AUSTIN WOMAN MAGAZINE
Since 2002, Austin Woman magazine has been the leading magazine for women in Central Texas. Our mission is to inspire, celebrate and support the diverse community of women in Austin and its surrounding cities. We champion the movers and shakers, the artists, the philanthropists, the business leaders, entrepreneurs and those who believe that no dream is too big.
The Founder
Melinda Garvey became an Austinite in the spring of 2001, and after just a few short months, she knew she had a mission give a voice to the incredible women in Austin. Garvey decided to use her media background to empower, engage and inspire the women of Austin with the launch of Austin Woman magazine, now in its 19th year.
Then, in 2016 On The Dot was born so that women around the globe could have that same access to role models. And to expand her mission further, in 2019 Garvey developed and launched a software platform to bring employee communities and membership communities together in our ever-expanding virtual world with On The Dot Global. In 2020, with the pandemic bearing down and virtual events becoming the norm, Garvey expanded her software capabilities to become the most robust and interactive platform for both virtual events and virtual communities.
In Garvey’s words: “It’s really all about leveling the playing field for women and diverse individuals in companies and members of organizations by giving them access to mentors, peers, content and events within their organizations, creating opportunity for advancement, connection and ultimately equality.”
When not on her soapbox, you can find Garvey and her Kiwi husband and business partner, Kip, at a soccer or football game cheering on their 13 year-old son, Beckom. Other than that, you will find her surrounded by a gaggle of women drinking wine and dreaming up how to create change in the world!
Garvey recently received the prestigious Diversity First Certification from the National Diversity Council and is a frequent speaker on the topics of women’s advancement and diversity, equity and inclusion issues.
The Staff
Parke Ballantine
Director of Events and Brand Strategy
A queer femme from 201,
512 and 510.
I love creating experiences
and content that inspire
and connect.
I write, read, watch,
move and listen.
Favorite Austin Woman cover feature.
Since joining in January 2021, I’ve been going through past issues and loved the September 2020 issue with Dawn Okoro. Her artistry, style and passion for social justice are bold and inspiring!
What’s your favorite thing to do in Austin?
Since moving back in March 2020, I’ve been getting reacquainted with a city that has changed a lot since the early 2000’s when I last lived here while also being in the middle of a pandemic. So my favorite thing to do has been getting dressed, putting on headphones and pursuing Central Market for unique seasonal ingredients for home cooking.
If you were a drink, what would you be and why?
The Devil’s Garden – At first sip, lime and fresh mint refresh the taste buds, but soon the smoky and spicy undertones of chipotle-infused mezcal with Cynar creep over the palate for a unique and bold while highly drinkable cocktail.
What’s your astrology sign?
Fire Tiger Leo!
What’s something people wouldn’t guess about you?
Most of the time people don’t guess that I’ve experienced as much as I have in life and that many of my beliefs and values stem from the challenges I faced early on.
Anne Cox
Production Coordinator
Hi! My name is Anne Cox
and I just joined the AW Team
as the Production Coordinator!
I keep things up-to-date and running smoothly with our advertisers, subscriptions, and social media planning.
Favorite Austin Woman cover feature.
Dawn Okoro from the September 2020 issue. I really love that she took sort of an unconventional career path before her debuting first solo exhibit. It’s so inspiring to see her work after knowing her story! Plus she can skateboard. So cool!
What’s your favorite thing to do in Austin?
I love a good picnic in Zilker + a trip to the botanical garden! My girlfriend and I have made it a Valentine’s Day tradition.
If you were a drink, what would you be and why?
I’d be a Strawberry Margarita, pink makes everything better!
What’s your astrology sign?
Libra (Could you tell?)
What’s something people wouldn’t guess about you?
I used to be a professional party princess! I was “best friends” with Rapunzel, Anna from Frozen and Snow White!
Olivia Huntley
Marketing Sales Specialist
Hello! My name’s Olivia,
and I’m a Marketing Specialist and Contributing Writer
with Austin Woman Magazine.
As the youngest member of the AW girl gang, I hope to capture more of our junior audience by shining the spotlight on the up-and-coming, the noisemakers and the big thinkers who are advancing their industries and, of course, keeping Austin weird.
Favorite Austin Woman cover feature.
Lean In: How a Community of Cover Women Stepped Up
What’s your favorite thing to do in Austin?
I’m obsessed with Lou’s on E Cesar Chavez, and they always throw in some juicy scraps for my pup.
If you were a drink, what would you be and why?
Spicy margarita, only because they say you are what you eat (drink).
What’s your astrology sign?
Capricorn
What’s something people wouldn’t guess about you?
I’m fascinated by the financial markets, and among my daily fixes are WSJ‘s “Your Money Briefing” and NPR’s “Planet Money.”
Dawn Weston
Publisher
Publisher,
Mom,
Wife,
lover of all foods.
I oversee our amazing and tiny team and all of the day to day operations of the magazine. From ad sales to distribution and from editorial planning to accounting and everything in between.
Favorite Austin Woman cover feature.
Such a toughie. I cannot say that I have a favorite, but April 2020’s issue with Andi Scull was one of my favorites. She is such an artistic force in our community. Also, I have a slight crush on Delia Garza, who was our October 2020 cover woman.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Austin?
Eat. Seriously. There are so many amazing local chefs and artisans that I swoon over.
If you were a drink, what would you be and why?
I’d be a glass of rose…because you are what you drink, no?
What’s your astrology sign?
Sagittarius – But on the cusp of Capricorn.
What’s something people wouldn’t guess about you?
I was captain of the dance team in high school.
Cy White
Managing Editor
Left-handed, right-brained
with left-brain habits.
A Libra with
Scorpio tendencies.
Loves her brother,
cat, food, words.
Loves being Black.
Favorite Austin Woman cover feature.
Kristin Kish (October 2018) and Dawn Okoro (September 2020)
What’s your favorite thing to do in Austin?
I mostly stay at home, but I’ve become fond of the museums and Thee Gay Agenda of at the North Door (which unfortunately closed at the end of last year).
If you were a drink, what would you be and why?
Soju. I’m sweet, but different than what you’d expect in some ways. Easy to digest. Then you’re three drinks in and on the floor because you didn’t expect me coming.
What’s your astrology sign?
LIBRA with a lot of Scorpio
What’s something people wouldn’t guess about you?
There’s more than a bubbly personality in here.