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.
Shaleiah Fox, Chief Advancement Officer, Thinkery
she/her
I am a philanthropist, fundraiser, community advocate and mother of two wild humans.
What do you believe exemplifies a “Champion of Change”?
A Champion of Change is a leader driven by conviction, unapologetic about their calling to disrupt systems that create barriers to access and never stops lifting as they climb.
How does this nomination motivate you to do more in the community?
This nomination affirms that the work is necessary and that leaders all over this great city are making change. Above all, there is sweet comfort in knowing that the next Black woman is seeing me in a leadership position and saying to herself, “I can do that.” Because she can, and she will.
Photo by Riley Reed
Tell us in three sentences what your business/organization does.
Thinkery is a STEAM engine to power the imagination and a tool to unlock the boundless potential for creativity in the next generation of problem solvers. For the last 40 years, Thinkery has been Austin’s children’s museum, where children and families have cultivated a lifelong love of learning. We are leading the future of play-based STEAM learning experiences that inspire and equip all children to be confident, creative thinkers.
How does your business/organization champion equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community?
When children feel safe in educational spaces, they fall in love with learning. Thinkery has a commitment to nourish lifelong connections to learning for ALL children and families. The organization creates equitable access to the museum and education programs, fosters deep relationships with community partners and aspires to be a cultural hub where feeling you belong is paramount.
Lily Trieu, Co-Founder and Interim Executive Director, Asian Texans for Justice
she/her
I am the proud daughter of Vietnamese refugees, the co-founder of Asian Texans for Justice, and a proud Austinite. I grew up in Houston but have lived in Austin twice: once when I was an undergraduate student at UT Austin (hook’ em!) and then moving back in 2017. Being a part of this community is so important to me, which is why I’ve volunteered with organizations like Leadership Austin, New Leaders Council, Ballet Austin Guild, and now serve as a commissioner on the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission for the City of Austin. My husband (a native Austinite!) and I live in East Austin and love to travel, visit art galleries, and try new local restaurants.
What do you believe exemplifies a “Champion of Change”?
I believe a Champion of Change is a leader who is relentless in their pursuit of progress. A Champion does not seek to elevate their own voice but rather the voices of those with the most need. A Champion of Change also recognizes that our communities can continually improve and evolve towards a more just community for all.
How does this nomination motivate you to do more in the community?
To be nominated amongst some of the most inspiring leaders in Austin has truly been humbling. When I helped to start Asian Texans for Justice, we were hoping to be able to do some good in the world…no matter how small the scale. In the last year, the outpouring of community support has validated our organization. I’ve never been more steadfast in my commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion for our entire community.
Photo by Lucero Valle Archuleta (Lucero Photography)
Tell us in three sentences what your business/organization does.
Asian Texans for Justice (ATJ) is a statewide nonprofit organization committed to connecting Asian and Pacific Islander Texans to civic action to build personal and political power. We engage, educate and empower Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) to participate in elections, advocate for issues most important to our community and build coalitions across the state. We believe that all Texans should feel bold in their belonging.
How does your business/organization champion equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community?
AAPIs are the fastest-growing racial group in the United States, growing even faster in throughout Texas. We are an incredibly diverse community, made up of over 50 ethnic groups and speaking more than 100 languages. The combination of population growth and diversity means that AAPIs often require more in-language support and educational resources than are currently available. ATJ’s work focuses on ensuring we connect AAPI Texans and Austinites to local and state leaders and resources so they can experience the same quality of life as the rest of our community. This is how we can move towards our city’s vision of equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Any final thoughts?
Austin is changing so rapidly every day. When I first moved to Austin in 2004, I felt like it was such a small town. Now I barely recognize our skyline full of tall buildings and cranes. While this growth is exciting, it also makes me wonder who we might be leaving behind and how we can collectively come together to support those with the most need. DivInc’s Champions of Change Awards is a powerful way to identify people doing this work every day. I am so grateful to be included.
Diana Anzaldua, LCSW, Founder and CEO, Contigo Wellness
she/her/ella
I am a champion for change and a healing justice practitioner who believes everyone has a role in the process of healing. At 16, I was a teen mom with two small children and a high school dropout living on my own in Austin. I have personal and professional experience working with and managing complex PTSD and trauma, which is why I am passionate about connecting people to healing. I am a Texas native, award-winning Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Somatic Therapist.
I consider myself a social change activist, and it’s that fiery passion that helped me start Austin Trauma Therapy Center, a growing life-changing practice with 30 traumatologists, Registered Dietitians and other Holistic trauma-competent practitioners. Through this work and discovering the inequities in wellness, I founded Contigo Wellness, which aims to educate BIPOC Communities on the importance of healing and liberation from systemic oppression and oppressive systems through anti-racist and culturally appropriate healing. Both healing practices were created to remove the barriers of stigma in mental health, reduce intergenerational and racial trauma and disrupt cycles of violence while increasing equity in wellness.
I attended Austin Community College and received an Associate’s Degree in Psychology and went on to receive my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at St. Edward’s University and finally, my Master’s of Science in Social Work at the University of Texas in Austin. I currently serve on several boards and commissions, locally and nationally, centered in equity and mental health. In addition, I am a graduating member of Leadership Austin and professionally licensed in Nevada, North Carolina, and Texas.
What do you believe exemplifies a “Champion of Change”?
I believe a Champion of Change is someone who is passionate and relentless in creating change and movements which positively impact others and for the greatest good. Champions of Change recognize how systems have impacted and caused harm to our bodies, mind and spirit. They actively work to transform and disrupt these systems to improve relationships, connections and community. A Champion of Change is a selfless leader who inspires others without trying. They are someone who is constantly working to advance the world forward and effortlessly lead with grace, integrity and inclusivity. They are someone who fearlessly and safely provides room for others to grow.
How does this nomination motivate you to do more in the community?
We all have a responsibility to show up and leave behind a world that is better than the way we found it. Again, we believe it is everyone’s responsibility to end cycles of violence and harm to others, for future generations. This is our mission and we’ll continue to educate the community on wellness centered in liberation community and village building while simultaneously leading a healing movement to end cycles of harm and violence caused by historical trauma. We’re grateful for the moment to share our passion and mission with you all.
Photo by Carlos Gallegos
Tell us in three sentences what your business/organization does.
Contigo Wellness is a nonprofit in Austin that aims to increase equity in wellness services, connect historically marginalized communities to care centered in antiracist and decolonizing approaches and provide financial assistance for healing through the “Healing Fund.”
Through awareness and access to education, we’re increasing the availability of culturally and language-inclusive mental health care and ending cycles of violence. We believe wellness, liberation, and healing are universal rights and we’re passionate about ensuring our communities have this access.
How does your business/organization champion equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community?
We strive to put healing where the hurt happens and in historically harmed and underserved areas. We do this work by creating equitable healing spaces for historically underserved communities through our community fund. We are enhancing the lives of others through mental health equity and community mental wellness. All of our work centers on decolonizing practices and working to be inclusive, non-hierarchical and trauma-competent throughout our organization. We believe it is everyone’s responsibility to end cycles of violence and harm for future generations.
Cat Dizon, Co-founder of Active Capital
she/her
I have been a business operator for 25 years, in the technology field for 18 years and in Venture for 6 years. While my passion is to invest, build and grow startups, I also deeply care that all entrepreneurs have equal access to capital and resources to reach their potential. Women and underrepresented founders have a harder path that they have to travel to be successful so I try to be a strong source of support for them as they navigate their businesses on the journey.
What do you believe exemplifies a “Champion of Change”?
A Champion of Change is always doing more to bring attention to the right matters that need it. They are fine being the only voice in the room that will say what needs to be done and then do it. Talk is not enough for a Champion of Change. They are always ready to go first to make a difference.
How does this nomination motivate you to do more in the community?
This nomination is so meaningful to me because while I do this work to have a real impact on the entrepreneurs, I look at the others nominated in the community doing similar work and that makes my work part of something greater than myself. It validates my mission of gaining real momentum to leave a mark with staying power to make change and it encourages me to keep improving on our diversity and inclusion of our communities in new ways.
Photo by Kat Carey @darkroomfoto
Tell us in three sentences what your business/organization does.
Active Capital is a seed-stage venture firm for ambitious founders building the future of cloud infrastructure and B2B SaaS. We are founders and operators investing in today’s entrepreneurs. Through my role, I am able to have an impact in the community and help entrepreneurs reach their potential.
How does your business/organization champion equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community?
My firm allows me the position to engage with entrepreneurs before they are ready to work with Active Capital. Participating in organizations like Girls Inc. of San Antonio and Venture Lab, I can work with the youth and help them think about how to build an entrepreneurial mindset to become an entrepreneur if they have interest. As the chairman of Geekdom, San Antonio’s home where startups are born, I can support local entrepreneurs to increase their chances for success. Through this work, I intentionally focus and mentor women that are in the startup, tech and venture fields at a deeper level to ensure they feel supported and have my attention and my guidance when they need it the most.
Rachel Lauren, Chief People Officer at Dream.Org, Managing Partner at Diversified Consulting Firm
she/her/hers
I am a conscious social influencer who is passionate about racial equity, Black life, women’s rights, foster care, adoption, arts and culture. By profession, I am a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practitioner and Human Resources professional. My heart beats for my children, as such my purpose includes foster and adoption advocacy as I am a proud foster-to-adopt mother of 3. In addition to my work in the NPO and social activism space, I bring culture and entertainment to Austin in an effort to impact the quality of life for Black and Brown Austinites.
What do you believe exemplifies a “Champion of Change”?
A Champion of Change is someone who is committed to not only speaking up but showing up for changes that are needed in the communities and industries they are immersed in or interact with. A true champion is willing to fight for what is right and needed when no one else is looking and remains aware of the effect decisions can have on the communities and demographics that tend to be forgotten. A champion is a voice for the voiceless and follows words with action.
How does this nomination motivate you to do more in the community?
This nomination motivates me to keep going not because of the attention but because of the promise. I believe Champions of Change is an honor but it reminds me that visibility means a commitment to even more communities and individuals who need it. In addition, it is giving me the drive to connect with more individuals who are equally passionate about creating a future we can all be proud of.
Any final thoughts?
I am proud of the growing support women in Austin are receiving and believe this magazine is a wonderful tool to keep that momentum going. It is amazing what can be done when we support each other and lift up more than the problems but the individuals who are dedicated to finding solutions.
Photo by Carla Taylor (@ctshootsu)
Tell us in three sentences what your business/organization does.
From ending mass incarceration to stopping climate change to creating new economic opportunities in overlooked communities, Dream.org has committed to reaching across social, racial and political lines to find common ground and make lasting impact. Responsible for the First Step Act that freed over 25,000 people from prison, we continue to be a leading voice in the changes seen both in policy and community.
How does your business/organization champion equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community?
Dream.org impacts underserved communities across the nation. We exist to close prison doors and open doors of opportunity through our three verticals that are all-inclusive of policy efforts.
We consult key individuals and organizations throughout Austin, challenging their DEIB efforts, policies and practices to speak to the needs of the community itself. As a newly named tech mecca, Austin’s tech industry specifically should be built to attract and retain talent from underrepresented communities. It is our goal to make this a reality.
Katrina Tolentino, Executive Director, Naturally Network
she/her/hers
I’ve spent both my personal and professional time building community by creating and building organizations, programs, events and opportunities that connect diverse groups of people to unlock dollars and resources to create a positive impact. I think tapping into and fostering community creates sustainable relationships and solutions – Austin has been an incredible place to do that. My family moved to the United States from the Philippines in 1991 when I was 9 years old and I’ve been here ever since.
What do you believe exemplifies a “Champion of Change”?
A Champion of Change sees opportunities where others may not. We don’t wait for those opportunities to come. We create and build them. Community is at the heart of what we do because great ideas can’t succeed without human and financial support, so it’s also about helping others see the opportunity to create win-win solutions.
How does this nomination motivate you to do more in the community?
Nominations like these are incredibly important because it sheds light on the work and the impact we hope to make and empowers us to expand who we can invite to rebuild the table! It’s incredibly hard but knowing that we are making a difference is motivating.
Photo by Buster Jetter, Jetter Photography
Tell us in three sentences what your business/organization does.
Naturally Network is the national membership industry organization for natural, organic and better-for-you consumer goods. We have nine chapters across the country that anchor our ecosystem, including Naturally Austin, which I also formally served as executive director. We convene the industry to anchor the community and provide networking and educational resources to help our stakeholders succeed. All of our efforts are rooted in conscious business practices so we can foster better outcomes for all people and the planet.
How does your business/organization champion equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community?
During my time at Naturally Austin, I launched the M/O Fellowship, a program serving early-stage underrepresented founders, and scaled that program nationally as executive director of the Naturally Network. This fellowship program exists to level the playing field for founders and small business owners of color in the industry. In just 18 months, we served 100 founders of color in the industry. Concentrating on early-stage underrepresented founders is incredibly important for creating a path to success in the industry because of the high cost of entry. Both financial as well as industry-specific knowledge. We focused on business foundations specific to the industry and helped our Fellows access and meaningfully connect to industry experts and leaders to create actionable improvements that they could implement immediately. The goal is to serve as many founders as we can, regardless of category, prior experience or track record of success.
Dr. Elizabeth Medina, Civil Air Patrol, Chief Diversity Officer
she/her/hers
I am a native of Beaumont, Texas, and currently reside in Pflugerville, Texas with my husband Omar and daughter Isabelle. I hold a Ph.D. and M.A. in Sociology and a BA in Sociology and Psychology with close to two decades of experience in the work of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Social Justice. Prior to joining the Civil Air Patrol team, I transitioned from my role as the first Chief Diversity Officer at Concordia University Texas to my most recent position as the inaugural Inclusion & Accountability Director for Everly Health. I am passionate about supporting, empowering and uplifting underrepresented, underserved, under-resourced and underestimated communities through creating diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible environments and experiences.
What do you believe exemplifies a “Champion of Change”?
I believe that a core characteristic of individuals who work to champion change, specifically related to diversity, equity and inclusion, is the ability to recognize, understand and embrace the fact that the work is a life-long journey and not a destination to arrive at ultimately.
How does this nomination motivate you to do more in the community?
It reminds me that the work I am doing from my place and space is making an impact, which is reaffirming, particularly when it can be very challenging to stay the course and keep myself and others accountable to diversity, equity and inclusion as an authentic commitment.
Any final thoughts?
I am both humbled and honored to be nominated and in the company of other DEI practitioners who I respect and admire greatly.
Tell us in three sentences what your business/organization does.
Everly Health is a digital health company at the forefront of the virtual diagnostics-driven care industry and a pioneer of telehealth and at-home lab testing. It has created a new kind of health care experience that’s centered around people. Its infrastructure guides the full testing experience with the support of a national clinician network composed of hundreds of physicians, nurses, genetic counselors, pharmacists and member care specialists as a proven, trusted blueprint for offering better care for better health.
Civil Air Patrol is an organization committed to service through search and rescue, disaster relief and homeland security. Founded to mobilize the nation’s civilian aviation resources for national defense service, it has evolved into a premier public service organization. Its members selflessly devote their time, energy and expertise toward the well-being of their communities, while also helping shape future leaders through its cadet program and promoting aviation and related fields through Aerospace and STEM-focused education.
How does your business/organization champion equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community?
Through my respective leadership roles within both companies and organizations, I have been able to effectively identify community partners for collaboration on a range of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts that both indirectly and directly impact our local community.
Marissa Rivera, Founder and CEO, Ola Wellness; Director of Partnerships, _OFCOLOR
she/her/ella
I am a queer Indigenous Tejana who’s proudly called Austin home for 20+ years. As the founder of Ola Wellness, a private psychotherapy practice serving Austin’s LGBTQ+ communities of Color, my clinical work is focused on supervising early career therapists and helping clients navigate anxiety, grief, loss, life transitions and trauma. I believe creativity, community and movement are essential components of healing. This belief informs my philanthropic endeavors as Director of Partnerships for _OFCOLOR and as a member of the Board of Directors for The SIMS Foundation.
What do you believe exemplifies a “Champion of Change”?
While education and awareness are important components of creating change, the process by which a mission or set of values becomes part of lived experience is through a cycle of action-reflection-action. A Champion of Change engages in this cycle (aka Praxis) thoughtfully, with accountability and in community. My Tía, Jovita Idar, set this standard of Champion for my family throughout her life as she publicly challenged the U.S. government and Texas Rangers, and built communities actively engaged in creating change.
How does this nomination motivate you to do more in the community?
To have my vast and varied work in the Austin community acknowledged after many years offers me hope that other individuals I’ve done this work alongside will also have opportunities to rise and receive their flowers while we are all living. I will continue to do this work to heal my ancestors’ wounds and to create a more equitable, diverse, inclusive and just world for future generations.
Any final thoughts?
I am deeply grateful to be nominated and recognized alongside so many incredible leaders. Regardless of the outcome of this nomination, I invite folks to reach out for more conversation and opportunities to support _OFCOLOR and SIMS Foundation.
Photo by Mary Murphy
Tell us in three sentences what your business/organization does.
Ola Wellness is a private psychotherapy practice rooted in Liberation Psychology and offers clinical supervision, as well as individual and group therapy. _OFCOLOR is an arts alliance dedicated to helping creatives of Color showcase their talents, grow professionally and find community. SIMS Foundation provides mental health and recovery services to Austinites in the music industry and their families, in addition to providing harm reduction education to music venues and the public.
How does your business/organization champion equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community?
As a therapist, I create space for intergenerational healing and empower clients and communities throughout their process of acknowledging and dismantling external and internalized forms of white supremacy, colonialism and imperialism. In my role as Director of Partnerships for _OFCOLOR, I invite businesses and organizations to put their DEI missions into direct action so that creatives of color receive the space and funding they need in order to tell the stories and histories of Austin that their art carries. Finally, as a director at SIMS Foundation, I help ensure mental health and recovery services are provided for free to the music industry folks who are the heartbeat of the Live Music Capital of the World.
Rockie Gonzalez, Deputy Director, Austin Justice Coalition
she/her
I serve as the Deputy Director for Austin Justice Coalition and I’ve been an abortion funder and advocate for over a decade. I’ve transitioned my career path from front-line organizing to movement building and operations because I believe that systems created and transformed by us, for us, are key to equitable movement infrastructure. I am from the Rio Grande Valley and have been living in Austin for 20 years. I am an Indigenous Chicana, a Libra, a traditionalist and practitioner of Danza Azteca. I aim to incorporate ancestral knowledge and teachings into all of my work. The theme of all my work lies at the intersection of care and rigor. I am driven by the desire for excellence and a passion for justice and liberation.
What do you believe exemplifies a “Champion of Change”?
I believe that the concept of a “Champion of Change” is rooted in trailblazing for justice. A Champion of Change takes the path less traveled, experiments and inspires others. A Champion of Change is a leader, a mentor and a student who understands that they are standing on the shoulders of those who have come before them and a bridge builder for those who will come after.
How does this nomination motivate you to do more in the community?
Being nominated for the Non-Profit Leader of the Year award inspires me to want to share more about movement infrastructure and anti-racist operations with others whose values are aligned. It makes me want to offer support to others looking to build or transform systems. The nomination is also encouraging me to pause and reflect more deeply on how my work has evolved.
Any final thoughts?
While I have received some recognition for my work over the last couple of years, I have never been nominated for or received an award of this caliber. I am grateful to the body of leaders who agreed to consider me and to those who said my name in the room. I am honored to have been nominated alongside this incredible group of trailblazers.
Photo by Joseph Coleman
Tell us in three sentences what your business/organization does.
Austin Justice Coalition provides leadership and vision for racial and criminal justice in Austin, Texas, and beyond. We break molds through our activism, organizing and advocacy work. We develop leadership and demonstrate how nonprofit organizations can operate boldly in service to our communities and those we serve.
How does your business/organization champion equity, inclusion and belonging in the Austin community?
Austin Justice Coalition is a 100% BIPOC staff and board that partners with and serves community members and organizations of many shapes and sizes. We offer leadership when it comes to building racial equity in Austin through our organizing and advocacy work. From police accountability to housing and education, we are a leading voice and model for developing strategies and processes that lead to a more equitable Austin.
The DivInc. Champions of Change awards will take place on Thursday, March 2 at Distribution Hall.