DivInc. Champions of Change: Meet the Nominees (pt. 3)

The nominees for this year’s DivInc. Champions of Change are some of Austin’s most dynamic proponents of intentional change.

By Austin Woman

Every year, DivInc. celebrates the work of Austin’s most dynamic proponents of change through the Champions of Change awards. The following women share their life’s mission and what it means to be a Champion of Change.

Katrina Brooks, Founder and owner of Black Pearl Books

she/her

What do you believe exemplifies a “Champion of Change”?

Someone who has the heart to serve the community through action. Someone who sees a need and will pursue solutions in a new, different and authentic way to encourage change.

How does this nomination motivate you to do more in the community?

This nomination is encouragement that we are headed in the right direction and that our desire to serve the community and be a catalyst for change can be achieved.

Photo courtesy of Black Pearl Books

Tell us in three sentences what your business/organization does.

Black Pearl Books is an Austin-based independent bookstore that promotes diversity, inclusion and representation through literature.

How does your business/organization champion equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community?

We champion equity, inclusion and belonging in Austin by first recognizing the value of diversity in a community and intentionally preserving that value. We do this by offering a curated selection of titles that allow traditionally underrepresented and marginalized groups to not only see themselves but also utilize literature as a voice to share their stories with others. We also identify and work with community partners that share our core values and are doing the work to enrich the Austin community.

Carley Deardorff, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Capital Factory

she/her/hers

I amplify and empower voices that often go unheard by building coalitions and strategies to unify diverse populations toward systemic change. I aim for my work to contribute to a more equitable Texas ecosystem one step at a time.

After completing my master’s degree in Barcelona in International Studies on Media, Power, and Diversity, I returned to the city (and state) that has provided me with so much, to contribute and build a stronger, more diverse ecosystem for all Texans to thrive. In college, I was the founder of an in-home dog-sitting business, then a ran a communication strategy consultancy for female founders and founders of color– many of whom were DivInc founders!

My best work is done within diverse teams and I draw inspiration from the power of various perspectives. I feel most alive when I am spending time in the sunshine on my hammock or in the garden, immersing myself in puzzles or paint by numbers, or engaging in unplanned conversations. I believe in building equity in entrepreneurship and education and devote my time to making this a reality.

What do you believe exemplifies a “Champion of Change”?

A Champion of Change is someone who moves with a passion and commitment to affect change in their community. I see this as someone who is deliberately taking steps to see things continue to improve systemic disparities one step at a time.

How does this nomination motivate you to do more in the community?

This nomination means more to me than I even have the words to share. After returning from my master’s, where I had the most diverse community I had ever learned from in my life, returning back to Austin was lonely. When I discovered DivInc and the community that they have created and nurtured, I knew that I had found my people. I have volunteered for anything & everything I could to support their mission for years, including their inaugural Social Justice cohort, which entirely changed the trajectory of my life. When I learned of my nomination, I wanted to tell them there are people more deserving than me. So the journey to this nomination is one that I will forever be grateful for. It reminds me of the importance of every step we take is a step in the right direction.

A Rising Star Finalist in the 2022 UCSF Digital Health Awards – which honors outstanding health technologies and innovations that are dramatically transforming healthcare.

Photo by Ben Porter Photography

Tell us in three sentences what your business/organization does.

Capital Factory is the center of gravity for entrepreneurs in Texas, the number one state for startups in the U.S. Thousands of entrepreneurs, programmers and designers gather day and night, in-person and online for meetups, classes and co-working. With boots on the ground in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, we meet the best entrepreneurs in Texas and introduce them to investors, employees, mentors and customers.

How does your business/organization champion equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community?

Capital Factory is dedicated to increasing diversity in the tech community and ensuring our space is an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and identities. Accomplishing these goals is always a work in progress. Feedback from all communities and the organizations that champion them is how we continue to make progress one day at a time. I cannot say enough about the team that makes this possible. That includes anyone on our team who works day in and day out to make this a reality.

We are fortunate to have close partners across the state, who prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion and who we continuously learn from in these efforts.

Diana Melendez, CoFounder, Wmen of Color Collective; Attorney, Diana Melendez Law PLLC

she/her/ella

I am a first-generation attorney, entrepreneur and community builder. I am passionate and dedicated to helping communities of color create and claim their space in industries and fields not traditionally built for them. I am the co-founder of the Women of Color Collective (WOCC), an organization dedicated to empowering and uplifting women and nonbinary persons of color by creating safe and brave spaces for them. I am also the founder of my law firm practice through which I focus on serving immigrant and BIPOC entrepreneurs establish a strong legal foundation to protect their businesses and brands. I also serve on the Board of Latinitas, a nonprofit that empowers girls to innovate in media and technology and I am a Commissioner on the City of Austin’s Commission for Women.  I’m originally from El Paso, but I have called Austin home since 2003.

What do you believe exemplifies a “Champion of Change”?

A Champion of Change is someone who leads, advocates, supports and amplifies the important work of creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive space for our communities. Their work is intentional and deliberate, they listen and collaborate with others to ensure diverse voices are heard, and their work can have a long-lasting impact on individuals and the community as a whole.

How does this nomination motivate you to do more in the community?

Being nominated alongside so many other incredible people is humbling. It encourages me to continue doing my work more boldly and unapologetically. 

Doing work like this, when also working on your own professional and personal growth, can sometimes feel lonely and exhausting. We have a long way to go but seeing that there are so many others with similar missions and visions who continue to do the work, especially when we tend to be the least represented, funded, etc., is reassuring and promising, and I am grateful for organizations like DivInc and the many others recognized for their work in uplifting communities of color. 

Photo by Gaby Deimeke

Tell us in three sentences what your business/organization does.

WOCC creates spaces for women and nonbinary people of color to connect and build community. We do this through organizing monthly events. Our events are spaces where our community can hear from WOC guest speakers and learn about a variety of issues, as well as spaces where we simply try a fun activity together and get to know each other. 

Our events have included discussions on spirituality and religion, sexuality and sex, advocacy, food justice, urban gardening, self-care and financial literacy, to name a few.  And our social events have included activities like roller blading, hiking, Latin dancing, swimming at Barton Springs Pool, attending poetry slams and supporting local events together. 

Where so much of our time might be spent having to be “on,” we strive to create healing, supportive and nonintimidating spaces where we can just be,

How does your business/organization champion equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community?

My organization champions equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community by creating safe and brave spaces for WOC to show up as their authentic selves. Having community and safe spaces for WOC can be a source of support, healing and empowerment for WOC. In fact, WOCC was born because, at that time, my cofounder and I were going through some personal challenges and we couldn’t find a nonprofessional space in Austin where we could just be.

Through our events, we provide WOC an opportunity to find their community and feel a sense of support and belonging in Austin. Additionally, we strive to bring in guest speakers to lead events about issues that are important to the community. This not only helps amplify our speakers and their expertise but also gives the opportunity to our community members to feel safe asking questions and learn from the beautiful diverse voices within our community. We also like to partner with other local organizations doing similar work to empower our communities of color. 

Some examples of feedback we have received from some of our community members is:

• After moving to Austin for a tech job and being disillusioned at the lack of diversity in their job and Austin, they decided to stay in Austin because they found their community through WOCC
• They felt empowered to start investing after being able to ask the questions they were too intimidated to ask in other spaces
• They were able to advocate for an LGBTQ student in their school
• “Coming to your events is healing”
• They felt safe in trying some activities they otherwise would not have tried on their own

I personally gain so much from our events. It is so inspiring to me to meet other WOC in our community. Everyone is so strong and beautiful in their own unique way. And it is so powerful to hear community members be open and vulnerable with one another. 

Overall, we feel that WOCC has helped women of color in Austin feel included, supported, and celebrated in their journey.

Dante Clemons, Co-Founder and CEO, Origin Studio House

she/her

I’m a founder, architect and strategist at the intersection of design, commerce, culture and community.

What do you believe exemplifies a “Champion of Change”?

Courage. A Champion of Change exhibits the courage to create, shape and improve our current conditions in pursuit of a better future for us all.

How does this nomination motivate you to do more in the community?

This nomination acknowledges the work Origin is doing to be a sustainable, mission-driven, community-focused organization and business.

Photo by Moyo Oyelola

Tell us in three sentences what your business/organization does.

Origin Studio House is a community space located in historic East Austin that offers art, coffee, food, cocktails and culturally informed programming in Austin, Texas.

How does your business/organization champion equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community?

Origin is in the business of making Austin more equitable by creating space for Black artists, creatives and their supporters to convene, dine, rest and celebrate their work in a hospitality environment.

Maria Brown-Spence, Founder and CEO, Hearts2Heal

she/her

I’m an Army veteran, social impact professional with experience crafting and implementing program strategies around a broad range of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social & Governance practices (ESG). I am also the Founder of Hearts2Heal, a nonprofit organization focused on increasing mental health equity in the bereavement sector.

What do you believe exemplifies a “Champion of Change”?

Change can be one of the most frightening things for many. Change comes with a large amount of commitment, uncertainty and discomfort. A Champion of Change is someone who acknowledges that change will not happen overnight and can be a comfort and an advocate for those working to make a positive impact on the communities they serve.

How does this nomination motivate you to do more in the community?

I’m grateful to have this opportunity to be recognized by my peers as a continued affirmation to keep going, even when the road to creating change can be challenging.

Any final thoughts?

The visibility of this event and nomination will motivate others to know that they, too, can be Champions of Change as long as they stay focused on creating a more positive world.

Tell us in three sentences what your business/organization does.

Hearts2Heal (H2H)  is a Black-Latinx, woman and veteran-led nonprofit composed of diverse communities using their lived experiences to increase and promote innovative peer-based wellness programs and strategies. We create culturally rich, community-based grief support and mental health programs honoring diverse experiences to eliminate stigma and discrimination.

How does your business/organization champion equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community?

After my own journey of navigating mental health support in Austin, I found that culturally competent, community-informed spaces were severely lacking.

I knew that organizations founded by people of color with lived experiences center equity and inclusion from day one, by de-centering spaces that were not made for us. Consequently, the actions Hearts2Heal takes are rooted in an equitable approach. We prioritize experience equity and include diverse individuals on our board and team.

The tenants of our mission are to ensure that all demographics, especially historically marginalized communities, have access to equitable mental health support to give them a sense of belonging in their healing journey.

Kelenne Blake, Executive Director, Black Mamas ATX

she/her

My name is Kelenne (Keh-leh-nay) Blake and I’m a health advocate, creative and Blackacademic from Trinidad and Tobago, based in Austin Texas. I am the Executive Director of Black Mamas ATX, an organization that is near and dear to my heart. When I am not working, I am a part-time student working on my doctorate in Public Health, with a concentration in Health Equity and Social Justice through the Dr.P.H. program at Johns Hopkins University. Otherwise, I like rest, historical African martial arts and creating art.

What do you believe exemplifies a “Champion of Change”?

Someone motivated by love for community, a clear understanding of structural inequities and tenacity in taking action that touches people’s lives as well as impacts the structural forces that create harm.

How does this nomination motivate you to do more in the community?

I am motivated by love for my community. This nomination makes me feel seen and appreciated for the work I do, often in the background.

Any final thoughts?

I appreciate all the hard work and impact of all the Champions of Change nominees. There are so many people doing amazing work in our community and I appreciate each and every one of them.

Tell us in three sentences what your business/organization does.

Black Mamas ATX provides culturally aligned and client-centered birthing and mental health services that support community members through the pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience. We do this through doula support, community building and pushing for structural change. Black Mamas ATX’s mission is to ensure that Black women survive and thrive before, during and after childbirth.

How does your business/organization champion equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community?

Black Mamas ATX addresses the disparities in maternal health outcomes in the Black community by making doula care available to anyone who is Black and pregnant in Central Texas. The organization builds community through events, support groups and educational spaces. Lastly, we advocate for changes that would have a positive impact on all birth givers, particularly those most negatively impacted by the current system.

Sugar Tennon, Founder and CEO, Pink Sugar Austin

she/her

I am the owner, founder, CEO and head buttercream babe at Pink Sugar Treats and Eats, a small batch bakery focused on social impact and sustainability. The brand has grown from my small circle of family and friends via word of mouth to custom cake orders for weddings and baby showers across state lines and international shipping of my cookies to places like Canada and Morocco. I love doing this, an accidental passion that has me booking dates a year in advance. Who knew?

What do you believe exemplifies a “Champion of Change”?

I believe a Champion of Change is exemplified by doing the work and being a representation or visible ally of the communities that they champion. S/he is not afraid to go against the grain, chart a new path or challenge existing systems where they fall short. A Champion of Change is far more concerned with the long run rather than short-term results.

How does this nomination motivate you to do more in the community?

WOW…this is fuel. It is so important to feel like your work is seen and appreciated by other change-makers. It pushes me to push a little harder and pull from a little deeper when it’s hard, dark and lonely. I am even more inspired to get my nonprofit off the ground to be the change that I want to see here in ATX.

Photo by Joi Conti

Tell us in three sentences what your business/organization does.

Pink Sugar ATX curates high-end luxe food experiences and desserts to sweeten all occasions but especially weddings, large events and activations. We also created a new way to celebrate events with our in-home cake and cookie decorating classes as private parties and onsite team builders. Lastly, we have a social impact mission and program to teach young food entrepreneurs how to start, launch and scale their own food businesses under the Texas Cottage Law.

How does your business/organization champion equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community?

We champion equity, inclusion and belonging by representing the African diaspora in Austin. We support this in action with our More Than Cake Program, which teaches young Black and Brown adolescents how to start, launch and scale their food businesses under the Texas Cottage Law. Our program’s goal is to empower independent economic power and help close the wealth gap in lower socioeconomic communities.

Natalie Sanders, House of LEPORE and The Orisha Mere Project

she/her

I am Natalie Sanders (a.k.a. Mother Girl6) and I opened the doors of the House of Lepore to Austin’s queer Black, Brown, Indigenous and Latinx community. I act as the House Mother, the first in Central Texas, providing a home and family to those who were shunned by their biological families. In the tradition of all house mothers, I nurture the growth and creativity of my children, offering them unshakeable love, discipline and respect for who they are. I take it a step further as a mental health counselor, health prevention specialist and a vocal activist for Black Trans Lives.

What do you believe exemplifies a “Champion of Change”?

A Champion of Change fights for all. Champions are open to feedback and new ideas that will change an environment. As a Champion, it’s your job to focus on solutions. Real champions aren’t afraid to take risks.

How does this nomination motivate you to do more in the community?

This nomination solidifies that I am being seen. It has motivated me not to be afraid to ask for help. Also, being nominated means sticking to my values one day will have a big outcome.

Tell us in three sentences what your business/organization does.

The Orisha Mere Project provides housing and Resources for STI/HIV.

How does your business/organization champion equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community?

I started Ballroom in Central Texas because I saw that the youth needed space. Unlike bigger cities, there are very few Community Centers for LGBTQ+ individuals in Austin. Creating Houses gave us families, which many of us shunned after coming out. My organization provides SAFE spaces and events. It is essential for us to have this and to be able to find people like ourselves.

Hailey Easley, Founder and Executive Director, Austin Asian Community Health Initiative (AACHI)

she/her/hers

I am the executive director of Austin Asian Community Health Initiative. My background in research and my experience as a Mexican-Korean, second-generation American drive my work as an advocate and nonprofit leader.

What do you believe exemplifies a “Champion of Change”?

A Champions of Change is exemplified by dedication to love, liberation and self-determination for themselves and others. They strive to create organizations that are accessible, action-oriented, accountable to their communities, prioritize people and demonstrate their commitment through transparency and equitable, diverse, and inclusive practices. Their vision for community is a loving and supportive environment where people care for one another; contribute to a collective vision fo their future; and where people belong to an interdependent network rooted in trusting relationships with each other, the earth and future generations.

How does this nomination motivate you to do more in the community?

This nomination motivates me to do more in the community because it reminds me that we really are influencing the larger Austin community to see, listen and learn about our communities and that Austin wants to help make our vision a reality.

Any final thoughts?

Our current staff provides services in Arabic, Burmese, Chin-Tedim, Vietnamese, Korean, Nepali and Hindi and for all other languages, we provide interpreted services via phone interpretation.  Please check out these amazing organizations that provide support services to Austin’s marginalized Asian communities, Including Trúc Việt, Asian Family Support Services of Austin, Korean Culture Center, Muslim Community Support Services, Greater Austin Nepali Society and Salt and Light Services.

Photo by Miguel De Jesus

Tell us in three sentences what your business/organization does.

The Austin Asian Community Health Initiative is one of the only organizations in Central Texas to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate social services to marginalized Asian immigrant and refugee communities in Central Texas unable to access basic needs due to barriers like Limited English Proficiency, low incomes, transportation and more. Their bilingual Community Health Workers (CHWs) help communities navigate and secure health care and basic needs in over seven languages from local, state and national support services by providing interpretation and translation support, referrals to other services, eligibility and application assistance, community outreach, skills training, health education, transportation and more.

How does your business/organization champion equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community?

In Travis County, the Asian American community has doubled in size every 12 years and increased by more than 60% from 2000 to 2010, making them the fastest-growing demographic group in the city. Despite this exponential growth, the city struggles to understand and serve the incredibly diverse communities within the Asian and Asian American populations. Both locally and nationally, Asian Americans have been historically understudied and under-served in health and social services. Asian Americans include a broad number of countries, histories, faiths, and languages, but research consistently combines these groups.

In Austin alone, the Asian American population consists of over 28 ethnicities, with more than 51 languages from 25 countries. The aggregation of data on Asian Americans results in inaccurate assessments of many subpopulations’ quality of life. This diverse population has significant disparities in health literacy, English proficiency, transportation access, income and more. These factors have complicated this growing population’s access to health care and basic needs. AACHI champions equity, inclusion and belonging by bringing visibility and services to a historically underserved and misunderstood community by educating local government and community organizations about the community’s needs and advocating for city and state policies that ensure everyone can achieve their healthiest life.

Daniela Silva, Community Advocate

she/they

I am someone whose life is dedicated to healing and liberation for all, especially those who have been historically oppressed and marginalized. As the daughter of a young working-class single mother who immigrated to Texas from Colombia, and as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I have spent my life witnessing injustices and refusing to stay silent. I firmly believe that rest and joy are radical acts in today’s capitalistic society and aim to help remove barriers for all people to access those parts of themselves. The dedication I have towards healing not only extends to people, but to our natural world as well, which is why I have been an environmental activist for the majority of my life. In my time outside of work, I enjoy practicing yoga, reading, trying different restaurants around the city, being active outside and hanging out with my dog Chula.

What do you believe exemplifies a “Champion of Change”?

A Champion of Change embodies respect, integrity, grace, compassion and courage. They are someone who knows how scary it is to make waves, to go against the norm, to ruffle feathers and does it anyway because they know it is the right thing to do. A Champion of Change is viewed by their community and peers as a leader and does not take lightly the responsibility they hold to represent the people and work they are advocating for.

How does this nomination motivate you to do more in the community?

This nomination is an incredible honor and reminds me to continue doing the work I started before embarking on the campaign trail, and serves as a reminder that there are thousands of people across the city who are hungry for change and ready to support efforts to make that change happen. I’m motivated to use the recognition and visibility to further the efforts to demand housing affordability, protect a person’s bodily autonomy, improve public transit, tackle food insecurity, prevent death and suffering during weather-related crises, and strengthen initiatives to reverse the trajectory of climate change.

Any final thoughts?

I hope that every single person recognizes their potential and ability to be a Champion of Change in their own lives. Austin is a place with abundant opportunities to get involved and, regardless of how big and daunting some problems may feel, the first step to tackling those problems is by simply starting. Pick one issue or one organization that speaks to you and attend a meeting, whether in person or virtual! No matter how powerless we are made to feel, never forget that we wake up every day and get to decide how we will use our own thoughts, words and actions, which are the only thing in this world we truly have control over.

Photo by Mariana Krueger

Tell us in three sentences what you do.

There are various avenues through which I work to advocate for, organize and strengthen my community. I work very closely with the unhoused community, especially during times of weather crises, advocate for environmental justice throughout East Austin, cultivate spaces for people who identify as women of the Global Majority can form community and exchange resources, and support the work of other nonprofits, community organizers and labor unions. As a former City Council Candidate for District 3, I also aim to stay abreast of changes happening on a municipal level to help educate and empower my community to organize and advocate for themselves in local government.

How does your business/organization champion equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community?

It is important for me to always recognize that we live in a society rooted in white supremacy, hetero-patriarchy and capitalism. I allow that recognition to dictate the way in which I operate by asking myself, “How is what I am doing working to dismantle existing systems of oppression?” This means centering lived experience, exploring ways to reduce barriers in the way of healing and always self-reflecting and noticing when my thoughts, words or actions are perpetuating these systems. I bring this with me in all spaces I enter. From social settings, to work spaces, organizing communities and especially to City Hall.

Part 1, Part 2

The DivInc. Champions of Change awards will take place on Thursday, March 2 at Distribution Hall.