showcases Kind Leadership in action and measurable community impact. tkckindness.org
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2024 ANGE MAKERS Startup
SHARI WYNNE RESSLER
K A S A M A R E T R E AT H O T E L S | F O U N D E R A N D C E O
S
hari Wynne Ressler is an Austin-based entrepreneur, attorney and ecosystem builder dedicated to helping people achieve success. Wynne Ressler moved to Austin in 1996 to participate in Austin’s growing entrepreneurial economy. She co-founded what became RWR Legal, where she provided legal and business consulting for emerging companies until June 2021, after a firm merger. She brought together and fostered what is now Austin’s active consumer products ecosystem by co-founding Incubation Station, now SKU, in 2011, the national/leading CPG accelerator. She remains an active board member and mentor. Her current project is KASAMA Retreat Hotels, intentionally designed to meet the demand for high-impact leadership, corporate, retreat and event experiences. KASAMA members are innovators and thought leaders, successful humans who come together for collaboration and connection, and to transform self and society. Wynne Ressler continues to mentor and connect leaders to strategic resources for success and remains active in Austin’s entrepreneurial and investor ecosystems. KASAMAhotels.com 72 | SPECIAL PROMOTION
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2024 ANGE MAKERS Startup
JACQU EL I N E SAM I R A
H O W D Y. C O M , I N C . | F O U N D E R A N D C E O
J
acqueline Samira, the visionary founder and CEO of Howdy.com, is a trailblazer reshaping how tech companies build remote teams. After bootstrapping Howdy to $3.5 million ARR two years after inception, she was accepted into Y Combinator, the preeminent accelerator behind AirBnB, DoorDash, Coinbase, Instacart and many more. Following YC, she raised a $2.9 million Series Seed and an $18 million Series A from renowned investors Greycroft (Bumble, Goop, The RealReal) and Obvious Ventures (Medium, Gusto, Beyond Meat). A people-centric entrepreneur and captivating speaker, Samira disrupts mainstream narratives, advocating for equality in the industry. Leading Howdy’s talent sourcing platform connecting Latin American talent with U.S. companies, she fosters efficiency, happiness and community. Samira has been featured in TechCrunch, Forbes and Business Insider. A devoted advocate for holistic well-being, she enjoys dancing, yoga, reading, her many children and meditation, emphasizing the importance of mental, emotional and physical health. howdy.com SPECIAL PROMOTION | ATXWOMAN.COM |
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2024 ANGE MAKERS finance
A N G EL A S H AW
A M P L I F Y C R E D I T U N I O N | S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T O F TA L E N T
Angela Shaw is the senior vice president of talent at Amplify Credit Union, where she oversees human resources and culture. A native Austinite, Shaw chose to stay and impact the city that raised her even though she felt she would find easier pathways elsewhere. Shaw has become a recognized leader in the human resources space here in Austin and beyond, working to create more inclusive and high-performing workplaces. In addition to her corporate work, Shaw has given back to the community through volunteer leadership and adjunct teaching. Her board work has supported making college accessible for adult learners, empowering women and strengthening communities. In addition to her action-oriented work, Shaw is not afraid to ask the hard questions. Shaw is fiercely devoted to her family and friends. She has built her brand on leaving a legacy as a servant leader who selflessly gives of herself above and beyond. goamplify.com
74 WOMAN | JANUARY 2024 74 | AUSTIN SPECIAL PROMOTION | ATXWOMAN.COM
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2024 2024 ANGE ANGE MAKERS MAKERS SECTION tech
RONNIE SHETH SENEN GROUP | CEO
R
onnie Sheth is the founder and CEO of SENEN GROUP, a global strategic advisory firm helping clients unlock the power of data and AI. Her passion for creating unique human-centered experiences using data and AI is rooted in her vision to move business and society forward into a thriving, sustainable future. She loves unpacking and simplifying the complexities of disruptive innovation in her advisory and speaking engagements around the world in an effort to help Fortune 500s, NGOs and governmental agencies solve their most pressing challenges. With an unwavering focus on impact, she serves the Austin community through her work as a board member on the Austin Technology Council and ACG NextGen Central Texas. She also serves on the US-Canada technology and innovation policy team at American Chamber of Commerce in Canada. Her conviction that technology should benefit both business and society drives her continued involvement in international policy-making and ecosystem development initiatives. senengroup.com SPECIAL PROMOTION | ATXWOMAN.COM ATXWOMAN.COM | | 75 75
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2024 ANGE MAKERS the arts
CHINA SMITH
BALLE T AFRIQUE | FOUNDER, E XECUTIVE AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
A
t the heart of Austin’s dance community, China Smith founded Ballet Afrique in 2008, showcasing a unique blend of African and classical ballet styles. Her work extends to providing fine arts programs, where she inspires young minds with her innovative approach. Smith’s creative genius is evident in her notable productions. She founded the celebrated Duke Ellington Nutcracker Suite, a vibrant reimagining of the classic ballet. Her creation of the Nina Simone Suite “Four Women” and the “Echoes of Harlem” capture the essence of these iconic figures, while her Love Letter series explores deeper cultural activism themes. Her dedication to teaching has borne fruit, with many of her students receiving prestigious scholarships in dance. Beyond her professional achievements, Smith is a proud mother of two, balancing her passion for dance with her family life. Her contribution to the Austin arts scene and her commitment to inclusive and innovative dance education have made her a beloved figure in the community. balletafriqueaustin.org
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2024 ANGE MAKERS Nonprofit
LO U R D E S G . Z U N I G A
F I N A N C I A L H E A LT H PAT H W AY S | F O U N D E R A N D E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R
B
orn in Peru, Lourdes Zuniga is a journalist, influential leader and global humanitarian. Selected as a 2022 Presidential Leadership Scholar, Zuniga champions social justice through economic empowerment. Recently, she joined the United Nations Children’s Fund as a member of the UNICEF Austin Task Force, where she will continue her global work as a humanitarian advocating for children. Through her work leading the Financial Health Pathways and as faculty for the Texas Justice Court Training Center, Zuniga drives innovative solutions to systemic issues and fights the criminalization of poverty in the justice system. A proud LBJ Women’s Campaign School alumnus, her remarkable story as an immigrant who came to the United States with nothing shapes her leadership. Zuniga has been locally and nationally recognized, and in 2021, The Austin Business Journal named Zuniga as one of the most Influential Women in Central Texas. financialhp.org SPECIAL PROMOTION | ATXWOMAN.COM |
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LEAH WISE
L E A H W I S E L A W F I R M | AT T O R N E Y A N D E N T R E P R E N E U R
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eah Wise is a trailblazing entrepreneur and attorney, dedicated to empowering Latinas and advocating for women’s rights. She is the founder and owner of Leah Wise Law Firm, PLLC, the first Latina-owned law firm in South Texas specializing in personal injury cases. Wise has been recognized as one of the best lawyers in the nation for her remarkable achievements. She is also the proud owner of Leah Wise Enterprises, LLC, a real estate investment company, and CrashGal Couture, LLC, a clothing line. In addition, she is actively involved in community initiatives, including the co-founding of Latina Feature Friday to promote Latina-owned businesses, running mentorship programs for aspiring Latina lawyers and entrepreneurs. Her dedication to education and empowerment led her to establish the Leah Wise Latina Student Hardship Fund, pledging $50,000 to support Latina law students facing financial challenges at St. Mary’s University School of Law. She passionately advocates for gender equality nationwide. 956abogada.com 78 | SPECIAL PROMOTION
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Introducing KS WELI’s Spring 2024 FoundHER Program Cohort! Program is to increase the representation of women in entrepreneurship by empowering and showcasing women-founded and women-led businesses. Since May 2020, we have served 99 FoundHERs across 66 startups. If you can see her, you can be her! We want to spark vour entrepreneurial mindset and inspire you to find your passion for starting and growing your own business. These inspiring women represent this core value and have made an impact through their ventures. We are honored to present the KS WELI Spring 2024 FoundHER Program Cohort.
The Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (KS WELI) at the University of Texas at Austin’s mission is to strengthen the next generation of courageous, creative leaders by increasing the number of women-owned and women-led businesses. The way we are able to invest in this goal is through our FoundHER Program which spotlights empowers, and equips a cohort of founders each semester who gain access to our KS WELI community, resources, mentors, and workshops. The vision of the KS WELI FoundHER
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