Welcome to Austin Woman magazine’s inaugural Change Makers List, comprised of woman- and femme-identifying folks who are making significant and intentional strides to uplift Austin’s community. This list represents phenomenal names in business, tech, art, activism, C-suite, education and professional development, as well as people elected to seats of influence by the community, for the community. This list is by no means exhaustive. However, we at Austin Woman have found that the unfortunate norm on lists like this is a significant lack of women-identifying people and people of color.
While unfortunately we can’t list each and every phenomenal woman-identified person in Austin, we sincerely hope this is the start of something magical: A list that showcases the array of Austin womxn from all walks of life, all professional backgrounds, all passions, visions and experiences, with one thing in common—they are creating impact in our great city, even if they are rarely recognized for doing so. Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not happening all around you. We hope that this list brings you hope—and builds confidence in the generation of womxn change makers to come.
Change Makers: The Arts
These women-identified creatives are redefining the landscape of the arts in Austin. They combine varied experiences, talents, industries and a common red thread of passion to continue to cultivate and nurture the true artistic spirit of Austin and push it beyond the confines of the slogan “Live Music Capital of the World.”
Christine Albert, CEO
Swan Songs
Artist, entrepreneur, singer-songwriter
and leader
Rubina Anjum, Artist & CEO
Rubina Art Gallery
Creating satellite imagery-inspired artworks; inaugural Artist-in-Residence at ABIA
Elizabeth Avellan, Vice President; President
Troublemaker Studios;
EYA Productions
Film producer and co-founder/co-owner
of Troublemaker Studios
Jann Baskett, Co-President
SXSW
Co-President and CBO of SXSW;
supporting co-conspirator at Yard Dog Art
Chris Cowden, Executive Director
Women & Their Work
Best job in the world: director of
Women & Their Work
Mela Sarajane Dailey, CEO
American Artists Project
Grammy-winning performer, producer
and national nonprofit CEO
Bertha Delgado, Co-Founder, Art Curator, Art Activist, Executive Director
Arte Texas Inc.
Native Chicana East Austin resident with
numerous awards for preserving cultural art
Mama Duke, Recording Artist & Songwriter
Triple Whammy Records
Recording Academy member and an award-winning artist
Amanda Johnston, Founder & Executive Director
Torch Literary Arts
Passionate artist and leader amplifying
Black women writers at Torch
Francés Jones, Esq., Founder
Visionary Law Firm
Experienced trademark law firm empowering visionary founders making social impact
Lurleen Ladd, Founder
Wavemakers Women in Music
Singer/songwriter sharing music, improving the industry for women 40+
Beili Liu, Artist; Professor
Beili Liu Studio; UT Austin
Artist, Carnegie Fellow, Pollock Prize Awardee, Fulbright Distinguished Arctic Chair
sharon maidenberg, Executive Director & CEO
The Contemporary Austin
Executive director and CEO at The Contemporary Austin
Nagavalli Medicharla, Singer/Composer, Music/Arts
advocate
nagavalli.com
Singer/composer, first AAPI Music Commission Chair, Mayor’s Arts Commission appointee, D&I advocate
Barbara Morgan, CEO
Austin Film Festival/On Story
Co-Founder/CEO of Austin Film Festival and Executive Producer of On Story
Sylvia Orozco, Executive Director
Mexic-Arte Museum
Artist, curator, co-founder and executive director of the official Mexican and Mexican American museum, Mexic-Arte
p1nkstar, Artist & Musician
Ur Fav Electr0nic Pop Superstar
China Smith, Founding Artistic Director
Ballet Afrique
Pioneers youth development in ballet with African cultural fusion
Heidi Marquez Smith, CEO
Texas Cultural Trust
Community and nonprofit leader,
experienced public servant
tk tunchez, CEO & Creative Director
Las Ofrendas & Frida Friday ATX
Award-winning CEO, community builder and creative entrepreneur
Ashley White Fryer, Founder/Principal & Co-Chair
Ashley White Public
Relations & Women in Music Austin Chapter
20-plus-year veteran of music and entertainment PR
Change Makers: Corporate Power Players
The corporate rock stars on this list have truly elevated the game in each of their respective industries. They’ve not just broken through the glass ceiling; they’ve utterly obliterated it, reaching down through the rubble to bring up other women-identified professionals in their wake. Imposter syndrome, where? You won’t see any imposters here!
Amber Bradbury, Global Site Strategy & Operations
Visionary leader and architect of
equitable change
Heather Brunner, CEO
WP Engine
CEO of unicorn technology company that’s tripled in size since 2018
Evonne Delaney, Chief Human Resource Officer
Yeti
Twenty-plus-year HR professional focusing on empowering talent engines in dynamic organizations
Tamara Fields, Office Managing Director
Accenture
Business veteran helping better serve clients with creative, strategic and transformative solutions
Melanie Fish, Head of Global PR
Expedia Group
Travel expert appearing on national broadcasts to share tips, trends and travel news
Cathy Harm, VP of Central Texas
H-E-B
Inspires, empowers and develops female leaders to significant leadership roles
within the community
Thai Lee, CEO & President
SHI International
5 on Forbes‘ list of the Richest Self-Made Women
Leticia Mendoza, Director of Marketing & Communications
Texas Disposal Systems
Creative, compassionate, results-oriented leader with a demonstrated history of
building strong community partnerships
Cate Prescott, Chief People Officer & Senior Vice President
NI
25-year international CHRO driving growth across industrial, retail, distribution,
manufacturing and tech industries
Alison Roscoe, Senior Vice President, Corporate Partnerships
Austin FC
Highly experienced leader with an exceptional record of commitment in sports
Dionn Schaffner, Chief Diversity Officer
Bonterra
Discovering and implementing ways to enable opportunities for those who have systemically lacked access
Rosandra Silveira, Global Consumer Sales SVP
Dell Technologies
L500 board director, “Most Powerful Latina Class of 2023,” diversity advocate
Rose Stuckey Kirk, CEO
Verizon
Award-winning journalist; executive producer of Without A Net: The Digital Divide in America
Lisa Su, CEO
AMD
Loves semiconductors, solving problems, challenges and pushing innovation
Perri Travillion, Austin Community Investments
Senior Manager
Spurs Sports & Entertainment
Respected professional, passionate about the impact of sports in our community
Jennifer Warren, VP, Global Brand Marketing & Creative
Indeed
Innovative global marketing leader, advancing better work for all
Whitney Wolfe Herd, Executive Chair
Bumble
More dedicated than ever to advancing gender equality and putting an end to misogyny
Elsa Zambrano, SVP, Global Talent and Cultures
NXP Semiconductors
Developed and implemented flexible work and well-being strategies addressing effects of the pandemic on NXP’s global workforce
Change Makers: Education
The women-identified education professionals on this list have dedicated their lives to ensuring that every Austinite gets the tools and resources they need and deserve. With their gazes ever toward the future, they are creating pathways for more brilliant minds to further elevate the Austin community.
Rosemary Cavazos, Program Specialist
Capital IDEA
Second-gen family and education advocate, with more than two decades of service
Judith Dullnig, Founder
Women’s Storybook Project
Founder of a nonprofit that connects children with their incarcerated mothers through the joy of literature
Shaleiah Fox, Chief Campaign Officer
Thinkery
Fundraiser, philanthropist and community advocate uplifting professional and personal success of women and communities of color
Montserrat Fuentes, Ph.D., President
St. Edward’s University
24th president of St. Edward’s University, the first Hispanic and second female president
Kassi Kincaid, Founder and Program Director
Book Days
Children’s literacy pioneer, inspiring global creativity and career transformation
Dr. Kristi Kirk, Provost
Concordia University
First woman provost in Concordia University’s 100-year history
Monica M. Martinez, Associate Professor
UT Austin
Award-winning author, educator and public historian; helped secure four state historical markers along the US-Mexico border
Linda Medina-Lopez, Executive Director
Pflugerville Education Foundation
Mission-driven executive director of Pflugerville Education Foundation
Deirdre Mendez, Director, Center for Global Business
McCombs School of Business
Intercultural consultant, speaker and author helping U.S. companies identify and resolve culturally based problems
Tara Miko Ballentine, Founder
Bright Littles
Award-winning entrepreneur, parenting change maker, preparing the next generation
Lillian Mills, Dean
McCombs School of Business
First female dean of the McCombs School
of Business
Julie Mueller, Campus President
Universal Technical
Institute Austin Campus
Ambassador for women in the skilled trades and STEAM careers
MacKenzie Price, Co-Founder
Alpha School & 2hr Learning
Revolutionizing K-12 education through AI learning and life skills development
Lesley Robinson, Founding Director
Kendra Scott Women’s
Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute, University of Texas
Empowering founders to find the best path to their destinations
Dr. Ana María Tekina-eirú Maynard, Founding Executive & Artistic Director
Puerto Rican Cultural Center
Nature’s clarity coach, master-certified spiritual life & dreamwork coach (ICF Trained)
Brooke Turner, Vice President of STEAM Learning
Thinkery
Award-winning change catalyst for lasting outcomes through education and entrepreneurship
Monique Umphrey, Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor
of Academic & Student Affairs
Austin Community College
Passionate provost, Dr. Umphrey masters data, innovation and systemic change
Dr. Melva K. Williams, President & CEO
Huston-Tillotson
University
President and CEO of the largest
private HBCU in Texas
Change Makers: Elected Officials & Chamber Leaders
These elected officials and leaders of the various Austin Chambers of Commerce strive to give their all for the community that put them in their positions, positions they revere with the utmost respect. They truly embody the sentiment “by the people, for the people.”
Alison Alter, Council Member
City of Austin
Tough, proven leader fighting for a safe, green, resilient ATX
Tina Cannon, CEO
Austin LGBT Chamber
of Commerce
Longtime community leader, savvy politico and recovering entrepreneur
Sheryl Cole, Representative
Texas House of
Representatives
Champion for civil rights and greater economic opportunity for all
Paige Ellis, Mayor Pro Tem & Council Member
City of Austin
Mayor Pro Tem and City Councilmember representing Southwest Austin
Lulu Flores, Representative
Texas House of
Representatives
Latina, attorney, community advocate, leader, honesty, integrity, tenacious, fighter
Vanessa Fuentes, Council Member
City of Austin
Policymaker focused on making Austin a better community for all
Vikki Goodwin, Representative
Texas House of
Representatives
Texas State House Representative
District 47
Natasha Harper-Madison, Council Member
City of Austin
Speaker, mobility advocate,
multi-passionate social entrepreneur and innovative problem-solver
Tam Hawkins, President & CEO
Greater Austin Black
Chamber of Commerce
Passionate about civic engagement on local, national and international levels
Gina Hinojosa, Representative
Texas House of
Representatives
Leader on environmental policy, fierce defender of Austin’s local control, proudly serving the constituents of District 49
Donna Howard, Representative
Texas House of
Representatives
Ten-term state legislator, women’s health champion and Lawnchair Lady
Mackenzie Kelly, Council Member
City of Austin
Austin native, volunteer firefighter, police advocate and health care worker, embracing a lifetime of public service
Tara Levy, Interim Executive Director
Austin Young Chamber
Engaging partner, facilitator and
problem-solver; nonprofit strategist, teacher and guide
Monica Muñoz Andry, President & CEO
Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Activator, connector and champion for the Latino business community
Leslie Pool, Mayor Pro Tem & Council Member
City of Austin
Policymaker focused on Austin’s resilience, sustainability, attainable housing and transportation
Change Makers: Fashion, Beauty & Design
While it’s true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the women-identified creatives on this list want every person they work with to truly feel that they are a beauty to behold. Their passion for fashion (beauty and design) is evident in the lives they touch. They are truly making the city a little more gorgeous, one Austinite at a time.
Vanessa Barendt, Owner
Camouflaged
It’s about so much more than just an aesthetic treatment
Nina Berenato, Owner
Nina Berenato Jewelry
Traditional metalsmith and owner of Austin-based all-woman jewelry shop
Yazmin Castañeda, Founder
Origin Mexico
Woman-Owned Business of the Year 2022, Women’s Way Finalist 2023
Anais Cruz, Co-Owner
Piel Morena
Business owner and community engagement and communications professional
Karina Drake, Owner
Alexa James Baby
On a mission to create a space that inspires creativity, warmth and joy
Anne Drane, Co-founder & CEO
SAWA SAWA
Empowering women in Africa to create change through fashion craftsmanship
Amber Glassman, Co-founder & CEO
Bryan Anthonys
Experienced entrepreneur, designer and writer empowering others to share their
own story
Martha Lynn Kale, Founder & Owner
Mirror Mirror Salon
Award-winning salon owner, hairstylist, mentor and industry innovator
Nina Means, Founder & Director
ACC Fashion Incubator, CADRE Innovation
Global fashion designer, creative director, fashion technology startup executive, mom
Raeka Morar, Founder & CEO
Raeka Beauty
Seasoned entrepreneur and creator, elevating beauty with passion and expertise
Chelle Neff, Founder
Urban Betty Salon
CEO and founder of the award-winning Urban Betty Salon
Asma Parvez, Founder
Styled by Asma LLC
Empowering Muslim women through personalized styling, fostering confidence, embracing visibility
Karen Helton Pawanda, Owner/Makeup Artist/Brow Specialist
Kiss N’ Makeup, LLC
Austin’s original brow-shaping and natural makeup artistry; 25 years of experience
Conni Reed, Founder & CEO
Consuela
Austin-based artist whose design
philosophy is The Art of the Unmatched
Loreal Sarkisian, Wardrobe Stylist, Designer &
Philanthropist
Loreal Luciana LLC, Styled by Loreal LLC, XOLO Foundation
Wardrobe stylist, designer of Loreal Luciana, CEO of XOLO
Kendra Scott, Founder & Chief Creative Officer
Kendra Scott
Continues to lead her billion-dollar company on the foundation of three core pillars:
Family, Fashion and Philanthropy
Courtney Shields, Founder & Chief Creative Officer
Dibs Beauty
Mom, entrepreneur and self-proclaimed pro at finding the silver lining
Camille Styles, Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Camille Styles
Founder and editor-in-chief of leading lifestyle digital publication
Ruby Sulter, Co-Founder
B.D.F.O. Lifestyle
Championing women to lead their “Bold.Determined.Fierce.Outstanding” lifestyle
Tabria Williford, Founder
Tawa Threads Co.
Etsy Design Award finalist advocating for outdoor inclusivity through nature-inspired designs
Tiffany Wilson, Owner
29Eleven The Salon
Textured-hair specialist, salon success coach, owner of top five salon
Change Makers: Finance
It’s not just about money with these titans of finance. It’s about ensuring that every person gets the resources, support and, yes, financial backing they need to make their own dreams come true. In breaking boundaries in the finance sector, they’ve allowed others to do the same in their respective industries.
Dru Armstrong, CEO
AffiniPay
Customer-focused CEO, with extensive experience in running high-growth software organizations
Sara T. Brand & Kerry Rupp, General Partners
True Wealth Ventures
Venture capital investors of women-led companies improving environmental or human health
Belem Davila-Rodriguez, IRS-registered tax preparer
Taxomatic-o LLC
Assists taxpayers and small businesses with taxes in Austin and the surrounding
communities
Claire England, Investment Partner
GPG Ventures
Seasoned venture capital investor and executive, Kauffman Fellow, native Austinite
Pam Friedman, Managing Director & Principal
Robertson Stephens
Grows, protects and provides financial advice to women in divorce
Raquel Garcia, Marketing Director
UFCU
Marketing executive. Brand ambassador. Community builder
Luisa Gavino-Martinez, Commercial Banking Market Leader
PNC Financial Services Group
Commercial banking executive. Stanford graduate. Latina. Mother. Wife. Community leader
Claire Harrison, Market President
Texas Capital Bank
Strategic advisor developing new client opportunities and Texas Capital Bank’s growth
Cheremma Lee, AVP Spend Life Wisely Ambassador/Executive Director
First United Bank/
Unabridged Academy
Champion for creating positive social impact and executing big dreams
Dr. Oksama Malysheva, Managing Partner/CEO
Sputnik ATX
VC Investor; bullish on Austin; lifetime learner; physicist in business; Forbes 50/50
Yvonne McGill, CFO
Dell
Founding member and current global sponsor of Women in Action, enabling women to grow and thrive at Dell
Allegra Moet Brantly, Founder & CEO
Factora Wealth
Teaching women how to build wealth and invest confidently
Carla Molina, Head of US External Communications and Austin Market Executive
Bank of America
Leads U.S. external communications and Austin community engagement
Ashley Phillips, VP of Development
JUST Community
20 years at the intersection of money and meaning
Malini Rajput, Market President
Capital One
Motivated leader that thrives on success, communication and collaboration
Paola Retes & Addie Olsen Rasche
Co-Leads
Austin Women in VC
Co-leads
Angela Shaw, Senior Vice President of Talent
Amplify Credit Union
Award-winning senior vice president of Talent
Michelle Yeh Gillis, Managing Director & Market Executive
J.P. Morgan
Leads the Technology & Disruptive Commerce team for Texas in the commercial bank
Change Makers: Food & Beverage
If the way to one’s heart is through the stomach, then you should fall head-over-heels for the food and beverage rock stars on this list. Staples and upstarts alike, these women-identified connesieurs of all things delectible have changed the game in the food and beverage industries, making their marks in a city absolutely bursting with remarkable talent.
Aberdeem, Baker/Pastry Chef
Street Sweets
Latina-owned dessert truck owner and pastry chef
Kendall Antonelli, Founder & Co-Owner
Antonelli’s Cheese
Award-winning small-business founder and speaker, on a mission to spread joy through cheese
Gabriela Bucio, Owner
Gabriela’s Group
One of the city’s most popular and fast-growing restaurant management groups
Krystal Craig, Co-Founder and Managing Chef
Intero and Poeta
Native Austinite, award-winning chocolatier, pastry chef and managing co-owner of Intero and Poeta
Iliana de la Vega, Chef
El Naranjo
2022 James Beard Award-winning owner of traditional Mexican restaurant El Naranjo in Austin
Tania DeGregorio, Co-Owner
St. Cecilia Soda Co.
Co-Owner of a local women-owned, small-batch, damn delicious sugar-free sparkling water company
Allison Ellsworth, Founder & Chief of Brand
Poppi
Brand, creative and vision leader at Poppi; social strategist
Regina Estrada, General Manager
Joe’s Bakery &
Coffee Shop, Inc.
James Beard America’s Classic Winner and East Austin original community-focused small business
Kelly Gasink, Co-Founder
Austin Cocktails
Co-founder of four successful businesses, three sold to publicly traded companies
Stephanie Houston, CEO
Island Getaway Rum
CEO and co-founder of America’s first Latina-owned production distillery
Margaret Jabour, Owner & Executive VP
Twin Liquors
Texas Businesswoman of the Year, awarded by the Woman’s Chamber of Commerce Texas
Claudia Lee, Owner & Partner
Underdog
Managing partner and owner of Underdog ATX
Camila McConaughey, Co-Founder
Pantalones
The woman behind premium organic tequila
Farrah Moussallati Sibai, Co-Founder & President
Afia Foods
Visionary brand founder bringing Mediterranean food to U.S. shoppers
Jen D. Rodriguez, Founder, Executive Chef & Owner
3 small plates LLC
Master flavorsmith of chef-curated culinary travel experiences around the world
Deepa Shridhar, Chef & Owner
Sicc Palette
South Indian Texan chef and media personality
Denise Silverman, Executive Director
Wine & Food Foundation
Invests in the wine and food community through education, appreciation and
enjoyment
Amanda Turner, Chef de Cuisine
Olamaie
Rising star chef Amanda Turner
Maritza & Reyna Vazquez, Founders
Veracruz All Natural
Award-winning Austin staple
Sharon Watkins, President
Chez Zee American Bistro
Founder and president of City of Austin Iconic Austin Legacy Restaurant, Award winner
Rania Zayyat, Founder & President
Lift Collective
Aka the Wine Director, managing partner of Bufalina Pizza and Palm Pizza
Change Makers: Health & Wellness
It’s no surprise there are so many incredible women-indentified professionals in the health and wellness industry. The natural urge to nurture takes on a transcendental nature in the gifted hands and hearts of those on this list. Each one here has dedicated their life to ensuring that everyone in Austin can live theirs to the fullest.
Dr. Sharita Ambrose & La’Toya Swan
Founders
Allure Alliance Inc.
We make Black women our business through holistic health education
Abena Asante, Senior Program Officer
St. David’s Foundation
Passionate advocate for community health improvement
Dr. Omerine Aseh, Board-certified Family Medicine Physician; Best Selling Author & Keynote Speaker on Anxiety and Corporate Wellness
You First Anxiety and Wellness
Board-certified family medicine physician
Krista Bergeron, Owner
Austin Simply Fit
Owner of Austin’s premier personal training studio
Denise Bradley, Vice President, Marketing & Corporate Affairs
St. David’s HealthCare
Marketing and corporate affairs strategist for nationally acclaimed health system
Maria Brown-Spence, CEO
Hearts2Heal
Fosters inclusive grief support and mental health programs, eradicating stigma
Julia Cheek, Founder & CEO
Everly Health
Reached $1 billion-plus valuation four years from launch by building the future of diagnostic care in Austin
Dara Chike-Obi, CSO & Dr. Lydia Contreras, CEO
Griö
Co-Founders of the award-winning Griö baby bottles
Dr. Nicole Cross, News Anchor/National Mental Health Correspondent
Spectrum News
Multiple Emmy Award-winning journalist and Ph.D.-level psychotherapist
Ally Davidson, Founder & CEO
Camp Gladiator
Wife and mom to three kids, 2020 Inc. Top 100 Female Founder, American Gladiator champion
Sarah Jones Simmer, CEO
Found
CEO of Found, transforming how our society treats, manages and talks about weight
Blanca Lesmes, Co-Founder & CEO
BB Imaging l TeleScan
CEO addressing maternal-fetal outcomes utilizing ultrasound technology
Dr. Claudia F. Lucchinetti, Dean
Dell Medical School
Heading up Dell Medical school’s work in education, research and clinical care
Cherie Mathews, Founder & CEO
healincomfort
Award-winning inventor, helping 40,000-plus patients throughout the U.S., Canada and U.K. heal after mastectomy surgery
An Pham, Founder & Managing Director
One of the Kids
Autism mom, founder, mentor, fostering positive change for autism therapy
Natalie Sanders, CEO
Bodyposibarre
Barre instructor focusing on joyful movement and fat liberation
Elaine Shi, Co-Founder & Co-CEO
BodySpec
Making preventative health easy and pleasant for everyone
Amy Sweet, CEO
Halcyon Home
Award-winning health care CEO with a passion for helping people
Change Makers: Housing
It’s no secret that housing insecurity is a major cause for concern in this great city. The women-identified professionals on this list have taken the issue to heart, and in thier capable hands have given hope to those who want, need and deserve a safe place to lay their heads at night or to securely conduct their own businesses.
Michele Anderson, CEO
Habitat for Humanity
Helping further Austin Habitat’s mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope
Ellen Beaman, CEO
CasaBella Architects, Inc.
Chief of hustlin’ and keeping people happy at the family firm
Emily Chenevert, CEO
Austin Board of Realtors
CEO for a 20,000-plus member
organization
Iris Davis-Quick, Marketing Manager & Dolores Guerrero Davis, Owner & General Manager
CG&S Design-Build
CG&S Design-Build does more than fix houses; they make houses whole
Kenda Dawwami, Co-founder & Co-President
Constructinople
Austin-based entrepreneur and real estate expert
Yvette Flores, Co-Founder/Board Chair
Realty Austin/Habitat for Humanity Austin
The brains and heart of Realty Austin
Briana Lacey-King, Mortgage Loan Officer
AMP Lending
Top producing loan officer, funding homeowners and first-time investors
Megan Lasch, Owner & President
O-SDA Industries
Austin 40 Under 40 Finalist for three consecutive years
Meagan McCoy Jones, President & CEO
McCoy’s Building Supply
Austin-based entrepreneur and real estate expert
Diane Skellenger, Founder & CEO
Skelly Build
Award-winning woman-owned
Austin-based construction company
Jolsna John Thomas, Esq., President
The Rosendin Foundation
Rosendin Foundation president inspiring construction of the future
Lezlie Tram Le, Founder, Commercial Broker
& Developer
LT Commercial Group
Entrepreneur turned CEO supporting business owners in commercial real estate
Change Makers: Nonprofit
Austin’s resiliency, drive and sense of community shines through brightest with the woman-identified leaders of its nonprofit organizations. These beacons of community impact are digging in with their hands and feet to ensure the city continues to foster real equity, generosity and hope for those Austinites who are underrepresented and deserve their voices to be heard.
Stephanie Bazan, Executive Director
Generation SERVE
Award-winning leader, mom, community advocate, philanthropist and public speaker
Paula Bookidis, CEO
Girl Scouts of Central Texas
Preparing girls for a lifetime of leadership
Destiny Brown, President
Austin Area Urban League Young Professionals
Leads community empowerment, advocacy in Austin focusing on equity, development
Chelsea Elliott, Founder & Executive Director
half Helen
Resilient and tenacious leader helping people see their world clearly
Phyllis Everette, Founder & CEO
Saffron Trust Women
Foundation
Nonprofit executive, community leader, women’s health care advocate
Demetria George Caston, Executive Director
Impact Austin
Leads nonprofit strategy and fosters impactful partnerships to empower communities
Andrea Herrera Moreno, Executive Director
Texas Alliance for
Minorities in Engineering
Connector who believes in our collective power and mutual responsibility
Jane Hervey, Founding Director, Creative Producer
Future Front Texas
Award-winning creative producer and accidental nonprofit founder
Gabriela Kane Guardia, Executive Director
Latinitas
Nonprofit executive, STEAM advocate, Texans for the Arts board member
Andra Liemandt, Founder & CEO
The Kindness Campaign
CEO of The Kindness Campaign, creator of KindGym, emotional health speaker and author
Bessy Martinez, Founder & CEO
Austin Latinas Unidas,
The Latina Foundation
Creative CEO and founder empowering Latina women through leadership, advocacy and community initiatives
Julie McElrath, President & Chief Cause Officer
Clean Cause Foundation
Envisions a world where everyone with a substance-use disorder has what they need on their recovery journey
Raasin McIntosh, Founder/Vice President
Raasin in the Sun/
Downtown Austin Alliance
Visionary, philanthropist and curator of all things public art and creative placemaking
Dr. Johanna Moya
Fábregas, Executive Director
Con Mi MADRE
Passionate nonprofit community leader and education warrior
Susan Ramirez, Founder & CEO
National Angels
Speaker, wife, boy mom, full-time advocate, believer, achiever, blessed
Lindsey Sanders, Director of Development
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas
On a mission to make the world a better place through helping others
Debbie Tate, Chief Development Officer
Center for Child Protection
Children’s advocacy center and sole nonprofit in Travis County involved in the investigation of crimes against children
LisaBeth Thomas, Founder
Not on Our Watch TX
Award-winning producer and speaker determined to protect our kids
Mikaila Ulmer, Founder & Head of Outreach
Healthy Hive Foundation
Student, published author, social entrepreneur, 2023 AfroTech Future of Tech honoree
Cherelle VanBrakle, Community Advocate & Director of Model Community
United Way for Greater Austin
Equity-focused leader driving social change through community engagement and
strategic partnerships
Lourdes G. Zuniga, Founder & Executive Director
Financial Health
Pathways
Award-winning humanitarian leader, Presidential Leadership Scholar and UNICEF Ambassador
Change Makers: Personal & Professional Development
If you’re looking for an opportunity to better yourself personally or to elevate professionally, look no further than the women-identified professionals on this list. Each one will most certainly guide you on your journey to personal and/or professional evolution.
Kim Anthony, Founder & CEO
Single Moms Society
Trailblazing CEO founding Single Moms Society, empowering nationwide single parents
Dr. Seema Desai, Founder & CEO
Seema Desai Coaching and Consulting
Helps ambitious leaders go from busy and overwhelmed to productive and fulfilled
Laura Donnelly, Nonprofit Founder & Consultant
The Radical Consultant
Uses 20-plus years of experience to develop more avenues toward media and tech equity through collaboration and
mentoring
Vaishali Jadhav, Founder
Mandalight Learning
Executive leadership facilitator leveraging experience at Gallup and Whole Foods
Vasavi Kumar, Founder
Say It Out Loud
Author of SAY IT OUT LOUD
Emlyn Lee, Founder & Community Collaborator
BRAVE Communities
Community-builder. Social entrepreneur. Travel enthusiast. Justice, equity and
inclusion co-conspirator.
Venus Piñeyro De Hoyos, Founder & CEO
SafeSpace Plus & The
Inclusion Plus Institute
Latina equity strategist creating safe spaces for innovation and progress
Jenny Remington, Career Growth & Self-Care Coach
Jenny Remington Coaching
Rediscover your path, reignite your career and reconnect with you
Krizel Rodriguez, Founder & CEO
Leading Lady Network & Hola Sis
Visionary leader, entrepreneur and TEDx speaker championing women’s leadership
Julie Shannan, Founder
Big Mission Consulting
Innovator dedicated to building strong nonprofits that make a measurable impact
Rose Smith, Founder & CEO
Black Women In Business
Award-winning CEO of Black Women In Business, coach and community champion
Dr. Shauna T. Sobers, CEO & Leadership Educator
shaunatsobers Leadership Consulting
Author, TEDx speaker, strengths-based coach, intercultural communication specialist
Tanya Tarr, Behavioral Scientist
Cultivated Insights
Workplace well-being expert and master trainer helping build burnout-proof lives
Dr. Teri Varner, Professor of Communications
St. Edward’s University
Academic visionary with garnered experience in teaching and mentorship
Christi Wells, Owner & CEO
All the Small Things TX
Latina entrepreneur helping families reclaim time through personalized home assistance
Change Makers: PR, Marketing & Events
If there’s one thing the people of Austin know how to do it’s show out for its creatives! These leaders of PR, marketing and eventing have raised the bar on what it means to truly represent the creative minds, movers and shakers of the city. They keep it local, keep it fresh and, most importantly, they keep it fun.
Lynna Bartosh, Partner & Executive Creative Director
Hunt, Gather
Award-winning creative leader, designer and entrepreneur
Jessica Campos, Attorney-turned-marketer
Marketing for Greatness
Marketing expert and award-winning SEO agency owner
Barbara Cavness, CEO
(un)Common Logic
CEO whose goal is maximum effort everyday while striving for excellence
Mónica Ceniceros, Founder & CEO
atxGALS & The Cathedral
Artist, founder and CEO of atxGALS and
The Cathedral
Elizabeth “Zizi” Conde
CHIQQ, LLC
Here to show that sapphic experiences are best when all senses are used
Charlie Faye & Adrienne Lake, Co-Founders
Daydream Believer Creative
Consulting services for musicians, music businesses and nonprofits
Alyse Gamble, Fashion Model & Content Specialist
Entrepreneur/H-E-B
Influential trailblazer with Haitian roots, focusing on DEIB, fashion and community impact
Elaine Garza, Founder & CEO
Giant Noise
Founder and CEO of Giant Noise, named one of America’s Best PR Companies by Forbes
Kim Hanks, Co-Owner & CEO
Whim Hospitality
Austin’s hospitality icon, pioneer of transformative experiences driving economic growth
Michelle Lapides & Katherine Lees, Co-Founders & Co-Owners
dozanü innovations
Transforming brands through inclusive marketing and strategic accessibility solutions worldwide
Cindy Lo, CEO & Chief Event Strategist
RED VELVET | Strong Events
Internationally awarded event creative who loves a challenge; no boring events allowed!
Kathleen Lucente, Founder & CEO
Red Fan Communications
CEO, trusted advisor, expert in elevating B2B brands
Kristin Marcum, CEO & Owner
ECPR/Texas
CEO of Austin’s leading public relations firm
Fabiana Meléndez Ruiz, Founder & CEO
Refuerzo Collaborative
Award-winning storyteller nurturing stories that reinforce community
Linda Poole
JW Mariott Austin & Austin Mariott Downtown
Hospitality professional and renowned industry hotelier with more than 30 years of experience
Ali Slutsky, Founder & CEO
Resplendent Agency
Innovation-focused founder whose goal is to have the best client list rather than the largest client list
Sandra Spalding, Director of Marketing
Twin Liquors
Spirited cheerleader, spreading hospitality for Twin Liquors
Nichole Valdez, Sr. Regional Marketing & Sales
Account Manager – Central Texas
H-E-B
Cultivates relationships within the Central Texas community and H-E-B
Heather Wagner-Reed, Founder & CEO
Juice Consulting
Award-winning PR and marketing veteran
Leslie Wingo, President
Sanders\Wingo
DEIB expert and strategist, keynote and TEDx speaker, advertising badass, mom
Emily Wright, VP, Global Communications
Bumble
Communications leader listed as one of The PR Net’s Marcomms’ Most Influential, 2023
Change Makers: Social Justice
Let’s get real: No city ever elevates without the tireless (and oftentimes thankless) efforts of those who stand for justice. Let’s get even realer: Women-identified activsts and advocates are the backbone of real change in any city, and especially Austin. These women-identified warriors work intentionally and without cease to ensure that Austin, the world, is truly a better place for everyone.
Susana Almanza, Director
PODER
Environmental justice activist appointed to the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council
Pamela Benson-Owens, President & CEO/Executive Director
Edge of Your Seat
Consulting/Six Square
Insightful and energizing speaker on leadership, embracing change and all things inspirational
María Amelia Calaf, Partner
Botkin Chiarello Calaf
Skillful litigator and counselor solving intellectual property and business disputes
BiNi Coleman, CEO
212 Catalysts
Catalyst for transformative action
Brooke Crowder, Founder & CEO
The Refuge for DMST
Privileged to work with brave and courageous young women
Virginia Cumberbatch, Co-Founder & CEO
Rosa Rebellion & Virginia Cumberbatch Racial Justice Consulting
Racial justice educator disrupting unjust systems through creative activism by and for WOC
Andrea Elizondo, Co-Founder
Texas Menstrual Equity
Coalition
Movement leader that took down the tampon tax in Texas
Kendra Garrett, Affordable Housing Development Consultant/Co-Founder
BETCO Housing Lab/
The Black Fund
People-centered houser with a focus on development and policy
Mindy Henderson, Disability Rights Advocate, Speaker, Author, Editor-in-Chief
Muscular Dystrophy
Association, Quest Media adaptive, lifestyle platform for the Muscular Dystrophy Association
A leader in disability rights, working to empower and create progress for the disability community
Hon. Denise Hernandez
Judge of County Court at Law #6
Travis County
Presiding Judge of County Court at Law #6 and the Transformative Youth Justice Program
Skye Howell, Partner & Grant Writer
Full Humanity Consulting
Together we can create the future our ancestors dreamed of
Joyce James, President & CEO
Joyce James Consulting
Nationally recognized racial equity expert, transforming systems toward an antiracism culture
Susanna Ledesma-Woody, President
Del Valle Community
Coalition NonProfit (DVCC)
Working mother, advocate, founding member and current president of DVCC
Madelyn Morneault, Event Manager
Unified
Event manager for Unified’s annual celebration of activism culture
Laura Ramos James, Founder & Owner
Ramos James Law, PLLC
Award-winning injury attorney breaking barriers for equal justice in Texas
Alicia Roth Weigel, Founder
Intrepida Strategy
Star of Every Body, author of Inverse Cowgirl, and health care consultant
Natalie Sanders, Founder & House Mother
The Orisha Mere project & House of LEPORE
2023 DivInc. Spacemaker of the Year and 2023 Mother of the Year
Lily Trieu, Co-Founder & Executive Director
Asian Texans for Justice
Co-Founder and executive director of a statement nonprofit serving AAPIs
Susie Vybiral, Founder & CEO
Room Redux
Doctoral candidate, L’Oreal Paris WoW national honoree
Nakeenya Wilson, Founder, CEO & Co-Owner
Black Mamas Village, Adroit Consultancy, The Village Place
Social justice advocate, community servant and equity thought leader
Salwa Yordi Echtay, Reporter, Influencer, Nonprofit Professional
FarandulaTexas, Telemundo Austin, Latinitas
Founder, reporter and director weaving narratives, bridging cultures and celebrating diversity
Change Makers: Startup
The women-identified entrepreneurs on this list know fully well what it means to build something from scratch and see it thrive. These business owners represent a fraction of the ingenuity, ambition and tenacity it takes to lead a company into greatness. They truly epitomize why Austin has been one of the best cities for startups for the past decade.
Katherine Allen, Co-Founder & CEO
Flo Recruit
2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 for Enterprise Technology
Adelle Archer, Co-Founder & Co-CEO
Eterneva
Inc. and Forbes 30 under 30
Amy Arnold & Jessica Walker, Co-Founders
Card My Yard
Two moms with simple goals: to serve families and make positive community impact
Jean Anne Booth, CEO
UnaliWear, Inc.
Serial entrepreneur extending independence with dignity for vulnerable people
Sidney Collins, Co-Founder & CEO
De Oro Devices
Startup founder and brain research nerd, Pacific Coast Business Times‘ 40 under 40
Michelle Davey, Co-Founder & CEO
Wheel Health
Powering virtual care to put great health care in everyone’s reach
Jessica Ewing, Founder & CEO
Literati
Passionate founder and CEO whose mission is to ignite a love of learning and a love of life
Katie Fang, Founder & CEO
Schoolinks
Award-winning CEO and founder of SchooLinks, building the future talent pipeline
Beth Goff-McMillan, CEO
SKG and FOLIO
Henry Crown Fellow, CEO, passionate advocate
Taylor Harrell, Founder & CEO
Lively Foundation
Millennial multigenerational Austinite and 14-time award-winning business owner
Shanaz Hemmati, Co-Founder & COO
ZenBusiness Inc.
Loves solving problems and enjoys constant learning
Joy Miller, Program Manager Small Business Division
City of Austin Economic
Development Department
Supports small business start-up and growth at low or no cost
Sarah Puil, Founder & CEO
Boxt
Award-winning winery on a mission to change the way we all enjoy a glass of wine at home; your house wine has arrived
Jacqueline Samira, CEO
Howdy.com
Founder and CEO of the fourth-fastest growing Austin company, 238th in U.S.
Kay Sheils Kingsbury, CFO
Apptronik, Inc
CFO to high-growth disruptive technologies
Monica Talan, Founder
CryptoConexión
Technology translator who helps you stay ahead of the curve in Web3 and AI
Dr. Andrea Thomaz & Dr. Vivian Chu, Co-Founders
Diligent Robotics
Groundbreaking female founders and social robotics experts
Brooke Waupsh, Founding CEO
Swoovy
Accomplished entrepreneur, named “female disruptor,” social impact advocate
Cherie Werner, Executive Director
FIESTA Community
Ambassador of connections, community builder, life coach and encourager, servant leader
Shari Wynne Ressler, Founder & CEO
KASAMA Retreat Hotels
Ecosystem builder, innovator and
entrepreneur
Wen Zhang, Founder & CEO
INNW Institute
Self-made female entrepreneur and CEO of INNW Institute
Change Makers: Sustainability & ESG
This list showcases warriors of environmental justice and leaders who are investing in intentional advancements in environmental, social and governance. These giants of environmental advocacy and ESG are beacons of hope for a planet that needs dedicated protectors.
Tamara Atkinson, CEO
Workforce Solutions
Capital Area CEO cultivating Austin’s local workforce
Crista Bailey, Chief Business Development Officer
Him For Her
Operator with a natural lean toward strategy, business development and designing
impactful partnerships
Lisa Barden, Executive Director
Keep Austin Fed
Champion for food justice in Austin and surrounding areas
Sanika Bhave, Senior Venture Associate
Capital Factory
Investor utilizing finance to benefit the planet and future generations
Deighan Cherry, Co-Founder
Fly Girl Global
The future of women fly-fishing starts with us
Brandi Clark Burton, Founder & Chief Inspiration Officer
EcoNetworking, The Austin Common, and Leading Here initiative
Championing award-winning sustainable business leadership and green business resources
Katie Coyne, Environmental Officer, Assistant Director – Watershed Protection Department512
City of Austin
Award-winning queer ecological planner and chief steward of Austin’s environment
Reza Cristián, Founder
Sustain the Mag
Helping to make Austin Net-Zero through inclusive storytelling, sustainable fashion and community organizing
Alyson Freeman, Customer & Innovation Leader, Corporate Sustainability & ESG
Dell Technologies
Award-winning sustainable IT innovator and women in tech advocate
Muna Hussaini, Co-Founder
Recode the Quo
Creating a more equitable, inclusive and diverse startup tech community in Austin
Stacey Ingram Kaleh, Co-Founder, Director of
Communications & Community
Engagement
Kaleh Media, LLC.
Writer, strategist and advocate advancing ethical AI, education and philanthropy
Alexia Leclercq, Co-Founder
Start:Empowerment
Environmental justice organizer and nonprofit leader
Shelby Orme, Sustainability Expert & Speaker
Shelbizleee
Environmental activist, educator, community organizer, Parks board member for Austin District 1
LaRessa Quintana, Governmental Affairs Consultant
Jackson Walker
Passionate Austinite leveraging influence for positive policy advancements
Anissa Rodriguez
Dickerman, Ph.D.. CEO
Pecan Street Inc.
Latina CEO advancing climate justice and innovation
Robin Schneider, Executive Director
Texas Campaign for the
Environment
Environmental activist and executive director of Texas Campaign for the Environment
Lauren Taylor, Vice President & Texas District Planning Lead
WSP USA
Engineering News-Record National 2024 Top 20 Under 40
Chelsea Toler, Co-Founder & Chief Impact Officer
Logictry
U.N. World Logic Day host providing better access to resources for communities
Change Makers: Tech
It’s no secret that Austin has blasted up the rankings of booming tech cities in the past five years. The women-identified leaders on this list have shaken up the industry, demanding space and respect in an industry saturated with male-identified gatekeepers. These pioneers prove that tech is no longer an All Boys Club.
Oyindamola Adesina, Co-Founder & COO
Simbi Interactives
Award-winning educator and product lead driving STEAM education in underserved communities
Esther Alexande,
Security Engineering & Governance Lead
Silicon Labs
Experienced engineer, musician, mentor, mother and STEAM enthusiast
Amber Allen, CEO
Double A Labs
Revolutionizing business communications with an innovative video chat platform
Gracie Arenas
Strittmatter, Supervising Director Tiburon Technical Operations
EA Sports
Accomplished technical artist and organizational leader, with more than a decade of video games experience
Mariely Bandas-Franzetti, VP, Product IT
Cisco
Thought leader, status quo challenger, passionate collaborator, expert at designing sustainable growth models and a turnaround strategist
Karen Bantuveris, Founder & CEO
SignUp.com
Business innovation expert, founder and CEO
Carolina Barcenas, Head of Platform Data Science
Airbnb
Data and AI senior technology executive
Usha Boddapu, CEO & Founder/Co-Founder, President & Chief AI scientist
Esolvit Inc./Arutic, Inc
AI and IT expert leading national award-winning companies
Liz Coufal, Co-Founder & Vice President
Valkyrie Intelligence
Co-Founder passionate about tearing down barriers to exclusive spaces, from politics to AI
Lety Duran Nettles, Chief Product Officer
Novant Health
Operationalizes business strategies and drives large enterprises to globalize, modernize, commercialize and scale their technology
Karyl Fowler, Co-Founder & CEO
Transmute
CEO at Transmute, verifiable data for fast, secure cross-border trade
Monica Landers, Founder & CEO
StoryFit
AI pioneer and strategist, transforming the entertainment and media industry
Alley Lyles-Jenkins, Principal Consultant, Product Strategy & Experience Design
Slalom Consulting
Creator of products changing how people interact and experience technology
Rachel Martinez, Head of Channel & Alliances
OTAVA
Elevating partnerships and alliances to new levels
Angelia McFarland, Founder & CEO
EOP Media, LLC
Serial entrepreneur helping to bring individual agency to identity and data
Marisela Rylander, VP, Global People
The Knot Worldwide
Accelerator of talent and business outcomes, with a focus on bringing the best to an organization and its people
Ronnie Sheth, CEO
SENEN GROUP
Founder and CEO of SENEN GROUP, global strategic advisory firm for data and AI
Meme Styles, Founder
Measure
Award-winning data activist and
Afro-Futuristic time traveler
Change Makers: UN World Logic Day
These women leverage logic to make the best decisions for their organization, community, foundation or business. Often celebrated as champions for collaboration, innovation and impact, they value knowledge and strive to use logic to encourage success. They are driven to create a better future for all and work to elevate their local and global networks.
Morgan Alexander, Director of Partnerships
DCX Community
Business advocate focusing on building and maintaining strategic long-term partner relationships
Melissa Andrews, Founder & CEO
HostHelpr
Wielding the powers of data and enterprise for social impact
Jaclynn Brennan, CEO
Creative Duality & Fyli
Creative entrepreneur focused on community building, uplifting women founders and fostering diversity
Anika ChoKhavatia, President of Freshman Launch
Texas McCombs School of Business
U.N. World Logic Day co-chair, founder: anti-polarization news software
Carley Deardorff, Strategist for Backstage Capital & Divinc Consultant
Backstage Capital
On a mission to drive meaningful change and amplify the voices that often go
unheard
Olivia Dell, Partner & Co-Founding Partner
Regeneration.VC, NOVA
Impact, The Cometa
Collective
Venture capital investor, solutionist and network leader
Kate Grehl, Partner
First Chair Investments
Partner at First Chair Advisory, fostering renewable, impact-first businesses
Emily Gupton, COO
Folio & Austin Women in Technology
COO passionate about community, people and equity
Wendy Howell, CEO
Executive Council Network
Connector for good, passionate advocate for women and girls, angel investor, speaker
Ashley J. Jennings, Managing Director, Technology Commercialization
UT Austin Texas Innovation Center
Award-winning technologist for more than a decade, helping hundreds of founders, raising millions
Bethany Leffingwell, Senior Advisor, Social Impact
Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce
Mission-driven philanthropy and communications executive
Abby Pesek, COO
Charity Charge
COO of the Austin-based social enterprise Charity Charge
Natalie Poindexter, Founder & CEO
NPI Consulting House
Master grant developer and international community builder
Ari Salafia, Founder & CEO
TaxTaker
Green Tax Visionary CEO unlocking billions in sustainable incentives nationwide
Nicole Schilling, Lawyer
Gunderson Dettmer
Advisor to founders and investors in the startup ecosystem
Michele Skelding, Principal/Co-Chair
Capital Sage Ventures/50/50 Women on Boards
Bringing deep industry knowledge to Capital Sage Ventures and 50/50 Women on Boards
Sofia Sunaga, Co-Founder
Intergen.Family
Supporting human flourishing to make wealth work for all life
Paris Tingley, Enterprise Sales
Logictry
Championing Logic AI tools and solutions for communities, nonprofits and businesses
Lily Turner, Manager, Global Technology & Innovation
Opportunity Austin
Recruiting capital to Austin, supporting Austin’s entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem
Paige Velasquez Budde, Partner & CEO
Zilker Media
Veteran marketer, keynote speaker, partner and CEO of award-winning PR and marketing agency
Alicyn Yarbrough, CEO
A Glimmer of Hope
Leading women-centered solutions in the fight to end poverty