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 Team
Jen Ramos Perkins
Business Operations Manager
Single mom of a male-identifying human tween and three fur babies who loves camping, coffee, greenbelts, IPA and Dorothy Day.
Business Operations Director for Austin Woman Magazine.
Favorite Austin Woman cover feature.
This is so hard, but I have to say July 2016 with Lillie Velasquez.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Austin?
Anything on a Greenbelt – Camp, Hike, Picnic, Meditate, ….
If you were a drink, what would you be and why?
So, according to an online quiz (thanks Krisna😊), I am a boring ol’ Gin & Tonic, but I want to be an Old Fashioned – classic, smooth, heavy mouth-feel, boozy, well rounded.
What’s your astrology sign?
Taurus ♉
What’s something people wouldn’t guess about you?
Attending Burning Man is on my bucket list – I have been to Austin’s Regional Burn Event, Flipside, a number of times. Also, I am a reconciling Catholic ….
Anne Cox
Production Manager
Hey ya’ll!
I’m a caffeine-addicted libra on a mission to bring the amazing network of Austin Woman to a younger audience. I love making genuine connections (I 100% want to be your friend) and doing research on all things trending & technology related.
I keep things up-to-date and running smoothly with all of our advertisers, subscriptions, and social media/event planning. I also work on our web design. Notice our website looks a bit different lately? That was me 😉
Favorite Austin Woman cover feature.
Muna Hussaini from our September 2021 issue (Our 19th Anniversary issue!). Don’t even get me started on that photo in the phone booth.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Austin?
Oh my gosh I just love that there’s always something gone. I swear every weekend I’m booked with some kind of event. From aerial yoga to fancy galas, I’m always somewhere holding a drink!
If you were a drink, what would you be and why?
Speaking of drinks, I’d probably be a spicy margarita. Very Texas, very classic, but with a lil extra spice.
What’s your astrology sign?
Libra sun, Pisces moon, Capricorn rising 😉
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.
Krisna Menier
Community & Events Manager
Hi! I am a 29 year old boy mom from California living the Texas dream. I love the EDM community and enjoy meeting new people everyday. If you see me out and about say Hi!!
I create and cultivate a community of events around Austin Woman where you are safe, heard and appreciated.
Favorite Austin Woman cover feature.
Jan 2022
What’s your favorite thing to do in Austin?
Shop!
If you were a drink, what would you be and why?
A fine glass of wine. Simple and elegant but also complicated and layered. I can be sweet and light much like wine with lunch or deep and hearty much like wine with dinner. And even if you don’t like wine right now, one day you will love and appreciate the complexity and simplicity it can bring.
What’s your astrology sign?
Aries Sun / Taurus Moon / Leo Rising
What’s something people wouldn’t guess about you?
I am a professionally trained stunt driver who lives for adrenaline.
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.
And introducing our newest team member, Donna Mitchell! Donna is on our sales team as Account Executive.