The women-identified professionals in this section wanted to tell you more about themselves. They’ve expanded their individual listings in order to really allow you to know what they have to offer and what makes them the truly remarkable, what makes them undeniably change makers. Read on to find out more about who they are, their motivations and their histories within their particular industries.
Morgan Alexander
Director of Partnerships, DCX Community
UN WORLD LOGIC DAY
Morgan Alexander is an Austin-area native and a proud Texas A&M Aggie. As the director of partnerships at DCX Community, Morgan serves as a client-partner advocate and resource, focusing on building and maintaining strategic long-term partner relationships and business development. DCX Community is a local nonprofit that helps leaders combat loneliness and isolation while driving business growth through purpose-driven experiences and community. Before joining the DCX team, she spent many years as a sales representative and manager in the medical, marketing and pharmaceutical industries. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, rescue dog, family and friends.
morgan@dcxcommunity.com
Tara Miko Ballentine
Founder, Bright Littles
EDUCATION
The world has changed, but the tools we need to parent have not. Unable to find age-appropriate tools to prepare her daughter for the real world, Tara Miko Ballentine took matters into her own hands and launched Bright Littles, award-winning social-emotional conversation cards and journals created with educational experts. The goal of Bright Littles is to empower parents, educators and caregivers to start conversations of kindness, empathy and understanding through questions, games, art, activities and more. Dedicated to empowering the next generations of courageous, critical thought leaders one conversation at a time. Real change starts with real conversations!
tm@brightlittles.com
Karen Bantuveris
Founder and CEO, SignUp
TECH
Karen Bantuveris launched SignUp.com (previously VolunteerSpot) in 2009, with the mission of enabling {anyone} to quickly mobilize and coordinate {good} works in their local schools and community. Today, SignUp has empowered more than 30 million people across the U.S. and around the world to actively engage in events, meetings and activities relying on successful group participation and volunteer coordination. Whether it’s accomplishing great things, getting more time with friends and family, earning workplace recognition, giving back to worthy causes or any other goal that brings happiness, SignUp will help you do more with ease guaranteed!
Paula Bookidis
CEO, Girl Scouts of Central Texas
NONPROFIT
As CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Paula Bookidis drives the organization’s mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place, serving more than 12,500 Girl Scouts and supporting more than 5,000 adult volunteers across Central Texas. Delivering entrepreneurship, STEAM, outdoors and life skills programming, the organization offers Girl Scouts in grades K-12 of all backgrounds and abilities space to be unapologetically themselves as they find their voices, build confidence in their abilities and rise to meet new challenges.
Denise Bradley
Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Affairs, St. David’s HealthCare
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Denise Bradley is vice president of marketing and corporate affairs for St. David’s HealthCare. In this role, she is responsible for planning and executing marketing and corporate affairs strategies for the eight-hospital health care system in Austin. Bradley has held a variety of state- and nationally recognized positions, including both director of correspondence and special projects manager in The White House Office of the First Lady. Her work experience also includes lecturer at UT Austin, research and policy analyst for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Presidential Management Fellow.
Heather Brunner
Chairwoman and CEO, WP Engine
CORPORATE POWER PLAYERS
As chairwoman and CEO, Heather Brunner has steered WP Engine through hyper-growth, leading the company from startup to a global brand with 1200-plus team members and six offices around the world, serving more than 200,000 customers and millions of users in more than 150 countries. During her tenure, Brunner has built a company culture that embraces diversity and continues to draw and retain great talent internationally. Recognized as a Great Place to Work for Women, in 2023, WP Engine retained 98.5% of its global female talent and 98% of people of color in the U.S.
917.520.1496 | press@wpengine.com
María Amelia Calaf
Partner, Botkin Chiarello Calaf
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Clients call María Amelia Calaf (MAC) in times of crisis, when immediate action is required. A seasoned first chair litigator, MAC handles business disputes with a focus on trade secrets, business torts, breach of contract and constitutional challenges. Her advocacy skills have earned her recognition from Super Lawyers, {Best Lawyers} and {Austin Monthly}’s Top Attorneys, while her commitment to championing Latinas led {Texas Lawyer} to name her a Diversity and Inclusion Champion. She currently serves on the Latina Commission for the Hispanic National Bar Association and is the founder of the Austin chapter of Cafecítos, an organization for Latina lawyers.
Emily Chenevert
Chief Executive Officer, Austin Board of Realtors
HOUSING
Emily Chenevert ensures Austin Board of Realtors (ABoR) is fueling the success and improving the professionalism of the organization’s 20,000-plus members. She is the youngest and first female CEO for ABoR and Unlock MLS and is chair of the MLS Technology Holdings, LLC board of directors. She has a proven record and passion for advocating on behalf of REALTORS® and homeowners across Central Texas, and under her tenure of leadership at ABoR, she’s led the implementation of two five-year ABoR strategic plans while elevating the organization’s profile and impact, regionalized ABoR’s footprint and member services and championed MLS listings data integrity standards.
Liz Coufal
Co-founder, Valkyrie Intelligence
TECH
Liz Coufal is the co-founder of Valkyrie, an applied science firm building advanced artificial intelligence technology for enterprises and the U.S. government. She also launched Valkyrie’s pro bono practice, allowing the company to donate their data science services to impactful nonprofits. In addition, she’s spent the past seven years serving on multiple local and statewide campaigns as well as leading voter activation efforts citywide. Coufal proudly serves on the City of Austin’s Downtown Commission, which focuses on prosperity, safety and affordability in Austin’s downtown district.
Bertha Rendon Delgado
Co-Founder and Executive Director, Arte Texas
THE ARTS
As the daughter of a Chicano Brown Beret activist, activism is part of my bloodline: my grandfather, Edward Rendon, Sr.; my grandmother; and a Chicana activist mother. As a woman in the art industry, I have been challenged, but my perseverance has garnered Arte Texas several awards, recognitions and commission pieces. Our first exhibit took place in 2016, at the Dougherty Arts Center; that was the beginning of La Lucha Sigue, where we display collections of art expressing our culture and East Austin. We fight to preserve our history and culture, and that fight continues in East Austin today. ¡Que via Arte Texas!
Dr. Seema Desai
Transformational Success Coach & Speaker, Seema Desai Coaching & Consulting
PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Seema Desai is a credentialed performance and well-being coach. Her work helps ambitious leaders go from stressed, overwhelmed and frustrated to productive, effective and fulfilled. She empowers people to discover the inner peace that lives within so that they can unlock the Transformational Success they seek. Desai is the author of the book {Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides} and co-host of the podcast {Happy and Human}. Though no longer seeing patients, Desai is a general dentist who practiced in the Austin area.
hello@drseemadesai.com
Karina Drake
Owner, Alexa James Baby
FASHION, BEAUTY & DESIGN
Karina Drake is the owner and founder of beloved children’s shop Alexa James Baby. The shop was inspired by her daughter, Alexa James, and their time living in NYC. Leaving a career in advertising, Drake took a leap of faith and opened Alexa James in 2018. Within the first year, Alexa James Baby was recognized both locally and nationally as a top children’s shop in Texas. Today Alexa James Baby carries some of the most exclusive children’s brands, many brought to Austin via the shop. However, Drake remains proudest of her relationship with her customers and community.
info@alexajbaby.com
Chelsea Elliott
Founder and Executive Director, half Helen
NONPROFIT
Chelsea Elliott never dreamed her childhood nickname, “half Helen,” would spark a life of service to her community. Facing blindness in one eye and deafness in one ear at just 10 years old, Elliott boldly embraced the nickname, paying homage to her hero, Helen Keller. After graduating college in 2013, Elliott founded the nonprofit to help people see the world clearly. A decade later, half Helen’s mobile optometry clinics have provided comprehensive vision care and prescription eyeglasses to 9,255 low-income central Texans. Elliott’s dedication earned her the Social Impact award at the 2023 Women’s Way Business Awards.
Pam Friedman
Managing Director & Principal, Robertson Stephens
FINANCE
Pam Friedman is a woman to watch in financial planning and investment management. She is managing director and principal of Robertson Stephens wealth management, the founder of Divorce Planning of Austin and a lecturer for The University of Texas’ McCombs School of Business. Wealth Solution Report recently recognized her as the 2023 Woman Financial Planner for the Year. As a certified financial planner and certified divorce financial analyst, Friedman passionately educates her clients to help them develop their financial plans. Whether getting married, living together or ending your relationship, her books on the subject, {I Now Pronounce You Financially Fit} and {Financially Fit Divorce}, are important reading.
Luisa Gaviño-Martinez
Commercial Banking Market Leader, PNC Financial Services Group
FINANCE
Luisa Gaviño-Martinez is a 20-year financial services industry veteran who leads PNC’s Austin commercial banking team. She is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and advocating for others. Gaviño-Martinez holds an M.A. from Stanford University and is a graduate of Leadership Austin and Hispanic Austin Leadership. She currently serves on the board of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, Girl Scouts of Central Texas and El Buen Samaritano. Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, she is married to Carlos, a native Texan and Stanford grad. They have two teen children, Tyler and Akano.
Beth Goff-McMillan
CEO, SKG and FOLIO
STARTUP
Beth Goff-McMillan is the CEO at SKG and FOLIO. SKG is one of the nation’s largest MillerKnoll dealerships. The company is 100% woman owned, has made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies for three consecutive years and has been recognized as one of Austin and San Antonio’s Best Places to Work. FOLIO is the first SaaS-based platform for the commercial furniture industry. Goff-McMillan is an Aspen Institute Henry Crown Fellow, member and past chair of the Austin Chapter YPO, on the steering committee for Austin Women’s Fund, an EandY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist and recognized by {ABJ} as a 2023 CEO of the Year.
bgoffmcmillan@skgtexas.com
Gabriela Kane Guardia
Executive Director, Latinitas
NONPROFIT
Gabriela Kane Guardia, executive director of Latinitas, is a dedicated advocate for culturally relevant STEAM education and Latina prosperity. Former deputy director at Texas Folklife, Guardia earned her B.A. in International Studies and Spanish from Texas AandM and has an M.A. in Latin American Studies from UT Austin, where she specialized in arts and cultural management. She is committed to publi arts support, having interned with Texans for the Arts during the 86th Texas Legislature. In 2021, she joined the prestigious NALAC Leadership Institute. Guardia gives back through board service with Austin Emerging Arts Leaders and Texans for the Arts.
Francés Jones, Esq.
Founder, Soul Matters – Visionary Law Firm
THE ARTS
Francés Jones, Esq. is founder of Soul Matters – Visionary Law Firm, “Trademark For Visionary Founders,” a boutique trademark law firm serving clients nationwide and globally. Jones empowers diverse visionary founders and their allies, including women, Black, Latinx, Asian, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA+ and disabled founders, helping secure their legacies by securing their trademarks. Licensed in New York, New Jersey and Texas, Jones has more than 30 years of experience working with international media companies. She’s passionate about helping visionary founders in all industries. Jones has worked with brands from Univision to Unilever, and she was named a 2023 Tri Delta Woman of Achievement.
Dr. Kristi Kirk
Provost and Executive Vice President, Concordia University Texas
EDUCATION
Dr. Kristi Kirk is the provost and executive vice president at Concordia University Texas, the first woman in the school’s nearly 100-year history to hold that position. In her eight years in the role, she has helped widen the doors to higher education in Central Texas for people of all backgrounds. Kirk recently spearheaded Concordia’s Right Call, an initiative that breaks down financial barriers and expands access to higher education. This strategy is highlighted by a near 40% reduction in the published tuition cost, simplifying tuition by including all fees in the total cost.
Lurleen Ladd
Founder, Wavemakers Women in Music 40+ and Lurleen Ladd Music
THE ARTS
I am a performing singer/songwriter and serial entrepreneur who intends to change the music industry for women 40+. I came to music later than most but right on time for myself. I know there are many women just like me who have found music as a calling but struggle to get started and then grapple with ongoing challenges of an ageist industry. Further, many women feel disconnected from the support of peers. Wavemakers aims to improve professional connections, increase bookings and wages for women 40+.
Katherine Lees & Michelle Lapides
Co-Founders & Co-Owners, dozanü innovations
PR, MARKETING & EVENTS
Established in 2017 by Katherine Lees and Michelle Lapides, dozanü innovations pioneers in transformative marketing. This dynamic Deaf duo has revolutionized the industry, delivering universally resonant messaging and breaking accessibility barriers. Recently acclaimed as one of Austin’s digital marketing innovators, dozanü leaves an indelible impact. Weaving authenticity into every campaign, Lees and Lapides redefine inclusivity as a lifestyle. Offering a comprehensive suite of marketing solutions, dozanü serves Fortune 1000 and Valuable 500 corporations, catalyzing impactful and inclusive marketing transformations. From fractional chief marketing officers to teams and media buying, dozanü ensures truly accessible marketing.
Andra Liemandt
Founder & CEO, The Kindness Campaign
NONPROFIT
Thought leader, author, CEO and Founder of The Kindness Campaign. Since 2015 Andra Liemandt has been a driving force in emotional health, with the creation of her nonprofit The Kindness Campaign (TKC). Providing innovative, arts-based programming, TKC serves schools and students beginning at age 3. Since TKC’s founding, Andra has overseen the launch of the KindGym app, a full suite of school-based emotional health programs, and Kind Leadership: a program for high school students to build long-term leadership skills. Kind Leadership develops communication, social awareness, self management, inquiry skills, and thinking as a leader. Learn more at tkckindness.org.
Cindy Y. Lo
CEO & Chief Event Strategist, RED VELVET Events
PR, MARKETING & EVENTS
When Cindy Lo started RED VELVET 21 years ago, she did so with the mission to outplan, outplay and outparty! RED VELVET is an international award-winning experiential agency that creates compelling experiences through design and collaboration for brands on the cusp of disruption. She authored {Behind the Red Velvet Curtain}, sharing how she built the company with just $8,000 and no formal hospitality experience. Fast forward to late August 2023, Lo acquired Strong Events, the longest-running special events fabricator. She is currently operating both companies separately with their respective teams. Lo calls Austin home with her husband of 19 years, their two children and Darwin their Frenchie.
Linda Medina-Lopez
Executive Director, Pflugerville Education Foundation
EDUCATION
Driven by her unwavering commitment to education and equity, Linda Medina-Lopez has propelled the Pflugerville Education Foundation (PEF) to new heights. Her unique combination of leadership, fundraising and community engagement has expanded PEF’s mission, heightened community visibility and fostered partnership growth. Since 2006, PEF has raised $2.3 million, empowering teachers, students and school campuses through grants and scholarships to drive innovation and fulfill classroom needs. Recently appointed to the UT System’s Chancellor’s Advisory Council, Medina-Lopez tackles statewide education and health care challenges. She holds a bachelor’s from UT El Paso and a master’s in education from Concordia University.
linda.medina@pfisd.net | 512-594-0375
Leticia Mendoza
Director of Marketing & Communications, Texas Disposal Systems
CORPORATE POWER PLAYERS
Leticia Mendoza spearheads marketing, corporate communications and community relations for Texas Disposal Systems (TDS). Under her leadership, TDS has forged impactful partnerships with organizations such as Austin FC, UT Austin’s Texas Athletics and Rodeo Austin. She leads the TDS Eco Academy, a program designed to educate K-12 students and staff about waste reduction. With a demonstrated history of positive change in Central Texas through nonprofit board service, Mendoza is committed to addressing hunger, promoting environmental sustainability, ensuring access to affordable health care and empowering youth through education. She’s a native Austinite and an alumna of Leadership Austin and Hispanic Austin Leadership.
Chelle Neff
Founder, Urban Betty
FASHION, BEAUTY & DESIGN
Chelle Neff has been a leader in the U.S. salon industry since founding Urban Betty in 2005 and has more than 20 years of experience creating innovative practices in the salon and beauty worlds. The business has grown to include three locations, its own product line and a team of more than 80 talented stylists with a loyal customer base. For four consecutive years, Inc. 5000 named Urban Betty one of the fastest-growing privately held companies.
contact@urbanbetty.com | 512-371-7663
Chelle Neff
Founder, Urban Betty
FASHION, BEAUTY & DESIGN
Chelle Neff has been a leader in the U.S. salon industry since founding Urban Betty in 2005 and has more than 20 years of experience creating innovative practices in the salon and beauty worlds. The business has grown to include three locations, its own product line and a team of more than 80 talented stylists with a loyal customer base. For four consecutive years, Inc. 5000 named Urban Betty one of the fastest-growing privately held companies.
contact@urbanbetty.com | 512-371-7663
Abby Pesek
COO, Charity Charge
UN WORLD LOGIC DAY
Abby Pesek is the COO of Charity Charge, a social enterprise powering business credit cards for nonprofits nationwide. She was a marketing intern for the company as a senior at UT Austin and accepted a full-time operations role upon graduating. Pesek’s commitment to growing the program stems from firsthand experience with everyday challenges in the nonprofit sector. She is the former president of the UT Service Scholars, three-time mission trip veteran, Special Olympics volunteer and treasurer of the Sparkle Club, a nonprofit she co-founded with her sisters-in-law that brings cheerleading and additional healthy living opportunities to youth with disabilities in Central Texas.
Susan Ramirez
Founder & CEO, Austin Angels
NONPROFIT
After learning the harrowing statistics surrounding foster care, Susan Ramirez envisioned radical support for every child in care. In 2013, she walked alongside a single foster mom with six teenagers, and Austin Angels’ Love Box program was born. Dare to Dream, a mentorship program, came soon after. Ramirez saw potential to transform lives nationally. Under her leadership, Austin Angels launched the National Angels network, now spanning 20 cities, aiming to change the statistics. Austin Angels represents a sustainable solution to one of the country’s toughest social issues, guided by Ramirez’s dream to reach every child experiencing foster care by 2050.
Shari Wynne Ressler
Founder & CEO, Kasama Hotel
STARTUP
Shari Wynne Ressler is an Austin-based entrepreneur, attorney and ecosystem builder dedicated to helping people achieve success. Wynne Ressler’s current project is KASAMA Retreat Hotels, intentionally designed to meet the demand for high-impact leadership, corporate, retreat and event experiences. KASAMA members are innovators and thought leaders, successful humans who come together for collaboration and connection, and to transform self and society. She moved to Austin in 1996, co-founding RWR Legal, where she provided legal/business consulting for emerging companies until June 2021. During her tenure, she co-founded SKU, a leading CPG accelerator. She remains active in Austin’s entrepreneurial/investor ecosystems.
shari@KASAMAHotels.com | 512-300-3063
Jacqueline Samira
Founder & CEO, Howdy.com, Inc.
STARTUP
Jacqueline Samira, CEO and founder of Howdy.com, is revolutionizing how companies build their remote teams. She grew Howdy to $3.5 million ARR, earning a spot in Y Combinator, the preeminent accelerator behind startups like Airbnb and Coinbase. Following this, Samira raised a $2.9 million Series Seed and an $18 million Series A from notable investors Greycroft and Obvious Ventures. Howdy.com connects Latin American talent with U.S. companies, championing efficiency, in-person teams and community. Featured in TechCrunch, Forbes, and Business Insider, Samira is an advocate of holistic well-being, enjoying yoga, reading, family time and emphasizing a balanced lifestyle.
j@howdy.com
Angela Shaw
Senior Vice President of Talent, Amplify Credit Union
FINANCE
Angela Shaw is the senior vice president of talent at Amplify Credit Union, where she oversees human resources and culture. A native Austinite, Shaw chose to stay and impact the city even though she felt she would find easier pathways elsewhere. At Amplify, Shaw has been instrumental in developing the “Culture of Welcome,” a philosophy of collaboration and inclusivity that guides the organization. In addition, Shaw has been giving her time in the community through volunteer leadership and adjunct teaching. She has built her brand leaving a legacy as a servant leader who selflessly gives of herself above and beyond.
ashaw@goamplify.com
Ronnie Sheth
CEO, SENEN GROUP
TECH
Ronnie Sheth is the founder and CEO of SENEN GROUP, a global strategic advisory firm helping clients unlock the power of data and AI. As a young, diverse woman in highly competitive and disruptive fields like consulting and STEAM, she has led SENEN to differentiate based on divergent, nontraditional thinking to solve complex problems using data and emerging technologies such as AI. Her focus is on helping the public, private and nonprofit sectors drive lasting positive impact on society as a whole by creating human-centered, transformative experiences that set up our future generations for economic, social and cultural progress.
Rosandra Silveira
Dell Global Consumer Channel Sales SVP, Dell Technologies
CORPORATE POWER PLAYERS
Rosandra Silveira, a transformative leader at Dell since 1999, has been instrumental in the company’s Brazilian launch and its global expansion. Today, as a senior vice president, she manages cross-cultural teams and multibillion-dollar businesses across 13 countries. A passionate diversity and inclusion advocate, she co-founded L500 to elevate Latinos into executive roles, and contributes as a {Forbes} Council member. Honored with the Most Powerful Latina 2023, Woman Worth Watching in Leadership 2023, and Woman in Business Award Austin 2023, Silveira’s leadership extends beyond the boardroom to mentorship and community impact, epitomizing her role as an {Austin Woman} Changemaker.
Ali Slutsky
Founder & CEO, Resplendent Agency
PR, MARKETING & EVENTS
Ali Slutsky established Resplendent Agency in 2012, specializing in hospitality-centric public relations. Over the years, she strategically broadened services and extended the agency’s footprint beyond Texas, fostering a robust team across offices in Virginia. Slutsky derives fulfillment from nurturing brand growth and fostering career development within her team. A Chicago native, residing in Austin for 16 years, she acknowledges the city’s entrepreneurial ethos, particularly in supporting small enterprises. When not immersed in professional pursuits, Slutsky indulges her passion for international travel and recently welcomed an 8-year-old shiba inu named Pierogi, a name aptly resonant with her industry.
China Smith
Founder, Executive & Artistic Director, Ballet Afrique
THE ARTS
China Smith, founder of Ballet Afrique, blends African dance with classical ballet, enriching Austin’s arts scene. Youth mentor and arts coordinator, she inspires students with her creative approach. Smith’s notable works include Duke Ellington’s {Nutcracker Suite}, the Nina Simone Suite for Women, “Echoes of Harlem” and the Love Letter series. Her mentorship has led students to earn dance scholarships into universities and arts programs around the world. Additionally, Smith is a proud mother of two, balancing her artistic passion with family life. Her commitment to inclusive dance education and innovative performances has made her a cherished figure in Austin’s cultural landscape.
Amy Sweet
CEO, Halcyon Home
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Amy Sweet is an accomplished forward-thinking physician assistant and CEO with a life goal of ensuring people have quality hospitality-focused health care in the setting of their choice. She founded Halcyon Home 11 years ago, growing to one of the largest woman-owned businesses in Austin by providing home care (caregivers), home health and hospice services in Central Texas. She also started the Halcyon Foundation, 501(c)(3) to assist struggling patients and employees who need a helping hand through a crisis, as well as expanding health care education. Sweet understands the value of putting every patient, client and employee first.
Chelsea Toler
Co-Founder & Chief Impact Officer of Logictry & President of KFG Foundation, Logictry
SUSTAINABILITY/ESG
Passion for supporting impact movements through technology and community has been the driving force behind Chelsea Toler’s career. She has been able to move $100-plus million toward impact initiatives, in alignment with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, alongside her business partner Olivia Dell, with NOVA Impact and KFG Foundation, and served as the first fundraising team member for I Live Here I Give Here, where she helped to raise $20-plus million in 24 hours for 750 nonprofit organizations. As the co-founder and chief impact officer for Logictry, Toler works to establish Logic as a new impact category by co-hosting the largest U.N. World Logic Day gathering in the world.
Lezlie Tram Le
Founder, Commercial Broker and Developer, LT Commercial Group
HOUSING
Lezlie Tram Le is the founder of LT Commercial Group, a commercial real estate firm focusing on providing guidance, opportunities and advocacy to local businesses and minority communities. Le has been managing her businesses since the age of 22. She draws on both her entrepreneurial and brokerage experience consulting with business owners to find retail locations, overcome language barriers with contracts, leases, negotiations and communications with city officials, and navigate do’s and don’ts to avoid costly mistakes. Le formed LT Development Partners in 2020. Her ultimate goal is to create affordable spaces for local small businesses to grow and thrive.
Jennifer Warren
VP, Global Brand Marketing and Creative, Indeed
CORPORATE POWER PLAYERS
Jennifer Warren serves as the vice president of Global Brand Marketing and Creative at Indeed. Her team has played a pivotal role in advancing Indeed’s mission to “Help People Get Jobs,” driven revenue growth by elevating Indeed’s global brand presence and has advanced the conversation around inclusive hiring practices. Warren began her career at T3 and GSDM. She is a three-time CMO, has led two successful Super Bowl campaigns and garnered acclaim as a top CMO. She’s received prestigious awards, including ANA’s Hall of Achievement and Ad Age’s Woman to Watch. Beyond her professional endeavors, Warren treasures spending time with her family—Samy, Maddie, Hope and Clara.
indeed.com
jwarren@indeed.com
Cherie Werner
Founder & Executive Director, F.I.E.S.T.A. Community
STARTUP
Cherie Werner, a seasoned community builder, founded Fiesta in July 2021, the largest monthly Meetup serving as Austin’s “Ellis Island,” spotlighting founders and fostering serendipitous connections. Co-Leading Gather Together, she also empowers women founders, contributing to a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Recognized as a Super Connector and collaborator, she excels in building bridges within the community. In 2019, she co-founded KOYA Innovations with her husband and daughters. She’s defined by a commitment to community building, empowerment of others and collaboration.
Salwa Yordi
Communications Professional (FarandulaTexas Founder, Free-Lance Reporter for Telemundo Austin, Communications Director at Latinitas, FarandulaTexas
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Salwa Yordi is a prominent Venezuelan immigrant of Middle Eastern descent. Best known for founding FarandulaTexas and as an entertainment reporter at Telemundo Austin, her dedication and passion have made her one of the first Spanish-speaking entertainment reporters in Austin. She also holds the position of director of communications at Latinitas. Yordi’s journey in the U.S. began in 2001, when she was 15 years old. Despite initially not knowing English, her determination led her to graduate with honors from Ellison High School, then to pursue higher education at UT San Antonio. Yordi has worked with various organizations including HomeAid, where she worked to benefit underserved populations in Austin.
Lourdes G. Zuniga
Founder & Executive Director, Financial Health Pathways
NONPROFIT
Lourdes G. Zuñiga is a social impact leader, a Presidential Leadership Scholar and a founding member of the UNICEF USA Austin Task Force. She is the founder and executive director of Financial Health Pathways, a nonprofit that advocates for economic justice and fights the criminalization of poverty. A journalist from Peru, Zuñiga supports the Hispanic community through philanthropy and education. In 2021, {ABJ} recognized her as one of the most influential women in Central Texas, and in 2022, she added {ABJ} Best CEO finalist to her recognitions. Zuñiga has joined the inaugural BizWomen Leadership Council and is a proud alumna from LBJ Women’s Campaign School’s inaugural class.