Go from work to play with Beckett, featuring breathable circuit-board mesh upholstery and a sleek polished frame. Highlights include recline, a waterfall seat, and fully adjustable armrests. From stock in red or black mesh.
Level up your comfort with Corbin, a mid-back task chair featuring ergonomic curves, movable armrests, and a sleek top edge that offers support when reclined. From stock in black, white, grey or red mesh.
BY SARAH M. VASQUEZ
68 WAITING ROOM AI Supporting Maternal Health and Fetal Survival
MENTAL HEALTH IS WEALTH Processing Grief and Mourning a Loved One
70 DINNER WITH Alicynn Fink of Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group 72 RECIPE REVEAL H ardcore Carnivore’s Meatchelada Grilled Chili Lime Wings
75 ROI OF SHE From Boardroom to Bottomline
I AM AUSTIN WOMAN Big Dreams, Empowered Girls
Ogbogu: Two-Time Olympic Medalist, Middle Blocker for Austin’s LOVB team and
Wanting the best care for your baby — both before and long after your baby is born — is simply part of being a parent. That’s why so many moms choose compassionate maternity care at Ascension Seton. It’s not only care you can trust for labor and delivery; Dell Children’s NICU providers are on the same campus if your baby needs extra care, and their pediatricians and specialists are ready to help your child thrive year after year.
Find a doctor and schedule an appointment today.
BETSY BLANKS VP of Business Operations
KYLIE CHAPMAN
JORDAN FARIS
FARRAR LINDNER Media Sales Executive
ANNE TAYAG Administrative Assistant
HALIE RAMIREZ Director of Content & Creative Services
ISABELLA PETRECCA Marketing & Production Manager
ZARA FLORES Assistant Editor
Andrea Arias, Sofia Del Toro, Yasmin Garcia, Kaylie Kruk
CONTRIBUTORS
Editorial: Jill Ament, Tiffani Arnold, Joceyln Chamra Barrera, Dana Stuart Browning, Codi Chen, Ruvani de Silva, Deborah Hamilton-Lynne, Andrea L. Ramsay, Neha Sampat, Diana Smith, Avery Toomes, Sarah M. Vasquez, Michelle Washington, Ashley Wainscott, Zorgi Media
Art: Adobe Express, Blair Waltman-Alexin, Empress Bey, Kelenne Blake, Brio Photography, Joi Conti Photography, Justin Cook, Createscape, Tobin Davies, Hardcore Carnivore, The Hive, Joseph Finn, Erin Frazier, Klerjē Coffee, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, Nectarine Café & Bakehouse, Romina Olson, Annie Ray, Simply Home, Visit Austin, Ben Yanto
This month, we asked our contributors: Advice for women just starting down their career path?
Stylist
• Empress loves adventure and spontaneous outings.
• Cartoon movies are her go-to, especially those on Disney+.
• She enjoys being in nature, just to talk with the animals.
“When you begin a new career, so many business people tell you to work hard, hustle and just get out there and go, however, my advice is much different! My biggest advice is take care of yourself first, find your why and really learn what your purpose is in life. These are the valuable assets that will keep you accountable when challenges come up, and character building moments rise in your journey.”
Writer
• Joceyln and her family have visited 20 states in the U.S. and 11 in Mexico – they hope to visit all of them.
• An avid watcher of Gilmore Girls, she’s finished it in its entirete at least 20 times.
• She collects Pua the Pig stuffed animals from Disney’s Moana – she has over 20.
MELINDA GARVEY Co-owner/Co-founder
LANA MACRUM Co-owner
LYNELLE MCKAY Co-owner
TERRY MITCHELL Co-owner
GRETEL PERERA Co-owner
SHURONDA ROBINSON Co-owner
ANA RUELAS Co-owner
NEHA SAMPAT Co-owner
KIP GARVEY Co-founder
SAMANTHA STEVENS Co-founder
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.
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“Seek a mentor: In clinical social work, we must find a supervisor to support us through the first few years of our careers. This was so vital to me in shaping me as a social worker and a leader. Additionally, seek a group of peers. Peer support is invaluable – it helps remind you that you are not alone and building relationships is a vital part of our work in the community.”
Photographer
• Her name means little Rome.
• She shares the same birthday as Leonardo Di Caprio on 11/11.
• A true Austininte, she’s born and raised here.
“Perfect your craft, don’t be late, make mistakes and wear deodorant.”
Writer
• Watching Style with Elsa Klensch on CNN as a kid was her gateway to fashion – her first mentor.
• Her favorite cartoon growing up was Jem and the Holograms...for the FASHION of course
• One of the best things about having her own luxury brand (Michelle Washington®) is designing and wearing her own avant-garde selections
“At the end of the day, your career is yours to define. So go ahead, make bold moves, take up space, and set the world on fire – with STYLE, of course.”
At 18 years old, my mom was graduating high school and becoming a firstgeneration college student, all with a baby on her hip (me). Four years later, she was finding herself on the other end of a divorce, using her degree (graduating summa cum laude) to move us into the city for a job – away from our small hometown – and ensuring that I was enrolled in extra curricular activities. She was teaching me how to become a well-rounded human in a diverse city, all while learning how to depend on yourself. Although we had our community of people to lean on, I learned how to navigate the world through her. The biggest lesson my mom taught me was to get right back up when you get knocked down. My mom is the reason that I know anything is possible in this world if you put your mind to it. She taught me how to succeed in life. So, it’s no surprise that my husband was raised by proud feminist parents who believe in the woman’s way. I have a secret to tell you. I didn’t know that I was a feminist until I was in college. I was raised by a very strong and independent mother, but we were from a small town. The “F” word is strongly looked down on in the area that we’re from – as it is in many small Texas towns. When I was first called the “F” word in college, I was mortified. I was so insulted – I don’t hate men (I grew up skateboarding, so my friend group was filled with guys), I believe that women should be able to choose whether or not they go to work (my stepdad was a stay-at-home dad while my mom went to work) and being a woman didn’t make me a victim (I voted and was pursuing higher education). As I progressed through college, I eventually understood that my friend was right: I was the “F” word. I was just unaware of what being a feminist really meant. I was a feminist creating space for an open mind and bigger worldview. I was beginning to recognize how I was benefiting from the acts taken by decades of feminists before me. Now, this letter isn’t meant to be political – I’m simply sharing my story. Without it, and being supported by the strong people (men included) around me, I wouldn’t have found my way to Austin Woman Magazine or our community.
Welcome to our Woman’s Way issue, filled with stories from women who come from varied walks of life and backgrounds. USA Olympian, Chiaka Ogbogu, shares how she had to make the bold decision to leave her home in order to grow into herself and eventually become a two-time olympic athlete. Ogbogu is a woman defying the odds in the sports world as a founding athlete and player of the only professional volleyball league in the nation, LOVB. Finding themselves leading a movement that merges their social and political identity, Lily Trieu and Ashley Cheng of Asian Texans for Justice are encouraging others to support the diverse AAPI community in the Lone Star state. You’ll understand how the DEI ban in Texas affects the women, families, nonprofits and businesses in our community. Austin Clubhouse is at the forefront in creating opportunities for those living with a mental health condition. Community builder, realtor and wife to Black Pumas’ Adrian Quesada, Celeste Quesada, takes us into their beautiful, carefully curated home. One of our owners, Neha Sampat, shares career advice on scaling a small business. We take a trip to the waiting room to understand how AI is helping fetal survival and maternal heath. Plus, we have the perfect present for mom in our gift guide. Not a human mom? Don’t worry –we have some advice for all of our soon to be and current dog moms.
Reader, our goal is to help you feel empowered in and outside of this magazine. We hope you live every day the woman’s way, just like the people highlighted in our stories. We want you to experience our vibrant community at events like the 10th Annual Woman’s Way Business Awards on May 8. We want to grow by your side in our Connects Club meetings. So stay in touch with us by following our social media accounts or subscribing to our newsletter. Connect again, soon.
HALIE RAMIREZ DIRECTOR OF CONTENT & CREATIVE SERVICES
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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.
A fun night out, we gathered at the Wonders & Worries Envision Gala. All enjoyed a fabulous evening with cocktails, a live auction, raffle, delicious dinner and dancing. Over $1 million funds were raised to help ensure children and families have the same opportunity to thrive as those unaffected by serious illness or injury. Wonders & Worries focuses on supporting children and adolescence through a parent’s serious illness or injury.
From panels around the future of women-led innovation to discussions on how to reach the woman mobile gamer to film screenings and musical performances focused on empowering women, we have it all! Reminisce or see what you missed at SXSW 2025. Big shout out and thanks to our SXSW contributors: Brandi Clark Burton, Joi Conti, Zane Cook, Hannah Nuñez, Shonté Jovan Taylor and Morgan Veilleux.
Owner, Gretel Perera, Director of Content & Creative Services, Halie Ramirez and friends danced the night away in their prom attire – perfect for the theme of this year’s Con Mi Madre Awards. Prom Queen and King were announced, along with various awards honoring extraordinary people and organizations who have made remarkable strides in fostering empowerment and education within the Latinx community.
VP of Operations, Betsy Blanks, spoke on a panel at this year’s The Warrior Way Summit. Warrior Women ATX hosted a day-long educational event for women wanting to amplify their impact and unleash their power. Warrior Women ATX has been the largest workout community led by women, for women in Austin. More than just the workouts, they are a community of heart and health-centered leaders.
Director of Content & Creative Services, Halie Ramirez and writer, Tiffani Arnold, attended the grand opening of the first women’s sports pub in Austin, 1972. The two enjoyed the delicious gourmet “pub food,” and a lively atmosphere surrounded by sports memoribilia and TVs showing only women’s sports. Paralympic athlete, Lizzi Smith, also stopped by and became the first of many women athletes to sign the 1972 wall.
Owners, Melinda Garvey and Shuronda Robinson, VP of Business Operations, Betsy Blanks and Connects Club members celebrated star students at Ann Richards School during this year’s Reach for the Stars Gala. These star students have grown and learned over their seven-year journey. Plus, they honored Ann Richards Legacy Award recipient Dr. Ruth Simmons, president emerita of Smith College, Brown University and Prairie View A&M University.
May 3: Habitat for Humanity’s 40th Anniversary Bash Get ready to relive the best of the 80s at this night of neon nostalgia with live music from Trish and Skyrocket, a retro cocktail hour performance by Lurleed Ladd and vibrant décor. Jump back to the 80s with your tickets at AustinHabitat.org.
May 3-4: The Front Market An independent marketplace and craft fair with a rotating lineup of 400+ vendors and 10,000 guests to showcase creatives, designers, makers, small business owners and more.
May 3-4: Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival, Free, family-friendly street fair with music, arts & crafts on E. 6th St.
May 8: 10th Annual Woman’s Way Business Awards Celebrate the women who are challenging outdated structures, envisioning new models and laying the foundations for an inclusive, authentically expressed and innovative city at JW Mariott from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Get your tickets to connect and network at ATXWoman.com/Womans-Way.
May 10: The Complete Home Workshop Join Simply Home for a Brunch & Learn to see what it actually takes to plan a successful home renovation, as this workshop brings together top experts in architecture, interior design, landscape design and construction. Save your spot at CompleteHomeAustin.com.
May 10: 26th Annual Austin Under 40 Awards Gala & Fundraiser Honor and celebrate Austin’s emerging professionals – across 17 categories – and their mentors who are making an impact in our community. Claim your seat at AustinUnder40.org.
May 11: Bring Mom to the Museum Make it a Sunday Funday for the Mom in your life with a picnic on the Moody Patio, live music, art talks & activities and more at the Blanton Museum.
May 14-18: Cine Las Americas International Film Festival Contemporary films and videos from Latin America.
May 22-25: Hot Luck Festival Picnic and a party, showcasing open-pit culinary, music and dancing.
May 26: CapTex Tri Life Time triathalon includes all levels of athletes from first-timers to professionals on Lady Bird Lake.
May 29-June 1: ATX Television Festival Devoted to TV history and future, this year includes Emmy-winning showrunner Damon Lindelof and Carrie Coon discussing The Leftovers, Shrinking and Ted Lasso creator Bill Lawrence and more! Snag your pass at ATXFestival.com.
Jun 13: Luxury Car Raffle Each ticket purchased increases your chance to win a fabulous prize and supports the Center for Child Protection to support children who’ve experienced child abuse or witnessed a violent crime. Secure your raffle tickets at CenterForChildProtection.org.
Jun 19: 19th Fest Celebrate Juneteenth with food, family, culture and community at Waterloo Park.
Jun 25-29: Austin Asian American Film Festival Experience an array of AAPI perspectives at AFS Cinema.
Jun 29: Austin African American Book Festival Free literary event sharing new works by and about African Americans.
We’re giving away one pair of TV passes to ATX TV Festival, May 29-June 1. ATX TV Festival brings together fans and big industry names to celebrate all things television. This year’s can’t-miss programming includes Jon Hamm discussing Mad Men; opening night with Seth Meyers; a chat with TV queen Christine Baranski; a panel unpacking the Disney+ hit Andor, and more! ATX TV Festival truly has something for every TV lover.
To win: Follow @AustinWoman on Instagram and look out for our ATX TV Festival contest. We will announce the winner by May 20 2025.
We’re giving away a dual membership to the Blanton Museum of Art ! That means you and a friend get access to members-only events, plus unlimited, year-round admission to the museum and its monthly Blanton All Day program. This summer, Blanton All Day is all about dancing! On the second Saturday of each month from June through August, learn bachata, swing, and two-step—plus enjoy engaging art talks, hands-on activities, and live music. Explore all programs, exhibitions, and ways to support the arts through membership at blantonmuseum.org
To win: follow @AustinWoman on Instagram and look out for our Blanton Museum of Art contest. We will announce the winner by the end of June 2025.
AWCC Virtual Discussion: Navigating Male-Dominated Workspaces
May 22nd
Virtual Meeting
In boardrooms, entrepreneurial ventures and in strategy discussions, women continue to navigate — and reshape — male-dominated spaces. Join us and discussion leader, Wendy Howell, CEO of Executive Council Network, for an empowering and unfiltered conversation with three trailblazing female leaders who are not only redefining leadership, but also proving that diverse voices drive deeper impact, smarter innovation and lasting progress.
AWCC Virtual Discussion: How to Nourish Your Body
June 2nd
Virtual Meeting
Join Holistic Nutritionist, Judy Cho, for a virtual discussion on how to properly nourish your body and mind, and support your overall wellness. Whether you’re looking to boost energy, improve digestion or simply feel your best, this session will offer practical tips and expert insights to help you make informed, healthy habits. Don’t miss out — your healthiest self starts here!
AWCC Rooftop Networking Happy Hour
June TDB
Location Coming Soon
Kick back with us at our rooftop happy hour — where chill vibes meet cool connections. It’s a great chance to meet new members, swap ideas and grow your network without all the pressure. Come hang out, grab a bite and let the conversation flow.
Erica Silverstein
Kristina Starr
Mica Gutierrez
Alyssa Puckett
JoAnn Jordan
Rachel Jackson
Mendy Beaty
Rebecca Flores-DeLeon
Committed to reading diverse authors, helping each other grow and ultimately provide a fun, safe space to discuss, learn from one another and connect, our AW Connects Club Book Club meets mothly.
Reviewed by: Jenny Remington, ICF-certified coach and co-facilitator of AWCC Book Club
As I was reading this book, two things happened. I lost a lot of sleep (because I couldn’t put it down), and I wanted to shout from the rooftops: EVERY WOMAN NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK!
Part memoir, part personal growth guide, Untamed is empowering and tender, instructive and open. In its unconventional format – or, more accurately, untamed format –Doyle takes us through her journey of falling in love with a woman, discovering herself and the power she had been hiding her entire life behind addiction, motherhood and perfectionism.
Our book club conversation was a joy to lead. We talked about womanhood, parenting, body image, identity, sexuality, authenticity and so much more. Each person brought her own life experience to the conversation, and we explored one woman’s story that was very different from any of ours.
By Betsy Blanks
As if I needed another reason to adore Michelle Obama, The Light We Carry reminded me that not only is Obama an incredible storyteller, but she is everything I strive to be as a woman - brave, honest, passionate and compassionate. With the current state of our world, many of the themes in the book feel more important than ever. It gives a roadmap for navigating life, especially when things are hard. At the root of it all is community–love, family, friendships and the world around us. Obama provides insight into her own relationships within each of these (you’ll love her and Barack even more after reading!), and shares how she has overcome challenges with those she loves in the midst of a more public life than most of us could ever imagine. If you are looking for inspiration, seeking solace from our current climate, or just want a heartwarming story of grit, resilience and love, I highly recommend this book!
Join our book club or connect with us at our events with a Connects Club membership. Scan here for monthly or yearly access to our Connects Club.
“What
Sponsors are invited to join the movement supporting Austin’s seasoned artists.
Photography: Jeska Forsyth
Wavemakers – Women in Music 40+ has awarded $35,000 in grants to 11 artists as part of its inaugural “5 for 5 in ’25” Grant Program—proving that the wave of powerful, mature artistry is only growing stronger.
Originally designed to award five $5,000 grants, the program expanded after reviewing an extraordinary pool of applicants. Six artists received $5,000 grants: Alice Spencer, Alison Tucker, Chantel Deniese, Qi Dada, Leslie Sisson (Moving Panoramas) and and Estani Frizzell. Five additional $1,000 awards were granted to: Kimberly “Trashy Annie,” Vanessa Lively, Giulia Millanta, Hope Irish, and Stella Maxwell-Putman (Stella & The Very Messed) .
Wavemakers isn’t here to fix the industry—it’s here to reshape it. We’re building a new ecosystem where women 40+ are resourced, heard, and celebrated through curated playlists, licensing-ready music, custom brand anthems, and unforgettable live performances.
Now, Wavemakers invites brands, businesses, and community partners to become part of this cultural shift. Sponsoring Wavemakers means aligning with a mission that delivers not just impressions, but deep connection.
This is just the beginning. Join the Wave at wwimusic.com.
BY DIANA SMITH
Bringing a dog into your life is a commitment. As a professional dog trainer, dog owner, former director of Behavior and Training for the Austin Humane Society and current owner of Hearts and Paws Dog Training, I can help you understand your potential puppy and the ability for you to stay together.
The majority of dogs in shelters at-risk for euthanasia are owner surrenders that occur between 6 months to 2 years old. They are not strays or aggressive, but rather adolescent dogs that lack proper training; i.e. knocking over humans, destructively chewing items, escaping the yard. But, these issues can be remedied and could have been managed much more easily with earlier intervention.
The second largest group of dogs found in these environments are simply undersocialized. Dogs have a highly emotional and influential view of their world between 2 to 4 months. Socialization is important during this time to help prevent general fearfulness towards new people, dogs and places.
A well-run puppy class held in a safe environment with other vaccinated puppies and an experienced instructor can turn this into a win for you both. During this formative time, attending a class will help guide your puppy toward a more secure outlook on life. Even if the dog you obtain is older, there are still benefits to a training class.
Your first consideration should be the training and socialization time your dog will need. If you are purchasing a specific breed, ask to meet the mother as her temperament has a huge influence on the puppies out look on the world. For professional advice, check with the Association Of Professional Dog Trainers Trainer Search.
Each breed has specific genetic problems and general temperament sociability levels. Like people, dogs can be introverted or extroverted, active or laid back with gradient expressions within a litter.
Giant: (80 to 100+ lbs)
Breed of dog: Great Dane, Mastiff, Great Pyrenees
Pros: Majestic and imposing with low to medium energy. Some are more protective with loyal temperaments.
Cons: Generally, their lifespans are short, about 8 to 10 years. They need specific feeding methods to prevent gastric bloating.
Large: (50 to 80 lbs)
Breed of dog: German Shepherd, Boxer, Labrador Retriever, Dobermans, Golden Retreiver, Greyhound, Collies, Rottweilers
Pros: Usually eager to learn, with high energy. Good family dogs, if socialized as puppies.
Cons: Working breeds need physical and mental activity or they may act out with destructive chewing/barking behaviors.
Medium: (25 to 50 lbs)
Breed of dog: Border Collies*, Australian Shepherds*, Spaniels, Standard Poodles, Basset Hounds, Chow Chow
Pros: Easily trainable with high amounts of working drive. Friendly, if socialized as puppies
Cons: *High energy herding breeds need tasks to keep their bodies and brains busy or they can be destructive.
Small: (15 to 25 lbs)
Breed of dog: Most Terriers, Whippets, Dachshunds, Beagles, Basenjis, Shiba Inu, Miniature Schnauzer, Shetland Sheepdogs
Pros: Differing training acceptance. Some are more Independent. Cons: Some are vocal and energetic, others quiet and reserved.
Tiny: (2 to 14 lbs)
Breed of dog: French Bulldogs, Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu, Maltese, King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Italian Greyhound, Yorkie
Pros: Very portable, with long lifespans between 14 to 16 years.
Cons: Often overprotective if not socialized well.
Coat Type factor in weekly grooming time/expense
Long Hair: Straight long coats without under coat i.e. Shih Tzu
Brushing/combing out the coat a few times weekly.
Double Coated: Long outer coat with undercoat i.e Corgi
Seasonal shedding requires brushing/thinning the coat weekly.
Short Coat: i.e. Labrador Retriever
Frequent shedding requires brushing with bristle brush when dirty.
No shed: Needs Grooming i.e. Poodles
Continuous coat growth that requires shortening and needs their ears to be cleaned out.
As you make your choice on the best dog for your lifestyle, I encourage you to consider the above elements. Hope this information was useful in your pursuit of puppy!
Founder of Hearts and Paws, Diana Smith, CPDT-KA, is a highly experienced canine behaviorist with over 25 years in dog training. Hearts and Paws provides expert behavior training to strengthen bonds between dogs and their owners. Smith also created Club Pup Kids and Dogs Camp, fostering positive relationships between children and their pets. Her compassionate, science-based approach has made her a trusted leader in the field of dog behavior.
At just 16, Austin native Maddie Price is rewriting the rules of musical theater. Her brainchild, 355 The Musical — a viral sensation with over 30 million TikTok views — is transforming how Gen Z sees the stage, themselves and their stories.
Already earning standing ovations from legendary New York venues, 355 is a high-octane, influencerpowered musical inspired by a real-life teenage spy from the American Revolution. The show is a bold mash-up of Gossip Girl, Bridgerton and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
But, this isn’t just a buzzy musical. It’s Maddie’s mission — and it started in her Austin bedroom.
Maddie has always been a theater kid. But when the world shut down during COVID, she had to find another outlet for her creativity. “I was going stir crazy without theater,” she says. “So I started writing.”
At the same time, TikTok was exploding. Maddie noticed how many wildly talented teens were performing daily for millions — but their work rarely made it past the screen. That sparked an idea: what if a musical was built by and for her generation, starring the same creators dominating social media?
She began writing 355 The Musical at age 14, diving into the true story of Agent 355 — a cunning young woman who spied for George Washington’s Culper Ring. History, it turned out, had always had bold teenage girls. It just took one to bring that story to light — with a 21st-century twist.
Two years later, Maddie’s vision has come to life — and gone viral. With over 30 million TikTok views and a sold-out New York debut, 355 The Musical has captured the energy, humor and heartbreak of Gen Z while honoring an unsung historical hero.
“I call it my love letter to Gen Z,” Maddie says. “It’s set against the musical sounds of my generation, with a plot that’s worth obsessing over. But it’s also about power, identity and being underestimated.”
The all-teen cast and crew include Broadway veterans, Disney stars and social media icons. Maddie co-wrote the music with fellow teen Mayla Stith and assembled a band of Gen Z musicians — all before graduating high school.
Maddie credits her Austin roots for giving her the creative freedom to dream big. “I’ve always felt supported here,” she says. “This is my hometown, where I was introduced to music, started performing and even built a mini Broadway stage in my room when I was little.”
Now, that homemade stage has expanded to one of New York City’s most iconic theaters. But Maddie’s not stopping there. Her next goal? Broadway. Before she turns 20.
And if 355 is any indication, she’s well on her way.
“I created this show to spotlight the talent of my generation — and to show young women everywhere that their stories matter,” Maddie says. “If even one girl sees herself in this and decides to chase her dream, it was all worth it.”
People are seeking a place to belong and thrive.
BY CODI CHEN
avigating life with a mental health condition can be challenging enough, but limited access to care and the weight of stigma can make it feel insurmountable. At Austin Clubhouse these challenges are met with a welcoming, strength-based approach prioritizing community, opportunity and empowerment.
“We offer membership to any adult with a history of mental illness, and we help remove as many barriers as possible for leading a productive, fulfilling life,” Jen Cardenas, Executive Director of Austin Clubhouse, explains.
Unlike many mental health programs, Austin Clubhouse does not require referrals from a doctor. Individuals can self-refer and become members simply by taking the first step and walking through the door. That trust-based model allows members to be seen for their strengths and talents rather than their diagnoses.
Julie P., a Clubhouse member, emphasizes how this approach helps counteract the seclusion that often comes with mental health diagnoses.
“The biggest part of mental illness besides the stigmatization is isolation,” she says. “The Clubhouse is a unique community, and we have outlets for socialization while doing something productive.”
Currently, Austin Clubhouse is assisting Julie in her training to become a grant writer, and she was invited to attend a seminar in Florida at another Clubhouse International location last year to help further her career goals.
Austin Clubhouse is built on the belief that all members can achieve their fullest potential when they have the right support. The organization provides a wide range of resources, from employment assistance and housing support to education and wellness programs, all designed to empower members in their mental health journey.
A 2021 study by The Hartford, a leading provider of workers’ compensation and disability insurance, found that 70% of employers acknowledge employee mental health as a significant workplace issue, yet 72% report that stigma prevents individuals from seeking treatment.
“Because of the stigma or gaps in employment, these people are often not the first ones to get a chance,” Cardenas explains. “We’re here to support members first and foremost, and we’re able to introduce resources to help them reintegrate into the workforce.”
Austin Clubhouse connects members with stable housing and rental assistance, food scarcity resources, financial and employment help, amongst much more. Roger Harris II, Staff Generalist in the Operations Unit shares that the nonprofit even offers weekday programs and events for members.
“And if they cannot attend in person, we have online opportunities
for them to participate in as well,” Harris says.
A core part of Austin Clubhouse’s mission is crisis intervention by ensuring that members receive the right kind of support when facing difficult moments. Austin Clubhouse even shares members’ stories about how Austin Clubhouse continues to strengthen our community in blogs to help resonate with the community.
Join the Mission, Make a Difference
Austin Clubhouse’s mission requires community support through financial investment, volunteer engagement and awareness.
“We are definitely looking for people to invest in mental health so we can have a sustainable future,” Cardenas says. “Access to mental health services in Texas is difficult, and for nonprofits, we don’t know what future funding will look like.”
Beyond donations, raising visibility is critical.
“If you’re reading this, chances are you know someone who could benefit from being a member,” Cardenas explains. “We need people to share this resource with their friends, family, coworkers, and community. You never know who might be silently looking for support.”
This organization is not only a resource, but a movement toward dignity, inclusion and opportunity for those living with disabilities. By breaking down barriers, fostering a sense of belonging and connecting individuals with meaningful opportunities, this nonprofit creates lasting change in the lives of its members.
Sustaining this impact requires the support of the broader community and every effort helps ensure that no one has to navigate their journey alone. Now is the time to invest in mental health, uplift those seeking support and be part of a future where everyone has the chance to thrive.
From public education to Black maternal mortality, here’s how bans on diversity, equity and inclusion programs are negatively impacting Texas women.
BY JILL AMENT
About ten years ago, Travis County was grappling with a troubling statistic: pregnant and birthing Black women were dying at a rate 1.5 times higher than white women.
Black Mamas ATX was launched in 2018 to address and prevent these maternal mortality disparities among Black women in the area.
“It wasn’t something that you could fix by telling people to exercise and eat better, it’s a bigger, structural issue that goes beyond those factors,” said Black Mamas ATX Executive Director, Kelenne Blake. “Some research at the time was showing that having a doula present with mom at birth helped their outcomes. And we saw that research with Black women and Black doulas as well.”
Black Mamas ATX pairs expectant Black mothers with a community-based doula, free of charge. They also provide free mental health support, lactation consulting and other maternal services to Black women in Travis County.
However, recent actions led by Republicans at the state and federal level banning diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are putting the future of their services at risk, Blake said. Earlier this year, a $1.1 million federal grant which helps Black Mamas ATX pay for staff and free mental health support for clients was temporarily frozen for about a week.
She’s also concerned about her organization’s future work as DEI bans at the state and federal level are making it difficult to access funding outside of the community.
“The recent anti-DEI movement has made it increasingly difficult for Black women-led organizations like PFaith House to access critical funding, resources and partnerships,” Holiday said. “Many traditional funding streams have dried up as public and private institutions face pressure to move away from equity-focused initiatives that were never about exclusion, but about ensuring that historically marginalized communities have access to the same opportunities as everyone else.”
“We’re a small organization,” Blake said. “There’s a lot of uncertainty with grants and funding. We’re not yet a huge, self-sustaining organization… we’re pretty grass roots. That freeze created a landslide of concern and uncertainty.”
The funds were reinstated as the federal DEI ban remains caught up in the courts. But during that week, Blake couldn’t pay some staff members on time. She’s not sure if the grant will be reinstated for the next funding cycle.
Black Mamas ATX isn’t the only Black women-led organization in the area concerned about future federal grant funding under the Trump Administration’s DEI ban.
Pflugerville’s Pfaith House provides safe, transitional housing for women and children, especially Black and Brown families, who are fleeing domestic violence or experiencing chronic homelessness. Pfaith House was founded by Pflugerville City Councilwoman Kimberly Holiday, who has experienced homelessness first hand.
“I knew that Black and Brown women and children fleeing domestic violence often had nowhere to go,” Holiday said. “The existing shelters are overcrowded, and many do not cater to the specific needs of Black and Brown women, who often face additional layers of discrimination and stigma when seeking assistance.”
These organizations are also seeing fallout from a bill Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott signed into law in 2024. That measure prohibits public state universities from having DEI offices as well as providing faculty training and programs related to DEI.
As a result, Black Mamas ATX had to move their annual Black maternal mortality conference off the UT campus. Their maternal mental health conference organized with the university is no more. Blake said professors at public universities are less inclined to work with their organization for fear of retaliation from the state. Meanwhile, Texas lawmakers are once again considering measures in the 89th legislative session that would ban diversity, equity and inclusion programming and hiring practices, this time in public K-12 schools across the state.
Texas State Teacher Association Executive Director Ovidia Molina, said SB12 will disproportionately threaten women, who make up 75% of regular classroom teachers and 79% of substitute teachers in Texas.
“So we’re attacked,” Molina said. “We’re not paid enough. And now we’re being made to again look like we are against our parents. What we really want is the best education, all of the resources, all of the opportunities for our children. I don’t know if it would be under attack if it wasn’t a mostly female profession.”
As for Kelenne Blake with Black Mamas ATX, these DEI bans are disheartening and sad, but not surprising.
“You’re talking to a person and a community who has been through a lot and uncertainty is not something we’re unfamiliar with,” Blake said. “We are a resilient community and we support each other and I don’t think this will destroy the work completely.”
Blake said DEI bans may cause her organization to be smaller, but she believes they will still be mighty. She said for now, they are going to lean hard on the local community to support their mission and so they can continue to serve pregnant Black women in Travis County.
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Pack your headphones and laptop to work from spots for remote work.
BY AW STAFF
This city is a remote worker’s paradise, offering a diverse range of work-friendly spots. From gorgeous outdoor spaces to Instagramable-worthy coffee shops, many of us have one ideal spot around town where we like to set up shop, lock in and check off some tasks from our to-do lists. Many enjoy the lake view at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. Others enjoy the more relaxed environment at Radio. Some seek dedicated coworking spaces at Industrious. While many prefer the quiet and productive atmosphere at Austin Central Librbary. Whether you seek productivity, inspiration or networking opportunities, Austin has a remote work spot to match your needs. Our staff shares some of their top picks from where to work remotely in Austin or around town.
Plug in at Createscape
Halie Ramirez
Director of Content & Creative Services
Being around a buzzy energy fuels my creative mind when needing to be inspired. But to lock me in, I need a good desk for my laptop, coffee, snacks and water. Every once in a while, I grab a day pass at Createscape. Changing my scenery really helps keep me motivated. The space is filled with plants (which I love) and art that doesn’t distract my focus or give me a stale work environment. Plus, I really like working in spaces with natural light – it makes me feel like I’m not missing out on being outside – and Createspace has just the right amount for me. If I need some privacy for a call, I can easily jump into one of their call rooms. Createspace offers plan options too, but I’m sticking to the day pass for now.
Farrar Lindner Media Sales Executive
Nestled in the west corner of Dripping Springs is a hidden gem for remote workers seeking a cozy and inspiring environment. Nectarine Café & Bakehouse is a gluten-free, organically sourced and seed oilfree café. It’s clear that the people making the goodies take pride in using local ingredients. Nectarine is a bright and cheery place to work, while tackling your to-do list. Their tasty coffees, smoothies and elixirs offer a refreshing boost to start your day. The sun-kissed front patio provides a quiet and welcoming space. If you’re looking for a work spot that blends comfort, quality and community, this charming place in the Hill Country is the best place for a relaxed, healthy and productive work environment.
Buzz Around at The Hive
Betsy Blanks VP of Business Operations
I’m a double monitor type of gal, so I honestly don’t work outside of home all that often because I find it hard to work on just my laptop screen! But when I do want to get out of the house, there are two places I tend to gravitate towards. If I happen to have my toddler home for some reason, we head to The Hive. He can run around, play with their toys or climb in the playscape while I knock off some of my to-do list. If you’re trying to avoid the little monsters, the inside space is perfect for a calm, quiet workspace, so The Hive really does work for whatever situation you may be in. Another South Austin favorite is Golden Hour, which has delicious food, great coffee, and natural wine if you’re feeling like relaxing a bit while you work. It’s also a really beautiful space with a great vibe, so it helps me stay focused and feel at peace while I get my work done!
Take in the Views at Mozart’s
Yasmin Garcia
Editorial Intern
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters is my go-to when I need to get work done without feeling boxed in. Sitting outside by the lake with a coffee helps me focus — the breeze, the view, and a bit of background noise make it such a calming, productive space. As a UT Austin student, when I’m looking for something closer to campus, I’ll usually head to Lucky Lab on Guadalupe. It’s a super convenient spot to squeeze in a couple hours of studying between classes. The laid-back vibe and solid coffee makes it an easy favorite.
Join a Morning Ritual at Klerjē
Zara Flores Assistant Editor
I have a soft spot in my heart for anything on the east side of I-35 in Austin and Klerje Coffee off East 6th Street is no exception. While seating is limited, the lush green paint, along with black and gold accents, make the cafe feel so calm and inviting. The coffee offerings are delicious and diverse with sweet and strong drinks, depending on one’s mood. It’s a great place to throw some headphones on and lock in or to just relax and catch up with a friend.
Find a Nook in the Austin Central Library
Andrea Arias Editorial Intern
Most of the time, I like to work in the comfort of my home, but I love going to coffee shops when I want to treat myself. If I’m going to a cafe, I prefer a chill and quieter environment because I get distracted easily. Sa-Tén has a smaller atmosphere with a rustic layout. I recommend their Saifa Vietnamese coffee or matcha. When I want fresh air, I venture to the heart of Austin: the Central Library. I find a nice quiet nook to work on my laptop, headphones and water handy, either in a chair or on a desk in the space. Once I’m done, I give myself a chance to breathe and take in the irresistible view of the Colorado River and Auditorium Shores from the garden patio, going back inside to browse some books.
Effortless looks for a spring to summer transition in Texas Weather.
OBY MICHELLE WASHINGTON
kay, sis, let’s talk about one thing that we all know too well –those weird in-between days when it’s summer in the afternoon and spring by the evening. When the sun’s out, you’re sweating by 3 p.m.; and come 7 p.m. you’re shivering in the same outfit because the evening breeze came in out of nowhere, like it had beef with your cute summer look.
With this expected spring-to-summer transition, we’re not going to let the Texas weather play with our looks.
This season is all about versatility. No more running home to change outfits, no more drama. It’s time to build a wardrobe that slides from breezy spring days to those sultry summer nights. Let’s make it effortless, chic and a bit bold.
If it’s not begging you to step into, pass on it. Look for chic denim that says, “I woke up like this.” You can even opt for jumpsuits made of soft, flowy fabrics like linen. These will keep you cool in the Texas sun and allow you to rock that stylish look.
Pro tip: Pair it with a bold spring color like a coral or mango. These shades scream “I’m fresh, I’m vibrant and I’m that girl!” When the evening cools off, layer it with a light denim jacket or a boho-inspired cardigan.
A good maxi dress or skirt is the perfect piece to take you from that midday brunch to a late-night rooftop party. A nice high-waisted maxi skirt (or dress) in a bold spring color – think a juicy tangerine, bright turquoise or lavender – is going to give you that effortless vibe while keeping it cool. When the sun’s still out, rock it with a cute crop top or halter neck (show off that summer glow, girl). But when the temperature dips after dark, throw on a light denim or utility jacket, and switch up your sandals for some sassy mules or ankle boots.
No outfit is ever truly complete without a pair of sunglasses. Go for something with a chunky frame, a little retro flair or a hint of color. These babies are not just for protecting your eyes, honey – they’re the perfect accessory to take any outfit from “just cute” to “don’t talk to me unless you’ve got VIP access.”
Let’s reset from sky-high heels to focus on comfort and style. Flatform sandals give you a little height, but are as comfy as a pillow on your feet. Plus, they look good with everything – from your maxi skirt to your jumpsuit. Choose a pair of flatform sandals in a neutral shade like tan, white, black or metallics. If you’re feeling bold, grab one in a vibrant color to tie your outfit together. Walk talk without walking in pain. Effortless Transition:
Top: Showroom Austin
Skirt: Valentines Austin
Bag: Julian Gold
Shoes: Moss
Earrings: Kendra Scott
There you have it! These wardrobe essentials aren’t just for surviving that awkward in-between weather – they elevate your style, keep you feeling cute and ensure you’re always giving us life, despite the seasonal changes. Layer your looks, mix bold spring colors with soft summer tones, and throw in some sustainable accessories because we don’t do waste. Stay ready for whatever comes your way, and remember, you’re not just dressed – you’re styled.
Now, we get really creative, mixing bold spring hues with softer, lighter tones of summer. Picture this: you’re rocking a mustard-yellow blouse with a flowy peach skirt. Color blocking is your friend! Don’t be afraid to mix the bold yellows, greens and corals of spring with the cool blues, blush pinks and soft whites of summer. You want to pop without looking like you’re in a rainbow. Balance is key, and a neutral-colored bag or shoes will help you stay grounded in your fabulousness. If you’re feeling fearless (and I know you are), throw in a bold print, like florals or geometric patterns.
Dress: Showroom Austin
Bag: Julian Gold
Shoes: Showroom Austin
Earrings: Kendra Scott
Nails: Death Valley Nails
Lipstick: Rae Cosmetics
Shoes can make or break an outfit. Think ahead on foot fashion because a cute pair of sandals might not cut it on cool spring evenings. A classic pair of sneakers can easily go from daytime strolling to evening relaxation. But if you’re looking to elevate your game, a pair of mules or strappy sandals is always a solid move. They’re stylish and won’t make you sweat.
Top: Showroom Austin
Pants: Showroom Austin
Clutch: Michelle Washington®
Shoes: Michelle Washington®
Bracelet: Kendra Scott
Lipstick: Rae Cosmetics
So, get ready, sis. Spring’s here, summer’s coming, and you? You’re always in the know. Let your wardrobe take you from sunny afternoon brunches to late-night rooftop cocktails like it’s nothing. Now go ahead, slay that transition from breezy spring days to warm summer nights like the queen you are
Scan this QR code for links to the pieces curated by Michelle Washington from this article.
South Austin’s creative pulse beats through her walls as she builds spaces that feel like stories you can live inside.
BY AVERY TOOMES
Celeste Quesada is a unique architect of experiences, spaces and community. Part creative catalyst, part real estate visionary, she defies simple categorization. With 23 years of crossover experience in cultural arts, social impact and home-building, Quesada has mastered the art of creating meaningful connections that transcend traditional boundaries. Her 1970s South Austin ranch-style home serves as a living testament to her philosophy – a space where authenticity, creativity and purposeful design converge. From found objects, such as bird nests she discovers on walks, to eclectic paintings that emit
bird sounds, she has curated a space that is not only creative, but one that embraces soul, story and a little bit of whimsy.
Q: What object or feature in your home captivates your spirit?
A: I love tile. I am a first-generation Mexican-American. I like pieces that honor my heritage in a way, and I love animals, patterns and the earthiness of what tile actually is. I love that the tile is rough and imperfect. I like adding texture in this house.
Q: How do you approach hosting events and creating a welcoming space for family and friends?
A: I love to throw parties. I love events, congregating and people. I definitely have always wanted a warm, welcoming and inviting place where people can relax and not feel like they can’t touch anything. Nothing is too precious, that’s for sure. We like it that way. Some of it is our cultural heritage. My husband and I both have huge MexicanAmerican families. If we have a birthday party, it’s going to be a loud, fun and messy affair with cooking, eating and laughter. Throughout two decades of living here we’ve had many fond memories with piñatas and pachangas. We are also looking forward to many pool parties this summer.
Q: What design tip would you give homeowners looking to infuse creativity into their space?
A : I believe that it is important to start with authenticity. Your home should tell its own story. I think that there is energy around one’s home or little nest that they create. Ultimately, it is okay to build your nest with the little threads, sticks and special things that you find and collect over the years. I definitely buy things, but I also find things. I am a total treasure hunter. I am always coming home with a beehive, nest, sticks or something that speaks to me. I like making a combination swirling around the whole special tapestry of influence to create a home.
Q: How does residing in South Austin capture the essence of the city’s creative spirit?
A: I have unconditional love for Austin. I have seen the city go through many different chapters and decades. There’s a lot of integrity in South Austin that I like. It really reminds me of nostalgic Austin. It’s down to earth. It’s not too perfect or shiny or polished.
Since I was a girl I’ve been attracted to small homes, thatched roof cabins, places of wonder… I was never attracted to the castle but instead, the cottage. I love a home that focuses on connection, lasting memories and nurturing relationships. I hope those are the values we give our daughters and ourselves at Casita Quesada.
“
I believe that in order to be highly productive, you also have to have some space to have quiet moments.
Q: How has your South Austin home been instrumental in supporting your creative projects and professional work?
A: As I have grown as a person, so has this house. When we added onto the house it was for my husband to have a music studio there. We knew that if we were to outgrow that space, it could become our primary bedroom. He has created so many albums in this house. I have conjured up so many events here. I believe that in order to be highly productive, you also have to have some space to have quiet moments. This house allows us to have some quiet space in Austin. Then we definitely switch gears into high output. That’s the way we roll.
We really love our house. It’s like a family member. It was funky and quirky when we bought it. This house has also made us feel really grounded. I think because our work takes us to a public eye environment it’s so nurturing for us to be home and really rest and recharge. And we love to keep it real, we are not fancy people. So this matches our values really well l.
More photos inside Celeste Quesada’s home, by scanning this QR code.
homeowner’s guide to additions: building up, out and smart
BY ASHLEY WAINSCOTT
In a rapidly growing city like Austin, home additions are becoming more common than ever. When we find a home that meets most of our needs, it’s hard to part with it – especially when the only real issue is space. An addition is a great way to gain the extra square footage you need – think of it as building a small home from the ground up. If you’ve been going back and forth on this decision, you’re not alone. Whether it’s your neighborhood, school district or proximity to work and friends, there are various ways you can stay put with some remodeling and feel good about your decision.
A home addition is more than just adding square footage. It’s a fullscale construction project that, in most cases, means temporarily moving out of your home. Some minor additions allow homeowners to stay put; however, these cases are rare.
Logistics to consider:
• Where will you live? Options include staying with family, securing a short-term rental with a leasing company or even an Airbnb.
• Pro Tip: Choose a rental that is around your usual route –your gym, your child’s daycare, your workplace – to minimize disruption.
• How long will it take? On average, you’ll be out of your home for six to eight months. Always prepare for the worst case scenario in regards to timeline.
• Packing and moving: You’ll need to clear out the space that is being renovated, which means storage, movers. (Packing tends to show most homeowners that they may own a little more than they realize). Silver lining: This is a great opportunity to declutter!
• Important: Do not move out of your home until your contractor has permits in hand and is ready to start construction. This is a common mistake made by people who are new to renovations –but you’re prepared!
Many homeowners underestimate the full financial scope of a home addition. Your “all-in” budget should include:
• Architectural and interior design fees
• Construction costs
• Materials (which add up quickly – those sneaky little details!)
• Temporary housing and storage expenses
• A contingency fund for unexpected surprises (because there will be some)
Pro Tip: Set aside an additional 15% contingency for the unknowns. Even with the best pre-construction planning, once walls start coming down, surprises are very likely to show up in the form of dangerous electrical wiring, termites, tree roots, water damage, etc.
Before hiring professionals, take the time to map out what you truly want from your new space. What’s your goal? More room for a growing family? A better flow for entertaining? A dedicated office space?
Consider the aesthetics as well – how will your addition blend with your existing home? Flooring, lighting and exterior materials should be chosen with continuity in mind.
Pro Tip: Create a Pinterest board or collect inspiration images before meeting with architects and designers. This will help them bring your vision to life while keeping the process efficient.
The journey from idea to reality follows a structured path:
• Feasibility Study: The first step is hiring an architect to determine if your addition is even possible. Zoning laws, lot size and heritage trees can all impact what you can and can’t do.
• Hiring a General Contractor: Bring in a contractor early in the planning process to ensure your vision aligns with your budget. Many offer complimentary ballpark pricing, saving you from designing something outside of your price range. Pro Tip: A contractor involved from the start can prevent costly redesigns later.
• Finalizing Plans & Securing Permits: Once feasibility is confirmed and designs are in place, your team will submit plans for approval.
• Breaking Ground: From laying the foundation to framing, electrical, plumbing and finishes, the addition is essentially a small home being built from the ground up.
A home addition isn’t just about extra space – it’s about seamless integration. Most additions require updates to existing areas so that the new and old flow together. This could mean matching flooring, repainting, updating lighting or even reconfiguring layouts.
The goal? To create a space that feels like it was always part of your home, not an afterthought.
An addition is a major investment – one that requires careful planning, budgeting and patience. But with the right team, a clear vision and realistic expectations, it can transform your home into exactly what you need it to be.
If you’re at that “Y in the road,” take the time to explore your options, gather inspiration and prepare for the journey ahead. A well-planned addition can give you the best of both worlds – staying in the home and neighborhood you love while making it fit into your evolving lifestyle.
Austin’s only women-focused business awards!
MARCIA BALL
H.O.M.E.
CAT CARTER
SuperWoman Records
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JULIE FISHER
The Trail Conservancy
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Henderson Professional Engineers
CAREN KELLEHER
Gold Rush Vinyl
JULIE KUHLKEN
Pedernales Cellars
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ARSLANAGIĆ
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To Taste Culinary Nutrition, LLC
LINA SUPNET-ZAPATA
Mir Care Consultants, Inc
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CapMetro
MEGAN BUTLER
Kuya Wellness
CRISTINA CARL
Ediphi
SARA GLAKAS & KACIE SWARTZ
Black Barn Financial
CHRISTIE HALL
Homes With Hall Realty
ASHLEY KEGLEYWHITEHEAD
Infinity Water Solutions, LLC
JODIE KING
Jodie King Media, LLC
CLAIRE KURIO RUWWE
Austin Concierge Company
FABIANA MELÉNDEZ
RUIZ
Refuerzo Collaborative
HEATHER WAGNER REED
Juice Consulting
LEYA SIMMONS
BetterUnite
TARA TROWER
CommUnityCare Health Centers
BROOKE WEINSTEIN
Brooke Weinstein Consulting
LAUREN CAIN
Homebaked Nearby
INEZ ESCAMILLA
Loose Cannon Industries
MURIEL GROBLER & CASEY SMITH
CampityCamp
REBECCA HARRIS
ReBrand Health
ANDREA HERNANDEZ PERAZA
Airstrike HVAC
BRITTANY MORRISON
B Spoke Advisory
MICHELLE LY
Hall Roofing and Construction
CARRIE CASS
Center for Health and Regenerative Medicine
MICHELLE SAVAGE
Sulit Press
LYDIA SIMMONS
Motherocity Health
CLARENA TOBON
NAMI Central TX
IPRESIDENT & OWNER
nez Escamilla is the founder and president of Loose Cannon Industries, a custom welding and fabrication company based in Central Texas. With a background in welding technology and 20 years of hands-on industry experience, Escamilla has built a company known for its craftsmanship, reliability and innovation in structural, architectural and ornamental steel. Starting as a welder herself, Escamilla worked her way up in a male-dominated industry and now leads a thriving business that serves commercial and residential clients across the Austin area and beyond. She’s passionate about mentorship, workforce development and empowering women in the trades. Under her leadership, Loose Cannon has earned numerous accolades, including recognition for diversity and excellence in construction. Escamilla continues to push boundaries – not just in fabrication, but in creating opportunities and building a company grounded in grit, skill and heart. LooseCannonATX.com
Photo courtesy of Brio Photography
K acie Swartz and Sara Glakas are chief evangelists for Black Barn Financial, an Austin-based registered investment advisor and financial planning firm. They work with people who care about aligning their money with their values and want a financial plan grounded in real life. Glakas is the founder of the Austin Women’s Investing Group, a community of 2,900+ learning about money together. She serves on the board of YWCA Greater Austin, volunteers with the Ann Richards School Foundation, and was awarded Austin Woman Magazine’s Small Business Grant in 2014. Swartz is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® practitioner with over 20 years of experience making financial concepts more accessible. She serves as a spokesperson for the CFP® Board’s Women’s Initiative and has been featured in The New York Times, Real Simple, and other publications. Together, they believe only good things happen when you put more money in the hands of women.
BlackBarnFinancial.com
Rebecca "Becky" Harris, DNP, MBA, RN is the founder and Managing Partner of ReBrand Health, a pioneering healthcare transformation firm she established with partner, Brandon Nelson, in December 2023. Following a remarkable journey from U.S. Air Force Logistics Specialist to an accomplished nursing career spanning three decades, Dr. Harris leverages her unique blend of clinical ability, business acumen and policy expertise to revolutionize healthcare delivery systems. She recently launched TempoSyncHealth, ReBrand's dedicated Care Management Service utilizing wearable technology to monitor vital health metrics and enable early intervention for chronic disease complications and other health conditions. This innovative approach empowers individuals to take control of their well-being while maximizing independence. A data-driven leader with a passion for people, health and outcomes, Dr. Harris’ transformative work has yielded millions in financial benefits for healthcare organizations nationwide. As a native Austinite and committed community member, she continues to mentor women healthcare leaders. ReBrand-health.com
J en Henderson, P.E. is the powerhouse president and CEO of Henderson Professional Engineers (HPE), a civil engineering firm based in Round Rock, Texas. With a degree from Texas Tech University, Henderson leads with sharp strategy, bigpicture vision and a heart for people. Under her guidance, HPE designs top-tier land development plans while building a culture of innovation, teamwork and community impact. She’s fiercely committed to helping her team grow, thrive and keep that elusive work-life balance in check. When she's not engineering success, she's cheering on her two sports-loving kids or hanging out with her husband of 18 years. Jen doesn’t just break the mold – she redefines it, proving that leadership powered by empathy, excellence and a little West Texas tenacity can transform teams, projects and communities alike. HendersonPE.com
INFINITY WATER SOLUTIONS | CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER & HEAD OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Ashley Kegley-Whitehead is a force of strategic clarity, community connection and creative leadership. As Chief Communications Officer and Head of Government Relations at Infinity Water Solutions, she is helping reshape the future of water sustainability in the energy sector – building public trust, driving policy alignment and elevating a national conversation around water reuse. With a career that spans over $2.6 billion in civic campaigns and collaborations with brands like Google, Airbnb and HEB, Kegley-Whitehead leads at the intersection of purpose and performance. She inspires teams with her boundless energy, mentors with intention and leads with a rare blend of grace and grit. Whether launching an industrywide initiative or coaching young professionals, she brings a spark of innovation and inclusivity that transforms the trajectory of people and projects alike. Kegley-Whitehead doesn’t just lead – she uplifts, making people braver, ideas bigger and outcomes better through inspiration, purpose and innovation.
Water.energy
L ina Supnet-Zapata is the CEO of Mir Care Consultants, Inc., a firm dedicated to providing expert support in geriatric care, special needs and guardianship. Acting as the "air traffic control" for families, her team manages and coordinates the many moving parts of elder care. Aging often brings unforeseen challenges, from navigating healthcare systems to addressing financial, legal and emotional needs. Her team simplifies these complexities with personalized solutions and expert guidance, empowering families to make informed decisions and ensure quality care. Supnet-Zapata is recognized for her professional excellence and heartfelt commitment to the aging population. As a daughter caregiver, she understands the emotional and practical realities of caregiving. This personal insight drives her compassionate approach, offering adult children who are juggling work and family peace of mind that they have dedicated professionals from Mir Care helping navigate the care journey.
MirCareConsultants.com
Andrea Hernandez is the CEO and Co-Founder of Airstrike HVAC, a proudly woman and veteran owned company delivering high-quality residential and commercial HVAC services across Central Texas. Originally from El Salvador, Hernandez graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BBA in Management from Texas State University while working full-time during the pandemic. That season taught her to lead with empathy, adaptability and perseverance. At 23 years old, she launched Airstrike to challenge industry norms, promote diversity and create opportunities in the trades. She is proud to deliver exceptional service, mentor young women and expand into plumbing and electrical services in the near future.
Heather Wagner Reed founded Juice Consulting in 2007 and has been hustling ever since. Hailed by SPIN magazine as “Austin’s premier marketing & PR firm” and named 2025 "Local Agency of the Year," Juice’s clients range from entertainment sector giants to inspiring local nonprofits, innovative tech companies and multinational government projects. Before launching Juice, Reed handled day-to-day management and global marketing coordination for 35 GRAMMY®-winning artist Beyoncé for five years. With a passion for mentorship and a heart for helping young professionals, she is in her sixth year as an adjunct professor with Austin Community College teaching “Marketing and PR for Creatives.”
CampityCamp was founded by two working moms in AustinCasey Smith & Muriel Grobler - who happened to be neighbors. Between them, five children needed summer camps. And after many days of complaining over the fence about what a pain summer camps are these friends decided they could do something about it. That is how CampityCamp was born! Their vision is to return time back to families by reducing the pain and hours it takes to arrange summer camps for their children. They have invested time in getting to know all the camps so you don’t have to. Today, using CampityCamp parents can save an average time of 40 hours a year!
Michelle Ly is a community-driven entrepreneur, City Councilmember, wife and proud mom. She played a key role in her husband’s founding of Hall Roofing & Construction and is co-owner of The Rock Sports Bar, Alcove Cantina and The Flats Round Rock. A dedicated leader, Ly serves on several local boards, including the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center, YMCA, Round Rock Chamber and Rotary Club of Round Rock. She’s passionate about downtown revitalization, empowering women in business and giving back to her community. Whether she’s supporting local causes or growing her businesses, Michelle leads with heart, purpose and integrity.
Leya Simmons is the Co-Founder and CEO of BetterUnite, a comprehensive nonprofit software solution serving over 5,000 organizations. After a successful career as an art dealer, gallery owner and consultant, Simmons shifted her focus entirely to nonprofit advocacy, social justice, the arts and wellness initiatives. Her firsthand experiences with nonprofit fundraising inspired the creation of BetterUnite alongside co-founder Tunç Samiloglu. A committed board member of Revolution Recovery and the Louis Armstrong Center for Music & Medicine at Mount Sinai, Simmons balances her role as a female tech executive with yoga teaching and parenting her extraordinary children, ages 25-8.
CEO and Founder of Brooke Weinstein Consulting, Brooke Weinstein, OTD, OTR/L is a world-renowned expert in neuroscience-based sensory and emotional regulation. Like a personal trainer for the brain, she offers practical, transformative tools for trauma and mental health through telehealth, group programs, workshops, podcasts and YouTube. With over one million followers and 80 million in reach, Dr. Weinstein is reshaping mental health care. A widowed mother of two and self-made entrepreneur, she’s been featured in TODAY Parents, Scary Mommy, Motherly and Forbes. She’s an Austin Under 40 finalist and 2023 Brainz CREA Global Award winner – transforming lives, one human at a time.
jessica@glassstaircase.org social media: @glassstaircase
LUNA AZIZ LEGENDAIRY MILK | FOUNDER & CEO
Luna Aziz is the founder and CEO of Legendairy Milk, a wellness brand born from the raw, unfiltered realities of new motherhood. Aziz’s journey began in the lactation trenches – navigating sleepless nights and the emotional weight of low milk supply. After reacting poorly to fenugreek, the go-to herb for breastfeeding support, she turned to time-tested, culturally rooted alternatives. Blending ingredients by hand in her backyard, Aziz created what she couldn’t find on store shelves: effective, fenugreek-free lactation support. And just like that, Legendairy Milk was born. What started as one mom’s answer to milk supply struggles has grown into a movement supporting women through every chapter – from trying to conceive to postpartum, perimenopause and beyond. Under Aziz’s leadership, the brand has expanded to retail shelves nationwide at Walmart, Target, H-E-B and Amazon. Legendairy Milk blends real talk with real solutions – meeting women where they are, even in the middle of a 2 a.m. pump session.
LegendairyMilk.com
C atherine Dawson is the Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at AffiniPay. She advises on legal compliance, M&A transactions, and corporate strategy. She began her career at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, counseling public and private companies. Dawson holds a BA in Economics from Oberlin College and a JD from NYU School of Law. AffiniPay.com
J
ulie Fisher is an accomplished community leader and advocate who is passionate about connecting people to causes that drive positive change. As the CEO of the Trail Conservancy, she leads efforts to protect, enhance, and connect the 10-mile hike-and-bike trail surrounding Lady Bird Lake. She is focused on building partnerships, expanding community involvement and ensuring the long-term preservation of the Trail and the vital green spaces surrounding it. With over 13 years of experience in corporate giving and community engagement at Samsung and NI, she has built a reputation for her strategic approach to philanthropy, focused on aligning company values with impactful community initiatives. As an Austin native, Julie is deeply committed to the community that shaped her. As an avid runner and nature lover, she couldn’t be more thrilled and invested in leading The Trail Conservancy for years to come. TheTrailConservancy.org
Woman
K ate Henrichson is the owner of Jazzercise Austin, a dance fitness program that blends high-energy dance cardio with strength training, incorporating elements of Pilates, hip-hop, yoga and kickboxing. It's known as a fun, full-body workout that combines music and movement to improve fitness and overall well-being. Owner of Jazzercise Austin since 2012, Henrichson considers Jazzercise to be a physical and mental anchor, and has created an inclusive, dynamic and supportive community who gives Jazzercise Austin credit for their fitness, mobility and positive attitude. Originally from Edinburg, TX, Henrichson moved to Austin in the early 90’s and engaged in the vibrant fitness vibe of the city. Along with her team of instructors, Henrichson strives to provide comprehensive fitness classes that are accessible to a wide range of personalities, goals and abilities. Outside of Jazzercise, Henrichson treasures time with her husband and daughter. Jazzercise.com
JESSICA KIM
J essica Kim started her career in the automotive industry in 2015. Her previous General Sales Manager, Mai Nguyen, encouraged her to start in finance, which led to her having spend the majority of her career in automotive finance. As a young woman in the automotive industry, strong leadership and support have been fundamental. She’s been shaped by influential women in her career like Shaun Cunningham, Mai Nguyen, Maria Moncada and Lourdes Ymson. The impact of great leadership that stays with her today is the importance of teamwork within all organizations and aspects of life. To reflect that value, Kim strives to learn and grow with her team and strongly encourage women to join the auto industry. Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the beautiful scenery Austin has to offer, and trying new food.
LandRoverAustin.com
Priya Kumar-Kaparaboyna, M.D., is a board-certified psychiatrist in both UT Health Austin’s Women’s Reproductive Mental Health of Texas and Women’s Health, a clinical partnership between Ascension Seton and UT Health Austin. She also serves as an assistant professor in both the Dell Medical School Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Dell Medical School Department of Women’s Health at UT Austin. Kumar-Kaparaboyna is fellowship-trained in perinatal and reproductive psychiatry and provides compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care through preconception planning, pregnancy and the postpartum period. She is passionate about empowering patients with personalized treatment plans during one of the most profound—and sometimes most challenging—chapters of their lives. “It’s incredibly special to help someone stay mentally well through pregnancy and postpartum. Doing so not only supports mothers, but their babies and families, too.” UTHealthAustin.org
S inger-songwriter, Lurleen Ladd is the visionary founder of Wavemakers – Women in Music 40+, an Austin-based movement redefining success for experienced women in the music industry. With a bold mission to uplift women-identifying artists over 40, Ladd is creating a new ecosystem where these artists are heard, resourced and celebrated – not overlooked. Through Wavemakers, she’s built bridges between artists, fans and aligned brands via curated playlists, licensing-ready soundscapes, custom brand anthems and unforgettable live experiences. Ladd's leadership isn’t about fixing a broken system – it’s about building a soulful, intentional alternative where artistry and experience shine. A fierce advocate for equity and connection, Ladd is sparking a cultural shift – one that invites community, inspires sponsorship and ensures women 40+ remain center stage. With her heart-forward approach and unwavering vision, Ladd is not just making waves – she’s building them.
WWIMusic.com
As the host of the new show Austin InSight on Austin PBS, Laura Laughead loves telling Austin’s stories, and she’s thrilled to be back at the station where she had her first internship. The Houston-native previously worked at network affiliate TV stations in Lubbock and Birmingham, AL. She graduated as the Gene Burd Top Scholar at the University of Texas journalism school with multiple college awards at the Lone Star Emmys and internships, such as CBS Austin, Fons PR and Good Morning America in NYC. She has reported extensively on the film and entertainment industry, and she’s passionate about rescuing animals (ask her about her chiweenie Mr. Wiggles) and supporting organizations like Brookwood for adults with disabilities and the Epilepsy Foundation, which have helped her brother Aaron, a stroke survivor. Laura was inspired by her mother’s long career as one of the first female TV reporters in Texas. AustinPBS.org
JENNIFER JOHNSON
CALIBRATE
STRATEGIES
I FOUNDER & CEO
Jennifer Johnson has built a career on resilience – thriving despite systemic bias, personal setbacks and the microaggressions that often diminish professional women. Rather than letting these challenges define her, she has transformed them into fuel for growth, success and empowerment. As CEO of Calibrate, Johnson has shattered barriers, cultivated a powerful network of multi-industry leaders and established a brand that elevates overlooked business services professionals. Her firm is a go-to partner for industry-leading strategies and executive search, helping clients navigate complex organizational structures and achieve their most critical business objectives. Calibrate-strategies.com
BLOOM COMMUNICATIONS | OWNER & CEO, SPEAKER AND AUTHOR
D escribed as the Chief Encouragement Officer, Jamie Matusek is a master of navigating life’s most challenging transitions – motherhood, divorce, layoffs, promotions or new ventures. Each of these experiences has shaped her into the coach and entrepreneur she is today. With her coaching certification and a personal mission rooted in empowering other women, Matusek is dedicated to helping women step boldly into their next chapter. She speaks and coaches on vital topics such as healing mindsets, overcoming fear, setting and achieving meaningful goals, leading with confidence and cultivating joy even amid life’s trials. Matusek brings over 30 years of corporate leadership experience to her role as Owner and CEO of Bloom Communications. She oversees the development of innovative client brand strategies, bringing the same passion to her business as she does to her personal mission. Her strategic direction drives the agency’s mission of inspiring people to take action through powerful storytelling.
BloomCommunications.com
The furniture world is always evolving, adopting new styles, trends and optimizations – and few retailers know this better than Copenhagen. A contemporary furniture store with 7 locations in TX and AZ, including a beautiful new showroom in Austin’s Domain area at 4501 W. Braker Ln. off Hwy. 183, Copenhagen’s collection is thoughtfully curated to reflect innovation in design. Here’s a look at three traits that point to where furniture is headed for the future – and how Copenhagen pieces exemplify them.
Technology continues to advance and become entwined with the way we live, and increasingly, furniture is designed to reflect these trends. This can take the form of power motion seating, integrated charging ports, built-in lighting and more.
For instance, the Up-Linq Bed includes power outlets and USB-A/C ports by its headboard so you can charge devices or plug in a lamp, alarm clock or sound machine. Up-Linq’s headboard also conceals a dimmable LED touchstrip for customizable mood lighting.
For tech-forward comfort in the living room, try power motion recliners or sectionals. Modern power seating features sophisticated motors that let you seamlessly adjust your head and leg angle – and sometimes even your level of lumbar support.
Designers and manufacturers have become increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, making sustainable furniture a growing movement. Whether it’s eco-friendly materials, thoughtful sourcing or responsible manufacturing, sustainability is here to stay.
If you’re looking for an office refresh, try Copenhagen’s Rilega office collection, made of 100% recycled wood with a durable melamine finish. For the dining room, you may like the Barker Dining Chair, with fabric made of 100% recycled polyester from plastic bottles.
Eco-conscious manufacturing is another facet of sustainability, and Stressless® of Norway is a great example. Makers of world-renowned ergonomic seating, Stressless® has taken multiple steps to reduce their footprint. Their Norwegian
factories run on hydropower and are heated with leftover wood, and they repurpose 80% of their waste for re-use, recycling or energy recovery.
Adaptability is another feature of furniture with staying power. Many contemporary pieces are designed to fit into multiple environments, both in terms of different rooms in the house as well as outdoors.
For instance, the Bink Mobile Media Table can function as a side table for setting down your book, a portable workstation that supports your laptop or a minimalist nightstand. Bink is also suitable for limited outdoor use, offering a handy tabletop as you relax poolside or hold an outdoor gathering.
The Click chairs are also outdoor friendly, with colorful and durable plastic slats that click on and off the frame, making them easily replaceable or color customizable. Try pairing Click with the Circle Dining Table, featuring a bamboo top. Bamboo is one of the earth’s most rapidly renewable resources and has excellent hardness and durability, making Circle both versatile and sustainable.
From integrated technology to sustainable design, Copenhagen’s collection offers a window into what’s next for furniture. Visit the Austin showroom at 4501 W. Braker Ln. or shop online at CopenhagenLiving.com.
Two-Time Olympian, Chiaka Ogbogu returns to Texas with a professional sports league and new perspective.
BY TIFFANI ARNOLD
PHOTOS BY ROMINA OLSON
STYLING BY EMPRESS BEY
SHOT ON LOCATION AT DOTTIEWOOD STUDIOS
University of Texas graduate, Tokyo Olympic gold medalist and Paris Olympic silver medalist Chiaka Ogbogu stands by the many hands that raised her. Her tenacity, woven with guidance from a deeply rooted community of peers and family, blossomed forth the modern woman seen on the volleyball court. On the other end of our phone call, Ogbogu is calm and collected, despite a packed schedule of upcoming League One Volleyball (LOVB) games. Ogbogu is a founding athlete of LOVB Austin, for whom she plays the role of middle-blocker. The volleyball league, long-awaited by American women athletes, debuted January 2025 in Austin and positioned volleyball as the city’s latest expansion in professional sports. LOVB is a home for United States volleyball athletes like Ogbogu, who attests to the firsthand consequences of being a professional athlete without a professional league.
Long before becoming a star athlete and two-time Olympian, Ogbogu was a middle school student who played sports just to be around friends. Her 6-foot, 1-inch stature could have been perfect for basketball, but she deemed it too physical. Track was another possibility, but it didn’t stick. Volleyball, initially seen as time to bond with friends, outlasted them all.
“Volleyball provided me the opportunity to be aggressive but not pushed around. I liked that it truly felt like a team sport,” says Ogbogu. “You’re playing on a 30x30 court, constantly being able to communicate in-close proximity…that made the sport attractive.”
Through a commitment to UT made in 2013, Ogbogu found her way to Austin from Dallas. The following years would foreshadow her professional successes, titling her a four-time American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American, record-holder of blocks for her university and the Big 12 Player of the Year in 2017. Despite thriving in volleyball at college, Ogbogu never considered playing post-college or becoming an Olympian. The thought simply never crossed her mind.
The pathway to professional volleyball isn’t as linear as it is for other sports. Without the luxuries of a national college draft system, like the NBA, NFL or WNBA, or even a professional volleyball league in the U.S., volleyball athletes tend to have only one clear option to continue performing: move to play overseas. For young players, the decision to leave their country and loved ones behind to pursue an athletic career can be a tough one. Before LOVB existed, Ogbogu was one of those athletes.
“People would say, ‘You have a really long pro-career ahead of you.’ But I didn’t know what that meant,” says Ogbogu. “There wasn’t a lot of information on what pro-volleyball entails. Honestly, I wanted to go to physical therapy school.”
Despite her career aspirations, clubs and agents spotted Ogbogu’s long-term potential. The influx of team offers brought on some tough decisions for her. “I didn’t really know anyone who was doing it at that level,” she says. Feeling anxious and losing sleep over her future post-graduation, she sought clarity and resolution from UT alumni about other Longhorn athletes who were playing or had played volleyball overseas. But the weight of impending league decisions was compounded by UT’s heavy name. “At times, the whole weight of the world was on your shoulders,” shares Ogbogu. In the face of college graduation, the star athlete struggled
to find balance.
“This was one thing that really felt like a mystery, so I was stressed out all the time,” says Ogbogu. “Crying to coaches and parents like, ‘I don't know what to do. This just feels really scary. I can't imagine living essentially by myself abroad. What does that even mean?’”
This ambiguous future felt overwhelming to a cautious Ogbogu. She is careful and well-organized, someone who finds comfort in decisions that are certain. But in the pursuit of a volleyball career, she learned to loosen her grip on control.
“I was in this mindset of, I have to do something very uncomfortable, live and work abroad. I have no idea what that entails, but if everyone keeps saying ‘You have a long future in this, you could be an Olympian’, I owe it to myself to see that through, at least for one season.”
Ogbogu sought support from her overly cautious mother. Having previously uprooted her life in Nigeria to pursue new opportunities in the U.S., her mother understood the weight of Ogbogu’s decision. The moment was not about failing or succeeding, but about seeing an opportunity through.
“I remember my mom saying, ‘You don't want to spend the rest of your life asking, what if? You don't want to look down the road and regret not taking a chance on yourself,’” shares Ogbogu.
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Her mother’s encouragement to pursue this opportunity was exactly what she needed, though admittedly, both of her parents had reservations about their first-generation Nigerian-American daughter moving overseas on her own.
“I think she trusted that if I'm presenting this information, it's because I've thought about it, and I believe that something good can come out of it.”
Following her December 2017 graduation at UT, Ogbogu took the leap of faith. She started her professional career with the Italian team Il Bisonte Firenze in January 2018, reassured by the fact that the season ended in April. “That helped ease my mind - you can do anything for three months,” she says.
While those three months turned into six years - Ogbogu played overseas from 2018-2024 in Italy, Poland and Turkey - there were challenges unrelated to the game that she did not foresee.
“It's a different experience. There's cultural differences and a lot of uncomfortable moments,” she says. “[Living abroad] forces you outside of your comfort zone and to adjust to something that feels like it wasn't built for you.”
says.
The discomfort proved worth it, as the door into the Olympics appeared months just months into her first season abroad in Italy when Ogbogu was invited to train with the United States national team. The affirming of her capabilities and aspirations gave her strength to overcome the innate anxieties of an athlete.
“That summer of 2018 was the moment where I was like, ‘Okay, someone is recognizing that this is also a possibility. Not just my college coach…but the Olympic environment.’”
“
By 2020, Ogbogu turned attention from her Italian team Imoco Volley Conegliano toward her national team debut at the Tokyo Olympics. The 2020 tournament would be a landmark for two reasons: the US volleyball team would win their firstever gold medal and subsequently, celebrate without an audience due to COVID. Having to settle for a televised audience, Ogbogu was still thrilled at the opportunity to play with the USA Volleyball Team.
I don't know who better than former athletes to make an organization something people want to play for.
Now it's a possibility.
Her early solo-travel periods were critical moments in acceptance, patience and coping with the uncontrollable. Having connections with fellow American teammates helped her find some solace and comfort away from home, but her self-awareness was heightened as a result of “unprovoked stares” from curious onlookers.
“I'm Black, a woman, 6’1” and have my hair in braids. I'm sure for the average Polish citizen, it was a lot to take in,” says Ogbogu. “But the stares led to what I'd later understand to be social anxiety. I dreaded leaving my house for anything outside of training and competitions.”
She began to only go into places where she “knew [her] presence wouldn't come as a shock to anyone.” But eventually, it led to selfacceptance and an ability to truly value herself.
“Overall I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything,” she
“It was a great team to be a part of,” says Ogbogu. “I got to play with one of my favorite middle blockers, Foluke [Gunderson], who I grew up watching play in previous Olympics. It was cool to know that I played a role in her achieving her dream.”
The gold medal game against Brazil changed the trajectory of U.S. women’s volleyball. But the impetus behind those Tokyo wins was the veterans, and the game became a testament to them.
“That was [Foluke’s] third Olympics and we knew it would be her last,” says Ogbogu. “That was something we wanted to do for those veterans. They did so much for the program. It felt specialstrange that there was no one involved in that [family and friends] - but almost necessary, because we all needed that moment. It felt very intimate.”
By 2024, Ogbogu welcomed an Olympic senior role and, this time, with supporters in the stands. For Ogbogu, Tokyo was about playing as a team; however, Paris held a different meaning.
“I wanted to help my team but also come in and make a
LOVB is transforming the sport with a unique youth-to-pro ecosystem. As the largest youth volleyball network in the U.S., it operates over 1,500 teams across 26 states. The pro division features top talent, including 17 Olympians and members of Team USA's Paris 2024 silver-medal squad, like Chiaka Ogbogu. LOVB empowers athletes throughout their careers, focusing on youth development and professional opportunities. The league prioritizes women’s life outcomes through volleyball, ensuring that both on-and off-court support advances athletes and aids in their post-playing careers.
statement,” shared Ogbogu. “I was dealing with a lot of self-doubt and insecurities in my game. I wanted to prove to myself that I could compete at a high-level. We left with the silver and I got an individual award, as well. So I felt like as much as this is 100% for my country and my family, it's also for myself, knowing how much I sacrificed for this job and this sport. I wanted to instill that confidence back in myself.”
COVID restrictions prevented her parents from attending her 2020 Olympic debut. But, Ogbogu’s parents were able to witness their daughter’s return to play on the USA Women’s National Volleyball Team in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“[My parents] finally got to see, this is what this was all for,” Ogbogu proudly shares. “It was all worth it, all the uncertainty.”
Despite the distances traveled in Ogbogu’s career, all her roads led back to Austin. Adversities were stepping stools towards her future. With each progression, she embraced another playing field, and now it has come full circle.
“Getting to play in the city that I went to school in is really special,” says Ogbogu. “I never thought I would. I'm just approaching every day with so much gratitude, because I never imagined in my career there would be a league in the states. I thought this would happen way after I was done.”
The founding of the professional league set a precedent for U.S. volleyball. Players are watching their sport transform while young players are witnessing their futures’ take shape. LOVB’s six professional teams train with associated youth clubs in facilities across the United States.
“The things that [LOVB] could have done for me as a young player, and seeing girls that look like me at the best level,” says Ogbogu. “That was far and few between. I think the sport can get even more diverse. But speaking from that perspective, I'm sure there are so many young girls who are now getting to see themselves at the highest level. We're so well represented in this league.”
As teams consider Austin for expansion possibilities, the widening sports frontier could hold more for the city.
“It's time,” says Ogbogu. “Hopefully this inspires other sports teams or leagues. Austin is deserving.”
Ogbogu’s involvement as a founding athlete in LOVB has shown her how passionate she is about women’s sports, especially the evolution and expansion of it.
“I would love to explore what being a GM and owner looks like on a sports team,” she says. “I don't know who better than former athletes to make an organization something people want to play for. Now it's a possibility.”
The full circle nature of Ogbogu's role in women’s sports is proof of the doors LOVB is opening for players. Mid-career, Ogbogu resembles the woman her younger self needed.
“[My former club coaches] are saying, ‘You guys don't understand what you're doing, because you're in it now,’” she says. “‘But you might be changing a lot of these young girls' worlds and viewpoints of what they can accomplish if they stick with it.’”
And, she’s getting to do it in the city she loves. As a through and through Austinite, Ogbogu enjoys days at Zilker Park with a good book and friends. She’s a self-proclaimed “food and drink girlie” indulging her inner foodie through visits to restaurants saved on Instagram – fun fact: she regards Torchy’s Tacos as home to the best queso in Austin. If Ogbogu later decides against the path of becoming a team owner or manager, an Austin food critic should hold a close second.
Whichever avenue Ogbogu pursues, her future is limitless.
LOVB Austin clinched a historic victory in the inaugural 2025 League One championships. The triumphant underdog win against bottom-seed Omaha came after Austin previously ranked fifth overall in the league.
I'm just approaching every day with so much gratitude, because I never imagined in my career there would be a league in this state. “
In a turn of events, the Austin women's volleyball team dominated the finals and sailed on to a championship contest against Omaha in Louisville, Kentucky. The Austin women won in three sets, 25-19, 25-22, 25-23 with outstanding leads from former Texas Longhorns– Ogbogu, Madisen Skinner, Logan Elggleston–making Austin home to another championship winning team. Ogbogu ended her season with the first-ever LOVB championship trophy and the title of 2025 Middle Blocker of the Year.
Scan this QR code to see our Q&A with Chiaka, to learn more about her work and find out what else she's been up to.
Empowering Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Texans to act on their political power.
BY SARAH M. VASQUEZ
Starting a non-profit was not Lily Trieu's intention. She initially thought she would continue to work in the corporate marketing space, but as she got older, she found herself thinking about the type of work she would find the most meaningful. After she completed her MBA in 2019, she decided to pivot to the nonprofit space, hoping to improve the lives of people like her – a child of immigrants and a firstgeneration college student. “It very much did happen by accident, and I don’t know if I would have ever predicted my career to go down this path,” said Trieu.
Trieu is the co-founder and Executive Director of Asian Texans for Justice (ATJ), an organization that serves more than 1.9 million Asian American and Pacific Islander Texans with civic action to build personal and political power through civic engagement, policy advocacy, youth leadership development and coalition building. The staff and board come from different backgrounds and areas of work, but with a shared mission to serve the Texas AAPI community.
Asian Americans are the fastest growing population in Texas, according to the Texas Tribune. There was a 5.5% increase in Asian American population from 2022 to 2023 in the state. This increase of 91,921 people means more potential voters to help shape electoral outcomes. “We can be the margin of victory, but maybe don't know it yet,” said Sarah Xiyi Chen, ATJ Board President and civil rights attorney.
Last year, ATJ worked with Asian Americans for Texas, a
collaboration of nonprofits that seek to increase civic engagement, to launch a campaign that educated AAPI voters across the state about elections – not just federal and state elections, but local as well – through direct mailers, calls, texts, door knocking and digital ads. They provided a ballot builder that was available in various languages so voters could prepare their ballot before heading to the voting booth.
ATJ also launched its first yearlong Asian American Studies program at Round Rock High School providing students the opportunity to explore their historical, political, social and cultural experiences. In addition to the high school program, ATJ also hosts the annual civic engagement fellowship that brings AAPI youth from across the state to learn community organizing skills so they can empower their community. The 10week program was held virtually in past years, but this summer will be the first time the students will meet in person.
These education programs have been the most meaningful to Trieu. As a product of the Texas public school system, she said that she didn’t learn what it meant to be Asian American or an Asian Texan, and feels that it impacted her and her trajectory.
“I think all kids deserve to see someone who looks like them in our textbooks and in our history books,” Trieu said. “To see just how confident these students are when they finish that class, and how they have a deeper understanding of what it
means to be Asian American and a deeper understanding of what it means to be American, that's the power of Ethnic Studies. And to see our youth lead in advocating for that, and to see our youth really benefiting from that, that's been really special.”
ATJ officially formed in 2021 as anti-Asian violence increased across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. About one-third of Asian adults said that they knew another Asian who was threatened or attacked because of their race or ethnicity, according to Pew Research Center. “We saw with the rise of COVID, there was a lot of racial scapegoating and that there were these oftentime, violent and aggressive physical attacks on the Asian-American community, oftentimes elders,” Trieu said.
to motivate AAPI people to vote because the 2020 election felt so important that it led to the formation of ATJ. “We wanted a statewide organization that could bring the AAPI voice, the AAPI perspective, to statewide policy making and to statewide elections in a way that we hadn’t seen before,” Trieu said.
One of the great privileges that my parents gave me is that I am Asian American and that I can be part of this vibrant, diverse, political identity and social identity.
The state legislature was also introducing bills in 2021 on issues including voting rights, health care and redistricting. Trieu said that the ATJ founders realized that there were a lot of important policy conversations going on that didn’t account for how the AAPI community would be impacted. They wanted to provide their voice.
—ASHLEY CHENG “
It all started over Zoom. In 2020, during the thick of the pandemic, there were virtual gatherings to help people stay connected as everyone was stuck at home to prevent the spread of the disease. A group of local organizers and activists wanted
Chen was working on redistricting after the 2020 census and heard testimony at the State Capitol from people across the state. This group of people – led by Trieu and Ashley Cheng, ATJ co-founder and former board president –shared their stories on what it meant to be Asian American in Texas.
“I’m very committed to ATJ’s mission,” said Chen, who joined ATJ in 2021. “I have a young child. I see the work that ATJ does with education, with policy. All of it directly is impacting my life, his life, the lives of all Asian Texans. I would be volunteering with them and donating to them, and doing as much as I could for them even if I weren’t on the board.”
Chen and Trieu both said it is not intentional that their team and board are all female. “We’ve just been really lucky to have such amazing women who want to be part of ATJ,” said Chen. “If you want to get involved, we welcome you.”
Deciding on where to focus their advocacy is one of the hardest
parts of ATJ’s job. Trieu said that AAPI people are the most diverse racial group in Texas, so the challenge is determining how they can ensure that their work is reflective of what AAPI people are experiencing, as well as reflective of what they want to see. The way they tackle that is through research. “We do try as hard as we can to be data driven on how we approach the work,” said Trieu.
In 2022 and 2024, ATJ commissioned a research firm to learn what issues are the most important to the Texan AAPI community and what would motivate them to vote. The organization then used that data to prioritize their time and determine their areas of focus.
“Understanding where those policy priorities are, understanding where people are and where they could be voting and sending their kids to school, all of that, I think, goes to helping show how much impact we can have if we work together,” said Chen. “If we don't focus on all the differences, but we just focus on where we do have that overlap, we can really advocate and become much stronger and have more impact.”
Chen admitted that there is room for improvement in reaching more parts of Texas. Because of Texas’ size, the small staff of this fairly young organization try to make connections with smaller groups and organizations that work in different cities and focus on specific groups. Last year, ATJ awarded subgrants to local organizations that serve AAPI people for voter registration resources and community engagement.
Something Trieu thinks about is that the state’s AAPI community mostly consists of immigrants. 67% of the AAPI Texans were born outside the U.S., and 76% of them speak a non–English language, according to ATJ’s 2024 voter polls.
“What that means is a lot of the AAPIs in Texas probably don't speak English fluently, or they don't speak English at home,” said Trieu. “They may not have grown up here. Our democratic systems may not be so familiar to them. Engaging in our elections and in our policy-making can sometimes feel scary for some of these groups.”
What inspires Trieu to stay motivated in this work is watching AAPI Texans participate in the system, whether it’s providing testimony at the State Capitol or protesting, rallying and pushing back against policies that are unfair and discriminatory. “People who look like my parents, older people who had to go through a lot to make it here, to the US, being able to see them be so unapologetic and take up space and make demands for the things that they deserve, those are the types of things that really keep me going and that keep me motivated and encouraged to do this work,” said Trieu.
Chen truly believes that ATJ has chosen projects thoughtfully and carefully, which are meaningful to her from the lens of a mother. She always thought she would work in U.S./China relations as her parents immigrated to the U.S. before she was born. She wanted to make their sacrifices and immigration
journey worth it by making the most of being Chinese American.
“One of the great privileges that my parents gave me is that I am Asian American and that I can be part of this vibrant, diverse, political identity and social identity,” said Chen.
She feels that, in times like these, people can feel discouraged and wonder why they should bother or why someone's story matters. But to her, these records matter in changing policy and changing history.
I think all kids deserve to see someone who looks like them in our textbooks and in our history books.
—LILY TRIEU “
“Whether or not they have a personal connection to our work, there are people like Lily, there are organizations like ATJ working across the state,” said Chen. “It’s incredible how gritty and powerful people working for social justice are here, and so wherever you find your personal inspiration, there's room for you to do it. And it’s really, really powerful, even if it's like one story at the Capitol.”
Scan this QR code for more about Asian Texans for Justice.
Technology is paving the way to increase access to high-quality ultrasounds for expectant mothers.
BY ANDREA L. RAMSAY
In 1958, an article was published in The Lancet, a medical journal, describing how doctors used ultrasound technology to take images of a fetus in utero – the first recorded sonogram. At the time, ultrasound machines were eight feet tall and produced spotty black-and-white images. Today, ultrasounds produce 3D and 4D images, can detect fetal abnormalities and placental defects and can even predict preeclampsia and preterm birth.
What was once breakthrough technology is now considered standard care for pregnant patients, but only for patients with access to prenatal care; which is not a guarantee for Texas women.
Artificial intelligence could soon change this, advancing ultrasound technology while expanding who has access to it.
Blanca Lesmes, President and Chairperson of Austin-based BB Imaging – a leading sonography services company – and Co-founder and CEO of TeleScan, the AI arm of the company, believes this transition will happen sooner than later.
“What we are all working on right now is creating the data set to train the models to be able to be predictive,” says Lesmes. “This isn’t years out. This is months.”
Once the AI models have been trained, the models will be able to produce accurate readings of an ultrasound. A study from Mt. Sinai West Hospital in New York found that using AI with prenatal ultrasound exams improved the confidence and performance of OB-GYNs and maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) doctors when scanning for congenital heart defects.
As of now, AI in ultrasound requires human confirmation to make a diagnosis, but Lesmes hopes that soon the models will be trained enough to do basic scans while sonographers focus on rare pathology cases. Ultimately, Lesmes imagines that with AI, mothers could self-scan at home using an ultrasound kit and receive real-time, accurate results without setting foot in a doctor’s office.
TeleScan is already working to make this a reality. The technology allows any healthcare worker to capture ultrasound images while TeleScan’s professional sonographers read the images remotely and create a report within minutes. It’s the first remote ultrasound technology, a breakthrough for pregnant patients living in maternal care deserts –
areas that lack birthing and prenatal care centers.
The maternal mortality and morbidity rate in Texas has risen drastically in recent years, disproportionately affecting Black and Latina women. Lesmes says many factors contribute to these rising rates, but one contributor could be the prevalence of maternal care deserts in the state, a number above the national average.
For Lesmes, the gold standard of prenatal care is “a mom who can have an MFM, a specialist at her side, and an MFM-trained sonographer and a very good piece of equipment.” In maternal care deserts, you’re lucky to have a local OB-GYN, much less an MFM, sonographer or ultrasound machine.
“When you look at lower access locations, often those niceties that we assume come with a visit actually don’t,” says Lesmes. “They don’t get timeliness on their reports. They may not get pictures.”
TeleScan is closing the gap for underserved communities and their access to maternal healthcare. Once AI models have been proficiently trained, moms could have access to quality ultrasounds and accurate diagnostics, no matter where they’re located.
Ultrasounds aren’t simply photos of your baby in utero. Ultrasounds can be life-saving for the parent and child. OB-GYNs and MFMs use ultrasounds to detect conditions in a child that would require treatment post-birth, like congenital heart defects and hydronephrosis. For the pregnant patient, ultrasounds can detect placental abnormalities and other conditions that may lead to preterm birth.
It's these early detections that make ultrasounds so critical to a mother’s care and why Lesmes is dedicated to bringing this technology to every pregnant patient.
“If we can give [you] the information that there is something up, would you make a different decision about your care? You probably would,” says Lesmes. “Would you be more likely to show up to your next appointment if you knew something was wrong? You would, and moms do. That’s the behavioral change….That is 100% why we do this. Because if you can screen and give a thumbs up or a thumb sideways, that is the point of ultrasound.”
While the sudden presence of AI can feel overwhelming, this breakthrough technology is reason to hope for broader healthcare access and, as a result, healthier outcomes for parent and child.
IBY JOCELYN CHAMRA BARRERA, LCSW
JOCELYN CHAMRA BAREERA IS THE EXECUTIVE AND CLINICAL DIRECTOR OF THE CHRISTI CENTER
n the Marvel Comics miniseries, WandaVision, Vision says, “What is grief, if not love persevering?” As a grief therapist, this quote resonates deeply. Many people think of grief as just sadness or depression, but in reality, grief is a complex, shifting experience that isn’t confined to specific stages. What often remains is the feeling of connection to the person lost – the love that continues.
When we lose someone, our brain literally rewires. In her 2022 book, Mary-Frances O’Connor explains that the loss feels like losing a part of ourselves since we’ve encoded that person’s presence into our neurons (The Grieving Brain, 2022). After a loss, the brain processes grief and adjusts to life changes. We ask questions like, “How am I feeling?” or “Will I always feel this way?” while also grappling with practical concerns like, “Who will grow old with me?” and “What does this mean for my future?” This dual-processing model, developed by psychologist Margaret Stroebe and psychology professor Henk Schut, shows that after loss, our minds shift between emotional processing and practical adjustments. While the intensity of grief may lessen over time, the absence of our loved one remains with us.
So, how do we navigate this?
Grief can overwhelm the brain, making it hard for us to care for our bodies. Eating, sleeping and staying hydrated can slip through the cracks. It’s crucial to remember that adjusting to loss takes time. If you can’t manage much, that’s okay. Even small accomplishments, like brushing your teeth or getting out of bed, are victories. Celebrate those moments as you adjust to this new reality.
A supportive community is essential for processing grief healthily. It helps us navigate emotions, adjust to the changes grief brings and stay connected to the one we've lost. A support system also enables us to balance emotional and practical tasks, as described in the dualprocessing model.
Without community, grief can deepen feelings of isolation, making it harder to care for ourselves or connect with others. It can lead us to feel undeserving of basic needs like food, water or sleep. It’s important to reach out and be specific about what you need. If someone offers help, having a list ready – like asking for someone to check on you at dinner or take out the trash – gives them clear ways to support you.
When the grief feels overwhelming, seeking help is crucial. Whether through friends, faith communities, support groups or therapy, connecting with others can provide the strength needed to navigate grief. If you don’t know where to start, reach out to a trusted friend or local grief center for support.
When we fail to care for ourselves or connect with others, we can get stuck on one phase of the grief process. Some may focus only on emotions, unable to deal with practical adjustments, e.g., “Who will help with the kids?” Others may fixate on the practical, neglecting emotions, e.g., “I just need to keep moving forward.” This imbalance can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as excessive work or turning to drugs or alcohol.
Loss profoundly impacts our brains, but with support, we can navigate the grieving process and carry the love of those we've lost. While we may never fully "get over" grief, seeking help helps us adjust and move forward with resilience, holding on to the love that remains.
Meet the passionate foodie who followed her dreams.
BY RUVANI DE SILVA
Alicynn Fink tells me that she usually stays in the shadows. As managing partner of Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, one of the most successful hospitality firms in Central Texas. Dodging the spotlight can’t be easy, especially following the brand’s spectacular sweep of Michelin recognition last year, with the group receiving two Michelin Recommends, two Bib Gourmands, a coveted Green Star and One Star recognition for Emmer & Rye and Hestia restaurants respectively. Nonetheless, Fink describes her behind-the-scenes contribution to Emmer & Rye’s success modestly, as “back-of-back-of-house,” quietly underplaying the significance of her work in managing the finances, marketing and HR for a prestigious twelve-businessstrong hospitality group across Austin and San Antonio. Fink clearly loves her role, and relishes “the constant push and pull to make sure our teams are supported, have the tools to achieve their mission and vision and communicate them to the public, as well as moving the needle financially,” she said. No small feat. As we chat, one of the words Fink uses most often is passion. She warmly recalls discovering her own passion for food and culinary culture at a young age, spending bright Arizona winter
days sitting outdoors with cyclists visiting her bicycling-coach father and chatting about their favorite foods. Sometimes she’d pass the time cutting pictures from her designer mother’s magazines to create images of the restaurant she hoped to one day own. “It was a wonderful way to get to know people – I was captivated,” she says.
Sensibly, Fink followed her heart, studying hotel and restaurant management at North Arizona University and completing a Masters degree in Food, Culture and Communication: Food, Place and Identity at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, Italy.
Fink moved from Arizona to Austin to realize her dream and open her own restaurant with her husband, award-winning chef Kevin Fink. After spending time restaurant-hopping during visits to the city, encountering support and encouragement from fellow restaurateurs, the couple landed on Austin. “Austin’s restaurant scene is rich in quality and we fell in love with it,” she says.
It is a challenge in the hospitality industry to balance how I want to show up as a mom and how I want to show up as a partner and team member – both worlds demand a lot.
“
Central Texas also had another draw for the Finks – a strong presence of local farms ideal for their concept of a sustainable, locally-sourced, minimum-waste restaurant showcasing fresh hyperlocal produce. Fink had begun exploring sustainably sourced whole foods to improve her health, and “a pursuit of health soon became a pursuit of deliciousness” as she discovered how much better freshly picked fruit and vegetables, heirloom grains and free-range animal products tasted. This also coincided with the Fink’s desire to build a business that was meaningfully integrated into the local community through every part of the restaurant’s supply chain to their customers’ dining experience.
“When we first moved to Austin we spent time going from farm to farm, begging farmers to trust us with their products and forming relationships,” Fink explains. “This was really important to us – showing up for our community.”
Community is at the heart of Emmer & Rye’s values. Fink returns to her focus on passion as she describes how much she values her team and how she sees her role in supporting them and creating an environment in which they can thrive. Successful staff retention and development are critical to Fink’s principles as a manager, and she is warmly proud of how Emmer & Rye give employees the space to grow and achieve their ambitions. The business’s expansion into a hospitality group was, she says, in part a way to facilitate this and offer greater opportunities to her team.
“The business grew because of the passion and talent in our team,” Fink says. “We took opportunities to open new restaurants because our partners want to showcase foods and cultures that are dear to their hearts.”
As the business has grown over the years, Fink is clear that the new additions still embody Emmer & Rye’s original ethos: “To change the relationship with food from transactional to deep and connected.” This, Fink explains, is “an overarching direction that each restaurant goes back to - how they are creating these moments to bring people into.” Emmer & Rye’s success in facilitating
this connection for diners in every aspect of their dining experience has been crucial to the brand’s success.
Looking ahead, Fink points to industry trends that present challenges and opportunities for Emmer & Rye, including the growing density of Austin’s restaurant scene, changes in consumer spending as the cost of living increases, a shift in understanding the importance of a healthy work/life balance and creating a sense of ownership and investment for employees. These are ongoing issues that have arisen over the last few years, particularly since COVID, that the industry must address.
“I have to determine how to do this on all layers, to support the business and employee engagement,” she explains.
As a working mom, Fink knows first-hand the difficulties of managing work/life balance.
“It is a challenge in the hospitality industry to balance how I want to show up as a mom and how I want to show up as a partner and team member – both worlds demand a lot,” she tells me. “It can be really hard to know when and how to focus.”
That said, her advice for managing this is to not lose sight of self-care: “Put on your oxygen mask first! If you truly want to be a strong leader, you must take care of yourself physically and emotionally – exercise and proper sleep – the basic things that your grandma told you!”
Fink’s key takeaway for getting the most out of her role is “to remind yourself every day why you do it, why you believe in it and why you’re passionate about it.” And that passion has carried Fink from her childhood scrapbooks all the way to Michelin.
Author, Cook and TV Host, Jess Pryles, shares a meaty recipe just in time for grilling season.
BY DEBORAH HAMILTON-LYNNE
This is the perfect, easy-to-make meal for concerts, picnics, pool parties and lounging at the lake. This recipe pairs perfectly with beer or margaritas and is so tasty that you will want to make double the amount you expect to serve. The Meatchelada Grilled Chili Lime Wings require two-zone grilling, meaning you’ll need two zones of heat on your grill. Jess Pryles, Cook, author and owner of Harcore Carnivore also has a guide on two-zone grilling at JessPryles.com. The essential Chili Lime Seasoning is available at HEB, Academy, BBQ Outfitters and online.
Meatchelada Grilled Chili Lime Wings Recipe
Ingredients:
• 1.5 lbs. chicken wing portions (about 12 pieces)
• 12 oz. Lone Star beer
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¾ cup Hardcore Carnivore Chili Lime seasoning
Instructions:
1. Start by brining the chicken wings. In a small saucepan, combine salt and sugar with just enough water to cover the wings. Stir over low heat until dissolved. Add cold beer to the pan to bring the temperature down, then pour over chicken wings. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
2. Heat a grill for two zone cooking, to medium heat, about 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Drain the brine from the chicken wings, then pour in half a cup of the Harcore Carnivore Chili Lime seasoning. Mix well to ensure all the wings are coated.
4. Place the wings on the hot side grill, turning every 1-2 minutes until brown. Once a light char has formed, move them to the cool side of the grill to finish cooking without burning.
5. Wings should be cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165f, which will take about 10-14 minutes.
6. Use tongs to remove wings from the grill, and place into a large bowl. Cover with the remaining ¼ cup Harcore Carnivore Chili Lime seasoning and toss to coat, then serve immediately.
Pryles is undoubtedly one of the foremost authorities on open fire cooking, especially grilled meats. So how did an Aussie end up in Austin chasing after her fascination with BBQ and turning it into a very successful career she is truly passionate about? The answer is simple and known to many Austinites. She fell in love – not with a person but with a city, a vibe and something that could not be denied – an obsession with BBQ.
Ten years after moving to Austin, she finds herself at the height of her career, married to a Texan and heading into the second season of her television show, Hardcore Carnivore, which will air this fall on the Outdoor Channel. Pryles is also hard at work on a second cookbook, expected to publish in late 2026, which will feature 100 new recipes, advice on live-fire grilling, education on meat and how to select and use the cuts of various meats.
Pryles doesn’t see live-fire grilling as a man’s world.
When I first started eating BBQ I was overcome by the flavor, and as I ate more, I became obsesse d with it . “
“I have never seen being a woman as a deterrent,” she says. “In fact I have been welcomed with open arms. I look to Tootsie Tomanetz, the Queen of Texas BBQ and legendary pit boss of Snow’s BBQ in Lexington, Texas for inspiration. She is in her 80’s and still in charge.”
For Pryles it’s all about the meat.
“When I started eating BBQ I was overcome by the flavor, and as I ate more, I became obsessed with it,” she says. “I wanted to be learning, teaching and having hands-on experiences every day. I wanted to know everything about meat - how to cook it, what cuts to buy, what seasonings to use. I went to Iowa State and got a Graduate Certificate in Meat Science. Now I’m on a quest to share the love.”
Share the love she does. It’s not all about beef, either. The first season of Hardcore Carnivore has episodes about elk, hogs, lamb, dove, bison and deer. Recipes on her website include almost any kind of meat you can cook on an open fire, complimentary side dishes and drinks. Posting frequently on her social media channels she shares new recipes, tips and videos. Through her first cookbook, Hardcore Carnivore, Pryles encourages readers to “cook meat like you mean it.” And as an entrepreneur with her signature line of Harcore Carnivore seasonings, cooking accessories and signature smoked sausage, available exclusively at HEB, she means it. Guides on everything from her famous JKF method for steaks to making DIY bacon are available online. Wherever she goes Pryles is spreading the word and sharing her love of Austin, BBQ and the joy of being a hardcore carnivore.
Learn how to keep children safe.
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• Prevent child sexual abuse before it starts.
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• Have age appropriate conversations with your children about body safety.
ABY NEHA SAMPAT
s a founder and CEO of a scaling tech company, Contentstack, I’ve seen how the right leadership team can make or break a business. I’ve also seen how often women are underestimated, underfunded and underrepresented – despite overwhelming evidence that we deliver results where it counts.
Let’s be clear: investing in women isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s the smart thing to do. The data doesn’t lie. Companies with women in leadership outperform their peers across nearly every meaningful business metric: profitability, innovation, employee engagement and long-term value creation.
The Business Case for Women at the Top A McKinsey & Company study found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability than those in the bottom quartile. That number has steadily increased over the past five years, showing that the correlation between gender diversity and performance is not only real— it’s growing stronger.
Similarly, a 2019 report by S&P Global Market Intelligence revealed that firms with female CEOs and CFOs produced superior stock price performance and profitability. Companies with female CFOs saw 6% higher profits and 8% better stock returns during their tenure.
Yet, women still hold just 10.4% of Fortune 500 CEO roles as of 2024, according to the Women Business Collaborative. The gap is even wider in venture-backed startups, where only 2% of VC funding goes to femalefounded companies. This isn’t a pipeline problem – it’s a prioritization problem.
Women leaders often bring a collaborative, empathetic and inclusive leadership style – qualities that are increasingly essential in today’s fast-changing business environment. These traits aren’t just “soft skills” –they’re strategic advantages.
During the COVID-19 crisis, Harvard Business Review found that women leaders were rated more effective than their male counterparts in 13 out of 19 core leadership competencies, including taking initiative, driving results and building relationships.
At Contentstack we’ve built a culture that values diverse perspectives and empowers women at every level. Our leadership team includes women in key roles across product, marketing and operations. We’ve seen how this diversity leads to better decision-making, faster innovation and stronger customer relationships.
Women entrepreneurs are a powerful economic engine. According to the Mayor’s Task Force on Austin Women Entrepreneurs, increasing investment in women-led businesses could create a multiplier effect –driving job creation, innovation and community impact.
Yet access to capital remains a major barrier. That’s why initiatives like Insight Partners’ ScaleUp CEO Pledge are so important. This collective commitment by Insight-backed CEOs focuses on three pillars:
Representation: Increasing diversity across leadership teams, boards and employee bases.
Recruitment and Retention: Building inclusive hiring practices and equitable career development pathways.
Accountability: Tracking and reporting progress through quarterly metrics and shared best practices.
These aren’t just feel-good initiatives – they’re business accelerators. Companies that value diversity are more innovative, resilient and attractive to top talent. When women lead, they don’t just build companies – they build cultures of excellence.
If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur, you may be wondering: how can I tap into the ROI of She?
Start by looking at your leadership pipeline. Are you creating opportunities for women to grow into decision-making roles? Are you mentoring and sponsoring women in your network? Are you building a culture where diverse voices are heard and valued?
Next, consider your vendors, partners and investors. Are you supporting women-owned businesses? Are you advocating for more inclusive funding practices?
Finally, measure what matters. Track your metrics. Set goals. Hold yourself accountable. Because what gets measured gets managed – and what gets managed gets results.
The ROI of She is not a slogan – it’s a strategy. Women are not a risk; we are a return. We are not a checkbox; we are a catalyst. And when we lead, we lift.
As we build the next generation of companies, let’s build them better. Let’s build them with women at the helm. Because when women rise, so does everyone else.
I AM AUSTIN WOMAN
The Future is Female- and STEM-Focused at Austin’s Newest Tuition-Free 6th–12th
Grade Girls’ Charter School.
BY DANA STUART BROWNING
Inever imagined I’d open a girls’ school.
A lifelong Texan, I came to Austin for college and never left. I watched this city grow from a quirky college town to an innovation hub — yet one thing has stayed the same: Austin is where big ideas take root and thrive.
I’ve spent the last 20 years in public education, always asking: How can we do this better? How do we connect what happens in a classroom to the real world? When I earned my principal certification, I didn’t expect to launch a new tuition-free charter school. But when we asked families what they needed, the message was clear — they wanted another option for their girls.
So I said yes.
The Texas Girls School is opening in Northwest Austin in 2025. Our mission? Empowering girls through STEM, project-based learning and strong relationships. But more than that, we’re creating a place where girls don’t have to wait until adulthood to find their voice — they know their brilliance from day one.
And the need is clear. A 2017 Microsoft study showed that girls’
interest in STEM drops sharply between the ages of 11 and 15 — not because of ability (in fact, girls often outperform boys in math and science at that age), but because of a lack of visible role models and realworld encouragement.
When girls are surrounded by women in STEM, when they build things that matter to them and when their ideas are taken seriously, something shifts. Graduates of girls’ schools are six times more likely to pursue STEM majors — fields that lead to high-wage, high-impact careers. At The Texas Girls School, we’re making that pipeline visible and possible, right here in Austin.
Even before opening our doors, I’ve seen what’s possible when girls are empowered. One high schooler wrote and published a book about giraffes — and landed a job at the Dallas Zoo. Another created an app to raise awareness about wildlife conservation. And in one powerful example, students organized a school-wide water walk to raise awareness about global water scarcity — leading and fundraising to help build a clean water well in East Africa.
When girls see their impact — and see women leading in those spaces — they don’t just participate. They take off.
And when teachers are trusted, everything shifts. We're building a school that keeps great educators in the field by honoring their brilliance and giving them space to lead. Outdoor learning isn’t an extra — it’s required. Creativity, innovation and joy are non-negotiables.
Austin is the only place I could have built this. I still remember writing for Austin Woman Magazine years ago, back when the skyline was smaller. To come full circle now, as a Connects Club member and founder of a new girls’ school, is deeply personal.
From monthly meetups to spontaneous collaborations, I’m reminded again and again: we don’t have to do this work alone.
Being an Austin Woman means leading with heart. It means choosing the bold thing, even when it’s hard. It means lifting others as you rise.
And it means believing — stubbornly, unapologetically — that education can be amazing.
So what’s my mantra these days? Keep growing. Keep going. Even when it’s messy. Especially when it matters. Because that’s what Austin women do. And I’m proud to be one of them.
Dana Stuart Browning is the founder of The Texas Girls School, an innovative educational community focused on empowering young women through STEM. Contact Dana at dana@TexasGirlsSchool.org.
Photo courtesy of Brio Photography
