AUSTIN Black Business Journal® & Community News - November/December 2021 by AMC Publishing, LLC

November 2021

FREE

SPECIAL EDITION

BEST OF

BLACK AUSTIN

in Business Community

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Equity Sponsors

VIP Reception Sponsors

Corporate Sponsors

Small Business Sponsor Homes By Hall Realty Tiffany Wilson E3 Alliance National Society of Black Engineers - Austin Camille Walker PLLC

Walter Bright PC Darrick Eugene & Associates Glimmer Austin Carl Ritchie Glimmer Austin

MADE MEDIA GROUP Mission Made Media Group was created as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to inform, empower and transform African American communities through media and technology.

Vision Profile & document the contributions of notable African Americans Educate and assist black businesses increase market share Create an ecosystem of Black founders building scalable companies Provide access to capital to women and Black owned businesses.

EMCEE

Dr. Nicole Cross Dr. Nicole Cross is an accomplished journalist, educator, and mental health professional, Dr. Cross initially began her career focused on counseling. After earning a bachelor's in psychology and speech communications, a master’s in behavioral sciences, and a PhD in counselor education, Dr. Cross practiced in both private clinics and various public health agencies. Her career highlights include serving as the Texas Southern University Director of the Office of University Counseling, Career, and Disability Services and later as the Director of Counseling and Behavioral Health for The Potter's House of Dallas. On the side, Dr. Cross served as a relationship expert for a Houston radio show and, in time, became an in-demand speaker at conferences, seminars, and events on effective communication practices, selfimprovement, and relationships. She even found time to teach college courses online and in person. By 30, Dr. Cross was happy with her success, yet was unsure of her next move up in counseling. Instead, she decided to recommit to her interest in journalism—something she first remembers exploring as part of her middle school newspaper. After studying broadcast journalism at the New York Film Academy, which later named her a distinguished alumni, Dr. Cross began working as a news anchor and health reporter. She started a “Healthy Living with Dr. Nicole” show and later hosted a personal health program featuring local health professionals. Most recently, in Austin, she led the popular Wellness Wednesday segment, educating viewers on how to talk to children about topics like friendships, relationships, and cyberbullying. Since becoming a journalist in 2013, Dr. Cross has earned awards that include four Associated Press awards and an Emmy nomination for Breaking News Coverage.

PRESENTS Achievements in Black Austin

‘Best of’

Awards Gala AUSTIN BLACK BUSINESS J O U R N A L

BEST

BLACK AUSTIN 2021

November, 20, 2021 6:00pm J.W. Marriott, Downtown Austin

PROGRAM Registration

Music by Stretch Music Band

VIP Reception Welcome (Spectrum News)

Emcee Dr. Nicole Cross

Performance

Huston-Tillotson University Jazz Collective Afrique Gninze

Acknowledgements Invocation

Denise Nance Pierce - Top Ten SUPER Lawyer Honoree(Schulman, Lopez, Hoffer &amp; Adelstein, L.L.P.)

Dinner Introduction of Honorees Remarks Presentation of Awards

Black Lawyer of the Year 2020 Black Lawyer of the Year 2021 Black Doctor of the Year 2021 Black Technologist of the Year 2021 Diversity Champion of the Year 2021

Executive Director/Publisher Remarks Anita C Roberts

After-party

DJ Allisiana Miche

Special thanks, Dr. Nicole Cross, Taleah Hawthorne Exceptional Events, Dikila Jones, Dr. Alvin Miles, and all of our wonderful sponsors and volunteers.

AUSTIN BLACK BUSINESS J O U R N A L

BEST

BLACK AUSTIN 2021

Achievements in Black Austin

‘Best of’

Awards Gala

A Message from our Founder After a year and a half of dealing with the effects of COVID 19 and the aftermath of the death of George Floyd we want to acknowledge those in our community who have led the way in the face of adversity. This year – we are celebrating The BEST OF BLACK AUSTIN. We want to honor the outstanding accomplishments and selfless service of those who continue to make a difference. This fundraising gala will help provide grants, education, and much needed resources to some of the 2,000 Black Business owners we support in our 19,000 member Black Austin Facebook Group. We are honoring the outstanding accomplishments and selfless service of those in our community who have led the way in the face of adversity. We look forward to hosting you at this grand celebration as we honor the African American business community by uplifting and acknowledging Black Excellence in the Austin metro! Honorees include 2020 Top Ten Black Lawyers, 2021 Top 10 Black Lawyers, Top 10 Black Doctors, Top Ten Black Technologists and Top 10 Diversity Champions. We look forward to partnering with community champions like yourself, who continue to support our efforts. Anita C Roberts Executive Director of Made Media Group Editor-in-Chief of Austin Black Business Journal

God bless!

Anita C Roberts

congratulates honorees

V IS IT AUSTI N I S P RO UD TO SU PPO RT ACH IE V E M E N TS IN BL ACK AU STIN AN D C ELEBRAT E T H E CO N T R IB U T ION S OF TH ESE LOCAL COM MUN I T Y LEAD ERS WH O HE L P M A KE AUSTIN A P RE M I ER D EST I N AT I O N . CONG RAT U L ATI ONS TO T H E EN T I RE T EAM ON T HIS I NCR EDIBL E P ROJECT. TOM N OON A N PRE S IDE N T + CE O, V I S IT A UST IN

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN PARTNER WITH VISIT AUSTIN ON YOUR NEXT MEETING OR CONVENTION AT VISITAUSTIN.ORG/MEET

2021

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS

Sabine "BiNi" Coleman Michael & Susan Dell Quincy Dunlap Brent Fields Hugh Forrest Dan & Lisa Graham Ada-Renee Johnson Kendra Scott Angela Shaw Erick S Klafter

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS

TOP TEN

“

I don’t have any regrets because I try to do it all.

”

Sabine “BiNi” Coleman Co-founder/CEO African American Leadership Institute/ 212 Catalysts Sabine “Bini’’ Coleman is the founder and CEO of a non-profit consultancy called 212 Catalysts. She has spent over 25 years working with and developing community programs and organizations. “Wherever I’m working,” she says, “it’s to create opportunities for people that they personally care about. We make sure they get the opportunities they deserve, and the resources that they need in order to properly move things forward... I want to see my people receive first-class treatment, access to opportunities, and access to the ability to really obtain resources and have that quality of life. And so whatever organization I’m working with, there’s a list of about 10 right now, it’s all about helping the organization help lots of people, and that ranges from small nonprofits and startups, to institutions like, the Austin Independent School District and the Texas education agency.” “One thing that everyone is noticing is the African-American Leadership Institute. So happy to say that we just started this in 2021 and it was a great success… (but mostly) I work with a list of clients (that’s) usually more behind the scenes. Groups like the African-American Youth Harvest Foundation 10

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

… and also basically spawning an AfricanAmerican men’s health clinic effort in partnership with Larry Wallace Senior. I work with Austin Junior Volleyball. They want to bring what they’ve traditionally had out West to the East side, to underserved areas of town and make it more affordable for families so that more people have access and can play, (and) therefore be exposed to college coaches and recruiters, who will give them scholarships that they may not have otherwise received.” BiNi has always been a jack of all trades. “I love variety,” BiNi says, “I’ve tried a little bit of everything, I’ve traversed lots of industries, from construction to insurance stuff, hospitality, community work, education.” BiNi also took a job in graphic design, which is what led her into the world of business consulting. “I was writing and creating more technical documents for businesses that were starting up or wanting to launch their efforts,” which gave her much of the know-how required to launch community service platforms through her work with 212 Catalyst. “Something I say to young people a lot is try it all, do everything that you think you might want to do, especially while you’re young and have the energy.”

This has clearly been the mindset that’s given BiNi, and by extension 212 Catalyst, the multidisciplinary approach, that has made her such an effective force for change. “But don’t have any regrets about something that you didn’t try,” she adds, “and I don’t have any regrets because I try to do it all. I was criticized for that, I was told I needed to focus…. and I just said, I’m focused. I’m focused on doing everything that I think I want to do and then I’m eliminating possibilities. I’m eliminating things that I thought I wanted to do, but found that it’s actually not that fun. I was artistic and creative, so I thought I wanted to do graphic design. But then I realized working for clients, they want you to do a lot of work without paying you… and I was going broke! So I just learned that I don’t want to do this for a job. I want to do it on the side as a hobby. I started to figure out, what are my interests as a hobby and something I want to pursue personally?” BiNi loves the fulfillment that her work brings. The meaning and purpose to her work, her ability to help people, is what drives her to do what she does, even when it’s the dirty, behind-the-scenes work that no one else wants to do. “I’m more behind the scenes now,” she says, “I’m the person that helps people get the funding... or helps them with the strategy, or the ugly stuff on the back end: the finance, the data, how to engage your board, things that people often see as an afterthought, but it’s important in order to sustain what you’re doing. It’s great to be that one hit wonder that gets some funding and makes a big splash, but if you don’t do those stewardship pieces on the back end, that’s where people get tripped up and then you no longer hear about that good work. So the work I do is not only to make that first splash and get people on the radar, but it’s the backend stuff. So even though (my work is) behind the scenes and people don’t see it, knowing that I’m helping organizations and groups to build sustainable models so they can keep doing that good work for a long time is one of my favorite parts and a great trade off. And then of course you see the faces on the front line and the people who were helped and they’re receiving tablets, food, vaccinations, jobs, and it’s because of a lot of the things that are going on behind the scenes that I helped to do. So ultimately, the people at the end of that chain, receiving the treatment, the resources, and the opportunity that they should be receiving, that always makes me happy.” NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS

Michael & Susan Dell CEO Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

“

Kids spend the majority of their time in school and they consume the majority of their calories in school. So it’s imperative that schools are doing everything they can to teach children about good healthy nutritious choices as well as physical education.

-Susan Dell

”

Michael and Susan Dell, created the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation in 1999. The couple’s philanthropy focuses on underprivileged children and prioritizes health and education projects and initiatives. Chaired by Susan Dell, the foundation makes over $100 million in grants annually. Michael Dell was interested in computing from a very young age. At 15, he took apart an Apple II and reassembled it. Dell spent a brief time at the University of Texas before dropping out in order to build computers in his garage. He formed his own company, and it eventually became one of the largest computer hardware manufacturers in the world. Susan Dell is a runner and cyclist who has competed in marathons, triathlon, and cycling competitions. She has served on the President’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports and on the board of trustees of several nonprofit organizations. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports efforts to improve urban education in the United States, India and South Africa. Funding takes place in various forms, but

a key through-line is a focus “on growing programs that focus on enabling data-driven education and access to high-quality public schools.” Education is the Dell Foundation’s largest area of giving and accounted for more than half of all grantmaking prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dell has made a $50 million donation to establish the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin, and it has committed another $1million annually to improve Austin and Travis County community health quality and access programs. The Dells have also given $25 million to the Seton Healthcare Family to fund a teaching hospital, which opened in May 2017. In early 2020, the Dells pledged $100 million to COVID-19 relief efforts. January 2020 Dell Foundation announced a $100 million gift to UT Austin to support students from lower-income families. The largest donation in the university’s history, will be granted over 10 years and will go directly to students. Though they have broadened their scope, the couple’s early efforts at philanthropy prioritized Greater Austin, which can be seen in the buildings all over the area that bear the Dell name. Given Dell’s background, the foundation naturally awards tech- and science – related grants, giving millions in grants to help fund Texas science, technology, engineering and math (T-STEM) Academies and Centers. The purpose of Dell’s TSTEM grantmaking fund programs that will share practices through the T-STEM Network and give schools access to professional development, curriculum lesson plans. In addition, the foundation provides funding to groups that fight child abuse and those that provide child care assistance to families. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, the couple launched the Rebuild Texas Fund in September 2017, with a stated $100 million fundraising goal - $36 million of which they pledged to donate themselves.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS

Quincy Dunlap President/CEO Austin Area Urban League

“

Live a life of unselfish living. Look to understand, then be understood.

”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

TOP TEN

Quincy Dunlap was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He remembers that growing up was “a lot of fun,” but it was not without its daily challenges. “I had a new set of goals in St. Louis,” admits Quincy. “One of the goals was to get out, but never forget.” Something he never forgets is how hard his mom worked to raise Quincy and his two brothers. He calls her a “tough cookie” and says, simply, “My mother did a great job of raising my three brothers and me.” It’s from this inspiration that Quincy went on to receive his B.A. In Political Science from Lincoln University of Missouri and then his Master of Education from William Woods University in Georgia. Since graduating, Quincy has given back to communities, serving in leadership roles for several non-profit organizations. He currently serves as President and CEO of the Austin Urban League, which focuses on economic improvement, employment, health, and housing for under-served residents in the area. Regarding his job responsivities, Quincy simply calls it “servant leadership.” He adds: “Who cares about my title as President and CEO if I don’t servant lead.” Providing detail around what he and his team at the Austin Urban League do, Quincy explains, “I have internal and external

stakeholders, and they have some varying degree of me. That’s either the AUL, a team, the people we serve, or collaborations with people. We help meet those needs, whether it’s individual or corporate or a group in the community. And we helped bring resolution and solutions to societal evils.” Navigating through the daily challenges that come with this is part of Quincy’s central role, which he calls “moving people to purpose.” He says he accomplishes this through his “ability to analyze and assess short-term/ long-term and short-term/medium-term/ long-term scenarios and situations. It’s the ability to process information and have different pathways to the desired outcome and understanding the assets that need to happen in their space.” While he and his team may face various setbacks, he doesn’t view them that way. “Failure is absolutely nothing,” he admits. “I don’t feel I have setbacks. I don’t think I ever failed at anything. Some people would say, ‘Well, you never made it in professional football. That was a failure.’ No, well, it’s not a failure. That’s not the path that God had for me.” It’s this spiritual focus that helps keep Quincy grounded. He calls it, “God’s will in my life. If you follow a higher power, you’re going to adopt that.” For those that he meets with and mentors, who are just starting on that path in life themselves, Quincy provides words of wisdom that he wishes he could give to his younger self: “Read more and pay attention to your surroundings.” Quincy’s guidepost in his life come from his wife and three children. He makes sure that he spends time each morning making breakfast for them before everyone’s day starts. He also enjoys spending quiet time with them playing one of the many Monopoly board games that he collects as a hobby, walking by the water or bike riding. “Everything I do, every decision I make, is because of them,” says Quincy of his family. Through it all, the family enjoys all that Austin has to offer. “I have to say where I’m at now, I’ve had a hard life,” admits Quincy, “but all of that was living well to get me to this point. The reason I say that is that this is the best place that I’ve lived.” Through all his life’s struggles and triumphs, Quincy says he has learned to “live a life of unselfish living. Look to understand, then be understood.” NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS

“

Leverage the collective wisdom in the room and make sure that wisdom is representative of experiences... that align with the mission you’re charged to fulfill.

”

Brent Fields CEO BigBrothers/Big Sisters of Central Texas

Brent Fields is the Chief Executive Officer of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters branch of central Texas. As CEO, Brent heads the mentoring program that facilitates the safe pairing of children and mentors to aid the younger generation in success. The Big Brothers, Big Sisters program was founded nationally over a century ago, while the central Texas location recently entered its 50th year of service. Brent was born and raised in rural Northeast Arkansas. The son of a hardworking sharecropper mother who graduated high school, he was inspired by his mother’s desire to further her education and sought to pursue his own. Community members in Brent’s hometown with unique life experiences, including those who had gone to college, were also an essential motivator for him to enroll in higher education. They “blazed a trail” for the young Brent to find his own path, academically and professionally. Brent’s quest for higher learning eventually led him to Texas, where he is currently a

resident of Austin. Having always felt drawn to “lead the way” and provide a positive example for those around him, he attended the University of Texas at Austin, where a combined 30 years of academic pursuit earned him a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy. Above all, his goal to bring experience, skill, knowledge and passion to a place where he could “make a difference” led him to the Big Brothers, Big Sisters non-profit organization. As leader of an organization dedicated to assisting children who face various challenges in and out of the home, Brent is highly sympathetic and understanding, which he attributes to the obstacles faced in his own life. As a single father, Brent understood that juggling life responsibilities and being the sole caretaker of a child meant there “wasn’t enough of [him] to go around” for all his son’s needs. The importance of community role models such as teachers, coaches and church elders to supplement guidance and

nurturing of a child was not lost on Brent and he sought to give back what was given to both himself and his son. Brent is a champion of diversity in all forms. With a majority of the children involved in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters branch of central Texas consisting of black and brown children, Brent stresses the importance of having mentors that the kids can see themselves in, to “leverage the collective wisdom in the room and make sure that wisdom is representative of experiences… that align with the mission you’re charged to fulfill.” He is also an advocate of disability and accessibility rights, a cause he is invested in through his daughter. With a career spanning nearly 30 years and a host of career accolades and awards, including National Mentor of the Year and the Best CEO Award from the Austin Journal, Brent is pleased that he’s made a positive impact on his community. “When you get… recognition, it steps up the game of accountability… it’s a welcome but humbling challenge to do more and be more. Challenge accepted.” However, Brent would rather be remembered for “show[ing] up in authentic ways that created space, where people wanted to be part [of] it and be their best selves” rather than any professional achievement or reward received for his work. What’s in store for Brent next? After 13 years as CEO of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization, he will transition to the role of President and Inclusion Initiative CEO of Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first accessibility friendly theme park in San Antonio, in November 2021. Outside of work, family and hobbies happily take up most of Brent’s free time. He cites his children as his biggest inspiration and his wife as the “smartest, most interesting champion of good things.” In his free time, he enjoys walks, reading a book, listening to podcasts and practicing yoga. To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS

TOP TEN

“

As much as we have all this new technology, it is infinitely more powerful when people, interact person to person. Whether that’s sitting next to someone at a keynote session, or you meet someone and have coffee with them.

Hugh Forrest

”

Director/Chief Programming Officer SXSW

Hugh Forrest is the chief programming officer of South by Southwest here in Austin. Serving the Austin community and the world, South by Southwest is a “two week celebration of all things, creativity and innovation in various industries ranging from music, to film, to technology. But it shines a very bright light on all the creativity that happens in Austin year round,” and has raised the profile of Austin both in the United States and abroad. Hugh’s employment at South by Southwest was one of serendipity, or something like it. “My origin story at South by Southwest is that I was hired in 1989. I was largely hired because I had a computer that South by Southwest didn’t,” he says half jokingly, “or more that I had a printer South by Southwest didn’t! So I always say that that is a lesson in the importance of having the right hardware at the right time.” “But I grew up here in Austin, and have always been very interested in the music scene here. The vibe of creativity, the vibe of youth, the vibe of energy, in the city. It’s been an incredible ride to watch it go from a few people in a fairly big regional event, to more than a few people in an international

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

event that brings so much attention from around the world.” “I love that feeling that we get when we host South by Southwest, when you bring people together, and create, recreate, or enforce that sense of community. It gives people a place to make new connections, to create new opportunities, a place where people can be inspired. It’s very intoxicating to hear people say, “coming to South by Southwest is the highlight of my year,” and we continue to hear that. And it’s likewise intoxicating to hear people say, “I came here last year, I got a new job out of it, I got funding, I met someone who completely changed my outlook on life. I met my girlfriend, my boyfriend, my wife, my husband, and, being a small part of an event like that, that has that kind of impact on people’s lives is something that I haven’t yet given up.” The best part of Hugh’s day to day is his ability to work with creative people, “whether they are creative people on my staff, or creative people that we try to bring to South by Southwest, and being inspired by those creative people. Inspiration is a huge part of what we do. I think inspiration has always been important to South by South-

west, but even more so in our current world, with all the many challenges we have, and finding people who can give (us) hope and optimism.” If Hugh could get a message out to the world, it would be “the three C’s: creativity, communication, and community, and the power of those three C’s. I’ve talked about how important I think creativity (and community) is, and certainly communication is one of the most difficult things in the world. We so often miscommunicate, but simply trying to communicate is 90% of the battle there. And then the more we try to do this, the better we are.” Hugh’s time at South by Southwest has made apparent the immense power of speaking face to face. “My purpose is to highlight people who are doing really amazing things, have new information they can share with others, have inspiration they can share with others, who can push for the conversation… and I think that all flows into this idea of bringing people together. I think one of the ironies of South by Southwest, in the last decade or so, (is that) as we’ve become much more focused on technology, and particularly had this strong attention to social media, it demonstrates the power bringing people together face to face, that as much as we have all this new technology, it is infinitely more powerful when people, interact person to person. Whether that’s sitting next to someone at a keynote session, or you meet someone and have coffee with them, meet someone new, make those connections face-to-face. And as much as our technology has improved and will continue to improve, there is nothing that replaces face-to-face.” While Hugh has accomplished so much in his life, he still has the humility to know he has much more to learn. “I think life lessons that I am learning, because I’m still in the process (of learning), is patience, persistence, the value of a long-term outlook opposed to immediate results, and the importance of slowing down. And I say that I’m still learning those because I have some days where I think, “I’m really good at that,” and then other days where I’m not so good, and have to walk myself back down from the ledge on those things. But I think life is always a learning process, and hopefully at some point I’ll better absorb these lessons.”

NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS

Lisa & Dan Graham Founders Notley/The Center for Creative Entrepreneurship

“

Even before we got married we talked about giving back.

-Lisa Graham

”

“

At Notley we combine principles from business and the entrepreneurship world with the nonprofit and philanthropic world.

-Dan Graham

”

Lisa and Dan Graham is a thirty-something couple who chose to create a company that offers charitable giving at its foundation in order to accomplish more of the social impact work they love to do. Dan Graham, CEO of BuildASign, is perhaps the better-known partner in this duo, having been recognized as Austin Business Journal’s CEO of the Year and Austinite of the Year by “Austin Under 40.” Lisa’s resume is also impressive. A graduate of UT’s LBJ School of Public Affairs, she founded a group that matched pro bono services with nonprofits and worked in political communications and public education advocacy. South Austin natives, the couple has seen all the changes that some long-time Austinites complain about, but they can’t imagine a better city to call home. They cite UT’s Dell Medical School, which is dedicated to rethinking medical education and care, and Mayor’s Adler’s leadership as just two examples of the great things happening in Austin.

From the start, the couple has shared a commitment to volunteerism and philanthropy. “Even before we got married we talked about giving back.” Later, they set up their own private family foundation and opened a charitable fund with an investment company. “We didn’t really know what we were doing,” Lisa recalls, “but we wanted to get started.” It took a lot of paperwork and expense to do their charitable giving through their private foundation. Once they became busy parents of three young daughters, they realized there must be an easier way to foster the nonprofit missions and social enterprises they care about. They call their fund the Notley Fund, after the abbey near Oxford, England, where the couple were married. The fund’s mission is to invest in sustainable and scalable solutions that are “changing the rules and changing the world.” Now that their philanthropy is consolidated at the Foundation, the couple is able to focus on the blend of philanthropy and entrepreneurship they love. Recently, the Notley Fund took over the nonprofit Startup Games which brings together Austin-based tech companies in friendly competition to raise money in support of local charities, with the goal of making an even bigger impact. The founders envision launching Startup Games across the world and pitting the top startup communities against each other to raise $1,000,000 per year for charity. The Notley Fund is also expanding Philanthropitch, a social impact fast-pitch competition that provides non-profits with access to human and financial capital, to other cities with the first already in the works in Atlanta. They also make traditional grants through their fund at Austin Community Foundation. Courtesy Austin Community Foundation

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS

TOP TEN

“

Don’t bring me a Monday problem on a Friday, I made it a mantra and I held people to it.

”

Ada-Renee Johnson Employee Relations & Investigations Google Ada-Renee Johnson is the head of Equity Business Advisors at Google Recruiting, or EDI. Edi is responsible for, in Renee’s words, instigating change, and “when we talk about instigating change, we are seriously leading all the systemic transformations within Google recruiting, to dismantle any dominant norms by lifting the voices and the experiences of historically excluded talent to ensure that everyone, whether they’re employees, anyone involved in the hiring process, the applicants, or candidates, all feel and experience our people, our processes, our systems, um, to be inclusive, to be empathetic and to be equitable.” Ada-Renee was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and comes from a long line of educators. “My grandmother had a degree from Syracuse university,” she says, “My mother graduated from Spelman college. My father graduated from Morehouse college. So a lot of the experiences that I had growing up were laced in a bit of privilege because my parents afforded me opportunities, but they kept me grounded, and understanding where I was from and how I got to where I was at that moment. Meaning the sacrifices that my great grandmother made moving from San Antonio, Texas to St. Louis to clean houses... So growing up, my parents 16

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

made me understand very clearly the importance of education and how to leverage education, and what’s your responsibility once you obtain that education, to continue to keep going, but at the same time, look back and pull others along.” Ada’s path to Google was not a direct one, and not one that she had envisioned for herself when she was young. “I did not intentionally chart a path to be here,” she recalls, “And I landed here because, upon graduation, I went into what I thought my path should be, based on the paths that have been charted (by) my family members, and that was education. But I’m here to tell you, teaching is like preaching and you need to be called to do that! I was not called to do that. I learned that in the first 30 days of teaching third grade! So I politely walked away from that opportunity because it was not my calling, and I needed some understanding of what it is that I wanted to do. “I had a long time dream of writing cards for Hallmark. And it was because my father said under no circumstance, do you ever let a holiday or birthday pass without recognizing the individuals in your life. That is one small inexpensive way of showing gratitude and appreciation for those individuals. So I

started at a very early age writing my own cards, designing my own cards, and I kept it up through high school. I would always hand deliver a personal card that I’ve made, not just for my family members, but for my friends. So I knew I had some creativity in me.” Ada-Renee spent her time after college in management positions at numerous companies, including Enterprise and Nestle, before being contacted by Google, much to her surprise. “What would someone who had a degree in English, literature and, um, math and a minor in math do at a tech company?” she thought. Nonetheless, she “entertained the call from Google and it has been sky high since then for the past 10 and a half years. I have experienced every nook and cranny of Google that I had ever had an interest in. I have done roles in cities I never thought I would be in. I started in the Bay, moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to Council Bluffs, Iowa... and I loved it, loved every bit of it.” Given her many positions in high-demand positions, Ada-Renee has learned to manage stress with clarity and assertion. “Don’t bring me a Monday problem on a Friday,” she says, “I made it a mantra and I held people to it. That was (my) introduction to defensive calendar blocking. And once I implemented defensive calendar blocking, I felt good going into and coming out of every day.” Though the current pandemic has had an unimaginable effect on society, Ada-Renee has managed to take it in stride, and sees much of the good that’s come out of the adversity it’s brought upon all of us. “As an introvert,” she explains, “I trained for the pandemic my entire life, and I’m okay in it. I think that if we all take a step back and realize the impact of this pandemic on us, as individuals (and) as a community, (we) will understand how we will be better coming out of it. I am most thankful for how we have normalized therapeutic help in the black community. Go talk to somebody, however you want to do it. We have made it a part of our every day. We have professionals who are now in places that we could have never dreamed of, we have resources for children. And I am just in awe of how we, as a people, took that “faux pas” and made it an everyday norm in our society. It warms me.” NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS

Kendra Scott Founder Kendra Scott Jewelry

“

We must go through a few setbacks in order to reach that place of success in our lives.

”

Kendra Scott was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin. At age 16, her family moved to Houston, Texas, where she graduated from Klein High School. Kendra fell in love and “followed a boy” to Texas A&M University, which she attended for one year before dropping out to move to Austin, Texas, at age 19 to help with her ill stepfather. Kendra opened her first business, the Hat Box, which specializes in comfortable hats designed for women going through chemotherapy. Kendra sold “comfortable but stylish” pieces and donated a portion of the proceeds to cancer research. Kendra founded Kendra Scott LLC in 2002, designing her first collection with $500 in the spare bedroom of her home just after her oldest son was born. She walked store to store around Austin, selling to local boutiques, and at the last boutique she had to sell all of her samples to purchase enough materials to cover the orders she had made that first day.

In 2005, Kendra’s designs were chosen to accessorize Oscar de la Renta’s spring 2006 runway show. Kendra’s designs also appeared in Randolph Duke’s 2007 runway show. Because of the financial crisis of 2007– 2008, she nearly had to close her company, but she received an order from Nordstrom for some of their stores; this gave her exposure and allowed her to expand her business. Kendra’s first retail store opened on Austin’s South Congress Avenue in 2010. In the same year, she began her e-commerce business and launched the brand’s Color Bar experience. In 2011 she opened her second store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, but she had to close it after a while. In 2014 Kendra opened stores around the South and Midwest, while ignoring the fashion elite in New York and Los Angeles. Later, in 2016, she sold a minority stake of her company to the private equity firm Berkshire Partners at a valuation of $1 billion. Valued at over $1 billion, her brand encompasses fashion jewelry, fine jewelry, home accessories, nail lacquer and beauty products. As of the end of 2019, Kendra had 102 retail stores. In addition to an e-commerce business, Kendra’s merchandise is also sold in London’s Selfridges, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Von Maur, Bloomingdale’s and over 1,000 specialty boutiques worldwide. 95 percent of her more than 2,000 staff are women. In February 2021, Kendra stepped down as CEO, retaining the Executive Chairwoman title, and named Tom Nolan as Kendra Kendra’s CEO. Kendra is a philanthropist with a history of supporting women and children’s causes. In 2015, Kendra launched the Kendra Cares Program, which brings the company’s customizable Color Bar jewelry experience to pediatric hospitals across the country. In 2017, Kendra’s company hosted more than 10,000 Kendra Gives Back across her stores. She gave the money for local causes and also donated more than 75,000 pieces of jewelry. In 2019, Kendra donated $1 million to The University of Texas to launch the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute. Since 2010 her company’s program has given away $30 million.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS

TOP TEN

“

One of the best ways to put good into the world is to say people’s names in rooms they’re not in.

”

Angela Shaw Chief People Officer JuiceLand

Angela Shaw is the Chief People Officer at JuiceLand. She is head of human resources, and “partner(s) with our leadership team to make sure our employees feel taken care of, and it encompasses many different things; it’s how they’re paid, it is how they come to work, (how they) feel like they belong, it’s opportunities that they’re given, (it’s) them being able to come and do something of value for us and what we give them in return, and (it’s) making sure that as an organization, we do the right things.” The best part of Angela’s job is “the opportunity to come in and partner with the leadership team, to help them be the best organization they can be, (and) have them consider me as the subject matter expert that I am, and to be respected and honored for that.” Angela’s journey to HR was not direct. She started her professional career with the Texas State Government as an administrative employee. It was after some time that she decided that she needed a change in path. “You need to have a career,” she thought, “I really liked when I saw other people in HR, interacting with people in the organization. I think the other part was the nuanced experiences that I had as a black woman and wanting to affect that for myself and other people and I felt that HR was a way to do that. So I talked

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

to (my) boss… and when the time came, she gave me some duties and I started HR (as) an administrative assistant, and I (said), “I love this!” I went and found a job in an HR department in a state agency. That was in 1999 and I never looked back, and here I am today!” Today Angela oversees human resources for JuiceLand’s 580 employees, in 32 locations across Texas. Angela grew up in Austin, and to those young Austinites growing up just like her, the advice she gives is to believe in yourself, “and if you struggle with that, or you have a day where you don’t, do it anyway. Don’t let the hesitation, don’t let the not knowing everything you think you should know, stop you. Just do it anyway.” Angela also advises building your network early on, in a three pronged approach. “There’s your inner circle,” she begins, “Those are the people who love you and who you love; they’re always there. Then there’s that professional circle that you naturally build when you work in organizations and you meet people. Then there’s that third level of people that maybe you don’t personally know or haven’t talked to, but that you admire or inspire you. These are the three levels of people who can support you, open doors for you, speak your name in rooms you’re not in, help you get that opportunity that you might not be able to get

on your own. Those are the people that can get you where you want to go.” Angela finds that she is her own best investment, and is always finding time and resources to develop herself professionally. “I have done it my entire career,” she says,” and even when my organization couldn’t or didn’t pay for it, it was always a part of my own budget. When it comes to my craft, which is HR, when it comes to my passion, which is (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), when it comes to me, I have to be the first one to do that, so I’ll always invest in professional development.” Angela is grateful for where she is professionally, and is always happy to send the proverbial elevator back down, so others may rise, and one way she is committing to doing this is by just saying no. “I’ve always been a person who did the absolute most at all times,” she says, “I never said no. I said yes to everything, every engagement. I’m looking to 2022 to say “no,” more, so that I can actually have more impact, and I’ve done it! I’m already starting to set myself up for 2022 to be able to do that. So (I say) no to commitments… (like) a board position, ...but I will always try to recommend somebody else, because there is always somebody else out there who is in a different part of their life than I am. And they want these opportunities. One of the best ways to put good into the world is to say people’s names in rooms they’re not in.” Angela has come a long way, and faced many hurdles to be the successful person she is today. “I feel like I’m most proud of progressing my career while at the same time not giving up who I am, “she says, “I feel like it took me a little longer, just because of… systemic racism and structures that are in place. But despite any of that, I got to this chief position, not only for me, but (as) representation for anybody else who wants to do it. There’s nothing special about me, and the fact that I could work hard enough to get here, means that anybody can work hard enough to get here. To be able to say that I did this, nobody can take that away from me, ever, and I can use it to help other young black girls to know that they can do it too.”

NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS

“

And once I’m gone, hopefully (my daughter) she says that … he tried to lead me away from those speed bumps that (he) got into once or twice … and she could be better than her dad. But her dad was always there to support her regardless. No matter what.

”

Erick S Klafter Senior Vice President Domain Northside, Northwood Retail Erick Klafter is Senior Vice President of Northwood Retail, and is based in Austin, at Domain Northside. Domain Northside is a regional shopping center located in Northern Austin, within the greater Domain area. “I am in charge of everything that you see when a customer or a retailer comes to Domain Northside,” Erick says, “so all of the retail (and) residential office buildings. My primary role is to make sure that (Domain Northside is) full of wonderful tenants that fit the great city of Austin, as well as to ensure an open, fun, friendly experience for all (who) visit.” Erick’s advice for anyone who wants to be in a similar role as his is to start at the bottom, so you will learn about every facet of the business by the time you get to the top. “If you’re interested in retail,” Erick advises, “grab a job at an entry level right out of high school, just like I did. I started at an old defunct department store based in Los Angeles as a guy looking for a Christmas job while I was in high school, (I) got hired for five bucks an hour. I was in the young men’s department and I really just sort of fell in love with it. If you understand being a merchant and... the management of the merchant side, that will

really help you on the commercial property management side, because you understand the perspective of retailers. You understand their language when they speak about merchandising, and (help guide them to success). After all, the success of a shopping center is (based on having) the right merchants that meet the market, that is the foundation of it. Then on top of that, you put in the people and the experience, but you have to start out with the merchants. So my advice would be, try and find a role that fits you. It doesn’t have to be on the sales floor, it could be in operations, you could be the one offloading the truck. It doesn’t matter. It is just to get your foot in the door and get that retail language mastered and understood, so you can take it and broaden your horizons with it.” One of the best parts of Erick’s job is being able to open a new store. “I love the opening of a new store… because the opening of a new store as a culmination of nine to 12 months of work, from the introduction of the shopping center, to the lease, to the lease negotiations, to construction, pulling a permit, hiring the staff, doing the training, getting the merchandising in. It is a long process! So at the end of that very long road, you have a

brand new, open store and you wish nothing but success. But at the end of the day, my favorite thing is to walk outside... and see the smiles, the fun, the families. At the end of the day, that’s what gets you right here.” he says, pointing to his heart. While he does enjoy his work tremendously, and find fulfillment from it, it is his family that keeps his heart full. “My family is by far the most important thing in my life. So it is a balance (between work and family) because… our professional lives never stop. You have to learn to control boundaries. So I invest as much facetime with my daughter as I possibly can. I’ve volunteered to build the set for my daughter’s upcoming play of Moana, so I’m building boats! I take my daughter to horse lessons...I want her to be the best person she can be, and she has my full support, no matter what. And once I’m gone, hopefully she says that… he tried to lead me away from those speed bumps that (he) got into once or twice... and she could be better than her dad. But her dad was always there to support her regardless. No matter what.” “My favorite person of all is my wife, hands down,” he says, as his voice, his entire being, swells with adoration, “Our first date, we were at the valet. I gave her a hug and I told myself, that’s it. She’s it. I knew it. I don’t know why, but I knew it. And I was “playing the game,” should I text her tonight or tomorrow, I don’t know! But I decided to go for it, texted her maybe a few hours later, she texted back and then we started dating. She’s very independent, very driven. She is just, far smarter than I am, but someone I could really engage and talk to, and I never get tired of it. I think she’s just my absolute best friend, she means the absolute world to me... and we do everything together, just everything.”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

congratulates Senior Vice President Erick Klafter

A Top 10 Diversity Champion

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS

INFLUENTIAL

Susan Dawson Josh Jones Dilworth Choquette Hamilton Bobby Jenkins Robert Lee Chris Rios Courtney Robinson Laura Webb

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS

Susan Dawson Founder/President E3 Alliance I'm Susan Dawson, business entrepreneur turned social entrepreneur and president of E3 Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to driving systems change in education using ground-breaking data and collaboration. I'm very involved in supporting positive social change and equity across our community through organizations such as Austin Area Research Organization, Leadership Austin, Children's Optimal Health, Workforce Solutions, and others. I lead the Addressing Cancer Together coalition that is working to improve cancer detection and care for our uninsured and underserved community members.

INFLUENTIAL

Where did you attend school & why? SD: I'm a native Texan and knew I wanted to live here permanently, so only applied to colleges more than a thousand miles away where I could experience other places and cultures. I ended up having an incredible experience getting my engineering degree from Princeton University. After a stint on the west coast, I came back to get my MBA from UT Austin and have lived in Austin since. What do you like most about your job? SD: I love our mission - to change systems to help every student succeed - and the people who work at and support E3 Alliance. How did you get started in your career field? SD: I started out as a practicing structural engineer in California. I loved it but wanted greater responsibility and challenge, so came back to Texas to get my MBA. Thankfully, I was one of the few business students during a huge economic downturn to be able to get a job in Austin and stay here. After 15 years starting and running tech companies, I left the private sector to start E3 Alliance. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? SD: Go where your passion takes you and you can make a positive difference in the world. How do you give back? SD: I spend lots of time volunteering and leading community work, and we are fortunate to be able to give money, but most importantly I make connections to other passionate people who together can drive change. For instance, nine of us came together as the "Wheels on the Bus" to close the gap on raising the $2.5M needed to relaunch the Big Pink Bus to take mobile mammograms to women who can't otherwise access breast cancer screenings. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking?

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

SD: There have been so many! I try to be around people with different backgrounds, points of view, and lived experiences because they always help change my way of thinking. Best place you've ever lived & why? SD: Austin. I love live music and I love the vibe. But as we grow, we're only exacerbating inequity, and we must change that. If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, metaphorically speaking, getting a message out to millions or billions ‘ what would it say? SD: Work for the common good. Who do you admire and why? SD: My family. And some amazing Central Texas leaders who have taught me so much, like Neal Kocurek, Pat Hayes, Clarke Heidrick, Martha Smiley, Colette Pierce Burnette, and many more... What life lessons have you’ve learned? SD: Having great ideas and building relationships of trust are key to getting things done. But sometimes it takes just pure dogged persistence to drive positive change. How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? SD: I always try to learn by "failing forward." So many times, a venture failed, or just didn't go as I wanted or expected. But if you can learn from it and take those lessons forward then you may be better off because of the failure. Favorite book or book you'd recommend? SD: Again, so many! One of my recent favorites is by a late professor of mine, Uwe Reinhardt, called Priced Out. It helps explain why and how the US healthcare system is as screwed up as it is. What do you do in your leisure time? SD: Leisure time? There's not much of it! But I try to save time to read and hike. What’s your favorite quote? SD: "People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it." George Bernard Shaw

NOVEMBER 2021

INFLUENTIAL

Josh JonesDilworth Board Chair, DivInc Founder/CEO, JDI I’m Josh Jones-Dilworth. I’m CEO at JDI, which helps make science-driven and emerging technology companies well known and understood. I’m also Board Chair of DivInc, a local business accelerator for women and people of color, and a teacher in the MBA in Entrepreneurship program at the Acton School of Business. I do a lot of advising and volunteering around town. I’ve called Austin home for 15 years and counting. I live here with my fabulous wife (and colleague) Liz and our two girls, Claudia and Quincy.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS Where did you attend school & why? JD: I went to Haverford College in Philly for undergrad. I do not have an advanced degree. I chose Haverford because it was an idyllic contrast from the neighborhood I grew up in Baltimore, and because its Quaker roots intrigued me. Haverford was an incredibly fertile place for me intellectually.

gate. But at least I was in the door at a top-10 marketing firm. I just needed that foot in the door. But that job was more than just a stepping stone. Almost everything I needed to know to be a CEO, I first learned as an EA. I saw what being a CEO was actually like, and I saw how powerful true servant leadership can be. I also saw a lot of ways not to do it!

What do you like most about your job? JD: I always wanted to be a scientist. I got far enough to be dangerous but I ultimately couldn’t keep up. I ended up a proud Philosophy and English major. At JDI we work with scientists every day –from folks making crazy accurate leather from plants to building reusable satellites. I live inside of a science fiction movie, basically. And I get to collaborate with scientific leaders in their field to bring their breakthrough work to market. I have to pinch myself sometimes.

What life lessons have you’ve learned? JD: The most recent one is about hard yesses, learned via Steven Tomlinson and Kirk Rudy, via Lee Walker. A hard yes is a yes that is a yes along at least 3 simultaneous dimensions. In order words, a “hells yes.” Anything that’s not a hard yes is a no. This creates a stark line that takes courage to enforce. But on the right side of a hard yes, you’re all-in. And too few people these days are all-in. We need more people willing to go all-in.

How did you get started in your career field? JD: I fell in love with marketing while producing movies. Not surprisingly, I wanted to make science fiction movies. When I thought through what kind of stuff I wanted to market, science and scientists were the clear objects of my affection. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? JD: I wouldn’t worry so much about sales, marketing, business, or entrepreneurial skill sets, at least not in the formal sense. What’s far more important is discerning what customer you want to serve, and why. If you have a target lock on that, all of the hard skills development is a cinch. I meet too many people who want to be a marketer or a startup CEO. They know the what but not the why. Marketing or starting a new company is ultimately just a mechanic — a tool to get a particular thing done. Startups in particular should be used as a last resort if there’s no other, easier way to solve the problem! What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? JD: I started out my career in marketing as a temporary executive assistant. No one in their right mind was going to let this philosophyloving filmmaker be a marketer out of the

How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? JD: I’ve done a lot of improv training in my life, under some extraordinary teachers. It’s a crazy experience to be on stage in front of 2,000 people and totally bomb a set. Failure on a live stage is swift and definitive. Improv has no safety net. Improv taught me how to build with others from scratch. It taught me to trust. And it taught me habits of mind to think well on my feet, or in a crisis. Improv is the not-so-secret to my success. I can’t encourage folks strongly enough to do some improv training. Don’t worry about being funny — that’s not the point. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? JD: Right now it’s Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World. To solve wicked problems, you have to be able to draw on multiple heterogeneous skills sets and experiences and collide disparate datasets. Magic is inherently intersectional. What do you do in your leisure time? JD: I swim a lot — I love the noise and the solitude. I love to do art and science projects with my kids. I cook too — my whole day is words and talking, so working with my hands and saying little is always very appealing. What’s your favorite quote? JD: “When the going gets weird, the weird turn professional.” —Hunter S. Thompson

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS

INFLUENTIAL

Choquette Hamilton Founder/CEO RISE Child Development Center

Choquette Hamilton is a life-long advocate for social justice and educational equity. Prior to founding RISE Child Development Center, Inc., Dr. Hamilton served as Chief Operating Officer for KIPP Austin Public Schools (KAPS) and Managing Director of Culture,

Bobby Jenkins Owner ABC Home & Commercial Services

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

Diversity and Organizational Effectiveness when KAPS joined Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas to form KIPP Texas Public Schools (KTPS) in 2018. In this role, Dr. Hamilton develops long-term strategies and key initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as a culture of excellence and high levels of employee engagement. Prior to joining KIPP, Dr. Hamilton served as the Vice President of Operations for the Austin Area Urban League (AAUL) and in various capacities at the University of Texas at Austin.

Most proudly, Dr. Hamilton taught 7th grade Language Arts and Social Studies as a Teach for America corps member in Philadelphia. Dr. Hamilton holds a B.A. in Sociology/ African American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, a Masters of Elementary Education from St. Joseph’s University, a Masters of Governmental Administration from the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in Educational Policy and Planning from the University of Texas at Austin. In her spare time, Dr. Hamilton likes to hang out with her family.

Bobby Jenkins is owner of ABC Home & Commercial Services with offices in Austin, San Antonio, College Station, Bell County and Corpus Christi. ABC employs over 850 people and offers a wide variety of services including pest and termite control, lawn care and mowing, landscaping and irrigation, tree trimming, air conditioning and heating, plumbing and electrical, pool cleaning and repair, handyman services, window cleaning and power washing, and appliance repair. Bobby is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in business management. Bobby is a past chair of the Austin Chamber of Commerce and past chair of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. He is a past president of both the Texas and National Pest Management Associations and a past chair of the Better Business Bureau. He is a past chair and current board member of Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse and the Alzheimer’s Texas Association. Bobby currently serves on the board of The Association of Former Students at Texas A&M University. He is a past chair for Caritas of Austin and has served as a tri-chair for the bond

oversight committee with AISD. He is the past chair and current board member of the American Heart Association and has served as the co-chair for the Heat Walk. Bobby is a past co-chair for the United Way Annual Campaign and current United Way board member. He is the co-founder and board member of Recognize Good and past chair and current board member of Austin Gives. He currently serves as a trustee for the College For All Texans Foundation and the Better Business Bureau Education Foundation and is a board member of E3 Alliance, the Moss Pieratt Foundation and the Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Foundation. He also serves on the executive committee of the Texas Business leadership Council, is on the advisory board for Texas Capital Bank, and is the chairman of the Professional Pest Management Alliance. Bobby has been married to his wife Jan for 36 years and they have three children; Jessica Pieratt 33, Chelsea 30, and Bo 27. He has four wonderful grandchildren, Moss, Madeline, Frances and Robby.

NOVEMBER 2021

INFLUENTIAL

Robert Lee CEO/Principal Pearlstone Partners

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Robert Lee moved to Austin in 1973. He attended Round Rock High and graduated in the class of 1978. Robert furthered his education at the University of Texas at Austin. In his personal life, he is a certified scuba diver, proud Eagle Scout, and 3rd degree Black Belt in Martial Arts. Robert Lee is the CEO of Pearlstone Partners, he has a proven track record of successful real estate projects in the Central Austin area. Robert has more than 40 years of commercial real estate experience. He has been responsible for over $500 million in transactions; overseeing the development, construction, and sale of product types ranging from single-family, multi-family, condominiums, office, and light industrial. Pearlstone Partners is a real estate development firm with over 100 years of combined experience in the Austin market. The

company has been responsible for more than $300 million in locally developed real estate and has more than $600+ million actively invested. Pearlstone Partners engages in the economic development of the Central Texas area by creating high-quality, profitable real estate development projects. The company develops investment opportunities, expands the local market’s real estate offerings, and sustains a long-term market position both internally and for clients. Recently, Pearlstone has expanded to markets outside the Austin area and Robert looks forward to conquering future challenges as his business continues to grow. Pearlstone’s overarching vision has been to provide Greater Austin with attainable housing models and developments that offer amenities in premier neighborhoods at affordable market rates. Robert and his company have identified a clear need for developments and pricing models in the real estate sector that meet the demands of the growing “Missing Middle” demographic. Robert is heavily involved in civic and philanthropic causes that better his community - he currently serves on the advisory boards for the Asian Real Estate Association (AREAA), the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce (GAACC), Austin Habitat for Humanity, and the Network of Asian American Organizations (NAAO). Robert and his wonderful wife and business partner, Emily Lee, have been married for 26 years. Emily is a principal at Pearlstone Partners as well as principal and broker of Lee Real Estate Services. They have two children: Jacqueline (Jackie) Lee (24); Bobby Lee, (20). Jackie is finishing her senior year at The University of Texas at Austin and Bobby has just started his freshman year at The University of Texas at Dallas.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS

INFLUENTIAL Where Did You Attend School & Why? CR: I attended the Red McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. Higher education attainment was something deeply instilled in me by my parents. What do you like most about your job? Rios: I have the honor of partnering with and fostering collaboration between the community's most dynamic non-profit and business leaders to create a positive impact on our community.

Chris Rios Vice President, Community Development, Texas Capital Bank My name is Christopher Rios, Vice President of Community Development and Corporate Social Responsibility at Texas Capital Bank.

How did you get started in your career field? CR: I've been in commercial banking for close to 15 years and involved in community leadership roles for as many years. Through coupling my business acumen and passion for involvement in the community, I was able to advocate for a position where I get to focus on both as a career. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? CR: Get involved in the community and learn its ecosystem as best as possible. Everything is connected in one way or another. Also, be a leader who focuses on solutions and not problems. How do you give back? CR: Through my time, treasure, and talent.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? CR: Becoming a father and realizing the work I do shapes the future of the community he will call home. If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, metaphorically speaking, getting a message out to millions what would it say? CR: Be kind to everyone. We are all fighting battles that others can't see. Who do you admire and why? CR: My wife, Rachel, and son, Max. They inspire me to be a better husband and father. What life lessons have you’ve learned? CR: That there is a God, and I'm not Him. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? CR: Forget The Alamo What do you do in your leisure time? CR: I’m a professional competitive axe thrower. What’s your favorite quote? CR: I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

NOVEMBER 2021

INFLUENTIAL

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS

Courtney Robinson Founder/CEO Excellence and Advancement Foundation

An outspoken advocate and change-maker who experienced parental incarceration during childhood, Courtney Robinson is the founder of Excellence & Advancement. As an adult she spent 10 years researching the impact of schooling, race and incarceration. Her research led her to engage in the movement to break the school-to-prison pipeline in Texas.

Originally from Dallas, Courtney attended Howard University in Washington D.C. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Courtney worked at a community college in California. There, she encountered young men restarting their lives after prison and worked to help them achieve their goals. She returned to Texas after five years to become executive director of a non-profit serving high school students. She established a relationship with a judge in Midland, Texas and worked to create a first-time offender program in Midland County. After ten years of working with children in the criminal justice system, Ms. Robinson decided she needed more education

to better serve the juvenile justice system. Courtney entered graduate school at the University of Texas at Austin in 2002. In 2008, she became a volunteer for the Texas Youth Commission, helping the agency recover from devastating abuse allegations and implement reforms. In 2014, she founded the Excellence & Advancement Foundation to address the school-to-prison pipeline in Austin, Texas. Her work is inspired both by her family history and the inspiration she has drawn from the resilience of the young people she’s encountered working to reconstruct their lives after confinement.

Laura Webb Chair/SVP 50/50 Women on Boards/Tailwind Business Ventures

nonprofit organization aimed at driving the movement toward gender balance and diversity on corporate boards. Laura Webb serves as Senior Vice President Laura is passionate about helping firms of Sales and Marketing for Tailwind Busi- develop and execute comprehensive strategic ness Ventures. She works with the executive marketing and business development proleadership team to drive continuous improve- grams, which drive results, and create a difment, accountability, and high standards of ferentiated service in the market. Strengths excellence and results. As a trusted Advisor in setting customer-driven strategies, fosterLaura also served as Board Advisor, busi- ing innovation in market segments, deliverness development, sales and marketing and ing profitability, and partnering with key strategy consultant for LKW Consulting, internal and external stakeholders to drive managing a client base including Balcones business growth. Advisory, PerspectV, CareStarter, Alternative Her long-standing success stems from Energy Development, and Reviva Holdings. her absolute commitment to financial and Recently Laura became one of three board operational excellence working with the clichairs of the Austin chapter of the 50/50 ents and relationships which she cultivates Women on Boards organization. A national daily. The foundation for her success was built

during her progressive career beginning at infoGroup, where she started as a business analyst promoted to general manager in 1998. She launched a new product/division and organized a distribution network, leading to the opening of more than 500 accounts in one year with full P&L responsibility for two divisions. In 2002, Laura returned to infoGroup as a senior account executive, opening and managing the Austin office working with Fortune 500 and middle-market sector. She developed and established relationships with large clients, including HEB, FIC Group, Administaff, Norwood Promotional Products, Scott & White Hospitals, Frost Bank, Conoco, and Reliant Energy. Laura earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the Bellevue University. To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS

& G N I M CO

UP & COMING

Spencer Iwatuje Segment Manager Indeed.com Spencer Iwatuje currently serves as the Segment Manager for Indeed.com. Prior to this he served in roles at Oracle, Facebook, and Dell. Spencer received his bachelors degree from the University of Texas at Austin and his masters degree in biological and biomedical sciences from Mississippi College.

Helynn Nelson People Consultant Manager Google

My name is Helynn Nelson. I am a daughter, sister, wife, mother, a 5th generation Texan and the great granddaughter of the founder of a freedman’ colony East Texas. At Google, I am a manager that inspires HR generalists to deliver empathy and humanity at scale. Where did you attend school & why? HN: I completed my undergraduate studies at Spelman College and graduated from Tulane University Law School. I attended Spelman because it has been the center of Black intellectualism for centuries. I wanted to learn from and be groomed for black excellence. Tulane Law School offered a quality education in an environment rich with history and fun!

Spencer Iwatuje Helynn Nelson

What do you like most about your job? HN: Every day I am driven by endless opportunities to influence the way that human beings relate to one another and operate in the workplace. How did you get started in your career field? HN: I started my career as an employment attorney and quickly learned that I could direct and influence companies to occupy spaces of compliance and humanity that no longer shined a light on their poorest choices or defined their brand beyond a few bad actors.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? HN: Human resources is about people, processes and productivity. There are several pathways one could take to get here and the direction once you arrive is this-you have to always keep the human aspect of your role front and center. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? HN: Becoming a mother tilted my world’s axis and changed my career aspirations completely. I sought a more balanced approach to my work day. I researched wellness practices and started developing non-negotiable personal spaces. I stopped practicing law and started making inroads into corporate spaces to proactively influence positive employment engagement. What life lessons have you’ve learned? HN: I am a lifelong learner so I am sure that as the days go on more will be revealed. In my life thus far, I have learned to trust my instincts, be prepared, be mindful/kind and take time to enjoy what you’ve worked hard for and share that joy with others. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? HN: Dedicated by Pete Davis What do you do in your leisure time? HN: I am a Level 3 sommelier so I’m either collecting, drinking or traveling to experience wine. NOVEMBER 2021

2020

CENTRAL TEXAS SUPER LAWYERS

Gary Bledsoe Denise Davis Dexter Gilford Sedora Jefferson John F Mccormick Carl S Richie Eric Montgomery Shepperd David Talbot Bobby Taylor Linda von Quintus

LINDA VON QUINTUS Vice President, Public & Government Affairs AAA Texas (Retired)

Congratulations on being named

Black Business Journal’s 2020 Top Ten SUPER Lawyers

Endorsed by

LAWYERS

TOP TEN 2020

Straight Shooter

Gary Bledsoe Attorney, President Texas NAACP

“

Right now, we’re nowhere near where we need to be, we’re nowhere near where we think we are because we aren’t quite the progressive community we think we are, but it’s a great community, a lovely community, it’s a community that has a lot of potential.

”

Gary Bledsoe is an Austin attorney, who specializes in public interest law, employment and civil rights law. He has had a longstanding relationship with the NAACP as a member of its National Board since 2003, and President of the Texas NAACP since 1991. Bledsoe also serves as the Chair of the National Criminal Justice Committee of the NAACP. Bledsoe has been a key player in the fight against racial discrimination for most of his career. His influence has generated significant, positive change in civil rights for minorities. Bledsoe’s legal ability has earned him high ratings according to the prestigious legal publication Martindale-Hubbell. 34

A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, Bledsoe now has a busy private practice with various types of cases, often representing those who are overlooked and disempowered. In recent years, when Texas congressional redistricting endangered the needs and concerns of minorities and threatened to dilute their voting strength, Bledsoe acted like a (fierce) watchdog, supporting those who would have been “exiled into districts where their needs and concerns would be illegally and needlessly frustrated.” Bledsoe is also the national chair of an organization trying to promote justice, gender equity and increased overall equality in Africa. Bledsoe and others are

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

promoting connections with African colleges and universities, seeking to enrich the education of African American students with a visit to Africa at least once during their college experience. Bledsoe was born in west Texas and while growing up, he spent time working in the oil fields. He values the powerful influence that his mother had on his life. “She was always such a great stalwart...really like a best friend in addition to a mom and she knew how to talk to me in great, straight ways.” Bledsoe’s father and grandparents were also a key part of his early character development. Bledsoe’s decision to pursue a career in law began as he grew up watching Martin Luther King on television. Leaders like King, Thurgood Marshall and Nelson Mandela inspired Bledsoe, and he says that his purpose in life is to “make the world a better place before I’m gone.” And he is apparently doing that. Bledsoe enjoys positively influencing young students entering the legal profession, and one of the best compliments ever paid to him was from a person who said, “You’re one of the best things that ever happened to poor black people because you really care about them.” Bledsoe wants to be known as someone who brings all people together, regardless of racial or religious divides. He feels that there’s good in all colors, shapes and philosophies and everyone can progress by working hard and by working together. Bledsoe’s thoughts on Austin,

Texas are pretty straightforward. “Right now, we’re nowhere near where we need to be, we’re nowhere near where we think we are because we aren’t quite the progressive community that we think we are, but it’s a great community, it’s a lovely community, it’s a community that has a lot of potential.” His ongoing hope for Austin is that people would see racism as a key issue, as important as growth or environmental concerns. Bledsoe considers himself fortunate and blessed to do what he does. From Austin to Africa, he seems to be using his profession to bring clarity to important issues, serve others and promote positive changes. “We all need to understand that it is time to make the American example be what it can be and show when people can get together, discuss their differences and make for a good situation – we need to make that the case here and be able to export that everywhere around the world because if we don’t, we’ve reached the situation now where it can be headed in the other direction. I don’t think we survive if you have people at each other’s throats. I think it was all intended that we be brothers and sisters. What did Martin Luther King say? We’ll have to learn how to live together as brothers or we will perish as fools.” When Bledsoe isn’t tirelessly serving others, he enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, spending time with the boys, walking his dogs, scuba diving and hiking. NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN 2020

LAWYERS

Legal Strategist

Denise Davis Partner Davis Kaufman PLLC

“

The first is the importance of loyalty to family and friends, the second is to “always think one step ahead” and the third is to always put family first when managing professional obligations. Denise Davis of Davis Kaufman, PLLC practices legislative law with her law partner Lisa Kaufman. These attorneys lobbying efforts involve advocating on behalf of their clients to the legislature and to government agencies. Their work also entails drafting legislation and advising corporate clients on legal issues in the areas of taxation and general business. Davis was born in Lubbock, Texas, and is the youngest of eight children. She was raised by a single mother who left Lubbock with six of her children in the early 1970’s—in a car without air conditioning—to start a new life in Garland, a suburb of Dallas. Her mother is the person she admires most, for her courage to take “a huge leap of faith.” One of her fondest childhood memories of Garland is of a tree-planting ceremony attended by the first lady at the time, Rosalynn Carter; it was the town’s claim to fame. Davis had an early interest

”

in a becoming special education teacher. She was inspired to study law during junior high school, when her friend’s father spoke to her class about his career as an attorney. Davis received an academic scholarship to the University of Texas in Austin. She remembers when Austin had only one or two skyscrapers— a sharp contrast to the present cityscape. Although an older sibling attended college for a about a year, she was the first in her family to graduate from college. Her family’s support of her education was integral to her success—20 family members drove her to college while she was pursuing her undergraduate degree. The popularity of the glamorous 1980’s television show “L.A. Law” inspired many law students at the time to pursue lucrative careers in corporate law. Job prospects, however, were poor in this law area at the time. She was redirected as a result of her year of post-graduation work with Bill Hobby in the capital, where

she attended special sessions on education. This experience sparked an interest in legislative law, prior to her continuing at her alma mater for her law degree. Davis held no interest in becoming a politician, but she was fascinated by the interconnection of policy and law. She was captivated by the technical side of the profession and the opportunity to write legislation. One of the highlights of her over 30 years in Austin was holding the position of chief of staff for the Speaker of the House. The position allowed her to forge connections with all members of the legislature. Davis believes the key to happiness in her field is being passionate about an area of the law and finding balance between time dedicated to work and to serving the community. Davis cherishes her role as a mother and prioritizes active involvement of herself and her children in African American organizations. These groups have been an important source of support in her professional life and in navigating the challenges of being an African American woman practicing law. She is concerned about maintaining the African American identity in Austin, due to members of the community relocating because of the high cost of living in the city. Civic engagement is of paramount focus in Davis’s life. She has a deep commitment to giving back to the community because of the impact mentorship has had in her professional growth. Her career on a macro-level has involved helping people through legislative efforts, and at this

point in her life she is dedicating more time to projects that will directly assist disadvantaged populations. One such project was a group trip to Jamaica to deliver supplies to four elementary schools and to teach classes. Davis views her commitment to civic engagement as her greatest legacy. As an African American woman, Davis is an advocate for diversity in her field. During her college years in the 1980’s, there were racial tensions on campus, and she has encountered dismissive and disrespectful behavior over the course of her career. Davis recalls incidents when she was the only African American and the only woman in a meeting. She would be the only person in the room who had the answer to a question, but she would be the last person asked, and that was only after her colleagues had failed to resolve the issue at hand. She recognizes the disparity of such situations arising in a profession that is supposed to be rooted in fairness and justice. Davis stresses the importance of not being paralyzed by racism or sexism, of open discussion of these issues, and of holding people accountable for their actions. Davis has identified three life lessons learned in the course of her career. The first is the importance of loyalty to family and friends, the second is to “always think one step ahead” and the third is to always put family first when managing professional obligations. In her free timeDavis loves to garden and to practice her bass guitar.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

LAWYERS

TOP TEN 2020

Civil Rights for All

Dexter E. Gilford Director, Civil Rights Div. Travis County District Attorney Office

“

I try to, at the end of the day, do what I would want done for me if it were my child or my loved one…If I satisfy myself that I’ve done the best in that regard, then I’m prepared to accept whatever criticism… Most people today know San Antonio, Texas, simply as the famous home of the Alamo, or maybe the Spurs. But Dexter E. Gilford can tell us a more personal story. In the 1970’s, when Gilford was growing up, the city was racially divided. He lived with other African-Americans in the east, Latino families lived south and west, and Caucasians lived in the north. Socioeconomic levels were mixed together in these regions; one house in the community may be middle class, but two blocks over may be poverty. Gilford was born in 1965 in this city. His mother was from Arkansas, grew up in LA, and was a teacher. His father, from East Texas, sold insurance. Together, they were very good parents to Gilford and his sister. They attended the Second 36

”

Baptist Church there in eastern San Antonio, of which Gilford himself is still a proud member. This is where Gilford spent his public school years. He graduated high school in the early 80’s, and continued his education at a local community college. While he is thankful for his good parents, and his good life, he is no stranger to grief; unfortunately, many of his friends were lost to urban violence, or found themselves in prison. “That part of me,” he says, “has continued to inform my sensibilities to this day.” Gilford didn’t grow up wanting to be a lawyer. His undergrad years were spent at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, and then he continued his college years at University of Texas in Austin. It was in LA that he decided that law school was the path he would take.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

While in college, Gilford met people from many different places. Some of them were young men from very rough neighborhoods. He made friends from Harlem, Detroit, St. Louis, and Chicago, and in doing so, he found that their upbringing was actually not so different from his. This revelation had a great impact on his worldview. After college, Gilford returned to his hometown of San Antonio and became a Bexar county prosecutor. He did this long enough, he says, to realize that he’s not a prosecutor at heart. However, he was very good at it. He found himself defending people who had been accused of capital murder in the 90’s, during a time when Texas was dealing out more death penalties than all the other states combined and even more than some countries. He never once lost a client to death row; at best, they were deemed not guilty, and at worst were given a life - not death - sentence in prison. The board certified him as a specialist, he received the Defense Lawyer of the Year award from the State Bar, and he became president of his local defense bar. He even spoke at Continuing Legal Education events. Tragedy struck in 2011, when Gilford’s mother began dying of Alzheimer’s. When he got the news, Gilford brought his career to a screeching halt, and took care of her until 2017, when she passed away. During that time, he dove into his love of writing, and

went back to school. He received a masters degree in English, and an MFA in creative writing. When Margaret Moore was elected Travis County District Attorney, she invited Gilford to be on her staff. After his mother passed, he accepted her offer, and continued his career - this time, as Assistant District Attorney. He holds this title to this day, working as Director of the Civil Rights Unit. The Civil Rights Unit has two subunits: the Civil Rights Division, and the Conviction Integrity Unit. The Civil Rights Division handles cases involving use of force by police officers, while the Conviction Integrity unit deals with prisoners who may actually be innocent. “I try to, at the end of the day, do what I would want done for me if it were my child or my loved one,” says Gilford, “who had either been shot by a law enforcement officer, or for on whom less than lethal force had been used. If I satisfy myself that I’ve done the best in that regard, then I’m prepared to accept whatever criticism...” Outside of work, Gilford is a music lover. His favorite genre is jazz, and he’s a huge fan of John Coltrane. He has a record collection that covers a good couple of walls in his house. One day, he hopes to get back to writing and teaching. But for now, “There’s probably not a more important undertaking that I could be engaged in as an attorney at this point in my life,” Gilford observes. NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN 2020

LAWYERS

Advancing Public Education

Sedora Jefferson Associate Executive Dir. General Counsel Texas Association of School Bd.

“

Before it’s my time to check out, I hope that I have been a friend to many, and someone who just helps them to have a happier day.

”

Less than ten miles from Stamford, Connecticut is a town called Norwalk. It’s located just forty minutes out of New York City. This is where Sedora Jefferson, daughter of a barber and a psychiatric nurse, and the youngest of three sisters, was born and raised. She grew up in the 1960’s and 1970’s. During that time, the town was highly integrated. However, she was aware of what was happening in the civil rights movement. “I didn’t know it as civil rights,” Jefferson says, “I just knew it as the Black Power movement.” She was part of the black history club, as well as other organizations, so she feels she was still in tune with things that were going on. “I definitely grew up with the whole vibe of embracing blackness. We all had afros.

My father cut afros.” The African-American community in Norwalk, she says, was very supportive of one another. “There was only one black dentist in town,” she recalls. “It was that kind of town, and we supported each other.” After Jefferson reached college age, she and her family spread to other parts of the country. Her parents retired to South Carolina, and her sisters moved to Virginia. Jefferson herself started college at Temple University. She went from a small town, to a big, and heavily African-American city. She says that for her, this experience was an awakening. Originally, Jefferson wanted to be a social worker, which was the reason she went to Temple University to begin with; they had a great program for it. While there,

she participated in a required practicum, and worked for a woman who ran her own social work agency. Jefferson quickly determined that she didn’t need to be that close to the problem to effect change, and she wanted to do something else, leading to a temporary crisis for her. After several suggestions from other people for her to try law, she decided to listen to them and give it a shot. At first, Jefferson wasn’t interested in the courtroom side of law; she wanted to be a telecommunications lawyer. Back then, cable was a booming business. A series of companies known as the Bell System, led and named for the Bell Telephone Company, had dominated phone lines and services in America for a century. These companies, collectively referred to as Ma Bell, had been enjoying almost a total monopoly on the phone and cable industry. With $150 billion in assets (worth almost $4 billion today), this colossus was finally meeting its demise, and with its downfall, Jefferson saw a great opportunity arising. With her target in sight, Jefferson piled on the courses, and barreled on toward her intended career. The Federal Communications Law Journal was to be hosted at her school, and she succeeded in becoming one of the board members who worked on it. However, life often has a funny way of taking its own course. Though it was not at all the field she was aiming for, the job Jefferson was first hired for was litigation at the Texas At-

torney General’s office, working alongside powerhouse names like David Talbot and Carl Richie. “When you see how you’re dealing with things that you can’t control, or you didn’t invite, it’s a humbling experience,” says Jefferson. “Quite frankly, humbling in a positive way, because it made me a whole lot more compassionate and understanding that, for the most part, people are doing the best they can.” Nowadays, Jefferson is a lawyer for a nonprofit organization called the Texas Association of School Boards. Her official title is Associative Executive Director (which is basically the vice president) and General Counsel. She’s the chief legal officer for the TASB and its seven associated entities. She has a team of just two other attorneys, managing all eight projects together. Jefferson says that since she first moved to Austin, the city has grown bigger than she ever imagined, and she hopes families can be planted and bloom there. During her life, she states, “Before it’s my time to check out, I hope that I have been a friend to many, and someone who just helps them to have a happier day.” To the younger generations, Jefferson does her best to be a positive and encouraging role model. She always tells younger people to push beyond what they think they are capable of. “Just shoot higher, aim higher,” she tells them. “I did not know it was in my sights to be a lawyer... that was not something I imagined, so aim higher.”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

LAWYERS

TOP TEN 2020

Integrity & Passion for the Law

John McCormick Attorney vv

“

In fact, it’s better that I was a good father and a good husband than anything else I do because the way I look at it, pastoring and practicing law is what I do. A husband and a father. Those are who I am.

”

Raised by his mother and grandmother, John McCormick and his younger brother grew up in a tight-knit community in East Lubbock, Texas. Both his mother and grandmother worked to support him and his brother. It was easy for McCormick to find positive role models in his community who helped shape him into the man he grew up to be. One such role model who drew McCormick’s attention just happened to be the only African American attorney in the Lubbock area. McCormick took note of the honor and prestige in the 38

law field and became intrigued. Fueling his interest even more, he got his first taste of the law while participating in mock trials in high school. Growing up, McCormick always knew he would go to college. His mother instilled in him a desire to better himself by continuing his education, along with a passion for public service. Between that and his fascination with the law field, McCormick had dreams of perhaps becoming a judge or even U.S. Senator. After some research, McCormick discovered that most U.S.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

Senators start out as lawyers, so he switched his major in college from computer science to government. He has always enjoyed studying and watching politics. A degree in government seemed perfect for him. But God had plans for McCormick as well. On a path to continue his legal career and eventually become a U.S. Senator, God called him to a life of ministry. In the beginning, McCormick resisted the calling, feeling it a burden. He only found relief from this burden once he accepted the calling. McCormick found a way to pursue both ministry and the law by becoming a pastor and a lawyer. Loving what he does, he does not consider practicing law a job in the traditional sense. He feels tremendously blessed to be able to do what he does as a pastor and a lawyer. After five years of practicing law, McCormick had an enlightening moment where he realized that if it weren’t for practicing law, he would have missed out on a lot of different experiences, opportunities, and relationships. Knowing that not everyone gets the opportunity to do what he does, McCormick’s gratitude is boundless. Throughout his career, McCormick’s admiration for all African American Lawyers has grown, especially for those that

still practice with integrity and passion after having weathered everything that life and the law has thrown at him. God placed a calling of encouragement on McCormick. He is blessed to be able to use his pastoral ministry as well as his lawyer’s influence to encourage as many people as he can. Knowing that life is not and never will be fair has kept McCormick level headed. Although he has had to work hard, he has always maintained his integrity, doing the best he could with what he had to work with throughout life. A strong believer that good will always prevail, he has always tried to do the right thing. McCormick hopes people will remember his legacy of encouragement, as well as being a good husband and father. “In fact, it’s better that I was a good father and a good husband than anything else I do because the way I look at it, pastoring and practicing law is what I do. A husband and a father. Those are who I am.” In his spare time, you will find McCormick listening to jazz and going to the movies. Occasionally, you will find him playing golf, although he’s not an avid golfer like some are. What he would really love to do is get his pilot’s license, but so far, his wife has vetoed that pursuit. Who knows, perhaps one day, his wife will give in. NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN 2020

LAWYERS

Affordable Housing for All

Carl Richie Carl S. Richie, Jr. Attorney at Law

“

I think they (my Mother and Grandmother) would say, ‘You’ve done what you were supposed to do.

”

For Carl Richie, his mother was his primary source of inspiration and encouragement while growing up. Although she suffered from schizophrenia at times, she was strong enough not to let it affect her life except under extremely stressful conditions. Being a school teacher, his mother knew the importance of discipline and hard work, and she instilled Richie with these ideas at an early age. Every day when he got home from school, he would change his clothes, get a snack, and study until dinnertime. This habit carried over into his college years as he majored in law to become a lawyer. As soon as Richie got out of class, he would eat and then study for the next three hours. Richie excelled in school and college because his

mother impressed upon him that he can and would succeed, he was on the right track and doing all the right things. “The decisions that I made as a result of listening to her and having her whisper in my ear were always the right decisions.” Throughout his career, Richie has been blessed to work with members of Congress, Senators, and even the Governor of Texas. He has led such organizations as the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), serving as the President. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Housing Authority for the City of Austin. “I’ve told myself on several occasions that the future is today and today is time for you to lead.”

As a result of this mindset, Richie was the first National President of NAHRO who actually lived in public housing. He has turned his passion for housing into his life’s purpose. “I focused primarily on helping us be an advocate because that’s what I am professionally as a lobbyist, I’m a professional advocate, increasing our advocacy on Capitol Hill to get money for various programs for the Housing Authorities and Community Development agencies.” Richie said. After moving to Austin, Richie fell in love with the city’s vibrancy and host of opportunities. When asked how America perceives black men, Richie explains that unless the African American male is in a profession, he will always be seen as a threat. And as for the males in a professional position, they can be seen as a threat to colleagues and others because to get where they are professionally, they needed to be smarter than others. In order to get past these preconceived notions, Richie recommends engaging people in conversation. Through conversations, we learn that we have more things in common than not with other people. It’s through those commonalities that society can be brought together, creating a bond. Being an African American, Richie has encountered racism throughout his life, even in the professional world. “I think the more we talk about it, the more we can help address the issue

because racism comes from two things: ignorance and insecurity.” Richie feels that talking about racism, the ignorance, and the insecurities that cause racism will help address some of the issues. His advice to younger boys? “Go anywhere you want to... Never talk yourself out of doing something you want to do. You can do whatever it is you want to do. It may take you a little longer to do that to get there and don’t get frustrated, but always stay on track.” Richie further advised, “Have a vision for where you want to go and talk yourself into it. It’s just as easy to talk yourself into doing something as it is to talk yourself out of doing something.” Richie loves to play golf and has used his hobby to raise money to give back to the community. Hosting several golf tournaments, he was able to raise $100,000 to put towards the city’s education funding. This ensured that at least one kid in each of the city’s eight regions had access to the education funding, giving them an opportunity to go to college. When asked what he thinks his mother and grandmother would say about his life, he said, “I think they would say, “You’ve done what you were supposed to do. You helped the professionals who oversee housing. You made sure the residents had the skillsets to do the right things. You helped raise money so that kids who live in public housing, they can go to college.” In essence, a job well done.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

LAWYERS

TOP TEN 2020

Justice Prevails

Eric Shepperd Judge Travis County

“

If we can all just come together and try and help everybody out … no man is an island is absolutely true.

”

Eric Montgomery Shepperd is a successful county court judge, vibrant member of the Austin, Texas community, and one of central Texas’s top ten African American super lawyers. However, people who enter Judge Shepperd’s civil court at Law Two may not know the story behind this man who demonstrates both personal character and professional excellence. Shepperd was raised primarily in Texas and growing up as a preacher’s kid, he was constantly in the spotlight. Watched by both kind and critical onlookers, he overcame the stereotypical image of a rebellious pastor’s kid, lived straight, and accepted his 40

parents’ plan for all their children to attend college. With assistance from a high school counselor, Shepperd took a career test and decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and help people -- but as a lawyer, not a preacher. Growing up, he often mimicked his father’s preaching, and Shepperd says, “If you can learn how to preach, you can learn how to be a good trial lawyer.” Shepperd graduated from Andrews University and arrived in Austin in 1982 to attend law school at the University of Texas. He earned his Juris Doctorate in May 1985. His early inspiration to become a judge was on a high school field trip to a federal court,

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

where he was surprised to meet an African American judge. In 2006, when he seriously considered running for County Court judge, he mentioned his plan to a friend, who said, “You will never win.” Shepperd’s ambitious spirit, together with the counsel and encouragement of others, propelled him into the race. He had backing from people that knew politics, but some were skeptical about his Seventh-day Adventist Church affiliation; how could he canvass the neighborhood properly if he didn’t campaign on Saturdays? But with the help of church members and other supporters, Shepperd walked many blocks and knocked on many doors, and was elected as a County Court judge in 2006. Faith, friends, hard work and life experiences have all contributed to Shepperd’s personal and professional success. One lifechanging event was the death of his father. This forced him to see life with a different perspective; it changed the way he looked at the world. After working long days in the courthouse, Shepperd spends a lot of his leisure time taking care of his mother, and investing in his church family, and cherishing the time and relationships that really matter. With the wisdom Shepperd has gained along the way, he tells young people considering the le-

gal profession, “Work hard. Be prepared to do the best you can. Always be prepared. Mentors come in all colors, shapes and sizes and you need to remember that just because they don’t look like you, doesn’t mean they can’t help you get to where you’re going. God will put people in your path and they will teach you lessons you never thought you would learn. Just listen.” Shepperd has enjoyed his experience in Austin, and he is here to stay. “It’s a good town, good people,” he says. Shepperd has been active as the chair of organizations such as the Austin Black Lawyers Association, Texas Organized Professionals, Red Cross of Central Texas and Austin Habitat for Humanity. “My place is here,” says Shepperd, and he is devoted to helping Austin grow in size and spirit. One of Shepperd’s favorite quotes is, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place. (George Bernard Shaw)” Shepperd wants to be part of removing the illusion and letting good communication prevail in Austin. He’s committed to participate at all levels when it comes to making Austin the best it can be. “If we can all just come together and try and help everybody out...no man is an island is absolutely true.” NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN 2020

LAWYERS

Legacy Builder

David Talbot Assist. Attorney General (Ret.) State of Texas

“

Be true to yourself. Be honest and keep your integrity … Try to be understanding, have forgiveness.

”

David Talbot was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1949. His British Ghanaian father came to America to attend college at Morris Brown in Atlanta, Georgia and served in World War II under George S. Patton. Talbot’s father then came back to America, married, and moved to New York. Early in life, Talbot’s family moved to North Little Rock, Arkansas, where his father took a job as an English professor at Shorter College, a school belonging to the African Methodist Episcopal Church. On the advice of Talbot’s grandfather, an AME minister, Talbot’s father also became a minister with the church. When Talbot was in second grade, they moved again to what he considers his home: Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Here, his father became the Dean of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

(then called Arkansas AM&N College). Talbot attended a segregated school but said he had a wonderful childhood, thanks to good parents and his two younger brothers. He grew up in a nurturing environment. He was the drummer in the band, and his favorite subject was history. Talbot’s parents moved on to Commerce, Texas, where his father integrated the faculty of East Texas State University. Now college age, Talbot did not go with them, instead attending Rutgers University in New Jersey. After Talbot finished college, he moved home to Pine Bluff, married his high school sweetheart, and had a son. Getting married, Talbot says, is a blessing that changed his life. He and his wife have been married for forty-eight years. Talbot worked as a reporter for his hometown paper, The

Pine Bluff Commercial, where he honed his writing skills. Soon after, he decided to attend law school at the University of Texas in Austin, where only three other African Americans were in his class. “I had some hometown heroes that I looked up to,” Talbot remembers. “In Pine Bluff, we had some courageous black lawyers who led the way during the civil rights movement.” Racism, Talbot says, is a sickness that has existed throughout our society. “I think things have gotten a lot better,” he admits. “I’m not disputing that, but I’m surprised at how the stain of racism is still with us.” Talbot’s career began in Austin while he was still in law school. In 1973, after his first year, he joined the office of Attorney General John Hill, first as a law clerk, then he worked in the general litigation division as a trial lawyer. Seven years later, Mark White asked him to be the chief of the Consumer Protection Division. This would be the third time he would hold this position, leading more divisions from there. “I probably hold the record for the number of divisions that I’ve led” says Talbot. In addition to these roles, he has also served as the head of the departments of financial litigation, transportation, general litigation, administrative law, the champ station division, and law enforcement defense. He was in executive administration twice (once with Mattox and then with the Morales administration) and he was the general counsel for Governor Ann Richards for

four years. He has also worked for seven Attorneys General, representing, and advising the state of Texas on legal matters and was also County Trust, during his forty-six years in state government. Looking back on his career, Talbot notes, “I never got bored. Every time I would look up, I would get a new challenge, a new set of individuals, a new area of law to work in.” When asked what it was like working for the famous Governor Ann Richards, he responded, “She made me a better lawyer. It was a special time in my life. She was a dynamic, strong, positive, tough boss. She could be very demanding, but only demanding in the sense that she was demanding of herself and her staff. I think she expected us to do well...” Talbot says that Austin is a jewel of a city. He loves Austin, and he feels a real sense of comfort here. He wants to see it continue to grow sustainably. While he says that the African American community used to live closer together, but now are spreading further and further throughout the city and its suburbs, he still hopes they will all remain united and strong as a community. On a personal front, Talbot wants to be known as a God-fearing family man. A kind, decent, loyal person who did his best. His advice to the rest of us is this: “Be true to yourself. Be honest and keep your integrity... Try to be understanding, have forgiveness.” May we all live up to this wisdom.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

LAWYERS

TOP TEN 2020

Austin’s Civil Rights Crusader Marches On

Bobby Taylor Civil Rights Attorney

“

Bobby Taylor was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1947. He grew up in a traveling military family and was taught early on that he was no better than anyone else. He was also taught that to succeed, he would have to work twice as hard. Taylor says his skin color shaped how the world saw him, which shaped how he saw the world. Growing up during segregation, living through the Civil Rights Movement and seeing the work of Martin Luther King Jr, Taylor was destined to be a civil rights champion for others. Growing up watching TV shows like Perry Mason, and desperately wanting to affect change, he was inspired to be42

come a lawyer. Taylor has never wavered and is now a legendary, nationally recognized attorney specializing in civil rights and criminal cases. Taylor attended the University of Texas at Austin School of Law in the 1970s. During his time in law school, Taylor says that every step a black student made was monitored. Earning his law degree, and being an agent of change, was the only avenue to help correct a broken system. Because of the history of blacks in America and presentday events, a disproportionate number of blacks and Hispanics have been arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced to longer terms

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

Respect everyone.

than their white counterparts. No matter how much you earn or where you come from, black men are treated differently in America, which is why Taylor laces up for a fight every day, knowing that he can’t win them all, but he is on the right side of the battle. Every day young men and women face the harsh reality that being poor and black can drastically inhibit lives. However, Taylor believes education can be a great equalizer. “Money affects where you live. Money affects where you go to school,” he says. “Money affects what you can do for your children, and you cannot give the best for your kids on a nickel-and-dime pocketbook, so you’ve got to make things better, and you’ve got to get out there and work hard.” He goes on to say, “I never had any doubts that I was going to try to get as much education as I could.” As an attorney, Taylor has fought to right wrongs in civil rights, sexual harassment, and other discrimination cases. Taylor is known for being a fighter because he believes at some point, justice will prevail.

” Today, Taylor enjoys traveling, although he admits he doesn’t take enough time for himself. He’s recovering from an unexpected health crisis but says he’s “feeling better,” is back to work and ready to fight the good fight. While he loves his work, as he looks back over his life, he admits that he would have spent more time with his family members if he had it to do over. But say’s “at this age, you make the best of where you are and enjoy every single day.” Bobby Taylor still reflects on how far he has come. “I remember back when we still had outdoor toilets.” Today, he says, his life is different, but what matters most is fighting for the rights of others. He credits his parents for his success and humble outlook. They taught him that no matter what you have, who you are, or where you came from – it could all be gone tomorrow, so count your blessings. Taylor says he takes that lesson to heart, treating all the employees in his organization with the same level of consideration. If there is one lesson Taylor hopes he will leave for others, it is to “respect everyone.” NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN 2020

LAWYERS

Helping Communities Make Safety a Priority

Linda von Quintus Vice President, Govt & Community AAA Texas

“

Live long enough so that it won’t matter if you are the first black, but it matters now. It still matters now and it is going to continue to matter until the world changes its views.

”

Linda von Quintus is a recently retired Austin attorney who specialized in regulatory law. She previously held positions as VicePresident of Public and Government Affairs and Community and Public Relations in Texas and New Mexico. In this role she was a registered lobbyist for its advocacy initiatives, which included foci in traffic safety, insurance, and travel. Quintus has a lived a life of compassionate service. Her accomplishments are as much a testament to her giving spirit as they are to her acumen and perseverance. Her empathy for the struggles of others and her tenacity in the face of challenges have led her to career and personal success. Born in 1952 in Brownfield, Texas, Quintus was raised in Jonah, east of Georgetown. Her father, pragmatic and direct, stated: “Your mother takes care of the house; I work and you kids bring A’s home.” In elementary school, Quintus was taught by Viola Grant, an alumna of the Tuskegee Institute, whose teaching—which strongly emphasized reading, laid the foundation for her academic achievements.

When Quintus was twelve, her father passed away, and the family relocated to Georgetown, where she enrolled in an integrated school and continued to excel academically. In high school, despite having been diagnosed with epilepsy, Quintus was active in tennis, basketball, and track. Towards the end of high school, she had a seizure at a track event and was taken to the hospital. When her mother arrived, she was furious with the principal for allowing Quintus to participate in sports and mentioned the note she had given her daughter to bring to school. The principal had no knowledge of it and pulled Quintus aside to question her. She replied that she had “lost the note” on the way to school. Her mother and the principal laughed, for they knew her determined nature. Throughout her life, Quintus would not let her illness hold her back, nor would she accept the imposition of limitations. Quintus had always aimed for a college education, which her father had intended for all his children (out of seven children, six went to college). She earned a Bachelor of Business Admin-

istration from the University of Houston, with the intention of continuing for a Master of Business Administration. She followed the recommendation of her advisor, who complimented her speaking ability and suggested that she consider law school. During law school, with the goal of becoming a prosecutor, Quintus interned with a criminal judge and with the Harris County Sherriff’s Office. She did not feel called to the work, and the dean thus advised her to explore regulatory law, which became her career path. Quintus’ career included a role as a marketing manager with a company in the oil and gas industry which, prior to her employment, had never hired an African American employee to work in their corporate offices. She established a reputation for her willingness to take on any task, and for being focused on results. Her motto is “If it’s doable, I’m going to get it done.” She also held the position of regulatory counsel for the American Auto Association (AAA) and was proud to work for a company whose traffic safety division focuses on saving lives. Quintus’s career has been informed by her volunteer efforts. A defining period in Quintus’s life was after law school, while her dear friend in New York City was dying of AIDS. She became involved in the Volunteer for AIDS Project, sponsored by the Austin Black Lawyers (a volunteer legal program). She counseled AIDS patients over the phone and was deeply affected by their stories. Her conversations with these patients showed her “how tenuous life can be” and fostered within

her a strong desire to use her law degree to help people in need. In her personal life, Quintus raised two children: her nephew and her older sister’s granddaughter. She loves to travel and journeyed with members of the National Bar Association to South Africa, where she met Nelson Mandela. She is an avid supporter of dogs, which hold a special place in her heart and volunteers with animal welfare organizations. Quintus has come to accept that misdeeds by others are part of the normal course of life: she has decided to learn from negative experiences with people and to not hang on to resentment. She has found that situations that affected her greatly at the time have mattered less to her as she has progressed in life. Her advice is to let go of what is behind you and “focus on the new that you have just been introduced to.” When faced with ignorance and racism, she believes in handling situations by not displaying anger and by maintaining dignity in her demeanor and speech: “always be respectful…absolutely no name calling.” In her retirement, Quintus looks forward to serving as a mentor within the African American community. She appreciates the diversity of Austin—that it is not separated into racial neighborhoods, and she is inspired each time she hears of a new African American business in the city. Her wish is that she will “live long enough so that it won’t matter if you are the first black, but it matters now. It still matters now and it is going to continue to matter until the world changes its views.”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

CONGRATULATIONS Gary Bledsoe

Bobby Taylor

Black Business Journal’s

Top Ten Super Lawyers AUSTIN NAACP

The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons. Nelson Linder, President, Austin NAACP 1717 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702 | (512) 476-6230

Congratulations Carl Richie Attorney at Law

On being named as a

2020 TOP 10 CENTRAL TEXAS

BLACK LAWYERS

CONGRATULATIONS

Denise Davis Partner, Davis Kaufman PLLC

On being named one of Black Business Journal's

Top 10 Central Texas Super Lawyers

2021

CENTRAL TEXAS SUPER LAWYERS

Machree Gibson Jaqueline Habersham Rachel E Kelley Revlynn Lawson Lora Livingston Tracy Walters McCormack Kevin Nolan Ron Sullivan Arthur L Walker, Jr Elizabeth Wilson

LAWYERS History maker, trailblazer, Machree Gibson, Esq., was born into a loving family with strong ties to Austin, Texas. In 2011 she became the first black woman president of the Texas Exes. The official alumni association for the University of Texas at Austin which boasts of membership of nearly 100,000. The second-longest serving president in the University’s history, Bill Powers called her “a friend, the boss, the czar, a queen.” Gibson was born and raised in Austin, Texas during the 1950s, a time of great change in America. Gibson followed suit among a long line of bold and educated family members from several generations before her, at a time when Austin was still officially under segregation laws. Gibson and her family lived in a neighborhood at that time alongside several progressive role models who closely influenced her upbringing as well, including Texas Women’s Hall of Fame inductee and State Representative Wilhelmina Delco, and her husband, Dr. Exalton Delco, Jr., who taught Gibson’s parents when they attended Huston Tillotson University. Following the teaching tradition of Gibson’s grandmother, Gibson’s mother was also a teacher. Remembering back on her school days of attending in the same building where her mother taught, Gibson was proud of her for being “quite young at the time…the only black teacher at Andrews Elementary School.” It was during fourth grade when Gibson first started really taking notice that she looked different than the rest of the people making up her school population. In her whole school, it was just her and her sister, their mother and a cook there who were African American during her early years of elementary, although she did not encounter many experiences or feelings of discrimination. She was even put “in the elevated class” due to her good grades and continued to move through the rest 48

TOP TEN 2021

Machree Garrett Gibson Attorney at Law, Lobbyist Graydon and Gibson Associates of her junior high and high school years with her class competitively. Gibson’s father held a longtime career of service in the U.S. Air Force, along with a principal’s certificate in public school administration. Both of Gibson’s parents had master’s degrees and had met in Austin while they attended the private college Huston-Tillotson University. As her father was nearing retirement in the Air Force and had seen so much of the world already by then, “he decided he wanted us girls to also see the world.” For this reason, Gibson and her family lived in Portugal for two years on the island of Azores when she was 12 years old. That time in her life was quite “an eye-opening experience” for her, one in which she lived in harmony with the local people of that island, a place which she remembers as being “so safe and so beautiful.” Living there and experiencing a different way of life caused her to feel a culture shock for a brief time upon returning to her home community in Austin. Going there was her father’s way of getting them away from the segregated East Austin side where they had always lived,

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

just as his own mother had done when she encouraged Gibson’s father to leave Austin back when he was graduating from high school, pointing him in the direction of the University of Utah where his uncle had owned a store not far from the university. Gibson has maintained a strong sense of maturity and direction for her life from a very young age. Her mother used to tell her ever since she was a child: “I’m so glad you were born at 30. We needed an adult in the house.” Her parents would tell Gibson and her sister the stories about how all four of Gibson’s grandparents met at Sam Houston State University, which was yet another inspiration to continue in higher education. Upon being accepted into the University of Texas, Gibson recalls her father telling her and sister that if they could “make it at the University of Texas, then they could make it anywhere” after that. Gibson graduated with a double major in English and Government. Ever since those first conversations in her home about college, Gibson always knew she would end up going to graduate school. She married during the Christmas break of her senior year in college at UT. Because her sister went directly into a master’s program in Electrical Engineering, Gibson in some ways “felt like the slacker,” because she waited a couple of years before starting law school at 28 years old. It “seemed very old at the time.” This was mostly because, unlike her peers there studying law with her, Gibson had already become the mother of two children and worked full time while her husband was away working in New York as an executive with IBM. It was also a difficult time for her to study law, because Gibson’s mother had unexpectedly passed away from a massive stroke at 45 years old. Since those days, Gibson’s family and her professional life have both turned out very well and have “just been rockin’ and rollin’ along.” She

loves her job lobbying, especially, and has always made it an important part of her successful career in law over the years. She still thinks back to the one life-changing experience of her background in law, which has contributed greatly to how she practices law to this day. Back when she was a lobbyist at the capital during the year James Byrd, Jr had been murdered, she took turns with other lobbyists sitting with the Byrd family at the time when the Hate Crimes Committee was newly formed. She spent a significant amount of her time with them during the committee hearings and learned so much from that whole experience. “They were just shell shocked.” Gibson’s senior partner had asked her to cover a committee hearing elsewhere, but she surprised him when she adamantly refused to leave the Byrd family. She was “raised up right” and knew, even back in those delicate days of blurred civil rights lines, not to let her 5’3” stature, gender or skin color hold her back from deciding not to be intimidated. “I didn’t know if he was just challenging me or trying to control me.” It was a big step for Gibson in her career direction and really helped to define her own confidence and persona as a lawyer. These days, she prides herself on approaching people with kindness and respect above all. “Don’t get me wrong, some people get on my nerves, but I just smile and keep going.” Today, Gibson greatly enjoys her work practicing law, but it’s “family first and foremost.” On the weekends, she looks forward to spending precious moments with her one-year-old granddaughter and attending family reunions to keep up with her large extended family and so many loved ones. Gibson still returns to “the east side” every week, for Sunday service at the Wesley United Methodist Church there, where seven generations of her family have attended over so many years. NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN 2021

LAWYERS

Jaqueline Habersham Executive Director Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct

“

You need to be the bigger person in this world, because we are all here for a purpose … and until we figure out what our purpose is, I think we need to do the best that we possibly can, especially towards other people.

”

Dr. Jacqueline Habersham currently serves as the executive director of the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct. She was born in Augusta and “raised some of everywhere,” as her father served in the Air Force. She spent most of her formative years between Georgia and Florida, so she claims both as places she’s from. Jacqueline went to law school at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. Before she was set on law school as a child, it was a toss up between lawyer and flight attendant. Her choices were immediately narrowed down after her first plane ride, “and, being in the turbulence, I thought, “hmm, this is not for me.” So once I started researching law a little bit more in high school and in college, I decided I wanted to be a lawyer.” Jacqueline’s job currently entails being a check and balance to those who preside over the judicial system. “I like the fact that in this position, I’m able to not only discipline judges who have done things where they need to

be appropriately disciplined, but also to educate judges because it’s a part of my job. I do ethical training for judges as well, and I’ve spoken both on the state level and the national level. But I also like the fact that in this particular position, I have to learn a little bit of everything in every area of law, all across the gamut, because when the cases are filed in this office, it may be on a probate judge, or it may involve a criminal case.” “Law school is very, very hard,” she warns those considering a career in law, “You need to have 100% dedication to that, because if you’re not dedicated to that you could slip through the cracks. But I think that it is a very, very interesting area to go into. If a person wants to go to law school, I think that they need to also do their research and (know) what’s the area that they like, and then try to hone their skills in that particular (area).” “Also,” she adds, “I would seek out summer internships with law firms, private lawyers, or the courts, because that will definitely help when you’re coming out of law (school), and because the state is so saturated with lawyers, you want to be able to have that connection with a lawyer or a law firm that you’ve you clerked for, or had a summer internship with, to provide you with either a job when you get out, or some leads to some other jobs that you can get when you get out of school.” Jacqueline’s purpose in life is one of uplifting others. “I think my purpose is to encourage people,” she says, “While I am a Christian, I can’t, recite Bible verses and I can’t preach to you, but I think I can give you enough where I can encourage you, and help you to see that even in a situation where

you may be losing people, or in a situation where you just don’t understand why these things are happening, there is a higher power that has a purpose. And once that purpose is fulfilled for that person that you love, or that person you admire when they’re no longer here, that is because they have fulfilled their purpose.” Jacqueline herself is no stranger to loss. In 2018, she lost both of her parents within six months of each other. But in the midst of her grief, she discovered strength, wisdom, and perspective. “It gave me an opportunity to step back and reflect,” she recalls, “It was always about working, working, working, and going, going, going. And I came to the realization that I needed to take time for myself, to enjoy the company of my friends and family, to be present in the moment, and always be kind to yourself, because, you know, life is short. Tomorrow’s not promised to any of us. You’ve got to slow down and take some time for yourself and have that work-life balance.” If Jacqueline has one message she’d want to send to others, it’s one of kindness. “Treat people how you want to be treated,” she says, “Because I believe in being kind to people, being respectful of people, even if you’re not getting that in return. I think it’s very important that if you are true to yourself, you’re showing respect and kindness, and being sympathetic to other people, people will see that in you and, perhaps, it would change people’s thinking, and their treatment of you. You need to be the bigger person in this world, because we are all here for a purpose, and until we figure out what our purpose is, I think we need to do the best that we possibly can, especially towards other people.”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

LAWYERS

TOP TEN 2021

Rachel E Kelley Associate General Counsel Facebook

“

I really think my purpose is to be a beacon … to my community, … to young women and girls, and to show them what is possible when you show up, as you are fully in your glory authentically, as you are with your community behind you, with your story behind you.

”

Rachel Kelley is originally from Birmingham, Alabama. She went to the University of Alabama’s undergraduate program, and later went on to law school at Texas Southern Thurgood Marshall school of law in Houston, Texas. She made her way back to Alabama shortly after graduating law school. Several years later she moved back to Texas, first to Dallas, to work in private practice, then to Austin in 2018, where she worked for Whole Foods Market. She was there for three years until she found her way to an associate general counsel position for Facebook, now known as Meta. Meta is Mark Zuckerberg’s new visionary endeavor that aims to revolutionize the way the world connects for the next 10 years and beyond. Going into college, Rachel originally sought to be a journalist; she wanted to use her vo50

racious appetite for reading, writing, and debate, so journalism seemed the logical choice. Her trajectory changed however, after one of her college professors mentioned to her that journalism was dying. Taking his words into account, she changed course and prepared for her law school entrance exam. While most of her peers had been groomed from a young age to go into law, she had begun her journey her junior year of college. She was accepted into Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, a historically black law school. The experience of being taught for the first time by professors that looked like her, a black woman, was life changing. She understood firsthand the significance that representation has on posterity, and sought to be a role model for the women who come after her.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

This lesson was further emphasized when she graduated law school and started out in private practice in Alabama. She noticed there were very few black female lawyers working at large firms. This made it difficult for her to find mentors and sponsors who could take her under their wings and help her traverse the career, racial, and gender challenges she faced on her way up the proverbial ladder. She often found it difficult to be her authentic self around her peers, being the only black woman at her law firm, she often diminished herself, and hid her inner-city, southern upbringing. “And I think back on that time now,” Rachel says, “and I’m almost ashamed that I let my work environment dictate my authenticity. So I think it’s so important for us to show up exactly as who we are every single day, every single time, because we as a society only get better when people feel to bring their wholesales to the table.” Thankfully she was able to connect with a couple of women who shared the same challenges and were willing to mentor her, and take a vested interest in her success. She has never forgotten those mentors and their impact on her early career, and they are still a part of her network of sponsorship and mentorship. Rachel has never forgotten her roots growing up in inner-

city Birmingham. She wears her Southern charm with pride, and still throws a “y’all” into conversations where appropriate. Most importantly, she has not forgotten the disadvantaged children who are growing up just like she had. She donates regularly to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America, and domestic violence shelters, as well as food banks and organizations that provide school supplies to disadvantaged children. She recently became involved with Casa of Travis County. When asked what advice she’d give to her younger self, she points to a quote she has in her office, “It says “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” I’ve considered myself decently talented. But what I know for sure is that I’m a hard worker, and every time I chose to lean into working hard, I reaped the benefits tenfold. I can’t rest on my laurels. I can’t rest on the things that got me here. I have to continue to push towards the mark.” When asked of her purpose, she says, “I really think my purpose is to be a beacon, to be a beacon, to my community, to be a beacon, to young women and girls, and to show them what is possible when you show up, as you are fully in your glory authentically, as you are with your community behind you, with your story behind you.” NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN 2021

LAWYERS

Revlynn Lawson Partner Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP

“

I see my purpose as just to be a decent human being. As I go through this life, it’s to be kind and gracious as I can be to others and to give back, as I’ve been blessed.

”

Revlynn Lawson was born and raised in Houston, TX. Her family relocated to Austin in 1983, when she started high school. As a partner with The Law Firm of Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP, Revlynn works as an attorney in the firm’s governmental affairs division, where she is responsible for tracking legislation on behalf of the firm. As for her career, Revlynn says “I consider myself more of

a social worker with a law degree.” “I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology. Then I received my master’s in social work. I was really interested in public policy at the time, as well as social welfare causes. That’s what encouraged me to go to law school.” A career as an attorney wasn’t always Revlynn’s first thought. Initially, she thought she would become a documentary cinematographer. But, after graduating from high school in Austin, she attended the University of Southern California and then Washington in St. Louis School of Law. She then returned to Los Angeles, where she worked in social work and government relations. She returned to Austin in 2009. “The best investment I’ve ever made has been in my education,” Revlynn says. “I think that having gone to college and gotten through law school has allowed me somewhat of a freedom in terms of a career.” She also adds, “I would say the other best investment, the one thing I make sure to do for myself, is to travel. That pays out, I think, in terms of exposure to the world and connecting with other people that are unlike yourself.” Education and travel have most definitely helped Revlynn sharpen her interpersonal skills. She notes that she has developed an ability “to see people for who they are upon an initial meeting. That doesn’t mean I necessarily act on that, but I think when people present themselves for the first time, you can gather a lot of information about who they are upon that first meeting. And often, I think I’ve been correct with my initial gut reactions to folks for better and for worse, mostly better.”

In addition to her experiences, Revlynn also reflects on advice provided by her family, which provides grounding for her. This includes two critical pieces of advice, which she says is, “do the right thing. I got that from my grandmother. And fight for what you believe in. That would be from my mother.” Another lesson she has learned has been “always being true to myself. If I don’t want to do something or I’m uncomfortable, if I know in my heart of hearts that I don’t want to do something, being able to say ‘No,’ or “No, thank you,’ I think that’s the best lesson. I think you must grow into being able to do that. I think little kids are good about saying ‘No.’ Then you get into a space where you’re supposed to please people. I think there comes a time in your adulthood when you must be comfortable saying ‘No’ to things you just don’t want to do.” An avid reader, Revlynn also notes that this provides her a respite from the busy world. “Reading definitely calms me down. It allows me space to take my mind off whatever is troubling me, bothering me, or worrying me. It allows me to step outside myself and step into another story.” With these strong roots in her family and in Austin, Revlynn is very involved in the community with such organizations as The Links, Incorporated, and the Center for Civic and Public Improvement. This involvement ref lects what Revlynn believes is her life’s purpose: “I see my purpose as just to be a decent human being. As I go through this life, it’s to be kind and gracious as I can be to others and to give back, as I’ve been blessed.”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

LAWYERS

TOP TEN 2021

Lora Livingston District Court Judge Travis County

“

Sometimes I feel like my purpose in life is really grand and global, and sometimes I feel like my purpose in life is really small … I think your purpose changes as you find yourself in different situations, or at least I think that’s true for me.

”

Lora Livingston is the judge of the 261st District Court for the Courts of Travis County, Texas. Her job as a judge is varied, as she oversees a wide range of cases. “I hear everything from asbestos to zoning,” she jokes, “I like to say from A to Z.” Judge Livingston grew up in Los Angeles, California, and went to college at UCLA, as well as UCLA Law School. She came to Austin under a fellowship program, and has now lived and worked in Austin for over 40 years. Judge Livingston didn’t always want to be a lawyer, and never imagined that she would 52

be a judge. “In the early days of college,” she recalls, “I actually was very interested in becoming a photojournalist. I love taking pictures. I love photography. I like to read, I like to write, I like to travel. And so putting all of those interests together made photojournalism are really attractive profession. My dream was that I would travel the world and learn about other people and other cultures and, you know, report back on what I’ve learned and what I’ve experienced in these far away lands… and I’d write about it and I’d take pictures and I would tell

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

stories... Turns out that I started telling stories of a different kind when I got into law, because let’s face it, trying a lawsuit is all about storytelling... And so my job now as a judge is to be the one person in the room that is looking for that truth, looking for that solution. Not just focused on one side or the other, but really trying to understand as best I can. What is the truth? What makes the most sense? What is the most closely aligned with the law? What will give us a just outcome? And so, in some ways my interest in storytelling was something that turned out to be something I could transfer into a profession in the law, but it was not something that I’ve grown up dreaming about.” If Judge Livingston could give advice to her younger self, it would be a veritable laundry list. But the most important, she would say, is to be patient. “I was impatient when I was younger,” she admits, “because I was anxious for change. I wanted to see things change more quickly. I was impatient to read injustice where I saw it, and while I still feel a sense of urgency about those things, I’ve learned over time that sometimes you can, if you’re patient, maneuver the situation and set things up in a way that ultimately gets you the result that you’re really looking for, which sometimes is bigger than what you set out to do in the first place. And so I would be more strategic if I were giving advice to my younger self, I would be more patient.” One of the main qualities that makes Judge Livingston good at her job is empathy for anyone who steps inside her courtroom. “Even if it’s not your world, you have to imagine what their world is like for them. What led them to the decisions that they made, even if those were bad decisions? So you have to be able to relate

and you have to be empathetic. You have to care about what is going on in the lives of those people that are coming before you. You can’t do your job… as a judge, unless you are ready, willing, and able to appreciate the circumstances of the people who come in front of you. So you can’t imagine yourself higher up, meaning better off. You must imagine yourself simply sitting up there symbolically in order to remind people that your job is to try to find a resolution, not be a goddess. You don’t know everything, you certainly aren’t the smartest one in the room, but you are the one at that moment in that situation, who’s charged with the responsibility of doing the right thing.” When all is said and done, Judge Livingstone’s purpose in life is to adapt to the present moment. “Sometimes I feel like my purpose in life is really grand and global, and sometimes I feel like my purpose in life is really small. And sometimes I feel like my purpose is really immediate and sometimes I feel like my purpose is really longterm. So I don’t know that I feel like I have a singular purpose... I think sometimes my purpose in this moment is to be the right person at the right time with the right thing to say or do in that moment. But sometimes I think that my purpose has a more long-term effect... I think as we move through life and we encounter different people and we find ourselves in different circumstances, our purpose might change today. My purpose might be to say absolutely nothing when someone else is speaking, but tomorrow my purpose might be to be the one who is speaking and not listening as much. I think your purpose changes as you find yourself in different situations, or at least I think that’s true for me.” NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN 2021

Tracy Walters McCormack Director of Advocacy UT Austin School of Law

“

I hope to be that voice always telling someone, ‘you can do it, I have faith in you.

”

LAWYERS

Tracy Walters McCormack is a professor at the University of Texas School of Law. She has been teaching and running the advocacy program for the past 20 years. McCormack always knew she wanted to be a lawyer. “ I did my undergraduate work at The University of Notre Dame and came to law school at The University of Texas.” She loves knowing that the work she does with students shapes the future of the justice system. Not only does she get to experience the individual growth of students while in school, but she also get to see their impact in their practices. “It is a very lucky life to get to be a law professor.” McCormack credit’s brave judges and lawyers with making her education possible. “My parents fought for civil rights and access to education. As a family we used to clean a law office in our home town. I loved the books. I loved what lawyers did--they protected the rights of minorities. I got to clerk for those lawyers years later.” Her advice to those looking to follow in her footsteps, “do it and don't let anyone stop you if it is what you want. Study and work hard. Love learning. Once you start your career, keep working hard. When the opportunities come, be brave enough to say yes and do the work to deserve them. Never forget all who helped get you where you are, we all stand on someone's shoulders.” McCormack believes giving back is essential. “I did pro bono cases and coached mock trial teams at the law school. I've been active on boards that serve my community. Now I serve on boards that our national and serve an even bigger community. I find projects that involve helping our youth find their dreams. I work with groups who seek to improve the justice system.” McCormack says one moment that changed her life forever was “Integrating a small private school in my home town of Wheeling, West Virginia. It changed the trajectory of my life and of my siblings. We were lucky and were able to work hard to capitalize on that opportunity. Not everyone is that lucky. Nor should our opportunities depend on luck. We should all be able to reach our full potential. Her favorite person is her father. “He was brilliant and never got to go college. He worked hard and went from working the hospital kitchen to being its chief of engineering and eventually on its board of directors. He fought for civil rights without being angry or bitter. He helped everyone he could. He was always positive and encouraging. I hope to be that voice always telling someone, "you can do it, I have faith in you". In her free time she enjoys cooking, reading, and is learning to play pickleball.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

LAWYERS

TOP TEN 2021

Kevin Nolan Partner DLA Piper LLP

“

My purpose is about setting up this platform, setting up whatever spaces are meant to be more accommodating for the next group (generation) … I’m doing the best I can to clear the path, so they have more runway to take off and do more amazing things.

”

Kevin Nolan is a corporate partner at the Austin office of DLA Piper, a multinational law firm with offices in more than 40 countries. Kevin helps people invest in private funds, such as private equity and venture capital. “Venture capital is when you have certain sponsors that invest in early stage companies,” Kevin explains, “So (if) someone has an idea, but it’s such an early idea that...a bank would (not) give them a loan in order to develop that business, a venture capitalist will look at it and see if that’s a business that they are willing to take a chance on because they see the potential for growth in that business.” 54

Kevin didn’t know he wanted to be a lawyer until he was graduating from college. “I wanted to be an engineer,” he says, “and I went to college thinking I was going to do engineering, and I was engineering for two years, but then... I was in a calculus class, and one day I looked up, and there were no numbers on the board. It was all signs and symbols. And I said, “is this what I want to do?” Because I’m a pretty social person, (and) I felt like I would be stuck in a room, no offense to any engineers, (and I) wouldn’t really be dealing with people. So, I ended up changing (my major) to criminology.” “Then after I graduated, I

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

worked as a paralegal at a law firm just to see what lawyers actually did. Growing up, I didn’t know any lawyers. There were no lawyers in my church, no lawyers in any part of my life. So for me, lawyers were people that existed on TV, (they weren’t) real people… So it wasn’t anything I aspired to at all growing up. And it just all happened in college and after college, I decided to try the legal field to see what that was like.” The thing Kevin likes most about his job is his role as an advisor. “Investors are looking at different funds, (I) generally end up being (in) a counseling role. We’ll have clients investing in something that buys real estate in China and Japan and other places, and (I)’ll say I’ll get some counselors from those countries, but here is the overall risk profile of this, and running through it with people and having them see how does that mesh with (their) investment strategy.” Some advice Kevin would give to his younger self is, read the room. “Be able to adapt in different rooms,” He’d say, “and what that means is not (to) be inauthentic, but when you’re dealing with certain people, they might need more energy… For some rooms, you need to bring more energy. For some rooms that have a lot of energy, you need to bring your energy down. You need to always be adaptive in that way, because if you want the best out of the situation, you need to be able to adjust... Early in my career, I was like, “Hey, this is just me, I’m not changing for anybody,” but then I realized, it’s not about changing. It’s about just

making sure that the atmosphere that you’re in, ends up being the most productive.” If Kevin had one message he wanted to get out into the world it would be, “don’t let anyone tell you your dreams are too big. The reason I would say that is, if you look at the stats, black equity partners are 1% of (the legal industry). So if you’re doing the numbers, it doesn’t really make sense to shoot for that goal, if only 1% of people can actually accomplish it. But people can accomplish it. Right? Same thing with black professionals and all types of different arenas. If you looked at just purely numbers, it wouldn’t make sense to go after certain goals and positions, but people do make it.” Kevin’s purpose, his place in the world, “is to open a door for people to be able to come behind and accomplish bigger things. Right. The saying that “we stand on the shoulders of giants,” is something that I don’t take lightly. And I think my (obligation) is to all the sacrifices that people have made so I can accomplish what I’ve accomplished, so I can then set the stage for the next generation to accomplish even bigger and better things. My purpose is about setting up this platform, setting up whatever spaces are meant to be more accommodating for the next group. And it’s funny, I’m already feeling like I’m … going to be the old guy in the room, waiting for the (next) young talent to do something amazing! I’m doing the best I can to clear the path, so they have more runway (to) take off and do (even) more amazing things.” NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN 2021

LAWYERS

Ron Sullivan Chief of Acquisition, Personnel & Ethics Law Army Futurs Command

“

Mentor till it hurts. If you have a mouthpiece, you should use it. Men should be mentoring women and women should be mentoring men.

”

Weekdays, Ronald Sullivan is the Chief of Acquisition, Personnel, and Ethics Law for Army Futures Command. On the weekend he is known as Brigadier General Ronald Sullivan, Chief Judge of the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals (IMA) where he is also called Judge. Army Futures command is a Four-Star Army Command, and is the Army’s newest effort at modernizing legacy systems, as well as weapons, networks, vehicles, and aircraft. Ron is a self-proclaimed “Air Force brat,” born to the late Reverend and Master Sergeant (ret) Richard D. Sullivan, and Ms. Clementine Sulllivan. He was born in Ruislip England, and grew up in San Antonio, Texas. Ron has served in the Army Reserve for 28 years, where he is currently a Brigadier General, and has a civilian position at Army Futures Command. He was commissioned in 1993 after he graduated from Howard University and has served in various capacities, in both civilian and military government agencies, and is the third black Judge

Advocate General in the Army’s history, since 1775. Ron’s interest in law arose from a lawyer he met when he was 15, through a mentoring program. Ron believed that lawyers were relegated to having a history or political science degree, which ran contrary to his natural passion for technology. His mentor said, no, you can come in with whatever tools you have, and you can make use of them. In fact, it was his background in tech that ultimately made him stand out from the pack. So Ron set a course for The University of Kansas School of Law after college, to use both his tech background and his law degree, and found a perfect fit at Army Futures Command, after a long, winding road. He initially thought he was going to go into corporate law, but his mentor in law school, Roscoe Howard, steered him toward being a prosecutor. Taking his mentor’s advice, he spent a summer internship as a prosecutor, which sparked his love for litigation. So he started litigating inter-

national law at the Judge Advocate General Corps to fulfill a requirement to serve in the Army, and has never looked back. In the moments of overwhelm, he finds his center in thinking of his wife, Nicole. Ron and Nicole have been married for 24 years, and when he needs to focus he rests his attention on a point in their journey together: a long walk, a trip they’ve taken, a tiny sliver of their beautiful life together, and he’s found his North Star, no matter the situation. He also derives strength in the fact that, in his words, “God has got our back, no matter what.” It is his wish that all the people of the word recognize this simple fact, that if we recognize that the Lord is with us, and supports us, we will find in us the strength to overcome any obstacle. If he had a billboard that could be seen by billions around the world, he would inscribe on it a passage from the Book of Psalms, “The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?” Along with the Bible, he has sought wisdom more recently from the events surrounding the pandemic. He has learned to cherish his time, and strike a balance in his work. Before the pandemic he would take on meetings, often double booking them, and before he knew it his time was monopolized by often frivolous and unnecessary, or were perhaps better suited to another member of his team. After the pandemic, he learned to value his time, and value the capabilities of his subordinates.

He is now more likely to delegate more responsibilities to the capable hands of his team, and has allowed himself to just say no to unnecessary meetings from time to time. Mentoring is the number one way that Ron gives back. “Mentor till it hurts,” he says, “If you have a mouthpiece, you should use it.” He has always believed that it is the responsibility of those who have achieved great things in life to reach out and find someone who wants to do the same. You don’t have to take five days to explain how you got to where you are, but if you can take five or ten minutes out of your day to help them get to the next stage? That is a gift that can move mountains. Ron also believes in the diversity of mentorship, “men should be mentoring women and women should be mentoring men.” It is through diversity of perspective that we step outside our comfort zones and evolve; if male lawyers only mentor other male lawyers, for example, we may find that 5, 10, 15 years down the line we have male lawyers who are stuck in outdated mindsets. Overall, Ron’s purpose in life, the culmination of all his many gifts, is to be a representative of God. He represents God when he is a father to his two sons, who have grown to be productive members of society. He represents God when he is a husband to his wife. He is a representative of God when he is a father, a son, a husband, a teammate, a member of his community. “He gave us special abilities...,” Ron says, “and with your special ability, you can change the world.”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

LAWYERS

TOP TEN 2021

Arthur L Walker, Jr Managing Partner Walker Bright PC

“

Don’t be afraid to fail. Is the failure in the battle, or the war? Some battles you don’t win and there are battles that you may intentionally not win…

”

Arthur L. Walker has been a lawyer since 1980. He was born in Claremore, Oklahoma and was raised in several cities in the South. They moved around a lot because of his father’s deployments in the armed services. His family eventually moved to Texas where his dad ran the new student union at Prairie View A&M University.They moved to Atlanta, Georgia, and then Fort Worth, where he completed his junior and senior years of high school. Both his parents went to college at Langston University in Oklahoma, a historically black university. His parents, athleticism, and academic diligence gave him the opportunities to apply to many colleges. He chose the most challenging college he was offered, Princeton University. “Princeton was a great place,” Arthur recalls, “In retrospect, it was probably the best place I could have gone. They don't have football scholarships… in 56

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

the Ivy league, so academics were the focus and I needed that, because being from Texas, football was the focus. You got tons of accolades for playing football, to the point that it was kind of ridiculous. So I opted to deemphasize football in my agenda. It turned out to be a good decision; even though I really enjoyed playing football, it was great to excel at the academics at Princeton.” Growing up, Arthur was very close to his father. “Well, my dad was my favorite person,” Arthur says, “No question about it, I was a daddy's boy. With my dad, I met Reverend Abernathy, and Reverend King at Atlanta... And then I met Tom Landry, and I have great memories of meeting him because he said, no matter what anybody tells you, you look like you're going to be a football player, but you need to make sure that you tackle your academics first… I got a chance to see Tom Landry (much) later while playing golf and

I told him that story.” Arthur is now a litigator in his own law firm, Walker Bright PC in Austin, with another office in Dallas. He has represented many different clients around the Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio areas. As a lawyer, he doesn’t follow a list. But has an innate ability to read a witness in a trial situation and resolves that issue in his client’s favor. He gets the best results for his client. He also found that in dealing with aggressive people in the courtroom, “it’s not a weakness to be kind.” As a black male lawyer, has been subjected to pre-judgement and outright racism. He has to go over, under, or around obstacles that he faces. He uses that to his advantage. When a person comes in unprepared, makes a decision, or has preconceptions based on skin color, they fail to look at his resume and see his education and skills. Prejudice and racism transpired at the Fort Worth public school, which he helped to integrate. It was a hostile and unwelcoming school. Daily he was greeted with racial slurs and offensive natzi parafanalia. He was treated as if he wasn’t good enough but he knew better. As a teenager and young adult, he felt the overwhelming need to prove himself because he’s a black man born into segregation. But over time, he realized he was just a normal person like anybody else and he has nothing to prove. When he gets overwhelmed or unfocused, he looks within and thinks, we can’t control everything, but there are some things we can control. Things that have an impact on where we end up. Looking within helped him to be successful in school. He thought about what the counselor said and knew he didn’t want to go to a smaller school in Texas. How could he change this, so he wouldn’t have to change schools? He knew he had to get better grades. If he fails, he remembers that his father used to tell him, don’t be afraid to fail. Is the failure in the battle, or the war? Some battles you don’t win and “there are battles that you may intentionally not win,” Arthur said. He learned not to be afraid of failure, and let it motivate him, rather than paralyze him. Arthur wants to be remembered as a man who tried his best to serve humanity. He did his best to be a caring person. He wants to be remembered as a good friend, a good father, and a good lawyer. NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN 2021

LAWYERS

Elizabeth Wilson Corporate/Transactional & Compliance Attorney Axiom

“

I just think it’s important that we stay centered and focused on ‘how can I help someone else?’ Because in helping someone else, I am truly helping myself, and I will benefit from it.

”

Elizabeth Wilson is a commercial transactional lawyer. She knew she wanted to get into law since high school, and it rose from a need for true autonomy and freedom. “I started working part-time jobs when I was 16,” Elizabeth recalls, “and I decided very early on, I didn’t want people telling me what to do when they really had no clue themselves. So I said, what’s a job I can do where I can make my own decisions, you know, live by the sword, die by the sword? But I wanted to make my own decisions. I didn’t want people making decisions for me that basically just weren’t qualified. And so I said, okay, what professions will allow me to do that? And I settled on law school.” When asked what her day-today entails, Elizabeth says she does “a lot of contract negotiating, be it technology, contracts, employment contracts, your basic commercial contracts for anything and everything. So from rented office plants, to cleaning service to, a $20 million deal with another company. So it runs the gamut.” In her spare time she also does volunteer work at a legal

clinic, and it was time, she believed, that was well spent; it was immediately apparent that she was passing on something that was incredibly useful. “It just didn’t dawn on me,” Elizabeth saw, “how much people needed that legal resource, how much they needed somebody to listen to what they had to say and try to give them some guidance and some direction.” There are only so many hours in the day of course, and Elizabeth has learned in the past few years to sometimes just say no, because not everything is a matter of life or death. It’s about turning down from time to time, “that one last little project that somebody wants you to do that you know, in your heart of hearts, it’s not going to be little whenever they say it’s a little, it’s going to be a fully engulfed blaze... So I’ve learned to pace myself, because if somebody said they needed it, I (used to say I) was going to do it. I may stay up all night doing it, (but) I would do it… and in reality... if it doesn’t get done in the morning, nothing really happens. It’s not like this person needs this life saving surgery and now I’m not going to do it. So I’ve learned to pace myself, help the client set realistic expectations. And there are occasions where you’ve got to, you know, just drop everything and take care of whatever it is. But for the most part, most of the requests don’t fall in that category.” In those moments of overwhelm, Elizabeth finds solace while in nature. “It is amazing how beautiful nature is when the sun is coming up, early in the morning, and to just be out there,...to just go ahead and run (in nature), it clears your mind. Gardening is another activity that just, I’m not a person that necessarily wants to be dirty or get in the dirt, but something about working in the dirt and

the earth it’s,” she considers for a moment, “I will have resolved whatever it is that I was thinking about, or I was stressed about... I’ve got it resolved. I can go in the house shower and, okay, now I feel good.” Elizabeth’s purpose in life is to learn as much as she can, and hopefully pass on as much knowledge as possible with others. “It does no good if I learn it and keep it to myself,” she says, “I need to share it with others as it will help them. My parents always told me, as I was growing up, you need to make mistakes, but you don’t need to make every mistake that’s out there! So my thought is, if there’s something that I can tell someone, or help someone with to help them avoid a mistake that they don’t need to experience, they can bypass that one… So I look at my interactions with newer attorneys, and things that I wish I would have known, (like) how do I relate to a client? Or how do I deal with a particular situation? How do you deal with showing up at the law firm to take a deposition?” “I think we’re put on this earth to help one another, and we’ve gotten so far away from helping one another. We’re into “helping myself mode” and everybody’s “me, me, me, me,” and I can get ahead and I can get to where I want to be helping somebody else!...And that’s not to say that you don’t take the time for yourself and that you don’t consider yourself important, worthy, or qualified for something, but there’s a balance. And I think the world has kind of gotten way off balance too. It’s me, and the heck with how it impacts anybody else, or anything else. I just think that it’s important that we stay centered, and focused on, how can I help someone else? Because in helping someone else, I am truly helping myself, and I will benefit from it.”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

2021 TOP TEN CENTRAL TEXAS SUPER LAWYERS

MACHREE GIBSON ’91

TRACY WALTERS McCORMACK ’86

ARTHUR L WALKER, JR. ’80

RUDY METAYER ’06

DENISE PIERCE ’94

NELIA ROBBI ’07

2021 MOST INFLUENTIAL ATTORNEYS DARRICK EUGENE ’04

SHAVONNE HENDERSON ’05

2021 UP & COMING LAWYERS MICHAEL GARLOW ’06

AMANDA MOORE ’05

2020 TOP TEN CENTRAL TEXAS SUPER LAWYERS

R. FLOYD WALKER ’06

2021 MOST INFLUENTIAL DIVERSITY CHAMPION

SUSAN DAWSON ’20

GARY BLEDSOE ’76

DENISE DAVIS ’93

DEXTER GILFORD ’92

JOHN F. McCORMICK ’90

JUDGE ERIC SHEPPERD ’85

BOBBY TAYLOR ’72

Congratulations to our remarkable Texas Law alumni. As outstanding teachers, advocates, and leaders, they truly are Changing the World!

LAWYERS

INFLUENTIAL

Aden Allen Pamela Davis Darrick Eugene Stephen Foster Shavonne Henderson Eustace Prince Isidore Rudy Metayer Eno Peters Nadine Phillpotts Denise Pierce Cheryl Powell Nelia Robbi Camille Walker Rhonda Ware

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

LAWYERS

INFLUENTIAL

Aden M. Allen Attorney Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

Senior Associate, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati PC, Born and raised: Oakland, California. Moved to Austin: 2008. Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT; J.D. from Columbia Law School. Legal focus: Patent counseling, patent due diligence, and patent litigation.

Describe what you do. AMA: My company is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide, as well as the firms and banks that finance them. I help companies evaluate their patent portfolios, defend their technology from patent infringement suits, and/or assert patents to protect their inventions. Why did you decide to become a lawyer? AMA: I liked the challenge of using my ability to reason and explain complex ideas to people who needed that kind of business guidance and counseling. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a lawyer? AMA: Understand why you want to be a lawyer and make sure that you are willing to do it long enough to get a return on the investment of time and money. Law degrees are expensive. Whether your motivation is personal satisfaction, financial gain, or knowing you’ve done a good job, being a great lawyer does not happen automatically upon graduation and you should always strive to learn and develop knowledge and skills that will help you and your future clients. What do you like most about living in Austin, Texas? AMA: Its potential. Over the decade that I’ve been here, Austin has grown immensely, and it’s not done growing. Though many see this as problematic, I see it as an opportunity to mold this city into a place that provides opportunities for all. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? AMA: I took a labor economics class while an undergraduate. That class taught me, among other things, how well-meaning policies might yield vastly different economic realities. What life lessons have you’ve learned? AMA: Respect yourself. And, treat others with respect regardless of whether they respect themselves. Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? AMA: Doing what I love, which is practicing law and assisting others. Also, spending time with my family and watching my kids grow up. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? AMA: There are a few: 1984 by George Orwell, A Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, Atlas Shrugged or The Virtue of Selfishness by Ayn Rand, and the Millionaire Next Door by Stanley & Danko. What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? AMA: Spending time with my wife and kids and watching Golden State Warriors basketball.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

NOVEMBER 2021

INFLUENTIAL

LAWYERS

Pamela Davis Attorney PDF Law - Boutique Firm

I grew up in a two-parent family with extraordinary parents. My dad was a visionary – army captain, college professor, business owner, minister– and much wiser than his years. My paternal grandparents were sharecroppers and often traveled with their 11 children, pulling them out of school to help pick cotton. They taught each child the value of faith and hard work. I’m so thankful that my dad passed those values to me. My mom was also a business owner and the ultimate supporter who encouraged my sisters and me. Childhood summers were spent in Ozark, Arkansas, with our maternal grandparents who showed us so much love for which I’m eternally grateful. I grew up with parents who proudly served their community, therefore there was no doubt in my mind that I would also serve humankind. My interest in law was sparked when a high school classmate of mine received a life prison sentence. Such a harsh sentence made me start contemplating the real meaning of ‘justice’, and how things had gone so wrong. It’s been over twenty years now since God planted the desire in my heart to serve others by becoming a judge. My 23 years of experience as an attorney have led me to this moment, and I’m grateful for each attorney from whom I’ve learned and each client who has trusted me with their litigation. I understand the challenges of everyday life and the issues people face which land them in court, and I will bring that understanding and my expertise in the law to run a fair and efficient courtroom.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

LAWYERS

INFLUENTIAL

Eugene & Associates, PC. Through community service through the Rotary Club of Austin, UT Alumnae Association, Saffron Trust Women's Foundation and the Texas Empowerment Academy. My name is Darrick W. Eugene, attorney and entrepreneur.

Darrick Eugene Managing Shareholder/Principal, Eugene & Associates, P.C./ The Hardwick Law Firm Where did you attend school & why? DE: I went to the University of Texas for undergraduate school where I received a dual major in government and economics. I chose UT because it was a top ranked school and I wanted to test myself against the best. What do you like most about your job? DE: The flexibility it provides and the opportunity to help others. How did you get started in your career field? DE: After a life-transition, I decided to go to law school and direct my energy into education. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? DE: The field is wide open for intelligent, dedicated and disciplined individuals. Through the practice of law, you will be provided with a lifetime of opportunities. How do you give back? DE: In so many ways including being an economic engine for our community in employee staff and consultants that support

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? DE: When I approached a College Dean about auditing a summer class being offered by the Sloan Program. Later when someone dropped out of the program, I was invited to participate in the full program. This taught me that perseverance matters and just when you think all is lost there are still opportunities. Best place you've ever lived and why? DE: Washington, DC. The food, the culture, the history all these components came together to make it a magical time. If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, metaphorically speaking, getting a message out to millions what would it say? DE: Practice Radical Love! Who do you admire and why? DE: Nelson Mandela, enough said! What life lessons have you’ve learned? DE: The poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling captures the essence of so much that I hold dear and hope that I have learned. How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? DE: Leaving my previous employer was a step of faith that has turned out wildly successful and only made me think, "why didn't I start my own firm earlier" Favorite book or book you'd recommend? DE: The Magic of Thinking Big What do you do in your leisure time? DE: Horseback riding, scouting, reading. What’s your favorite quote? DE: "If you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two imposters just the same"

NOVEMBER 2021

INFLUENTIAL

LAWYERS

Where did you attend school & why? Foster: I attended Princeton University for my undergraduate studies. This allowed me to obtain the education I sought while being a student-athlete. I attended the University of Nebraska College of Law to continue my educational interest in law along with being a graduate assistant coach with the football team.

Stephen Foster General Counsel BigAustin

My name is Stephen M. Foster, I’m the general counsel for BiGAUSTIN & TFC. I advise our executives, senior management and board members on various legal matters. Manage the legal matters and staff on all legal issues and complete a variety of tasks and assigned duties.

What do you like most about your job? Foster: I enjoy the people business aspect as well as serving as a critical thought problem solver. How did you get started in your career field? Foster: While working on Capitol Hill In Washington DC, I had a Congressional member who I worked for who was an attorney that encouraged me to consider becoming an attorney as well. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? Foster: Learn something about the practice of law and recognize that this profession is present in most all areas of life. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? Foster: Being accepted into Princeton University. What life lessons have you’ve learned? Foster: Always shine your shoes, make your bed, do the dishes before you go to bed, hold the door for people and say please & thank you. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? Foster: Being selected to be an administrative law judge. How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Foster: These circumstances tend to lend themselves to the most leaning and teachable moments in life. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? Foster: Proverbs (Bible) Great wisdom. What do you do in your leisure time? Foster: Play sports, workout, volunteer, travel, attend sporting events, collect sports memorabilia. What’s your favorite quote? Foster: The leopard doesn’t change its spots.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

LAWYERS

INFLUENTIAL

Shavonne Henderson Assistant Dean for Equity and Inclusion UT Austin School of Law

My name is Shavonne Henderson and I serve on faculty as a Lecturer at The University of Texas School of Law and as the School’s inaugural Assistant Dean for Equity and Inclusion. As a faculty member, my teaching focuses on the intersection of race and the law. As the Assistant Dean for Equity and Inclusion, I partner with other members of the Law School leadership team and university community to devise and implement strategies that promote diversity and inclusion among students, faculty, and staff. This often calls me to devise strategies for improvements of the student experience, provide guidance on best practices to internal and external leaders, as well as enrichment opportunities for our community. Additionally, I serve as chair of the Law School’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Where did you attend school & why? SH: I earned both my bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, one in the Plan II Honors Program and the other in Government. I also attended The University of Texas School of Law for my juris doctorate. I decided to attend the university for my undergraduate studies, in part, because of the return on investment. As my high school’s valedictorian, I could attend any state school with a full tuition scholarship. Similarly, the alumni association offered me a full tuition scholarship to attend the law school. As the top law school in the state, and one of the best in the nation, among my choices, it was a natural fit. What do you like most about your job? SH: At some point in my private practice career, I realized that some of my best moments came from mentoring and working with students. Teaching future lawyers is a career that is substantively rewarding -- it’s a continuous learning process; it allows for engagement with eager students; and in the end, you see them live out one of their greatest dreams -- to one day be an attorney. How did you get started in your career field? Henderson: After law school, I worked as a litigator for regional and national firms, representing clients in pharmaceutical product 64

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

liability cases across the country. During that time, I also served on firm-wide and national committees geared toward improving inclusion in the legal profession. That, in some ways, shifted my career focus. I was able to move into higher education at Thurgood Marshall School of Law, before moving back to Austin. While working for an interdisciplinary research institute at the University, I began teaching a few courses before transitioning into teaching completely. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? SH: Take the time you need to chart the path you want. There are many ways to use a law degree, so don’t be afraid to try new things along the way. Be unafraid to find new passions in the law. What life lessons have you’ve learned? SH: One of the most important life lessons I’ve learned is to never be afraid of change. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? SH: I think I would have to go back to developing my college, honor’s thesis. I realized how much me and many of the people I grew up with were like students I studied. A student can change course -- for better or

worse -- through pivotal interactions. Realizing that made me want to always do more communities like my own. How has a failure set you up for later success? SH: I was interested in equity work long before I began doing it, but the legal profession had not shifted its approaches much. For several years, I pitched ideas to law firms about the value of having someone internally managing and working on equity and inclusion, but to no avail. Those many “nos” were really just the universe saying “this isn’t the right place for you to do this work.” Favorite book or book you’d recommend? SH: I would recommend “On Juneteenth” by Annette Gordon-Reed. She’s a Black woman, Texas native, attended Dartmouth for college and for Harvard law school. As a Pulitzer Prize winning historian, I am proud that she took up this topic and never left her Texas roots very far behind. What do you do in your leisure time? SH: I love spending time with my dogs and nursing my new, house plant addiction. What’s your favorite quote? SH: Don’t lessen yourself for the world; let the world catch up to you.

NOVEMBER 2021

INFLUENTIAL

LAWYERS

Eustace Prince Isidore Managing Partner The Isidore Law Group

My name is Eustace Prince Isidore. I am an intellectual property (IP) attorney, specializing in patent prosecution.

Where did you attend school & why? EPI: I completed both my Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering and my Juris Doctorate (law degree) at the University of Houston. I began my collegiate career at Murray State University where I competed for 2 years as a varsity track and field athlete.

challenging if you don’t have very good study habits. Also, if interested in a career in patent law, select an undergraduate degree that requires a lot of science and/or technology classes, as that is one of the prerequisites for taking the patent bar exam. Find an attorney in the specific field you are interested in and spend some time getting to know more about what they do on a daily basis. That way you can appreciate whether that is the career choice you really want to make. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? EPI: Meeting with and talking to my law school professor and mentor during my last year of undergrad. At the time, I had planned on going on to pursue a masters and a PhD in electrical engineering. After that conversation, I immediately knew I wanted to be a patent attorney. I shifted my focus to law school, and here I am many years later -- forever grateful that I had been shown this career path.

What do you like most about your job? EPI: I get to work with engineers and other inventors who are developing state-of-theart technology that are then implemented What life lessons have you’ve learned? in future releases of personal computers, EPI: “Quality of life is more important than cellular phone devices, etc. I also like the billable hours. Work so you can enjoy life, flexibility my profession affords me, so I but make sure you enjoy the work you do.” am able to spend more time with my family. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? How did you get started in your career EPI: I am currently reading books about field? mental growth and having a growth mindEPI: My background in electrical engineerset. I do not have a favorite among these ing made intellectual property an intrigubooks, per se. One of the books I have thoring career choice. There was a very high oughly enjoyed is “Who Moved My Cheese” demand for attorneys with EEs to work in by Spencer Johnson, which addresses how the patent legal field and help companies one responds to change. in the high tech industry secure patents for their new innovations. Becoming an What do you do in your leisure time? IP/patent attorney was a natural choice. I EPI: I spend a lot of time being a soccer was hired directly out of law school by an dad, shuttling my son around to his soccer IP boutique firm in Austin. practices and games. I also go to the movies and watch certain TV shows with my What advice would you offer someone wife. And of course, I watch a lot of sports, who may be considering going into your especially track and field, soccer, tennis, career field? and basketball. EPI: Best advice I can give for someone interested in law is to develop good study hab- What’s your favorite quote? its and work to get good/excellent grades in EPI: Education is not the learning of facts, undergrad. Getting into law school is very but the training of the mind to think - Alcompetitive, and once there can be very bert Einstein. To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

LAWYERS

Rudy Metayer Attorney Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

INFLUENTIAL

The son of Haitian immigrants, Rudy Metayer is of the first generation in his family to complete higher education, graduating from not only the University of Texas College of Liberal Arts with a B.A., but also a Master in Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas School of Law. He has been a tireless advocate in the community speaking and working on a host of issues ranging from teaching at-risk children, coauthoring an honor code for the University of Texas, helping forge a partnership with local law enforcement and the State Bar of Texas to address the issue of community policing, and creating Pro Bono legal advice clinics for United States Military Veterans. Before joining Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody, a premiere civil litigation law firm in Central Texas, Rudy served as Special Counsel to the Health and Human Services Commission. He has also served on several local, state, and national boards and com-

mittees including the Board of Directors of the State Bar of Texas, Lone Star Circle of Care, Texans Soccer Club, Leadership Austin, Texas Young Lawyers Association, Austin Black Lawyers Association, and Young Catholic Professionals. Rudy has been recognized numerous times as one of the most influential young professionals in not only the Greater Austin area, but the State of Texas. His accolades include being awarded the Pflugerville ISD Community Partner of the Year, Texas Young Lawyers Association President’s Award of Merit, Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce Advocate of the Year, Austin Under 40 Government & Public Affairs Award Winner, and the Austin Area Research Organization McBee Fellowship. Rudy’s true love and passion to the City of Pflugerville has been shown in his service as Vice President of the Travis County Emergency Services District No. 2 (Pflugerville Fire Department), a member of the Pflugerville Charter Review Commission, a member of the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation, Co-Chair of the Pflugerville Finance and Budget Committee, a member of the Pflugerville “1849” Park Committee, a member of the St. Elizabeth of Hungary FIESTA committee, and Vice Chair of the Boy Scouts of America Blackland Prairie. Rudy is married to his amazing wife Letisha, a longtime Pflugerville resident of almost 30 years, and the father of three, yes three, daughters. Rudy believes that true collaboration amongst stakeholders is key to keeping Pflugerville the fiscally responsible, economically strong, inclusive, and high quality of life place it is today.

NOVEMBER 2021

INFLUENTIAL

LAWYERS

Eno Peters Partner McElroy, Sullivan, Miller & Weber, LLP

Where did you attend school & why? EP: I attended the University of Texas at Austin for undergrad because my father was a petroleum engineering professor there and I’m a huge UT fan. I attended Tulane Law School because they offered a sports law certificate program that I wanted to obtain. I’m a big sports fan and studying sports law was a passion of mine at the time.

My name is Eno Peters, I’m a Partner at McElroy, Sullivan, Miller & Weber, LLP and I’m an oil and gas attorney. My main focuses are litigation, appeals, and Texas Railroad Commission regulatory work.

What do you like most about your job? EP: I enjoy analyzing complex legal issues and coming up with solutions. It is a similar feeling to solving a puzzle. How did you get started in your career field? EP: I got started in the legal industry by answering a newspaper classified ad for an assistant in an Austin downtown law firm. I enjoyed that job so much that I applied to law school and attended law school the next year. I got started in the oil and gas industry because I interned for McElroy, Sullivan, Miller & Weber, LLP during law school. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? EP: Network. Volunteer. Attend oil and gas continuing legal education seminars. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? EP: The increased social distancing and remote work environment caused by the pandemic has changed my way of thinking. It has taught me to trust my experience and individual work ethic during times when a team environment is not immediately available to me. What life lessons have you’ve learned? EP: Helping others also helps yourself. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? EP: The increased social distancing and remote work environment caused by the pandemic has changed my way of thinking. It has taught me to trust my experience and individual work ethic during times when a team environment is not immediately available to me. How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? EP: I learn from my mistakes and use those lessons in my subsequent cases. I don’t view “failures” or “mistakes” as negatives. I view them as learning opportunities. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? EP: The Color Purple by Alice Walker What do you do in your leisure time? EP: I like to paint, knit scarves, watch sports, and spend time with family and friends. What’s your favorite quote? EP: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

LAWYERS

INFLUENTIAL

Nadine Phillpotts Legal Counsel Texas Comptroller Nadine Phillpotts currently serves as Senior Counsel, Privacy, Data Security and Government Affairs for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. She describes herself as a “computer science nerd turned attorney with a penchant for solving complex legal issues that have little or no precedent/guidance. I have spent most of my career as a public servant dedicated to improving Texas, its economy and the lives of Texans by advising on compliance matters, mitigating risk and maximizing business opportunities.” Nadine received her law degree from Michigan State University School of Law.

Denise Pierce Partner Schulman, Lopez, Hoffer & Adelstein, LL

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

Denise Nance Pierce was born in St. Louis and grew up in Richardson, Texas, Owasso, Oklahoma, and Sachse, Texas. She graduated from high school in 1987 from North Garland High School. Denise is a seasoned school law attorney who has served public schools with excellence for 20 years. Denise has been at the center of the development of Texas charter law and regulation and is committed to the value of quality public education. Prior to joining Schulman, Lopez, Hoffer & Adelstein, L.L.P., Denise owned a solo practice, The Law Office of Denise Nance Pierce, P.C. From 2009 to 2015, she served as Vice President and General Counsel for the Texas Charter Schools Association (TCSA) and she began her legal career in 1995 as a staff attorney in the Legal Services Division at the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). Denise received a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Texas A&M University. Denise also holds a master of arts degree in theological studies from the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Denise is licensed to practice law at the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, the Supreme Court of Texas, the Western District of Texas, and the Southern District of Texas. Denise has served the Austin community through service on the boards of directors for the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, the Austin Area Urban League and for the Roy F. and Joann Cole Mitte Foundation. In addition, she is an active member of the Austin chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Jack and Jill of America, Inc.; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; and the Urban League.

NOVEMBER 2021

Congratulations! Denise Nance Pierce

on being named a

2021 Most Influential Attorney by Austin Black Business Journal

Denise Nance Pierce is a Partner at SLHA, LLP. Pierce is a seasoned school law attorney who has served public schools with excellence for over 20 years. Pierce has been at the center of the development of Texas laws and regulations governing public charter schools and related litigation. She is committed to high quality public education.

LAWYERS

INFLUENTIAL field. When I went back to practicing law, I knew I had to practice in an area where I was going to have frequent interaction with people and the opportunity to use my strengths to help them.

Cheryl Powell Attorney The Carlson Law Firm

My name is Cheryl Powell, I am an attorney at The Carlson Law Firm where I practice family law.

Where did you attend school & why? CP: I received my Bachelor of Science at Texas State University because it was close to home and affordable. I received my Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. I was drawn to The Ohio State University because of its nationally recognized clinical programs. At the time, I wanted to focus on juveniles and closing the gap from school to prison and the clinical offerings afforded me the opportunity to work closely with faculty known for his/her expertise in criminal defense work. I received my Masters in Education from Dallas Baptist University because it is known in the DFW area for their focus on diversity and inclusion in educational administration. What do you like most about your job? CP: The opportunity to tell my client’s story. Most of my clients come to me during some of the most difficult times in their lives. I enjoy being able to craft their story in order to get the best possible resolution. How did you get started in your career field? CP: I quit my job practicing law and worked at a temp agency- working different jobs until I found something I enjoyed. It was teaching. I taught middle school and high school for 10 years before transitioning back to the legal

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? CP: Do your research into what this career really entails. Seek a mentor and ask to spend the week with them to observe his/her day to day workflow. Go to the courthouse or hop on zoom and observe. Ask yourself, could you do this day to day and why. The best lessons I learned were from watching other family law attorneys and learning from observation- the good and the bad. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? CP: When I graduated from college and my dad said my college graduation wasn’t enough. I was shocked and couldn’t understand why. He said “while I am proud of you, this is only the beginning. You are destined to do better and this isn’t enough- this is what you were expected to do. Now go out and don’t be afraid to move your cheese.” What life lessons have you’ve learned? CP: God’s timing is perfect and the Cheryl Lynn plan doesn’t work unless it includes daily talks with God. How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? CP: The times I wasn’t successful set me up for grit. Grit isn’t talent. Grit isn’t luck. Grit is giving meaning and organization for a platform to reach your goal. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? CP: Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson What do you do in your leisure time? Powell: Nap- if given the time (after work, after volunteering, after taxing my daughter to & from practices), sometimes a nap is needed to recharge and refocus. What’s your favorite quote? Powell: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style” -Maya Angelou

NOVEMBER 2021

INFLUENTIAL

Nelia Robbi Attorney McGinnis Lochridge

LAWYERS

Nelia Robbi is a civil litigator and appellate attorney with a diverse representative practice. She is also a lecturer at University of Texas – School of Law, where she teaches legal writing and appellate advocacy. As a trial attorney, Nelia has represented individuals and entities on both sides of the docket in a variety of civil matters, including business disputes, commercial landlord-tenant and construction matters, and personal injury and product liability actions. Working in both state and federal courts, Nelia has experience in all aspects of the litigation process, from pre-suit and preliminary matters to discovery, mediation, trial, collections, and appeal. Nelia has successfully tried cases in county, state, and federal court and has presented oral arguments on appeal. Nelia has been with McGinnis Lochridge since September 2007. She is a member of the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion, Women’s Initiative, and Associate Recruitment committees. She is also actively involved in the community and currently serves on the Board of Directors for The SAFE Alliance, Austin’s resource for survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, trafficking, and domestic violence. Nelia has been involved with SAFE—as a volunteer, employee, committee member, or board member—for twenty years.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

LAWYERS

INFLUENTIAL

Camille Walker Attorney Camille Walker, PLLC

My name is Camille Walker. I am a lawyer, speaker and entrepreneur. My practice involved advocating for individuals navigating difficult, painful and confusing times around loss of health, finances and death. At 11 years old, I accepted the call to pursue law and business. It is a privilege to empower both individuals and entrepreneurs to rebuild successfully.

Where did you attend school & why? CW: I attended University of Houston Law school. I pursued law because there was a desire to advocate for liberty, justice and the rights of people. What do you like most about your job? CW: I like to sort through clutter and find the best route to resolution. I love problem solving and evaluating potential obstacles and risks to get to a desirable outcome. How did you get started in your career field? CW: My first job was Assistant City Attorney for a municipality. My work varied from being a prosecutor to research, writing and drafting city ordinances. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? CW: Taking the time to discover who you really are as a person and why you are here goes a long way in choosing a profession. I highly recommend setting a clear intention beyond earning a living and define for yourself what success is. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? CW: There isn’t one moment or experience that has changed my way of thinking. A few years ago I had an epiphany that each of us get to decide what experience we want to create for our life. In the past I rarely took time to consider what I really desire to create because I lived to serve everyone else. Now I get to choose to create my life because I matter too. What life lessons have you’ve learned?

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

CW: When asked what you want to be when you grow up a little girl replied, “I don’t know.” Her uncle replied you must decide what you want to be when you grow up. The uncle repeatedly asked the same question of the little girl for several years. Finally the little girl came ready to share her response. She confidently replied, “I want to be who I really am. If only I can figure that out I’ll be fine.” I find so much truth in that story. Every day one of my life lessons is to make sure I am growing into the best version of myself. How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? CW: I have quite a collection of anecdotes and personal experiences with failure. Each of those experiences were instrumental in teaching me how to think about failures. Failure has such a profound correlation to success and growth. I fall down. I get up and dust myself off. I take with me the wins or learning. I get to share those lessons to help others avoid pitfalls or navigate the difficulties they may encounter. The truth is people don’t fail unless they quit. What do you do in your leisure time? I like to walk, read and spend time enjoying good conversations CW: A book I’d recommend is Half Time: Changing Your Game Plan from Success to Significance by Bob Buford What’s your favorite quote? CW: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou

NOVEMBER 2021

INFLUENTIAL

LAWYERS

My name is Rhonda M. Ware. I am the Director of Strategic Integration with Diversity Lab. Diversity Lab develops, pilots, and measures innovative initiatives, including the OnRamp Fellowship and the Mansfield Rule, to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. As the Director of Strategic Integration, I provide law firms and legal departments with behavioral science and data-driven strategies to advance attorneys from underrepresented groups into their organizations’ leadership ranks.

Rhonda Ware Director of Lateral Hiring and Integration Diversity Lab

Where did you attend school & why? RW: I attended DePaul University and Suffolk University Law School. I was drawn to both institutions because of their reputations for providing real-world learning and real-life practice. What do you like most about your job? RW: What I like most about working at Diversity Lab is that I am a member of a team that is deeply committed to identifying innovative ways to boost diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession. How did you get started in your career field? RW: I have served in many different roles in the legal profession including being a prosecutor, a civil litigation attorney, an executive coach and a legal recruiter. After the murder of George Floyd, I wrote an article published in Bloomberg Law entitled Law Firms Need ‘Re-Set’ to Commit to Hiring Black Attorneys. I continued to want to do more to advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession. I learned about the important work Diversity Lab was doing in the DEI space and joined the team several months later. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? RW: No matter the field one chooses to pursue, the path to success runs through each of us. To achieve that success we must understand who we are and how we can share our God-given gifts. We must acknowledge, embrace and develop our strengths then use them to impact our job, our family, our community, our world. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? RW: I recommend The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee and Nice Racism by Robin D’Angelo What do you do in your leisure time? RW: I spend time with my family and watch HGTV. What’s your favorite quote? RW: “God is not a man, that he should lie, neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good.” Numbers 23:19

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

LAWYERS

UP & COMING

& G N I M O C

Sharesa Y. Alexander Senior Associate OHanlon, Demerath & Castillo, PC

Syreeta Alexander Sharesa Y. Alexander K.C. Barner Olaseni A Bello Jr. Greg Burton Erreka Campbell Jay Christian Michael Garlow Dee Dee McKee Brandon MiddletonPratt Amanda Moore Daron K.

Sharesa Alexander recently joined the O’Hanlon, Demerath & Castillo team as a Senior Associate. Alexander serves as counsel to school boards and administrative staff, and as corporate counsel to businesses. When joining the firm, Alexander merged her firm, S.Y. Alexander Legal, PLLC (SYA Legal), a general practice focused on developing and protecting start-ups and businesses. Prior to merging her practice, Alexander represented the State of Texas as a litigation staff attorney in administrative law for over 7 years; and she is the former Legal Director for Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts, a nonprofit organization that supports the Texas arts community by providing legal and accounting services, educational programs and publications to artists, and arts related nonprofits. As a public servant, Alexander has served non-profits in various capacities, including: Alexander has a passion for human and civil rights and international affairs; thus, she interned with a non-governmental organization in Kampala, Uganda where she began research on legal reform of Uganda’s law regarding homeless children and assisted litigators in seeking justice for illegally detained and/or abused children. As a result, Alexander has worked with the Barnabas Project in Uganda as the Director of its Street Life Project. In addition to interning abroad, Alexander studied humanities in the United Kingdom; international human rights and environmental laws in Italy; and international arbitration and international energy law in Spain. Alexander enjoys singing, archery and world travel. She is purposed with encouraging others, and assisting them by handling the details so that they can focus on what’s important. Ultimately, Alexander is committed to providing quality and attentive service to her clients; protecting them from liability; and ensuring their visions are realized.

Roberts R. Floyd Walker

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

NOVEMBER 2021

UP & COMING

LAWYERS

Syreeta Alexander Chief Compliance Officer, Chief People Officer, Chief of Staff Good Looking

My name is Syreeta Alexander. I was the Chief Compliance Officer, Chief People Officer, and Chief of Staff for two software companies, GoodLooking and HealthTrust Software. As Chief Compliance Officer, I provided general legal advice for the companies and compliance oversight, including developing policies and procedures. As Chief People Officer, I revamped the employee onboarding process and maintained human resource compliance. As Chief of Staff, I served as the liaison between the staff, executives, senior leaders, and CEO.

Where did you attend school & why? SA: I obtained my Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law because it is the most diverse law school in the country. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Government and Philosophy minor from the University of Texas at Austin because of its strong traditions, selective reputation, and “public ivy” league regard.

attorney, remain open-minded in career aspirations. Because being closed-minded can stifle hidden talents and potential. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? SA: When I was an Assistant Attorney General, my supervisor Eugene Clayborn, told me that I have good instincts and to trust those instincts. This statement transformed the way I practice law. Eugene provided me with the courage to confidentially forge ahead with my unconventional legal approaches.

What do you like most about your job? SA: As the Chief Compliance Officer, Chief People Officer, and Chief of Staff, I enjoyed both the ability to manage several different projects and the opportunity to work crossWhat life lessons have you’ve learned? functionally for two software companies. SA: Happiness is a choice. The best gift one How did you get started in your career can give themselves is to actively commit field? to evolving in all facets. There is no secret SA: My first exposure to being an attorney formula to success. Success is obtained by was when I was in junior high school. My continuously forging ahead no matter how hometown had a teen court that I initially arduous the journey becomes and despite participated in as a juror and eventually as continuously hearing “No.” an “attorney.” The teen court involved real cases against minor defendants and allowed How has a failure, or apparent failure, set them to have a full trial among their peers. I you up for later success? worked with locally licensed attorneys before SA: Each failure and apparent failure I have for each case and independently performed encountered motivated me to work harder voir dire, presented oral arguments, open- and strive for more significant challenges. ing statements, defendant examinations, and Favorite book or book you’d recommend? closing statements. Through teen court, I SA: Becoming by Michelle Obama discovered my passion for the law. What do you do in your leisure time? What advice would you offer someone SA: In my leisure I enjoy spending time with who may be considering going into your my nieces and nephews, Yorkshire Terrier career field? (Milan), traveling, indoor ax throwing, workSA: Someone seeking to become an attorney ing out, improving my shooting skills, drivshould be strategic in their quest. Specifiing ATVs, and embarking on new adventures. cally, find at least one attorney for mentorship, obtain an undergraduate degree that What’s your favorite quote? will allow for flexibility in legal practice ar- SA: “Shoot for the Moon. Even if you miss eas, research the best law schools, diversify it, you will land among the stars.” “Don’t tell law school courses, and work for law firms. me the sky’s the limit when there are footMost importantly, after becoming a licensed prints on the Moon.”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

LAWYERS

UP & COMING

K.C. Barner Legal Counsel Aetna, a CVS Health Company

My name is K.C. Barner, J.D. I am an experienced insurance attorney. I received my law degree from Wake Forest University and holds a bachelor’s in government from the University of Texas at Austin. I am currently Local Markets Counsel at Aetna, a CVS Health Company, where I provide legal guidance, interpretation, advice and recommendations for action to internal stakeholders and senior/executive management regarding federal/ state laws and regulations in the healthcare industry. Where did you attend school & why? KCB: I received my law degree from Wake Forest University and holds a bachelor’s in government from the University of Texas at Austin.

pace yourself; don’t take anything for granted

How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? KCB: There was a leadership position that I waited and worked many years to secure. When it was close to the time for me to take What do you like most about your job? KCB: Resolving disputes in my client’s fa- the reins I soon realized that it was not the vor and ensuring product compliance with position for me. I was not the right fit for regulatory requirements. the position. I turned my focus to a different leadership position in a different organization How did you get started in your career and not only have I worked hard to secure field? the position, but my peers are the ones who KCB: I was a law clerk in college for a boutook notice of my efforts and selected me. The tique insurance firm named Long Burner position chose me and I chose the position. (NKA Mitchell Williams). I found that evI couldn’t be happier to take the reins. One eryone needs insurance in various forms and door closed suddenly and another opened the corporate transactions were fascinating. with even more opportunity! What advice would you offer someone Favorite book or book you’d recommend? who may be considering going into your KCB: There is only one book that I have read career field? throughout my life and that is the Bible. I’m KCB: Find someone who has been in the not much of a pleasure reader. Anytime I field for several years and ask them to menneed a lesson I turn to the Book of Proverbs. tor you. Network often with those in your field of choice. What do you do in your leisure time? Barner: I enjoy traveling, working out at What was one moment or experience F45 and teaching my kids how to play team in your life that changed your way of sports at WAYA. thinking? KCB: The birth of my first child Calista Barn- What’s your favorite quote? er. This is one of the big life events for every- KCB: Maya Angelou was a beautiful soul and one—life is just never the same again. Talk my second daughter is named Maya. Here about a new perspective and new priorities! is another: “A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” What life lessons have you’ve learned? KCB: Your health is your most valuable asset; 76

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

Olaseni A Bello Jr. Program Manager Facebook

My name is Olaseni Bello. I believe in servant leadership and I’ve been drawn towards some of the most challenging legal, business, and national security problems from Afghanistan to Facebook to healthcare equity. I am an entrepreneur, a licensed attorney, a combat veteran, and a program manager at Facebook.

NOVEMBER 2021

UP & COMING

LAWYERS

Where did you attend school & why? OB: I most recently obtained my MBA from the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business to increase my problem solving toolkit with a lens towards greater impact. What do you like most about your job? OB: The work we do truly matters. How did you get started in your career field? OB: The mother received her LLM from Yale Law and was bullish that with law no path was off limits. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? OB: I’ve not had a traditional career path. My key advice is to keep an open mind into the possibility of where and how your career can evolve. Paint outside the lines and challenge the status quo but be guided by altruism. Know that you are always evolving, growing, and learning. Listen to diverse perspectives but follow your internal compass. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? OB: My deployment to eastern Afghanistan as the Chief of Detention Operations changed me in many ways but underscored my appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit. It continues to inform my work ethos today. What life lessons have you’ve learned? OB: Persistence is a super power; Kindness will always be welcome; Being a GirlDad is one of life’s greatest treasures How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? OB: I believe failure provides some of the most reflective moments we will have and too often its squandered on the feelings of misery as opposed to the growth that begins to occur instantly. Failure is simply part of any success equation. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? OAB: “The Tipping Point” Malcolm Gladwell What do you do in your leisure time? OB: I enjoy the outdoors, particularly biking. Traveling, spending time with my family, and culinary adventures. What’s your favorite quote? OB: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”

Greg Burton Assistant Attorney General Attorney General of Texas My name is Greg Burton, I’m an Assistant Attorney General at the Attorney General of Texas and I prosecute Human Trafficking and Transnational Organized Crime cases. Where did you attend school & why? GB: I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas Austin and my law degree from Tulane Law School. I wanted to attend schools that had a strong academic reputation because I wanted to open as many future doors as possible. What do you like most about your job? GB: The victims in my cases are usually abused women and children or migrant workers. I enjoy advocating on behalf of our most vulnerable populations. How did you get started in your career field? GB: I went to law school to become a trial lawyer, and began working as a municipal prosecutor 12 years ago. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? GB: I would encourage this person to develop good public speaking and writing skills. I would encourage any future lawyer to think ahead about how they will finance their education and do their best to minimize the amount of money they borrow.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

LAWYERS

UP & COMING

Erreka Campbell Senior Counsel, Products Legal Apple Erreka Campbell is Senior Counsel, Products Legal at Apple in Austin, Texas. Campbell provides legal support for commercial transactions for Apple corporate (internal) technologies, products and services worldwide (e.g. R&D/engineering services, marketing content production & events, IT infrastructure, corporate/professional services, Legal operations, benefits/wellness, and global facilities/retail operations). Campbell is also the founder of HiTech Grounds, a technology-driven company focused on examining and discussing emerging trends and technologies set to revolutionize and transform various sectors that impact the real estate industry. Campbell earned a Bachelor and Masters in Business Administration from Baylor University, and Hankamer School of Business. She received her law degree from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law.

Jay Christian Senior Legal Counsel Apple Jay Christian is currently a Senior Legal Counsel at Apple in Austin, Texas. Prior to his current employment he worked at Microsoft for four years. He graduated with a Bachelors in History from Rice University and went on to complete Law school at Thurgood Marshall School of Law, summa cum laude.

Michael Garlow Contract Attorney Bloomberg Law

Michael Garlow is a contract attorney in Austin, Texas. His duties include research civil and criminal case law, interpret case rulings, review citations, summarize transcripts, update securities laws, and identify keywords in order to help create a legal research website. Performing work for Bloomberg through Special Counsel. Michael received his Bachelors degree from Georgia Tech and his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

NOVEMBER 2021

UP & COMING

LAWYERS

Dee Dee McKee Founding Partner Law Office Dee Dee McKee

My name is Dee Dee McKee. I’m the Managing Partner at the Law Office of Dee Dee C. McKee, PLLC and I help growing businesses with their contracts, corporate transactions, and other business law matters.

Where did you attend school & why? DM: I attended Harvard Law School for my Juris Doctor because of its world-classed reputation and alumni network. I attended Washington University in St. Louis for my Bachelors of Science in Business Administration as part of the John B. Ervin Scholars Program for Black Americans, because of the Ervin Scholars sense of community and core values of leadership, service, and diversity.

What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? DM: I lost my mother before I graduated high school, my father before I graduated college, and my brother when I was 23. Life is short. Do what matters. What life lessons have you’ve learned? DM: Altering your perception can change your reality. Hope is a gift that you never have to surrender.

What do you like most about your job? DM: I love participating in people’s dreams How has a failure, or apparent failure, set of establishing and growing their own busiyou up for later success? nesses, helping them to avoid certain risks DM: It’s taught me to let go of other people’s along the way, and working with clients who expectations and develop my own standards share similar values and goals. and goals. Sometimes prioritizing self and How did you get started in your career field? family, refusal to reinforce systemic ineqDM: My first career was as a CPA (I’m still uity (e.g. through facetime requirements licensed) doing audit and financial due dili- and other “corporate hazing”), and turning gence work, often working alongside lawyers down lucrative opportunities can look like to evaluate growing companies seeking ven- failure to others. ture capital and private equity investment. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? I became interested in the broader scope of DM: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison corporate legal work as a related field. What do you do in your leisure time? What advice would you offer someone DM: Spend time with husband and 5 yearwho may be considering going into your old twins, ideally travelling internationally career field? or camping. DM: Do everything that you can to gain practical experience in the legal field so that you What’s your favorite quote? understand the reality of legal practice before DM: “Be who you are and say what you feel, applying to law school. There’s a significant because those who mind don’t matter and investment of time and money involved, and those who matter don’t mind.” -- Bernard real life lawyering is much different than the Baruch media portrayal.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

LAWYERS

UP & COMING

Brandon Middleton-Pratt Attorney Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati My name is Brandon J. Middleton-Pratt and I am an attorney at Wilson Sonsini in Austin, where my practice focuses on private equity, venture capital, emerging companies and start-ups. Where did you attend school & why? BMP: I’m a proud graduate of Converse Judson H.S., the University of Denver, the University of Texas at San Antonio and Boston University School of Law What do you like most about your job? BMP: Counseling and advising clients and helping them achieve their goals and desired outcomes.

Amanda Moore General Counsel Texas State Teachers Association My name is Amanda Moore. I am the General Counsel and Director of Legal Services at the Texas State Teachers Association. I represent and advise public school employees across the state of Texas in matters regarding their employment and workplace concerns.

How did you get started in your career field? BMP: Transactional work, the kind of work I do, really resonated with me when I was in law school and I was fortunate to get the opportunity to do that when I started my career What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? BMP: I would advise them to give it a try and hope that they find the work as interesting as I do. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? BMP: When my wife and I had our first child, Turner, along with him came a new sense of purpose and urgency. What life lessons have you’ve learned? BMP: Take your own advice. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? BMP: The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin What do you do in your leisure time? BMP: Spend time with my family and otherwise as little as possible. What’s your favorite quote? BMP: It’s a toss-up between “I am because we are” and “illegitimi non carborundum”.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

Where Did You Attend School & Why? AM: I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Spanish from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. I received a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Texas School of Law. Both universities provided me with the type of education that I believed would prepare me for my future career. What do you like most about your job? AM: I like being able to provide useful information, support and representation to individuals who might need it the most. Many times, employees may not be fully aware of their rights under the law. I advocate for my clients, but I also like to teach them how to advocate for themselves.

NOVEMBER 2021

UP & COMING

LAWYERS

How did you get started in your career field? AM: When I was in law school, I attended a School Law conference that was hosted by the University of Texas Continuing Legal Education department. I had a chance to visit with practicing attorneys and listen to informative presentations. It was a great experience for me. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? AM: I would advise them to seek out opportunities to learn as much as they can about the profession or a particular field by attending workshops, conferences, and seminars if they are available. They should reach out to their network of friends, family or classmates and share their interests. Many people would be surprised how easy it is to set up a meeting to talk with someone about their career aspirations. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? AM: In January 2020, I had the distinct honor to argue before the Texas Supreme Court. I spent countless hours preparing for it, but only twenty minutes presenting the actual case before the Court. I felt prepared, but I also felt humble and grateful for the opportunity to do it. I learned that no matter what I am experiencing, I should always slow down and try to truly recognize and appreciate moments like that one. We often spend years trying to achieve a goal, but then never take the time to really reflect upon it. Who do you admire and why? AM: I admire my husband, Craig Moore. He has been incredibly supportive, and I have always appreciated his honesty, his kindness and his insight. I am very fortunate and blessed to have him in my life. How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? AM: If I ever face a stressful situation, I think back to a time when things were very challenging for me. I remind myself that if I could overcome that situation, then I can overcome this one. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? AM: I am an avid reader, so I can't recommend just one. For those individuals who enjoy reading non-fiction, I would recommend "Caste: The Origins of our Discontents" by Isabel Wilkerson and "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson. What’s your favorite quote? AM: "Be encouraged." My mother said that to me often when I was growing up, and I never forgot it.

Daron K Roberts Partner Notley Ventures

Daron K Roberts was born in Longview, Texas. He is a fifthgeneration East Texan. His family moved to Mount Pleasant, Texas, when Roberts was 5, and graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1997. As a member of the varsity football team, Roberts earned 1st Team All-District Honors as a strong safety in 1996. Roberts is a former NFL coach and author of, Call an Audible: Let My Pivot from Harvard Law to NFL Coach Inspire Your Transition (Greenleaf 2017). After graduating from Harvard Law School (2007), Roberts served coaching stints with the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, West Virginia Mountaineers and Cleveland Browns. He holds a B.A. in Plan II Honors and Government from the University of Texas (2001) and an M.P.P. from Harvard’s Kennedy School (2004). In 2010, Daron launched a nonprofit football camp 4th and 1, Inc. 4th and 1 provides free SAT prep, life skills development and football training to at-risk youth in Michigan, Texas and Florida. The camp has served nearly 500 studentathletes since 2010. The Presidential Leadership Foundation a joint venture between Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush tabbed Roberts as a Presidential Leadership Scholar for 2015. He was one of 60 members in the inaugural class. Roberts has been featured in ESPN the Magazine, Bloomberg Businessweek and Sports Illustrated and is a contributor to Forbes.com. His articles have appeared in The Dallas Morning News, Fortune, Houston Chronicle, and Time. Roberts is the host of an industry-leading podcast A Tribe Called Yes (available on iTunes and Stitcher). To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

LAWYERS

UP & COMING

R. Floyd Walker Attorney Public Utility Commission of Texas

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

R. Floyd Walker is an attorney at the Public Utility Commission of Texas. R. Floyd also served as Assistant Attorney General, at the Antitrust Division and as a Patent Attorney at Floyd Walker Law Firm, PLLC. R. Floyd is a graduate of Rice University, earning a Bachelors and Masters degree in Electrical engineering before attending the University of Texas School of Law.

NOVEMBER 2021

2021

CENTRAL TEXAS BLACK DOCTORS

Devry Anderson, M.D. Crystal S. Berry-Roberts, MD Tannon Dajuan Carroll, MD Cheryl Clark-Brown, MD Dave Clarke, M.D. Avis Meeks Day, M.D. Chinwe Efuribe, M.D. Jeff Hutchinson, M.D. Dominique J Isaac, M.D. Jewel Mullen, M.D.

DOCTORS

TOP TEN

Devry Anderson, MD Chief Medical Officer, St. David’s South Austin Medical Center HCA Healthcare

“

No matter where you are and what things look like… all things are possible. Life has shown me so many times that when something seemed impossible, that it actually was possible, that God is able.

”

Dr. Devry Anderson is the chief medical officer at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center. He’s also the designated institutional official for St. David’s residency programs. Dr. Anderson oversees all medical aspects of what goes on at his hospital, as well as all the training for the new doctors they cultivate within the St. David system. He relishes the opportunity to have a broad impact on his local health care system. “Seeing patients oneon-one, I can treat one or 20 or even 30 patients in a day,” he says, “but in the role that I serve now, I oversee 1500 physicians and I can impact health care across the entire city of Austin.” Dr. Anderson started his higher education at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a degree in chemistry and engineering. He initially had ambitions to play football, which had been the primary driver in applying 84

to West Point. But it was at West Point where he found his ultimate calling, which was medicine. “So,” Dr. Anderson says, “West Point was a real pivotal part of me becoming a doctor and becoming the man I am today.” Upon graduation he spent 24 years serving in the United States Army. During that time he saw patients in a clinical setting and served numerous administrative roles at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in Fort Hood, Texas. From there he took on a civilian position of overseeing several urgent and primary care centers in the city of Austin. During that time Dr. Anderson got his Master’s in Business Administration at Norwich School of Business in Vermont to better understand how the business side of medicine impacts patient care. He then went on to complete the Executive Leadership Certificate program at Harvard University’s School of Public Health, to

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

better understand the ways in which politics can extend to local healthcare. Every facet of his education dovetails into the responsibilities he now holds at St. David’s Medical Center. What Dr. Anderson would say to any young person who wants to become a physician and follow a similar path to his is, “You have to believe that it’s something that you can do. And I’m here to tell you that it’s possible. The fact that I’m here, lets you know that it’s possible. And you want to make sure that you believe that it’s possible when you start, that’s critical. The second thing would be to think about the words that come out of your mouth and then make sure that when you’re speaking to yourself, whether it be in the mirror or quietly, that you’re telling yourself things that affirm the fact that it’s possible because your words have power. They have more power than the words that are coming to you from the outside.” On a more pragmatic note, he also emphasizes that anyone who wants to go into medicine volunteers at their local hospital. Be willing to take a small role, which may turn into bigger responsibilities, bigger learning opportunities, and a network you can lean on. Dr. Anderson credits much of his success to his early success on the foundation he established while volunteering. “I started volunteering by pushing wheelchairs,” Dr. Anderson says, “So people who were ready to leave the hospital and needed to just go out the door, I pushed

the wheelchair and helped them wait for their rides. And then my next volunteer job was making sandwiches. And then after that, I made relationships with physicians... And then eventually they just had me clerk and follow them all through my undergraduate time. And so those relationships that I made with those doctors in high school and college turned into letters of recommendation in medical school and even in residency. And so I highly encourage you to volunteer.” Dr. Anderson is most proud of his perseverance; he is not one to quit in the face of challenge. He has many plaques and certificates on his office wall, chronicling his many achievements. However, “It’s not the things on the wall,” he says, “but what they represent. They represent perseverance and having not quit. People can never take that away. I made it through West Point by that. I made it through medical school, I made it through residency, I made it through 24 years in the army... No one can take that from you. So I’m proud about not the actual thing that I did, but the spirit of perseverance that it represents. I’m proud of that.” One message he would like for the world to know, is that all things are possible. “no matter where you are and what things look like,” Dr. Anderson says, “all things are possible. Life has shown me so many times that when something seemed impossible, that it actually was possible, that God is able.” NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN

DOCTORS

Crystal S. Berry-Roberts, MD Obstetrics/Gynecology Austin Regional Clinic

“

My purpose is, among other things, to be “the person who tells you the truth. I don’t want to sugar coat it … I want to be respected, and be understood as genuine, and well-meaning (even if) it may hurt a little. Sometimes it may make you smile, it may make you laugh, but you would still respect me the same at the end of the day. Dr Crystal Berry-Roberts has been an Obstetrician Gynecologist at Austin Regional Clinic for almost 7 years. She was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, in a neighborhood where she “had a relative pretty much on every corner, on the street, and up the street. (I had) a great aunt around the corner, my grandparents lived in the same neighborhood, and I lived in a two-parent home. So I had a lot of... guardian angels around me, whether or not I knew to call them (that) at the time.” Dr. Barry-Roberts got into medicine due in great part to seeing the healthcare system around her when she was growing up, and seeing the ways it was found wanting. “When I went through certain illnesses, and challenges with my own family, (I) felt like the folks that were taking care of them could have been doing a better job of taking care of them as the person and not necessarily just the illness. I felt as though I could bring that dimension to my practice and really focused on the full wellbeing and health

”

of people. And I think that’s why medicine spoke to me the most.” It is this intention of taking care of not only the illness, but the person, that gives Dr Berry-Roberts so much joy in her work. It’s about “the opportunity to connect with people, and specifically to connect with women, in a way that can’t be explained in words. People come, and when you close that door, they entrust some information to you that they really literally haven’t told anyone. And that’s why I know it’s so much more. I do a lot of breast exams, and pap smears, and hysterectomies, and delivering babies, but when it boils down to it, there’s so much more to the person in front of me, and I have the privilege, and the honor, to meet people who allow me into that space. And that’s pretty special.” There is no doubt that Dr. Berry Roberts is an accomplished individual, and had shown tremendous potential even in her youth, but she confesses that early on in her life she was plagued by self-doubt. If she could speak

to her younger self, she would tell young Crystal “To believe in myself. There was a lot of doubt along the way (from others), and eventually, you let the doubt that other people place on you, begin to define you. And if I could go back, I would teach myself to believe in myself sooner and without question. And it’s been a process that I’ve had to mature into, and… I’ve seen the growth I’ve made in that... But I can see the triumph in it when I look where I am now, compared to where I was.” Her triumph over her own self doubt has allowed her to connect better with other people, because now she is not focused on taking value from others, but rather, what she can give. “I think working through that process for myself has allowed me to connect with other women better and see that my career and what I do (doesn’t have) to be in competition with other people, but really an extension of what I can offer to them. I think it’s helped me build better relationships with people, because I know

that everyone has their story, and if I can connect with them, and don’t use what I think I know about them or what I think I know their story is, then I can really begin to let people bring something into my life that maybe I haven’t experienced before, talked about before, challenged myself to think about before. So I think it allows me to strengthen relationships because I closed so much off along the way, (and now it) helps me be more open to connecting.” Dr. Berry Roberts finds that in periods of overwhelm, and stressful days, her husband is there to help her get back to center. “I’m thankful that I’m allowed to be honest with my husband,” she says, “When I say, “I need to step away, because you all aren’t getting the best of me,” he is supportive, and offers ways to reset. “Hotel room for one night,” he may say, “Just go do that. Massage, go do that. Or just a day where I’m not going to judge how many bags you bring in the house. If you need some retail therapy, I’m not going to judge. You just go do it. You don’t have to hide the stuff in the car for a day or two, and try and sneak it in, just go do what you need to do, hit reset, And let me know if it worked or not.” Dr. Berry-Roberts feels her purpose is, among other things, to be “the person who tells you the truth. I don’t want to sugar coat it. I don’t want to give it to you in the package that you want it given in. If you want that, you probably need to go ask someone else. That’s the place I want. That’s the place I want to hold for somebody. I want to be respected, and be understood as genuine, and well-meaning, (even if) it may hurt a little. Sometimes it may make you smile. It may make you laugh, but you would still respect me the same at the end of the day. I’d like that place.”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

DOCTORS

TOP TEN

“

I think with my belief in God, I think that I’m in my purpose … To be in Austin, to be an interventional cardiologist, to be a father to three wonderful kids, to be assigned to a wonderful mother, and to be the best husband that I can be … but it’s not done yet … I’ve got lots more to do.

”

Tannon Dajuan Carroll, MD Cardiologist Ascension Medical Group

Tannon Carroll was born in Louisville, Kentucky where his dad played college football at the University of Kentucky and his mother was the first black cheerleader in the Southeastern conference. His family moved to Katy, Texas when he was in the sixth grade. Dr Carroll is an interventional cardiologist with Seton Heart Institute. He treats “heart disease or cardiovascular disease across the spectrum, from simple palpitations or irregular heart rhythms, to patients who have heart attacks. So my main focus has been mostly in what we call structural heart disease, which actually deals with valvular heart disease, or holes in the hearts, and (noninvasive) procedures where we can...help patients who have those diseases.” “I love the patient interaction,” Dr. Carroll says, “One of the great things about being a cardiologist is you get to see patients when they’re critically ill. So when they 86

come into the emergency room with a heart attack, I’m the first person they see. But also after you… see them in the hospital, you get to see the continuity of care. So I get to see those patients throughout the years, as well as their family. So it’s not only the acute aspect, but it’s also the longterm continuity of care that you get.” Dr. Carroll did not always want to be a doctor. “So the funny thing is,” he says, “is that growing up, I always thought I wanted to be a politician. I knew I wanted to be vice president of the United States, and my dad said, you don’t want to be a politician! You’d never get there for who you are, or your character. It’s about who you know, and not the things you do. So when I was at the University of Texas, I actually was in the midst of a lot of healthcare policy, and I started to embrace the aspects of medicine that allow me to be a physician,

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

as well as being someone who can be involved in community and policy aspects as well. The great thing about medicine is... you get to talk to patients, you get to see patients every day, you get to make impacts on their lives” Over the years, Dr. Carroll has learned to zoom out of his career goals and taken stock in other priorities he’s been gifted with in his life. “When you’re young,” Dr. Carroll says, “you have goals and...you think that your life is your career, and once you have kids, once you get married, you realize that all that you did before that time, those are important, but there are lots of priorities in life, work is just one of those pieces. I think part of the most important thing you can do to be a great physician, a great father, a great person in the community is be as balanced as possible.” To those young, goal oriented folks with ambitions to go into medicine, Dr. Carroll advises that there are many paths to the summit, so to speak. “If you’re going into medicine,” he says, “(it is) not a straight line. A lot of people think, “If I’m going to be a physician, all I have to do every day is work and focus on that. But I tell (them), there are different parts of people’s career and different parts of people’s lives, and I think that you have to seize each moment. So if that one test doesn’t do okay, there’s other ways to get to the top or get to your goals than the traditional pathway that everyone else thinks that you have to do.

And going back to what we were saying before, about being balanced, having other priorities, those are what makes a good physician. Those are what makes a good community leader, and a good person when you get to be a little bit older. So I think having perspective, that it’s not always going to be a straight line, (there are) going to be zigzags in the road. Realize where you are and remember the big picture.” When asked how he wants to be remembered, he says it’s through the same way his dad wanted to be remembered; through his kids. “You know, it’s so funny,” Dr. Carroll recalls, “My dad used to say how he lives forever is through me being more successful than he was. So I look at it in the same way; (I look at) the things that I achieved or set up to make it easier for my kids and for them to be able to be more successful than I was, and to achieve the things that I never thought were possible.” When asked of his purpose, he says, “I think with my belief in God, I think that I’m in my purpose. I think He’s put me here for reasons, He shows me that every day. To be in Austin, to be an interventional cardiologist, to be a father to three wonderful kids, to be assigned to a wonderful mother and to be the best husband that I can be. So I think all of those are my purpose, and all wrapped up in who I am today, but it’s not done yet. It’s not done yet. I’ve got lots more to do.” NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN

DOCTORS

Cheryl Clark-Brown, MD Family Medicine Clark Brown Family Care Clinic

“

I’m thankful that my mom believed in me through all the things that I went through in my life … and I’m also thankful that she instilled the Lord in me … So she is my most favorite person in this whole world … Her name is Alva Clark.

”

Dr. Cheryl Clark Brown is a family practice physician who was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She has owned her own practice since 2009. She sees a variety of patients, from children to the elderly. “I do a little bit of it all,” she says. Dr. Brown had an interest in medicine early on, after seeing her parents’ battle with illness. “When I was young, both of my parents battled cancer, and I went to a lot of doctor’s appointments with them. We went to MD Anderson (Cancer Center), and watching my parents both struggle through their cancer battles, at that time I decided that I wanted to be in medicine, and I wanted to be able to provide care to patients who weren’t able to receive the best care.” Dr. Brown has learned to persevere in the face of adversity. “I

am a teenage mom, so I went to high school. I got pregnant and it was a big let down for my family. And a lot of my friends, they were like, oh my God, you messed your life up. What are you going to do?” She says it was a turning point in her life. She made a decision to keep going and keep pushing. And with the help of her mom, she was able to finish high school. After she made her decision to go to college, her community in her native Austin played a monumental role in getting her there. “I was very close to my community when I was young,” she says, “My community helped me get through college (through) lots of scholarships and grants. So I’m very grateful and thankful for the community that I came from. And when I came back to practice in Austin,

I made it my duty to make sure I served the community first. I went back into community care where I worked with low-income patients and indigent patients, and it was very rewarding for me to get back to the community that gave to me.” Dr. Brown starts every day off with prayer. “I start off by praying and asking God to go with me,” she says, “making sure I make the right decisions, help me with my patients, and guide them in my care. And then I go in with a positive attitude, knowing that every patient that comes to me, trusts me with their lives, so I want to give them the best that I have. I try to listen to every patient, although we’re battling time struggles, (and) we can’t really spend a lot of time with the patients, but I feel that if you can’t sit down and listen to the patient, how can you have a great outcome? So I just try to listen, be kind, be courteous, and give the best advice that I can give.” It was this desire to provide patients with an atmosphere where they are being heard, that gave her the courage to strike out and start her own practice. “The most worthwhile investment I would say (I made is I) invested in myself, believing that I could get out and own my own practice,” she says, “I did it and I’m still here. It was scary, but I did it… I’m a physician who prides herself on spending time with patients. I like to listen and let them get things off their chest, regarding what they’re here for. And in a lot of settings, you don’t have a lot

of time, maybe 10 to 15 minutes per patient. For me, I wanted to be able to have some control over that. If I need to spend a little more time with a patient, I want to be able to do that and not feel like I’m going to come out and be scolded because I spent 20 minutes versus 15 with the patient. I wanted it to be more of a holistic practice. I wanted to practice natural medicine. I didn’t want to push pills. So I know that in order to do that, I had to be on my own because if I was in a big group, I’d have to live by their stipulations, not by my own. So that was a driving force for me... and I know that I had to be the one to own that practice in order for it to be that way.” Dr. Brown’s favorite person is her mom. “First of all,” she says, “I’m thankful that my mom believed in me through all the things that I went through in my life, even being a teenage mom, she believed in me, she never stopped believing in me, and I’m also thankful that she instilled the Lord in me because if I didn’t know who He was, I don’t feel like there was no way I could have made it through all the adversities that I went through in my life and still stand up strong, and have faith, and believe, and keep pushing. So if it wasn’t for her, I don’t think I’d be here today. I know I wouldn’t. She’s a great woman. And I thank God that he put her in my life. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for her. So she is my most favorite person in this whole world... Her name is Alva Clark.”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

DOCTORS

TOP TEN

Dave Clarke, MD Pediatric Epileptologist/Chief, Comp Pediatric Epilepsy Program UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s

“

I would tell kids that you’re special, and you can do anything you want to … I think too often …children become despondent, but they don’t start out that way. They think they can take over the world … somewhere along the path, somebody tells them that they can’t, and it changes them, and it’s unfair … if we could get them over the hump, how much could they possibly do?

”

Dr. Dave Clark is a pediatric epileptologist. He is Chief of Pediatric Epilepsy at University of Texas Austin, as well as the Director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at Dell Children’s Medical Center. “And what happens is, the brain has lots of circuits. So for instance, I’m talking to you, you hear me, and then you speak, that’s a circuit in itself; it goes in one area (of the brain), and goes to another. And the issue sometimes is if there’s anything that causes a little bit of dysfunction in the brain, or anything that’s off in the brain, it can disrupt one of those circuits. And depending on where it disrupts (those circuits), it can cause a malfunction. So… if it disrupts the area that affects movement,” Dr. Clark says, 88

pointing at a spot on the back of his head, “you can get jerky (movements). If it disrupts the area that causes smell, you can have an atypical (sense of) smell. If you (disrupt those circuits) more than once, it’s a seizure. And what I do, I try and figure out what’s going on, where the seizure is coming from, what’s causing the seizures.” Dr. Clark is a doctor that specializes in helping children with seizures and epilepsy, although he had initially been interested in hematology, specifically the effects of sickle cell anemia. But then he realized rather quickly in medical school that he had an affinity for studying the brain. “I saw those squiggly lines,” Dr. Clark says, referring to the read-

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

out on the EEG, “and saw that I could actually interpret brainwaves. And I could tell when people were sleeping, when people were awake. I could tell when you’re blinking your eyes or when you’re moving your tongue from side to side. So I graduated in neurophysiology in 2003, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen an EEG that’s not fascinating.” Though Dr. Clark has a palpable passion for his challenging line of work, the real reward is in the people he helps along the way. “You know what I like most about my job?” Dr. Clark muses, “I like when I have a child that comes in, that’s having a problem. And in children, when you solve that problem, you can tell... they’re very, very truthful. And they’ll tell you that they’re not feeling well, or you can actually sense it, but once they get better and they start playing with all your instruments, jumping around and engaging, once you build that trust and they’re better? It’s the best.” Dr. Clark’s road to Austin was a long, winding one. He was born and raised in Antigua, a small island in the Eastern Caribbean. He later moved to New York, where he met his wife, and then moved back to the Caribbean for medical school. After med school he did his residency in New Jersey, his fellowships in University of Michigan Hospital, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and University of Toronto Hospital for Sick Children,in Toronto, Ontario. After Ontario, he moved to the South, first Houston, then Memphis, and finally Austin, where he now resides. He does go back to practice in the Caribbean as

well, as he is licensed in St. Lucia, Antigua, and Tobago. Despite Dr. Clark’s extensive credentials, he still finds there’s still so much to learn. “Only a small percentage of people that should see you, actually get to see you,” he says, and he wanted to understand why. He wanted to better understand the systemic, economic, social, and political causes for the uneven distribution of treatment, and that compelled him to get a certificate in public health, to add to his already impressive curriculum vitae. Despite his accomplishments, Dr. Clark still holds humility as a virtue. He welcomes failure, as it is a reminder that there is still much to learn, and he is eager to learn from everyone, regardless of occupation or “status.” He sees no hierarchy in how he treats people; regardless of your social or work position, Dr. Clark will treat you with the same respect. It is a virtue Dr. Clark learned, at least in part, from his father. “It’s nice to be important,” his father would say, “but it’s more important to be nice.” When asked about what message he would get out to the world, Dr. Clark says he would speak directly to children, “and I would tell the kids that you’re special, and you can do anything you want to... Because I think too often... children become despondent, but they don’t start out that way. They start out full of hope, they think they can take over the world. And somewhere along the path, somebody tells them that they can’t, and it changes them, and it’s unfair. And if we could get them over that hump, how much could they possibly do?” NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN

DOCTORS

Avis Meeks Day, MD Pediatrics Austin Regional Clinic

“

I’ve realized that I’ve been placed in a position to see God’s miracles happen, and I’ve sometimes been the instrument of those miracles. That’s just an awesome, awesome thing to happen in one’s life.

”

Dr. Avis Meeks Day is a pediatrician here in Austin, Texas, and on a daily basis gets to watch over the care and growth of children from birth to 18 years of age. She takes pride in being there for children, and guiding families to make the right decisions for their children’s health. “So getting to watch those children evolve,” Dr. Meeks-Day says, “from infancy through toddler to elementary, through middle school, and then through high school, as they prepare for college has been one of the greatest gifts of my practice.” Dr. Meeks-Day was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, where she spent the first eighteen years of her life. It was from a very early age that she knew she wanted to go into medicine. A vivacious little two year old, young Avis was asked what she was going to do when she grew up, to which she replied, she was

going to be a “baby doctor.” Dr. Avis-Day found out only a few years ago from a family member that she had been invited as a child to go to a cousin’s doctor’s appointment, “And that doctor pulled up a stool next to the table,” She recalls, “and let me watch the examination. And I’ve been hooked since on being able to do that for others. So I’ve enjoyed that process. I had it in my mind that that’s what I needed to be able to do and never wavered.” It is no surprise then, given her lifelong calling to care for the young, that Dr. Meeks-Day is an advocate for children outside the doctor’s office as well, and implores those with power, be it institutional power, or the power of their vote, to genuinely consider what we provide for the youths who have none. “I’ve seen people say things and do things, vote different ways, act in different ways, that don’t bring into account that

children are important. So when we see children individually and when we see them collectively, I want us to understand that how we talk to them, how we treat them, how we invest in their future makes a difference to what the future will look like for us. So we can’t be cavalier in their care. We can’t be cavalier in how we decide in a political manner. We have to understand that children are important.” Although Dr. Meeks-Day seemed deadset from infancy to pursue pediatrics, her path was not quite as linear as one might expect. To no one’s surprise, she was premed in college, but under the advice of her college advisor, she majored in English. Though it was not by choice initially, she says, it came to be one of the best things she’s ever done. Initially, she wanted to be a chemistry major, but her advisor nudged her early on into getting a broader education, which prevented her from being able to major in chemistry and graduating in time. As a result, she had to major in English, and she graduated in four years. “So that taught me,” Dr. Meeks-Day recalls, “there are different routes to get to the same place, do your best and whatever situation you find yourself in, you can still come ahead and be satisfied and happy and fulfilled. I had a great time as an English major, I got to read classics! I got to study them! I got to learn to speak in the different dialects from Chaucer to Shakespeare... I would have never done that had I been just a chem major.”

Dr. Meeks-Day’s superpower is her patience and generosity. She does find though that her patience and generosity is a two-way street. “When I give from my heart,” She says, “I get so much more back.” Dr. Meeks recalls reaching out to a friend to have lunch who really needed someone to talk to that day, and she found that in helping her friend in their time of need, she was naturally uplifted in return. Her generosity is extended to her community as well, through volunteer work through her church and her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Until roughly two years ago, she was mentoring medical students as well for 25 years. She credits her own experience with being mentored as a young student in helping her decide her path in medicine, and sought to give that same gift of guidance and mentorship to the next generation. At the end of the day, the biggest lessons Dr. Meeks takes from her colorful life are around family and faith. “I think my family has been a wonderful support system for me. And I’ve tried to do that for other members of my nuclear family, as well as extended family members... And then I’ve realized that I’ve been placed in a position to see God’s miracles happen, and I’ve sometimes been the instrument of those miracles. That’s just an awesome, awesome thing to have happen in one’s life. So for me personally, to have seen those miracles happen and to have been that instrument to bring a miracle to fruition, that has been a real joy.”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

DOCTORS

TOP TEN

Chinwe Efuribe, MD Pediatrics/Adolescent Medicine Specialist Lonestar Circle of Care

“

Honestly, my message would be, empower our youth to take care of their lives.

”

Dr. Chinwe Efuribe is a pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist. She cares for children from the age of birth, up to the age of 25, and provides acute preventive care. Dr. Efuribe was born in Ibadan, Nigeria, and moved to Houston, Texas when she was eight years old. Dr. Efuribe comes from a family of health care specialists. Her mom is a nurse, her dad is a pharmacist, and many of her aunts are nurses as well. “I think it’s just one of those old tenets that most Nigerian families want their children to either be doctors, lawyers, or pharmacists,” she jokes, “I fell in love with the field myself, when I got into college. I was a biology major and our chair at that time exposed us to healthcare missionary work. So on these missionary experiences, I was exposed to the needs of the underserved. I think it was at that point that I felt I wanted to do what I could to allow people to have the opportunity to live their 90

best lives, but live it in a healthy way. So my love for medicine for myself was kind of ignited during that time in college.” After completing her undergraduate studies at Oakwood University in Birmingham, Alabama, she went to medical school at the American University of Integrative Sciences, a part of the Saint Maarten School of Medicine. Dr. Efuribe’s advice to young people who want to get into medicine is one of community. “I think the one thing that has benefited me by far is collaboration,” she says, “You are not an island, no matter how much knowledge you have, how much education, what your family background is, no matter what assets you feel that you bring into a society, nothing gets accomplished outside of community. I always encourage the younger generation to build a community, build a community of assets, build a community of resources, a community of experiences, of laughter. Because sometimes

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

life can be challenging, but to know that you’re going through life with others, either who are struggling with the same things you’re struggling with or succeed in the same way that you’re succeeding, there’s something to be said about growing within a supportive, nurturing community that I feel is so underrated sometimes.” The thing Dr. Efuribe finds most fulfilling about her job is her interaction with children and young adults, “because I feel like I partner with them in their health, (and realizing) their better selves. I love being able to see young people set goals for themselves, then when they meet those goals, how excited they are to come back and share that with us. For example, just yesterday I saw a 10 year old boy. He was coming to our weight management clinic, and at his last visit with the physical therapist, he had these daily goals that he was set to meet. It was one minute on the treadmill, and then increasing it to two minutes on the treadmill (after that), and the goal was to get to 10 minutes on the treadmill, and let me tell you,” she recalls, with a radiant smile on her face, “how excited he was to come to us with his little (paper) form! He brought it to us and he was so giddy to share, like, “I made my goal!” And I think for me, it’s just one of those things where I feel like I’m most impactful when I see the young person themselves being able to enjoy their accomplishments. I may be the healthcare provider, but it’s not about me.

It’s about them being able to realize that for themselves. And that brings me so much joy!” When asked about what message she would send to the world, it is a veritably child-centered one. “Honestly, my message would be, empower our youth to take charge of their lives. And the reason for that is in seeing some of the things that we as adults either struggle with or have hard times managing, a lot of it are based on lifestyle behaviors, lifestyle habits that we developed during adolescence. We’re seeing high rates of mental health conditions, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, that can be tied to how we’re able to center ourselves, And we get more practice doing that during adolescence than we will as children or as adults. There’s something to be said about helping young people know how to become more self-aware, how to manage their moods, how to manage their diets and how to manage their physical activity, simple things that will reap dividends in their adulthood. But that’s my message.” For Dr. Efuribe’s own part, she finds her center in music and faith. “I’m a woman of faith,” she says, “and I think being able to connect with someone beyond myself, knowing that I cannot plan every single point in my life. But the power that created me has a greater insight into what my potential is. And so I think being able to have faith and rest in that belief is what keeps me going during hard times.” NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN

DOCTORS

“

Find someone you can be vulnerable with. Ask questions that you think might be dumb questions. There’s just too much that we don’t know until we either experience it, or have someone with whom we can trust and talk to make better decisions.

”

Jeff Hutchinson, MD Internal Medicine/Pediatrics People’s Community Clinic

Dr. Jeff Hutchinson was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He can remember very clearly the day when he first sought out his chosen career path. It was during a day in high school when a frustrated substitute teacher scolded his misbehaving classmates. “She yelled at the class, ‘Shut Up! None of you are going to be anything!’’’ recalled Dr. Hutchinson. “I remember thinking at the time, ‘I will. I’m going to be a veterinarian.’ So, I wanted to be a veterinarian in the beginning, but then when I was teaching Sunday school, I thought that I would rather take care of people’s kids than people’s pets.” As an adolescent medicine physician with the People’s Community Clinic in Austin,

Dr. Hutchinson is living out his career goal. At the clinic, he cares for patients ages 11 to 25, teaches them to take care of their health, and assists them with sports-related injuries. “Helping young people to learn and move forward really gives me life,” says Dr. Hutchinson. “It gives me energy. So, being in this profession, I get real satisfaction when I see that light of understanding in the patients, as they believe that they can do something.” Dr. Hutchinson received this desire to help others from his father, a Los Angeles Police Officer. “Seeing him as a police officer instilled in me the desire to do some kind of service,” Dr. Hutchinson says. And from this, he enlisted in the military and embarked on

a 25-year career there, retiring in 2018 at the rank of lieutenant colonel. “It was a great career,” says Dr. Hutchinson of the military. “It was a chance to travel around the world, to see a lot of different situations and help a lot of people.” This desire to help others led Dr. Hutchinson into the role of a physician, where he takes a different perspective in his interactions with his younger patients. “I have decided to work with people who want to help themselves,” he says. “I learned that taking care of teenagers too, because when you see a young person, you can’t make them do anything. The best you can do is help them understand what they’re doing and then nudge them in the direction to make them healthier, make better choices. So, once you understand that you can only control how you react and what you do and give people information and guide them, it makes a big difference. It takes the burden off your shoulders and puts you back in the role of a guide. I’d much rather be a guide for someone than doing the work for them.” To the next generation of doctors looking to follow in his career path, Dr. Hutchinson says, “Find someone who you can be vulnerable with. Ask questions

that you think might be dumb questions. There’s just too much that we don’t know until we either experience it, or have someone who we can trust and talk to make better decisions.” As he continues his learning journey, Dr. Hutchinson says that his time with a good book helps to expand his horizon and refresh his soul. “My best investment is the time I spend reading. I have spent a lot of time reading beyond medical texts into behavioral economics and into science fiction. The time I invest in reading beyond the normal health and leadership things helps shape me and ground me and gives me new insight into the things that I deal with.” Dr. Hutchinson relocated to Austin after retiring from the military. He lives here with his wife and three sons, His wife is a breast cancer survivor, and her health challenges allowed him to see, as a caregiver, how important it is to take care of oneself. Exercise is a part of his early morning routine each day. Now, in the city of Austin, caring for and helping others at the clinic, Dr. Hutchinson truly knows he is where he belongs. “I found the right place,” he says. “I found people that I felt I provide the most value for and give of my skills and talents.”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

DOCTORS

TOP TEN

Dominique J Isaac Williams, MD Family Medicine Austin Regional Clinic

“

That’s what I enjoy the best, when … you can actually encourage someone to make changes, to improve their health so that you’re not (only) writing prescriptions, but that they’re living their best lives.

”

Dr. Dominique Isaac Williams is a family physician with Austin Regional Clinic. She has been practicing in Austin for 16 years, and cares for a wide variety of patients. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and the daughter of a registered nurse. “She worked in the ER,” Dr. Williams says, “and she actually discouraged us from going into medicine! But in my senior year of high school, I had decided that I was interested in medicine, but my father developed colon cancer... and so that just kind of reinforced it for me.” During Dr. Williams’ senior year, while she was accompanying her father during hospital visits, she met her father’s surgeon. Dr. Williams was inspired by the intense focus and care this surgeon had for her father, “He’s my patient,” Dr. Williams recalls the surgeon saying, “I’m going to take care of him.” 92

“And he was just an awesome guy, just really inspirational. So he just left a mark on me as well.” What Dr. Williams loves most about her job is the privilege of helping people live their best lives. “People confide a lot of things in their physicians. You build relationships with people. I tell my patients all the time, my goal is to keep you healthy. I don’t want you coming in here to treat illness. We’re working together. We’re a team to try to keep you well. And so, that’s what I enjoy the best, when… you can actually encourage someone to make changes, to improve their health so that you’re not (only) writing prescriptions, but that they’re living their best lives.” Dr. Williams’ passion for what she does and who she does, she believes, is an absolute necessity to make it through the trials and tribulations of becoming a doc-

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

tor. So to all those who are considering a career in medicine, she says, you have to “really want to do it because you have a passion for it. It’s really hard work. It takes a lot out of you. You make a lot of sacrifices… It has to be a labor of love because it takes… you from your family, from things you want to do in the community, it’s all encompassing. So you just want to make sure it’s something that you really enjoy and that you want to do, because it requires a lot of sacrifice.” Over the past few years, though, Dr. Williams has learned to be much more judicious with what she gives her time to, and has prioritized self-care. “I think I’ve become better at saying no to trying to do multiple things at the same time... (I’m) protecting my time a little bit better... I’m not good at it yet,” she jokingly admits, “but I have gotten a little bit better at saying, you know what? You can’t do that. You just can’t. You’re not doing anybody a service because you’re tired, and irritable, and you just need to not triple book yourself!” In those times of overwhelm, Dr. Williams looks to the power of gratitude to bring her back to center. “It is important to try to practice an attitude of gratitude,” she says, “to always remember that there is someone who would be so grateful for the life that you’re living and that you have to be thankful for it. My parents are Haitian immi-

grants. We look at what’s going on in that poor country, and all I have to think about is, I could still be there, and instead I’m here, and I’m living this life, and my kids are living a life that my parents couldn’t imagine. So we have been eternally blessed. It doesn’t mean you don’t get frustrated. Doesn’t mean you don’t get sad. But you just try to be grateful.” Dr. Williams makes sure to tell her family that she is eternally grateful for them as often as she can. “I… always make sure that, no matter what else is going on, that my kids know they’re important to me.” she says, “My husband and my mom (have) been my lifesaver. I couldn’t be half the mom I am, if I didn’t have the fabulous mom that I have, because I’ve had a village! I’ve (also) been blessed with wonderful in-laws who love my kids and help take care of them.” The very idea of being able to have a family, given the tremendous commitment she knew she was making in pursuing medicine, is something she is grateful for as well. “I really didn’t think I was going to have (a family),” Dr. Williams recalls, “Just focusing on work and school, residency, it was one of those things like, okay, I have to be a fabulous single person. So, I think that making that investment in having a family, and really letting them know they’re important to me, has been something that I hopefully will take with me through my entire life.” NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN

DOCTORS

Jewel Mullen, MD Associate Dean for Health Equity, Office of Health Equity Dell Medical

“

I’ve gotten better at saying no to an inner voice that might make me mad about something … It’s about letting go, about reacting less quickly, to just pause rather than act … When things are really clear that you need to fight, that’s one thing. But otherwise, to know how to say no to a quick reaction, eases the tension in what you have to go through every day.

”

Dr. Jewel Mullen is an internal medicine physician. She works at Dell Medical School as the Associate Dean for Health Equity, and is also an associate professor in internal medicine and population health. Dr. Mullen has extensive experience not only in primary care, but she has also spent nearly ten years working in public health on the state and federal level. It is this body of work that she pulls from to teach the next generation of doctors and medical professionals at Dell. “I’m there to help us live our mission,” Dr. Mullen says, “I’m there to assure... that all people have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible, (that) comes through in the way in which we see patients, in the way in which we teach students to care for patients in the future, in the ways

in which we do our research, and the ways in which we engage with community.” Community is central to Dr. Mullen’s core values. She is grateful to be in a position of leadership in the Austin medical community, “that really pushes change, that requires that you inspire people, but not just with words, but to get them to act differently on behalf of others. It takes all of the different things that I’ve done in my career to be able to do that effectively.” It is a challenging and complex undertaking, but one she is more than willing to take on for the sake of others. “I like being able to be a voice for people who aren’t listened to. Not people who don’t have a voice, but whose voice is not heard. And I can use my position to do that.”

Dr. Mullen grew up in Rochelle, New York, a suburb of New York City. The seeds for her passion for medicine were planted quite early. She had a natural passion early on for science and math, and her mother let her experiment with ant farms and growing mold in the house. Her suburban public education afforded her many opportunities to explore the subject most interesting to her. Tragedy befell her early on when her childhood friend, Veronica, passed away in elementary school. Jewel herself had been prone to illness as well, but she had always gotten better. This early experience with illness stuck with her, and “it also made me wonder about how you keep people healthy... and to think about my own interest in science and say, this isthe direction I want to go in. And so I carried that through… by the time I was in junior high school, I had decided that I want to be a doctor.” Although Dr. Mullen has arguably one of the most impactful professions one can have, she has learned to balance the very serious concerns she deals with on a daily basis with a healthy dose of mirth, and she is not one to take herself too seriously. “I tell people I have a sense of humor,” she says, “but I don’t play.” When dealing with others she errs on the side of grace, “...you might think you know where somebody is coming from, (but) you don’t always know for sure.” One quality Dr. Mullen tries to instill in younger people is to see that they are already a shining light for others. Some aspire

to be looked up to, to inspire others, and Dr. Mullen always stresses, “you already are. You don’t know that there’s already somebody looking up at you, and it doesn’t have to be because of the title or the position. It’s because of what you do, how you carry yourself. You’re inspiring someone. The more that people can carry that with them, maybe that self-esteem and positive speak will be just the thing that they need, when other people are giving them negative signals.” Dr. Mullen, like all of us, is an ever evolving human being. One of the most important things that she has learned to do in recent years is become less reactive to negative thought patterns, and save her energy for the battles that really matter. “I’ve gotten better at saying no to an inner voice that might make me mad about something,” she says, “It’s about letting go, about reacting less quickly, to just pause, rather than act… It’s very hard to fight your way through life. So when things are really clear that you need to fight, that’s one thing. But otherwise, to know how to say no to a quick reaction, eases the tension in what you have to go through everyday.” One thing Dr. Mullen loves to do at every possible occasion is dance, “just dance, turn the music on, or hear the music in my head, just move to the music… it’s another way of release.” Even during her son’s wedding, she recalls, she was the last one on the dance floor! “To me, the ability to still dance means I’m keeping my body healthy enough to be able to do it.”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

ARC IS PROUD TO SPONSOR THE

2021 Best of Black Austin! 2021 MOST INFLUENTIAL BLACK DOCTORS

Farron C. Hunt, MD

ARC Family Medicine

Natalie A. Williams, MD ARC Family Medicine

2021 TOP TEN BLACK DOCTORS

Crystal S. Berry-Roberts, MD, MBA, FACOG ARC Obstetrics/Gynecology

Avis Meeks Day, MD ARC Pediatrics

ARC congratulates all Best of Black honorees! We’re especially proud to recognize Austin Reginal Clinic’s Best Black Doctors and Most Influential Black Doctors.

Dominique J. Isaac, MD ARC Family Medicine

Austin’s Top Doctors 2021 Austin Black Business Journal recognizes ﬁve UT Health Austin and Dell Med faculty physicians as recipients of the 2021 Top Doctors Award. These world-class physician educators are actively paving the way to success for others by providing the most advanced medical expertise while also ooering the highest quality of compassionate care to patients daily. We are honored t o have them on the team!

2021 Most Inﬂuential Black Doctors

Adewole “Ade” Adamson, MD, MPH Dermatologist, UT Health Austin Dermatology

Cristal Brown, MD Gastroenterologist & Transplant Hepatologist, UT Health Austin Digestive Health at Ascension Seton

Anthony "AJ"Johnson, MD Orthopedic Surgeon, UT Health Austin Musculoskeletal Institute

2021 Top Ten Black Doctors

Dave Clarke, MD Chief of the Dell Children’s Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Center, UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at D ell Children’s

For more information, please call 1-833-UT-CARES or visit www.uthealthaustin.org

Jewel Mullen, MD Associate Dean for Health Equity, Dell Medical School

DOCTORS

INFLUENTIAL

Adewole Adewole “Ade” "Ade" Adamson, MD M.D. Cristal CristalBrown, Brown,MD M.D. Gregory Gregory Scott Scott Brown, Brown, MD M.D. Farron Farron C Hunt, C Hunt, MD M.D. Anthony Anthony “AJ” "AJ"Johnson, Johnson,MD M.D. Jean Jean Mbachu, Mbachu, MD M.D. Natalie Natalie A Williams, A Williams, MD M.D.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

DOCTORS

INFLUENTIAL

Adewole “Ade” Adamson, MD Dermatologist UT Health Austin Dermatology

My name is Ade Adamson, I’m a board certified dermatologist at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin. I am also a health policy researcher interested in how to efficiently and effectively deliver equitable health care to patients with skin disease. Where did you attend school & why? ADE: I am a proud graduate of Morehouse College, which I attended because it is the only college specifically designed for Black men. I later earned my MD at Harvard Medical School. What do you like most about your job? ADE: I enjoy interacting with patients and being a part of their journey to improved health and well being. How did you get started in your career field? ADE: My passion for understanding how the human body works lead me to become a doctor. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? ADE: Make sure that becoming a doctor is the right thing for you because its a long road which can be hard if you don’t enjoy the journey. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? ADE: Getting a master in public policy at Harvard Kennedy School changed how I thought about the U.S. healthcare system. What life lessons have you’ve learned? ADE: Be patient, life is a marathon not a sprint. How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? ADE: Failing to achieve certain goals I set for myself, has made me a more resilient person which is important in academic medicine, where failure happens all the time. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? ADE: Remaking Black Power: How Black Women Transformed an Era by Dr. Ashley D. Farmer What do you do in your leisure time? ADE: I play ice hockey. What’s your favorite quote? ADE: “It is not a disgrace not to reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for. Not failure, but low aim is sin.” - Benjamin Elijah Mays 98

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

Cristal Brown, MD Gastroenterologist & Transplant Hepatologist UT Health Austin Digestive Health at Ascension Seton Cristal Brown, MD, MHS, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and transplant hepatologist in Digestive Health, a clinical partnership between Ascension Seton and UT Health Austin. She specializes in providing care for patients with chronic liver disease. Additionally, Dr. Brown is an assistant professor in the Dell Medical School Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Brown earned her medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. She earned her master’s in health sciences from Duke University School of Medicine, where she also completed a residency in internal medicine, a fellowship in gastroenterology, and a second fellowship in transplant hepatology. Dr. Brown’s research interests include improving end-of-life care for patients with end-stage liver disease through the use of palliative care. She is also actively involved in identifying health disparities in vulnerable populations and expanding the concept of value-based care for patients with liver diseases. Dr. Brown is a gastroenterologist with UT Health Austin. NOVEMBER 2021

INFLUENTIAL

DOCTORS

My name is Gregory Scott Brown. I’m a psychiatrist, founder, and director of the Center for Green Psychiatry, an outpatient practice based in the Austin-area. In addition to my clinical work, I’m active in mental health advocacy, and write a monthly mental health column for Men’s Health magazine.

Where did you attend school & why? GB: I attended college and medical school in Houston, at Rice University and the McGovern Medical School, respectively. I grew up in Houston, and Rice has a long-standing reputation for excellent academics. Studying medicine in the Texas Medical Center, one of the world’s premiere medical centers was a no-brainer. What do you like most about your job? GB: I consider it a privilege for my patients to trust me with their stories. Every day, my patients tell me aspects about their life that they don’t tell anyone else. It’s also incredibly rewarding seeing them emerge from the depths of depression or move beyond crippling anxiety. I’m honored to take part in my patients’ health and wellness journey.

Gregory Scott Brown, MD Founder Center for Green Psychiatry

How did you get started in your career field? GB: I took a long and convoluted path! I was once an aspiring classical musician and studied oboe performance at the Juilliard School for two and a half years after graduating from high school, before transferring to Rice. I started medical school in my late twenties and during our clinical rotations, I found psychiatry to be the most interesting. It didn’t feel like work, and no two days were the same. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? GB: If you’re thinking about it. Go for it! What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? GB: So many, but most recently the coronavirus pandemic has allowed me to rethink how mental healthcare is delivered. I’m doing a lot more telemedicine than I ever imagined. Patients like it and I believe telemedicine has allowed us to reach a lot of people who need mental healthcare. What life lessons have you’ve learned? GB: Curiosity before judgment. How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? GB: Failure is a critical part of my success to the extent that I’ve become more comfortable with failure. I’m constantly aiming for things I don’t get, and I understand it’s part of the process. But I’ve also learned that failure is only temporary if you learn how to pivot, learn from the apparent failure, and keep moving. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? GB: A Personal Matter by Kenzaburo Oe What do you do in your leisure time? GB: Yoga, taking my dog Kai for runs, trying out new restaurants with my wife, and traveling What’s your favorite quote? GB: “Life is the art of drawing without an eraser” John Gardner

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

DOCTORS

INFLUENTIAL

Farron C Hunt, MD Family Medicine Austin Regional Clinic

My name is Dr. Farron Hunt. I am a family physician and I work at the Manor location for Austin Regional Clinic. Where did you attend school & why? FH: I Attended Clark Atlanta University To Have The HBCU Experience And Nurture. I Then Attend The University Of Texas Medical Branch At Galveston For Medical School. The Environment At UTMB Was Also Diverse And Supportive. What do you like most about your job? FH: I Enjoy Helping People Live Their Best Life And I Believe That That Starts With Good Health. I Consider Myself To Be Their Health Coach And Advocate. Its Rewarding To Help Patients Achieve Their Goals And Overcome Their Own Reservations About Their Health. How did you get started in your career field? FH: I’ve always loved science and initially I thought I’d be a marine biologist or bench research scientist. I realized at the end of college that I wanted to make a more immediate impact on my community, especially the health of my community so I applied to medical school. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? FH: We need more doctors in general but especially doctors of color to help care for diverse populations. A career in medicine is achievable and rewarding on a personal and community level. If you like investing in relationships with people and you have a curiosity for solving problems then medicine is a great option! What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? FH: I come from a long line of servant leaders so my purpose has always been to bring others up with me as I advance. From an early age, I realized that we are all simply human and often just need an opportunity to show the world our value. What life lessons have you’ve learned? FH: Meet people where they are and acknowledge that they have a story to tell. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? FH: I experienced challenges with my early jobs after residency but it reinforced that I need to walk with integrity and courage to fulfill my purpose. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? FH: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand - It reminds me that I don’t always have to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. What do you do in your leisure time? FH: : PreCOVID-19 Pandemic- Travel, Bake and Fellowship with family and friends PostCOVID-19 Pandemic- Home improvement projects and Board Games.

100

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

Anthony “AJ” Johnson, MD Orthopedic Surgery UT Health Austin Musculoskeletal Institute

My name is Anthony “AJ” Johnson and I am the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program Director at Dell Medical School and the Clinical Director of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine at UT Health Austin. Where did you attend school & why? AJ: I attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and the UCLA School of Medicine. What do you like most about your job? AJ: The best part of my job is working with a great team with a shared vision to train the next generation of leaders to transform orthopaedic healthcare delivery.

NOVEMBER 2021

INFLUENTIAL

DOCTORS

How did you get started in your career field? AJ: Through the support of my family and a cadre of mentors who helped me navigate the process. I benefited from a career in the US Army which provided precocious leadership opportunities as well as unparalleled training. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? AJ: Know what you want and persevere...failing and failure are not synonymous until you quit trying. Also, find mentors early and listen. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? AJ: I was lucky enough to be selected to serve in the US Special Operations Command through 3 deployments. Learning from highly functioning team leaders was an invaluable experience that I incorporate in the curriculum of the Dell Medical School Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program. What life lessons have you’ve learned? AJ: Oh...so many. Don’t give up...but do look back and see what’s holding you up. Growth & Comfort are usually mutually exclusive. No external reward/ achievement is worth losing your inner peace. How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? AJ: When I was the Engineer Brigade Surgeon in Korea, I was competing to earn the Expert Field Medic Badge. This was a 2-week long test requiring all the skills a combat medic would need. I was 2 events and 12-hours away from being the honorgraduate...and I lost focus on an exam - thinking about how great it would be to be the honor graduate - and failed. I have since never forgotten to remain humble and focused until the job is completely finished. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? AJ: The 5-Languages of Love; Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters What do you do in your leisure time? AJ: Cigars & Personal reflection. Spend time with family. Share new experiences with my kids as much as I can. What’s your favorite quote? AJ: “Leadership is about solving problems. The day the soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help them or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership.” – GEN. Colin Powell

Jean Mbachu, MD Gastroenterologist Texas Digestive Disease Consultants

Dr. Jean Mbachu is a board-eligible gastroenterologist with Texas Digestive Disease Consultants (TDDC). She performs routine GI procedures such as EGDs, colonoscopies, pill-camera endoscopy all in the diagnosis, screening, and surveillance of gastrointestinal disorders and cancers. In addition, she also specializes in liver disorders including hepatitis, fatty liver, and cirrhosis. She is fluent in English. She is a member of the American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American College of Gastroenterology, and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Education Undergraduate: Northwestern University Medical School: Meharry Medical College Residency: University of Illinois – Chicago Fellowship: Loyola University Medical Center Why did you choose to specialize in Gastroenterology? JM: Being able to use my hands to exact immediate change is one of the most satisfying aspects of medicine and the field of gastroenterology allows me to do that on a daily basis. What do you and your family enjoy doing in your spare time? JM: Cooking and trying out new recipes, personal fitness, discovering new podcasts

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

101

DOCTORS

INFLUENTIAL

and with enthusiasm-do not let anything get in the way of your dream. How do you give back? NW: I often participate in mentoring and enjoy teaching medical students. I usually also try to volunteer for events and programs specifically geared towards underserved communities. If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, metaphorically speaking, getting a message out to millions what would it say? NW: "I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou

Natalie A Williams, MD

Who do you admire and why? NW: I admire most my mother, she has patience, endurance and grace that I appreciate and admire. What life lessons have you’ve learned? NW: I've learned that we must take risks and experience failures to be successful.

How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? NW: I think in order to grow as a person you must learn that every failure inevitably is one step closer to success. I have had many things My name is Natalie Williams and I am a Family Medicine Physician at Austin Regional Clinics that I have failed and have used them to help me learn more not just about what I failed but about myself. I think failures that you understand the long-term management of can overcome build resilience and reconfirm Where Did You Attend School & Why? the condition. Most of the information my your dedication. Failures have also made me NW: I attended Florida State University, I family got about his condition was primarhumbler, as well as more empathetic. went mostly because that was my preferred ily self-guided-which often led to misinformedical school option. What do you do in your leisure time? mation. As my interest grew, I found myself NW: In my leisure I enjoy spending time with What do you like most about your job? interested in being in medicine- to care for NW: I enjoy most creating relationships with people like my family-and help them bet- my family, friends and dogs. I am a foodie, my patients and their families over time. This ter understand their conditions and how to so I am generally always searching for a new and exciting place to try. I love film and theleads to a mutual trust, respect, accountabil- manage them. ater as well and tend to enjoy a good show. ity, and sense of community that leads to What advice would you offer someone Some of my other favorite activities include improved health outcomes overall. who may be considering going into your reading, cycling, dance, and kayaking. How did you get started in your career career field? What’s your favorite quote? field? NW: This is not just a field it is a calling. It is NW: I have wanted to be a physician since hard work, long days, and deterrents along NW: “Pain is inevitable. suffering is optional”childhood. I think I was initially driven by the way-do not let these discourage you. You Dalai Lama my curiosity about medical conditions after can do it and will be happy that you did. It What does it mean to be chosen as a top the birth of my little brother. He has Downs is one of the most rewarding careers you doctor in 2021? Syndrome. It was hard for our family when will ever have. I think if you do feel called NW: It is a great honor to be chosen by my he was diagnosed since we did not clearly to medicine, follow that call whole heartedly community and uplifted by my peers.

Family Medicine Austin Regional Clinic

102

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

NOVEMBER 2021

2021

CENTRAL TEXAS TECHNOLOGISTS

Jim Anderson Dr. Terry Collier George Fax Don Hobson Dr. Stephanie Shipp Lewis Taylor Martin Taylor Onome Ufomata Dr. Peter Walker Charles Young

TECHNOLOGISTS

TOP TEN

“

You always (have) to dream big, and … take more risks. And second, be resilient. You’re not always gonna win. It’s not that you always win, it’s how you bounce back. Life is a journey with many steps … but as long as you keep going forward, you’ll be successful over time.

”

Jim Anderson Managing Director Google Cloud Jim Anderson is the managing director for Google cloud. “I am responsible for our business and our South Central region. I (also) sit on the advisory board for Capital G, which is Google’s go to markets equity fund and help advise companies on how to scale up and scale out their business.” Jim was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and spent most of his upbringing in Columbia, Maryland. After high school, he was accepted into Princeton University, where he majored in computer science, ran track, and played football. “Princeton was monumental for our family,” Jim says, “When my father grew up, he was not allowed to go to Princeton because blacks could not attend Princeton. So… to be able to go to a school and do something that my father could not do showed progress (to us as a) family and made us all feel good.” Jim credit’s his father’s influence in making sure he prioritized his education. “My dad was very influential on my life. My dad... stressed the importance of school and education throughout my career, maybe when (even) I didn’t think it was as important. And that’s what led me to eventually go to a place like Princeton and get an MBA from a place like Wharton. My dad served as a foundation, and I’m very thankful for that.” 106

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

Jim’s passion in technology started in high school, at 16 years old. “I had a summer job with an organization called Naval Sea Systems Command in Crystal City, Virginia,” he recalls, “They were working to teach ship design and take it from blueprint and actually put it on computers... I just loved computers from that point on. So I knew I wanted to be a computer science major at Princeton.” Jim is incredibly passionate about tech, and encourages anyone with an interest in tech to pursue it. “I think tech is the way to go,” he says, “Maybe I’m biased, but it’s a career where you can really make a difference in people’s lives… at a great scale. It’s something that’s very exciting and dynamic; technology is changing all the time. So you got a chance to not only bring your skillset, but be creative over time. I believe tech creates more entrepreneurial opportunities than anything else out there, so if you’re thinking about (being) an entrepreneur, tech’s the way to go; create your own business, go from there. If you think about Bill Gates, you think about Jeff Bezos, (they) became famous based on leveraging technology, and I think it’s the same opportunity we have as minorities here in America.” “I think what I like most about being in tech is it’s always changing. Right now (I’m)

with Google dealing with cloud (technology) that didn’t even exist 10 years ago. So tech is a world that’s always evolving. And what that means is it’s always evolving opportunities. I like to tell people, tech is about catching the right wave. If you think of surfers, why do they go out there looking to catch the big wave? That’s the same excitement in regard to tech! You’re always looking at that next big wave and (hot to) make it beneficial to you.” Whatever your path may be, Jim stresses the importance of dreaming big. “You always (have) to dream big, and… take more risks. That’s what I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older, that with risk, there’s reward. And second, be resilient. You’re not always gonna win. It’s not (that) you always win, it’s how you bounce back. Life is a journey with many steps, so sometimes it’s two steps forward, one step back. But as long as you keep going forward, you will be successful over time.” In the last five years, Jim has discovered a commitment to being a leader in his community. “I think with all that’s going on around the world, the tragedies with George Floyd and all those types of things, the new behavior that I have is a commitment to make a difference through leadership whenever I can. I think that more and more, we have to take our destiny in our own hands, lead by example, and try to make a difference in our communities. I want to double down on my efforts to try to be a leader in my community, lead from out front. I think now is the time. And I learned a little bit from Google. We have a very activist culture at Google. A lot of our younger boys are very much on the activist side... Today I have two kids. I live for these kids, and met the goal of giving them opportunities that I did not have. So I work for that, but really if you focus on how you can make a difference with your community and society, that’s what you’ll leave (behind) over time.” NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN

TECHNOLOGISTS

“

So often we get caught up in what has to be done, but we don’t ask those challenging questions of impact, and how we can make a difference, because every day is not promised. We’re really fortunate to be able to have the opportunities we have.

”

Dr. Terry Collier Vice President of Research & Development Electrical Markets Division 3M Dr. Terry Collier is the Vice President for Research and Development, at the electrical markets division of 3M. “This is an incredible, exciting place for us to be,” Dr Collier says, “because there’s so much happening in the electrical market today, as we look at the growth of electrification of our energy consumption. So on a daily basis, we have labs all around the world that I lead, as we continue to look at how we develop products for our low, medium and high voltage underground electricity, as well as solutions for automotive electrification and renewable energy.” Dr. Collier grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where, “I grew a very, very good work ethic; work hard, keep going, get a lot of grit, and ultimately you’ll get to the goal. That was something I learned early on from my family and from the community that I grew up in. I grew up in a Baptist church and had lots of family that surrounded me in the church… as a kid. There (was) a lot of medical technology… happening at the time in Pittsburgh, so I got to learn quite a bit about that space and… From there, I got to move to Cleveland, which is a very similar town to Pittsburgh, and had a great experience there as well, even though I do remain a Pittsburgh Steeler fan!” Dr. Collier’s interest in technology started early. “I was always good at math and science and was absolutely terrible in English,”

he confesses, “So (when) you start to think about the career paths, where you can do more math and science and less English, technology comes to the top of that list. I also just have an incredible fascination with how things work. I think there are so many things that are around us that we take for granted. I’m always amazed when you think about our visual system, and how we see the world and how we see such a narrow band of radioactive frequencies that we can see, and how many others there are out there. For example, your cell phone is working, and it’s really incredible that there’s a signal that connects your cell phone to a cell tower that you don’t see… So (I) just became fascinated with how much was around us, that we just take for granted and use every day, and wanted to be part of that.” To those who wish to pursue a career in the field of technology, he says to “learn to ask questions, and realize how much everyone doesn’t know. That the people who are the greats in science are the people who ask questions, and try to understand what is going on around them, and I encourage anyone who’s interested (in tech)... (to not) get out of that five-year-old stage of asking why. You know, so many of us get concerned about how we’re perceived or how people may think about us, but the people who get the degrees and ultimately are in these roles ask “why” more than anyone else.”

Dr. Collier also emphasizes the importance of trial and error in all technological progress. “It’s really exciting to see some of the trends that are happening now in electric vehicles, just because someone tried,” he says, “And that next someone could be you. So don’t not try, don’t not think, don’t not ask questions, because sometimes it’ll be an aha moment, which is really what’s required. I love the example (of) Thomas Edison, (who)... tried something thousands of times, (and) failed a thousand times… but that’s part of the scientific process; trying something, potentially failing, learning, and then pivoting and doing the next thing. We’ve created a great framework in science, around some of the things that we all feel very uncomfortable about, which is not knowing the answer and potentially failing, which is what science, learning, and technology is all about.” Dr. Collier’s life, and overall outlook on life was changed recently when he had overcome a longstanding health issue. “Two years ago, I was diagnosed with a heart issue,” Dr. Collier says, “It was a birth defect I had and in my mid forties, they identified (it), which was incredible. So from a personal standpoint it was a shock to have to do something about it. I was fortunate enough to be able to have surgery and...I’m healthy now, but you really begin to look at life differently and how important relationships are and how you need to spend your time and have impact.” “The thing that moment really left me with is being able to say, “what impact am I having by what I’m doing?” So often we get caught up in what has to be done, but we don’t ask those challenging questions of impact, and how we can make a difference, because every day is not promised. We’re really fortunate to be able to have the opportunities we have.” To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

107

TECHNOLOGISTS

TOP TEN

George Fax VP, Servers & Storage Systems Test IBM

“

I want to be remembered as someone who had a vision in life … talented in different areas, but focused on the right things … And in the end, … it’s who you touch, and who touches you … I hope that I’ve made a difference to some folks and their journey in life, as well as their journey professionally. And that’s the best I could do.

”

108

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

George Fax was born in Queens, New York, to a Bahamian family. While he has roots in the Bahamas, and spent much of his childhood farming, fishing, and boating on the islands, his upbringing was mostly in the boroughs of Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. George was one of five siblings, the youngest by seven years, and the only brother. He currently serves as IBM’s vice-president for worldwide servers and systems and storage test, also known as systems assurance. George essentially makes sure that the wheels on the proverbial car keep spinning to the customer’s standards. George had many talents and a passion for learning a wide range of things from a very young age, but his true love was science. Science stoked his passion for problem-solving, it challenged and stimulated him like no other field, and he knew it was where his incredible intellect would be utilized to its fullest potential. So at the first opportunity he took an entrance test for Brooklyn Technical High School, which cemented his path from then on. While George’s path was largely one of rugged individualism, he sees the value in community and reaching out to others for help, so George now encourages mentorship and sponsorship in the younger generation. He would tell them, “please make sure you reach out to others like me because we’re available to help you navigate and not misstep in some of those early years. So that it’ll be a smoother ride along that journey that you have as a career. And so I am making sure I’m available for all of our younger folks that are coming in... and I have some people that are older than me that are also mentees.” George is no stranger to challenge, and plans going off course. George says, to quote Mike Tyson, “Everybody has a plan till they get punched in the face.” But it was George’s analytical mind and willingness to collaborate that kept him engaged and able to face challenges head on, and, more often than not, learn from them. “In fact,” George says, “oftentimes these things are new opportunities because you’ll learn again from the previous question, you’ll learn how to survive or improve or be successful from things that didn’t go the way you planned.” George’s unique contributions don’t just end at his ability to troubleshoot and find

solutions to problems. He is part of a diversity inclusion team that seeks to find ways to allow people to be their authentic selves at IBM. “What can we do to make sure that they feel loved, needed? Can we retain them in special ways, and what can we do to make sure that their children and the communities that we serve are being addressed as well?” It is to this end that George is not afraid to knock on doors and use his position as VP at IBM to “have an active participation in moving the needle,” so to speak, as it is his belief that strength is found in authenticity, diversity, and inclusion. And when George speaks, people are sure to listen. It is no surprise then, given his interest in creating spaces that are inclusive of a diverse range of people, that George speaks highly of the old adage, to love thy neighbor. “If that was on huge billboards around the world,” he says, “hopefully that would make a difference to some folks because we’ve had a lot of polarization in not only our country, but other countries around the world as well.” George centers himself through prayer, which he finds can serve several purposes. It can be a form of meditation, for example. “It calms things down, it centers you, it prepares you for how to place things in perspective. When you think about the real issues of the world, versus what you might be treading over, you realize it’s not that big a deal and everything gets calm. When you’ve dealt with tragedy, either friends, family, or even in your personal life, it puts everything in perspective. So you go back and you think about what’s real. What’s really important. And it’s back to those priorities again, right? You center yourself on what’s the most important thing in your life, and everything else comes secondary, tertiary, et cetera.” In the end George hopes he is remembered for the important things. “I want to be remembered as someone who had a vision in life,” he says, “talented in different areas, but focused on the right things, really cared about family. Also hopefully I bring some laughter to folks. I like to think I’m funny sometimes. And in the end, it’s not so much things, it’s who you touch, and who touches you. And so I hope that I’ve made a difference to some folks and their journey in life, as well as their journey professionally. And that’s the best I could do.”

NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN

TECHNOLOGISTS

“

I think it’s really important to fail when you’re young, because it lets you know that it’s okay and you have time to recover.

Don Hobson

”

Chief Information Officer Visa

Don Hobson was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. His parents worked hard in the oil industry and gave Don and his sisters all they could. “I had a lot of help to get where I am today,” says Don. “I had a lot of people take interest and help with direction, guidance and mentorship.” Don enlisted in the Navy and credits that experience as being incredibly formative. “Everything changed for me when I joined the Navy,” he remembers, adding, “You meet people from all over the world and you come together for this common purpose. You’re all trained the same way to support each other and to support a mission. That opened my eyes. I spent a few years in Long Beach, California, I was on

a battleship in New Jersey, and we would go to Australia and Korea. As a young kid in my early twenties that was eye opening.” After the Navy, Don attended Prairie View A & M University, which brought him to Texas. He’s lived in Austin for five years and serves as the Chief Information Officer for Visa. In this role, Don takes care of all corporate services, providing support for the employees, for corporate functions and for all the hardware and software. He has a passion for technology and encourages those who may be considering a career in the field. “I think the number one thing I tell most people is just to find something in tech that you genuinely like, whether its music, hardware, applications or games,” says Don. “Find that and then

gravitate toward that. You will find that you get to work on something that you really like, and you get to make something that you really like much better. Then, it turns out to not really be a job.” Don is always open to sharing his experiences with the next generation of leaders. “I think the two biggest life lessons I have learned is, one, to be patient,” he says, adding, “The second is I’ve learned to listen a lot more and that comes with being patient. You slow down, you try to listen and really understand where someone else is coming from.” He teaches others to have, what he calls, “ownership with high standards,” as he explains: “I think we have a lot of expectations that there’s someone, some magic person out there just to kind of help us or do something for us. And while we will get help in doing things that we want; we need to drive it and we need to own it.” He also looks to the pitfalls we all encounter in life as being incredibly formative. “I think it’s important to fail when you’re young, because it lets you know that it’s okay and you have time to recover,” he notes. “It’s really important to not be discouraged when we fail, be able to pick ourselves up and say, ‘Well, that didn’t work out. Let me find out what I could do next time, or how I could improve on that next time.’ Most of the time, when we fail, we don’t know that we can recover, but as we get older, we realize that we can.” Living here with his family Don enjoys Austin, especially spending time in the downtown area. He describes the city as “really laid back and growing really, really fast.” But, within this growing city, Don likes to take advantage of taking long walks around Lady Bird Lake, which helps him clear his mind and reflect. Within this community, Don looks to provide others the support and inspiration he received, when he was younger. He serves on the board of the Austin Boys and Girls Club, which was an important part of his growth and development. “I think now my purpose is to live a good life, to have good relationships, help and give back, because that drives purpose.”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

109

TECHNOLOGISTS

Dr. Stephanie Shipp Inclusion & Diversity Apple Hardware, Tech & Engineering

“

I love to meet people and help people make connections, not just for personal reasons, but for professional reasons. I believe we are stronger together than we are individually.

”

110

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

TOP TEN

Dr. Stephanie Shipp was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. As the inclusion and diversity business partner and strategist with Apple, she engineers programs and processes to create a more inclusive environment in the organization and to help everyone exceed, be their best self and contribute. Dr. Shipp graduated from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte and was the first member of her family to attend college. “Education is one of the best investments,” says Dr. Shipp. “It’s a commitment of not only your finances, but of your time and what you learn. No one can take those from you, and they offer you the ability to be flexible.” Her first foray into the technology field was a summer internship at IBM and she joined Apple after her graduation from college. With almost thirty years of experience in technology and passion for the field, she advises anyone seeking a career in technology to widen their focus. “Open your aperture to the opportunities of the types of roles that you would pursue in tech,” says Dr. Shipp. “While I started out as an engineer, I have pivoted into places of program management, operations, and strategy. Be open to the type of tech roles that may extend beyond the traditional.”

Sharing her insight and experience with others has become Dr. Shipp’s primary focus. “My purpose is to enable and empower others, helping others find their superpowers and lean into and grow into that,” she says. Dr. Shipp also notes that some of life’s most challenging moments can also be some of life’s greatest gifts. “I’ve learned how to be resilient,” she says, adding, “I’ve also learned to ask for help and to be transparent about my strengths, as well as my opportunities. I’ve been able to then grow by getting the right support and coaching in those places where I’ve either failed, or not been as strong.” During her almost three decades working in technology, Dr. Shipp feels very fortunate to have lived and raised her family in Austin. She calls Austin, “the best place to live in Texas,” adding, “It has amazing people and amazing culture.” She also notes that the city is “very connected and I love the weather, because it just affords you the opportunity to be one with nature and the community.” This sense of community that Austin provides has also provided Dr. Shipp with the chance to give back and support others, through the many organizations that works with. These include: The Links, Incorporated and The Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Dr. Shipp also participates as a Deputy Voter registrar and mentors and coaches members of her church, the East 19th Street Missionary Baptist “I love to meet people and help people make connections,” Dr. Shipp says, adding, “not just for personal reasons, but for professional reasons. I believe we are stronger together than we are individually.” Dr. Shipp also notes that it’s this connectedness that allows her to share her life experiences. “The greatest life lesson that I have learned is that when you fall, get back up,” she says. “Make certain that the number of times you get back up outnumber the number of times that you fall. Learn and move on.” A focus on helping and inspiring others is what Dr. Shipp considers her primary focus and the most valuable asset we all have. “It’s not where you start, it’s how you forge forward,” she says. “Once you make it, and you will make it, stick to it and have fortitude. Don’t forget from whence you came. To whom much is given, much is required. Lean in, reach back and bring others forward.”

NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN

TECHNOLOGISTS

Lewis Taylor VP, CX Services Cisco

“

Every single one of us, at one point, has been given something. It’s up to us to give that back so that we’re continuous.

”

Lewis Taylor was born and raised in South Carolina, in the small town of Hopkins. His father was the pastor at the local church and was also a landscaper who ran a working farm, where the family raised and grew everything they ate. “I didn’t know what it was like to go shopping at a grocery store until I left home,” recalled Lewis. The experience at a young age shapes Lewis to this very day. His family farm taught him “work ethics, being part of a community, understanding that the world doesn’t revolve around you, but you have a chance to make a mark in the world and be you.” Today, Lewis still calls on these experiences in his current role as the Vice President of CX Services with the Cisco Corporation. In CX, or customer experience, Lewis describes his job as “being able to interact with people,” which he describes as his passion in life. At 17, Lewis enlisted in the military and cited this fueling his passion for leading, mentoring, and interacting with others. “It enriched my life in so many ways,” says Lewis. “By the time I was 18-years-old, I was already leading a small team.” The experiences during his time in the military laid the groundwork for what he

would accomplish during his career. Lewis particularly mentions those challenging moments as being most impactful. “I learned a lot about leading people, and there’s no better way to learn about leading people than when the times are the toughest. That’s when you see the true nature of people. That’s where you and others grow the most.” After retiring from the military, several telecom organizations recruited Lewis. After over two decades working with such companies as Sprint, Rackspace, and ClearDATA, Lewis came to Cisco. Here, at Cisco, Lewis focuses on the people, particularly mentoring those looking to pursue the same goals he had early in his career. He does this by concentrating on what he calls his “three phases.” He defines these as: “step up, pull up, and lead up.” Lewis notes that following these three steps has proven to be the lynchpin to building successful teams wherever he has worked. “I’m most proud of the legacies I’ve left with different companies,” he says. “I’ve managed to help people get promoted and mentor people who are now successful and operating in the tech and CX community. Giving back to the community and getting people engaged in wanting to be a part of the community are all things that I am really proud of.” Lewis also says that sharing one’s gifts and talents is a responsibility that we all share. “Every single one of us, at one point, has been given something,” explains Lewis. “It’s up to us to give that back so that we’re continuous. And, when I say that, I am talking about our community.” That community is Austin, where Lewis has lived for thirteen years. “You get the best of everything here. You get the culture; you get the music, you get the food,” he says, adding, “It is the most welcoming city I’ve ever spent time in.” He also notes: “Austin is a place that anyone would be proud to call home.” As an avid biker, Lewis loves taking advantage of biking in the city, which helps him when he needs “a point of clarity.” The guiding perspective, for Lewis, again, comes back to relationships with others. “Always give back,” says Lewis. “Always be willing to say ‘Yes,’ before saying ‘No.’ There’s always a human component to everything that you do. Always consider people and how what you’re doing will impact them.”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

111

TECHNOLOGISTS

TOP TEN

Martin Taylor Managing Director & President, OneVista | Vista Equity Partners

“

We want to help diverse young men and women be exposed to things they might not otherwise have access to. But scholarships are not enough. You just cannot take a student and drop them into a different school environment and expect them to do well. You need to close the achievement gap by providing the additional resources needed to help them succeed.

”

112

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

Martin A. Taylor serves as an, as well as the President of OneVista and Operating Principal at Vista Equity Partners. Taylor joined Vista Equity Partners in 2006 and was the initial President of Vista Consulting Group. He sits on the Vista Flagship Funds› Investment Committee and is responsible for driving the transformation and operational improvements of the Vista Flagship Funds’ portfolio companies through leveraging the Vista Best Practices and building platforms for their deployment. Additionally, Taylor serves as a member of Vista’s Private Equity Management Committee, the firm’s governing and decision-making body for the overall management of Vista’s private equity platform. Taylor is also active in portfolio executive development. Prior to joining Vista, Taylor spent over 13 years at Microsoft, He was the former senior executive Corporate Vice President of Windows Live and MSN at Microsoft, acting as Steve Ballmer’s Chief of Staff for many years. Prior to joining Vista, Taylor spent over 13 years at Microsoft. He was the former Corporate Vice President of Windows Live and MSN. Taylor provided business leadership as well as product and marketing management for Windows Live services, MSN and the Microsoft Live platform. During his tenure at Microsoft, he managed corporate strategy, sales, product marketing and various segment focused teams in North America and Latin America. Taylor served as General Manager of Platform Strategy at Microsoft, where he was responsible for Windows Server System business strategy and competitive strategy efforts across the company. Taylor also served as Chief of Staff and Director of Business Strategy, working directly for Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer, whom he assisted with strategic projects and long-term planning for the corporation.

NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TEN

TECHNOLOGISTS

college are you going to?’ And, ‘What are you going to do in college?’” His parents’ influence and inspiration continue to guide Onome to this day. “I feel that they instilled wisdom in me when I was really very young,” he says. “Early in life, they just started letting the reins go, so much so that I came to the U.S. by myself at the age of seventeen.” Onome came to the states to attend college and considered being either a doctor or an architect, before settling on computer engineering. Through his education and life experiences, he has focused on blending creativity with technology. “We all have creativity,” he says. “Creativity is not only with a pen and pencil, or with a paint brush. There’s a lot of room for creativity in technology. That’s one thing I love about software programming.” Another of Onome’s perspectives is that Principal Engineering Manager his work is more than just a tool to make Microsoft life easier or more efficient. “I feel like I’m here to use my skillsets and technology to just improve life,” he says. “We’re here for a finite amount of time,” he adds. “In that time, we have an opportunity to leave a stamp on the world.” Onome Ufomata was born and raised in And Onome has left his, recently being We’re here for Nigeria. Currently an Engineering Manager recognized as a Top 10 Technologist for with Microsoft, he notes that this is one of 2020-2021. a finite amount the most exciting times to be working in His career started with an internship, afof time. In that technology. “It’s just so boundless, what ter attending Iowa State University for his you can accomplish,” says Onome. undergraduate studies he then attended the time, we have an In his job, Onome is part of the team that University of Texas for his master’s degree. opportunity to creates the apps that we all use each day on This brought Onome to Austin in 2000, and our smart devices. He’s been involved in he returned to the city full time in 2002. leave a stamp on everything from lifestyle apps to calendars. Onome enjoys living in Austin with his the world. Knowing that there are no limits to what family and taking advantage of all that the one can accomplish inspired Onome when city has to offer. “I like Austin because it’s he was growing up. His parents were college not pretentious,” he says. “You’re not trying professors, and he grew up as the oldest of to keep up with ‘the Joneses.’” five children, living on a college campus. The city also allows him to live his life This taught him quite a bit early in life, as with a specific mantra now. “We’re all the he notes: “Being the oldest of five, I learned same. We’re all part of one big family,” says some leadership qualities.” Onome, adding, “There are a lot of artifiAs educators themselves, Onome’s par- cial forces that humans have put in place ents were focused on education for himself to separate us, instead of celebrating our and his siblings, from an early age. “It was differences and really taking advantage of never a question of ‘Hey, are you going to that and making a beautiful mosaic that we college?’” admits Onome, “It was, ‘What all form together.”

Onome Ufomata

“

”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

113

TECHNOLOGISTS

TOP TEN

Dr. Peter Walker Corporate VP, Commercial Software Engineering Microsoft

“

Really take the time to understand yourself, what makes you tick, how do you connect with others to understand their concerns and interests?

”

It is not hyperbole to say that Dr. Peter Walker is a revolutionary in the technology space. Peter was having a conversation with his son, Matt who was playing a video game one day and Peter asked him, “What if you could play this game with your friends, they could just drop in from their computer and play from anywhere in the world?” His son’s excitement at the thought was palpable. That excitement in his son got Peter to explore the idea further; he wanted to make this work, but nothing like it had been done before, something most believed could not be done. The engineer in him saw it as an exciting new challenge. It compelled him to co-found a company called Spawn Labs, where he worked tirelessly for seven years in developing brand new technology to address the challenges of what is now known as cloud gaming. Dr. Peter Walker created one of the most innovative gaming technologies, that is now filled by industry giants such as Microsoft, Google, Sony, and others. He later sold Spawn Labs, and it is now a subsidiary of Gamestop. Peter currently works as corporate vice president in Microsoft’s commercial software engi114

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

neering division, where he leads a team of engineers in developing forward-looking, cutting edge solutions to their clients’ most challenging problems. Peter sees himself as a scientist, first and foremost; he is driven to keep learning, and is passionate about helping others learn. It’s no surprise then that his career path is peppered with the most exciting aspects of emerging technologies. Peter can trace his pattern for technology back to his high school roots. He had a teacher, Mr. Dyer, who taught an electronics class. Mr. Dyer was a unique presence in Peter’s school life because Mr. Dyer was willing to match the passion of his students. “How far do you want to go?” Mr Dyer would ask, “I’m going to go with you.” So Peter and his classmates were given a space in high school where they could study their passion to their heart’s content, and they had a teacher, a mentor, who would go out of his way to get what was needed to facilitate them, be it textbooks, magnets, capacitors, and so on. Peter learned so much in those early years, that when he was in graduate school at Brown University, he found on many occasions he was reviewing what he

had already learned with Mr. Dyer. Mr. Dyer taught Peter at an early age that the sky’s the limit, and it’s a lesson, if not a mindset, that he encourages anyone getting into the technology field to take on, that “your imagination really is the only limitation.” The field of technology, in Peter’s experience, is not without its setbacks, of course, but Peter found that every setback was an opportunity to learn, to improve, to reach deep into his creative capacity and find novel solutions to keep moving forward. He often found himself in the midst of struggle, starvation, but ironically it was his starvation that fed him, in a way; in his words, “Starvation is the soil in which the richest creativity happens.” Peter has learned many life lessons in his impressive career, but the one that stands out most to him is one of emotional intelligence. Early on in his career, Peter believed it was enough to succeed in the tech world by focusing solely on the technology side of it, to be smart, and work hard. But he found that as his responsibilities in his career scaled up as he moved higher up the proverbial ladder, and he was being seen more and more not just as a scientist, but as an entrepreneur and a leader, Peter found that he needed to better connect with his team members. This started, first and foremost, with connecting with his own emotions and understanding them better. From there, he is able to understand and connect with his team members in an uplifting way. So his advice to young up and coming leaders is to “really take the time to understand yourself, what makes you tick, how do you connect with others to understand their concerns and interests? How do you build a team? That really is more than just about hard work, because hard work is part of the table stakes, but at the end of the day, people want to feel like they’re part of something that is a winning team. And so, how one manages themselves and interactions with others, to bring that out is really, really key.” So as a leader, it is important that one understands how to connect with your team and draw out the best in them through empathy and understanding their needs. “The CEO for Microsoft built a company that is worth $2 trillion on the notion of empathy at its core,” Peter often jokes, “It seems to pay really, really rich dividends.” NOVEMBER 2021

TECHNOLOGISTS

INFLUENTIAL

Howard Anglin Lotus Douglas Kevin Enders Lakesha Lee-Small Derrick Hill Shannon Myers Johnson Nigel Prentice Ecleamus Ricks Jr Terry Thomas Kevin Thornton Art Valentine Norman Walton

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

115

Influential

TECHNOLOGISTS

Howard Anglin Founder QuatroXI

Howard Anglin is a creative thinker who helps clients unify business goals with the right strategy and technology. He has a passion for learning and solving problems. He is the founder of QuatroXI. With two decades of experience in tech working with organizations worldwide, Howard has interacted with clients in over 17 countries on 5 continents, as a trusted advisor to transform organizations with the right technology choices. He is a prolific inventor with 28 issued patents and several others pending, five of which are in the Blockchain space. To keep abreast of innovative technologies and their impact, Howard holds several certifications, such as: Beyond Smart Cities - Emerging Design and Technology, MIT Media Lab; Blockchain Strategy Programme, Saïd Business School University of Oxford; CyberSecurity Technology Application and Policy, MIT and Fintech - Future Commerce MIT. At QuatroXi, Howard takes pride in developing comprehensive and innovative solutions that enable clients to transform and evolve their business.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

117

TECHNOLOGISTS

Influential

Lotus Douglas Manager, Partner Engagement & Technical Enablement IBM

My name is Lotus Douglas. I am a results-focused business leader with 20+ years’ experience managing diverse teams and projects. I am currently a Senior Technology Manager at IBM. I manage strategic partnerships and technical enablement for key IBM partners, supporting some of the world’s most widely used business applications.

Education? LD: I attended Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana. Honestly, I attended Grambling because it was close to home, and they offered me a scholarship. Once I got there however, I discovered Computer Science and I was hooked. Even though Computer Science was a nascent field of study at the time, Grambling had a strong Computer Science program and relationships with the top technology companies. What do you like most about your job? LD: What I like most about my job is that it is a perpetual learning environment. I have access to state-of-the-art technology, and I work with some of the smartest people in the industry. I face challenges that present opportunities for me to stretch beyond my comfort zone and grow as a technical leader and as a manager. How did you get started in your career field? LD: I got started in my career field in college when I worked as an intern with Pontiac Motors in Pontiac, Michigan for two summers. Although I used IBM Mainframe systems in school, my internship at Pontiac Motors was my first exposure to a company utilizing computer systems and computer programming to that extent to manage their business operations. In addition to being exposed to Pontiac Motors’ use of computer technology, I also saw the business output of the techni-

118

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

cal team’s work, which was a car rolling off the assembly line. This experience connected the dots for me in understanding the value of computer skills to businesses. The internship experience solidified my career choice. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? LD: My advice to someone considering a career in Computer Science is 1) Talk with people working in the field to get first-hand knowledge of their experiences and insights to help you gage whether Computer Science is a good fit for you. 2) I strongly encourage Computer Science students to take advantage of internship opportunities. They allow you to put into practice what you studied in school, and they provide a “dry run” of what your experiences might be as a working professional. 3) Do not underestimate the value of non-technical skills. Interpersonal skills are just as important as technical skills. You will not be successful working in a bubble. You must communicate effectively and work collaboratively to succeed. 4) Stay in a learning mode beyond college. Put as much emphasis on learning as a working professional as you did when you were a college student. Technology changes at lightning speed. You can never know too much. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking?

LD: The experience in my life that changed my way of thinking was my cancer diagnosis and journey to recovery. Instead of glossing over life, striving to get to the next step, my cancer journey taught me to savor every moment, value every experience, nurture relationships that are important to me, and to spend my time on things that matter. I now live a more intentional life. What life lessons have you’ve learned? LD: The most important life lesson that I have learned is that the only thing that matters is “right now”. The past is just that - the past. You can’t change it. You can plan for the future but the only true way to affect the future is to be in it, which makes it the present. So, live in the moment. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? LD: There are so many choices of books that I like, but if I have to recommend one book, it is the Bible. What do you do in your leisure time? LD: In my leisure time I watch movies, read, work in my yard, and catch up with friends. If all the stars align and I make the time, I create jewelry pieces. What’s your favorite quote? LD: My favorite quote is “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

NOVEMBER 2021

Influential

TECHNOLOGISTS

My name is Kevin Enders, I’m a Director of Product Management at Dell Technologies and I have global responsibility for a product called ProSupport for PCs;

Kevin Enders Senior Global/Product Manager Dell

Where did you attend school & why? KE: I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Prairie View A&M University, a Masters of Science degree in electrical engineering from Michigan State University and a Masters of Science degree in Technology Commercialization from The University of Texas at Austin. I selected PVU because I wanted to learn in a more supportive and encouraging environment - many of my professors suggested that I continue my education by going to graduate school and I did! What do you like most about your job? KE: What I like most about my job is creating and developing products that address specific customer-defined pain-points and that are profitable for my company. It’s rewarding in many ways to tangibly meet customer needs and positively add to the “bottom-line”. How did you get started in your career field? KE: Over 21 years ago, I joined Dell as a result of networking through a senior executive at my previous company - it has been by far the best career move that I have made in my life. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? KE: “To thine own-self be true.” Search your heart, mind and personality to determine what you like, what you can do, what you want to do and what you’re capable of achieving then use your personal and extended networks to explore opportunities. Then use what you’ve learned and are learning on the job to drive your entrepreneurial

“side-hustle” and to uplift the communities that you serve. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? KE: Trump being elected changed my thinking - it made me realize that people don’t really care about integrity, truth, justice, positivity, character and honesty in their role-models, candidates or leaders - it reinforced my strong belief in HBCUs and African American support organization as vitally important developmental accelerators from which our young people can thrive and seek integrity, truth, justice, positivity, and sound character-building! What life lessons have you’ve learned? KE: So many life lessons, but one that is so true is the golden rule - “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”…so true! How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? KE: Leaving one school because I didn’t perform well because I was unmotivated, led me to a life-changing opportunity at PVU. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? KE: With Head and Heart by Dr. Howard Thurman & The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley What do you do in your leisure time? KE: like to travel, exercise, hike, swim, inline speed skate and read, read, read! What’s your favorite quote? KE: “A far greater thing is to inspire than to impress.”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

119

TECHNOLOGISTS

Influential

Lakesha Lee-Small Sr. Manager Operations AMD

LaKesha Small is an Sr. Manager at AMD with nearly 20 years of experience in the semi-conductor industry keeping families connected through technology. She is the vice-president of the local Austin Professionals for National Society of Black Engineers. LaKesha is also the author and creator of Professor Circuitry Explores Engineering, that provides an opportunity for children to explore careers in engineering and how it connects to our world.

Where did you attend school & why? LLS: Grambling State University - I’m legacy where my parents, aunt, uncle and siblings all attended. It’s the place where everybody is somebody. What do you like most about your job? LLS: I’m very proud to work in an industry that allows me to keep families connected through technology. It brings me great joy to know that as a technologist that the products we test are the central processing unit. How did you get started in your career field? LLS: Growing up my exposure to science and technology was very limited whereas my older brother became the first Engineer in the family. He provided me with encouragement to seek electronics. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? LLS: The advice I would provide someone considering going into technology is that you can do it as most people tend to avoid math and science requirements but with anything else it will take time and discipline. Also start as early as High School in seeking opportunities to increase your technical knowledge. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? LLS: My personal goal is to become a top leader of an organization therefore I began observing people in those roles. It was during that moment in time that I identified that having a growth mindset changed my way of thinking that with “effort and practice” I will be able to improve my skills. What life lessons have you’ve learned? LLS: There are many lessons still to learn but I have become at peace with myself to know that I am enough as I often strive to continue developing and growing… however it is okay if I choose to define my limit.

120

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

NOVEMBER 2021

Influential

TECHNOLOGISTS My name is Derrick Hill, I’m a Manufacturing Technology Engineering Specialist at 3M. I lead cross-functional teams, both international and domestic, supporting innovative projects that provide growth for the company. Where did you attend school & why? DH: I attended Texas State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics. What do you like most about your job? Hill: My job allows me to use my mind to find various avenues to execute effectively to solve problems. I find satisfaction in solving problems, the more challenging the more gratification. How did you get started in your career field? DH: After graduating from Texas State University, I began my career as a Process Engineer at Motorola, where I built a solid engineering foundation by learning to troubleshoot early-life semiconductor failures. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? DH: My advice to someone thinking about pursuing an engineering career is to have a passion for problem-solving. If you like applying logical thinking to finding solutions, using data to drive decisions, and thrive in an environment where no two days are the same, you will likely thrive in an Engineering career.

Derrick Hill Manufacturing Technology Engineering Specialist 3M

What do you do in your leisure time? DH: I enjoy spending time with my wife and children and can often be found attending my kids’ sporting events. Along with my siblings, I also maintain livestock on property that has been in our family for over 4 generations.

CONGRATULATIONS

to 2020 & 2021 Austin Black Business Journal HONOREES!

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

121

TECHNOLOGISTS

Influential

Shannon Myers Johnson Director, IT Agility & Change Merck

My name is Shannon Johnson and I’m a Director of Information Technology at Merck.

Where did you attend school & why? an IT Consultant and that established my SMJ: I obtained my Bachelor of Business path in the tech world. Administration in Management Information Systems and Master of Arts in the Human What advice would you offer someone Dimension of Organizations. I obtained both who may be considering going into your of my degrees from the University of Texas career field? at Austin because I grew up walking around SMJ: My advice for anyone considering tech and loving the campus as a native Austinite. is to build your network and find what area of tech you are most passionate about. Some What do you like most about your job? people assume tech is only about software SMJ: What I like most about my job is that I engineering but there is an entire world of have the opportunity to work on global stra- technology disciplines to explore and learn tegic IT programs that enable our company about. I also advise college students to pursue to achieve business objectives. I am currently a corporate internship in the tech field and the Technology Transformation Lead for for non-traditional students to join programs our IT Agility and Change Team and am such as Year Up that provide a pipeline of responsible for transforming how we work interns to corporations. and deliver value in our IT organization. What was one moment or experience How did you get started in your career in your life that changed your way of field? thinking? SMJ: I got started in my career when my SMJ: One of my mentors, who was a partner parents bought our first personal computer at an IT consulting firm, once told me that for the house when I was in middle school he always sought to surround himself with and I was absolutely captivated by what it people smarter than himself in the corpocould do. My Dad worked at IBM and he rate world. From that point on, whenever I showed me how to program in BASIC lan- got too comfortable in a role, I knew it was guage. I started out as an Engineering major time to move to the next level. I didn’t wait in college, but once I heard there was a major for someone else to tell me I was ready—I called Management Information Systems that intrinsically knew I was ready for the next combined business and technology, I was challenge. Those words and that moment sold and switched to the McCombs School with the partner shifted my thinking to not of Business at UT Austin. Upon graduation, hold myself back while waiting on permisI was recruited to work at Ernst & Young as sion from someone else to propel me forward.

122

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

What life lessons have you’ve learned? Johnson: I have learned that life is what you make it. Your thoughts and what you think of yourself can manifest your reality. I’ve also learned that you can’t control everything in life and how important it is to be kind, forgiving and grateful. How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? SMJ: I have failed at many things in my career—so much so that I don’t count my failures. I probably failed today while experimenting and trying something new at work, but that’s ok. I learn a lot each time and I keep going, which is the key to success. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? SMJ: Don’t Settle for Safe by Sarah Jakes Roberts What do you do in your leisure time? SMJ: In my leisure time, I enjoy running 5k races, reading all types of books, dabbling in poetry and writing, running my side business for hair & body products and spending time with my daughters. What’s your favorite quote? SMJ: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.” -- Maya Angelou

NOVEMBER 2021

Influential

TECHNOLOGISTS

Nigel Prentice Design Executive IBM Digital Growth & Commerce IBM

Nigel Prentice has been a leader in software, technical transformation, and design since he founded one of Austin’s first digital product consultancies in 1996. Since then, he has worked with local startups, government in-

stitutions, and enterprise organizations to lead various technology and design efforts across dozens of industries at every scale. Prior to IBM, he was the Austin studio leader for Adaptive Path, one of the original user experience design consultancies. Nigel joined IBM in 2014 and since then has held a number of leadership and executive roles, driving the adoption of design and design thinking, while using those tools to achieve prioritized business outcomes. Currently, Nigel is the design executive for the Digital Growth and Commerce team, which

is the home for IBM’s enterprise web presence. The team’s mission is to deliver market differentiation through holistic digital journeys built on Carbon — IBM’s unified digital design system. In addition, Nigel lends his leadership as the company’s chairperson for IBM’s Racial Equity in Design initiative. This work is taking tangible steps to creating long term transformation around closing the racial equity gap in the profession of design while improving the career experiences for black designers inside IBM and beyond.

Ecleamus Ricks Jr Founder/Software Engineer Imani Software What do you like most about your job? ER: I enjoy having the autonomy to work on those projects that I’m most passionate about.

have an eternal outlook on life that keeps me committed to using my talents for kingdom growth.

How did you get started in your career What life lessons have you’ve learned? field? ER: Life is about relationships. People don’t ER: I started programming in high school care how much you know until they know and just stuck with it. I’ve always had an how much you care. entrepreneurial tendency so I knew early on My name is Ecleamus Ricks, Jr., I’m a How has a failure, or apparent failure, set that I would eventually own my own business. Principal Consultant at Imani Software you up for later success? LLC, and I provide custom software What advice would you offer someone ER: Failing has taught me that I can’t always development, project management, and who may be considering going into your lean on my own understanding. There will be consulting services. career field? times where I need others to help me. ER: Find a good mentor(s), learn how to Favorite book or book you’d recommend? serve, and practice identifying the need beWhere did you attend school & why? ER: The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carthind an ask. ER: I was a dual-degree engineering program er G. Woodson (DDEP) participant where I earned a BS in What was one moment or experience What do you do in your leisure time? Computer Science from Morehouse Col- in your life that changed your way of ER: Fish, garden, and play board games. lege and a BS in Electrical Engineering from thinking? Georgia Tech. I later earned my Masters in ER: When I came into a personal relation- What’s your favorite quote? Software Engineering from the University ship with Jesus, I became a different person. ER: Too humble yet strong is the foundation of Texas at Austin. No longer consumed by selfish ambition, I to great virtue.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

123

TECHNOLOGISTS

Influential

Kevin Thornton Modern Work Architect Microsoft

Terry Thomas Director, IBM Power Systems Hybrid-Cloud IBM

My name is Kevin Thornton. I am a Modern Work Architect at Microsoft, and serve as a chief deployment coordinator, enabling remote technical guidance and project governance to help customers maximize value in their Microsoft 365 product.

Terry is the Director of IBM Power Systems Public Cloud Offerings. He is responsible for continued revenue and market share growth for the IBM Power Systems Brand, with a specific focus on Power Systems Public and Hybrid Cloud offerings. Prior to his current position, he served as Director of IBM Cognitive Systems Enterprise offerings, which included the Power Systems High-End & Mid-Range Systems, Operating Systems AIX & IBM i, and the Power Systems Virtualization and Management Software stack. He is a second generation IBMer and started his career with IBM as a co-op. In 1995 and later joined IBM as a regular employee in January of 1997. Since that time he has served IBM within various technical and managerial roles across Power System Hardware and Software organizations. In 2017 Terry worked out of IBM Headquarters as the Chief of Staff & EA to Bob Picciano, IBM Senior Vice President. He has a Master of Science degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Prairie View A&M University. Terry is also a musician, father, and husband. He is a very strong advocate of diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity within the workplace where he also serves as the Executive Sponsor to the Austin Black Resource Group.

Where did you attend school & why? KT: I attended school at University of Texas at Austin in order to join the College of Engineering.

124

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

What do you like most about your job? KT: I enjoy my job due to the positive impact it has on customers as they are able realize the true value from the products they’ve purchased. In addition, the expanded team, with whom I work, is tremendous and will stop at nothing to help deliver a great customer experience. How did you get started in your career field? KT: I was introduced to my career field, through acquaintances who urged me to try it for a period of time. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? KT: My advice to anyone, who may be considering going into my career field, is to become as familiar with the technology as possible and maintain a mentor throughout the process. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? KT: One moment in time, that truly changed my way of thinking, was during 9-11. I realized that my support and execution of my role made an immediate impact on how my US Government customer would be able to move their mission forward. What life lessons have you’ve learned? KT: Do your best at all times. How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? KT: Failure will certainly open one’s mind for self-review and horizon expansion as well as gaining a closer vantage point of humbleness.

NOVEMBER 2021

Influential

TECHNOLOGISTS

Art Valentine Director Linux & Firmware Development IBM

My name is Art Valentine, I'm a Director at IBM and I manage a Global Firmware and Linux Development team to enable a portfolio of server products for Hybrid Cloud and AI.

Where did you attend school & why? AV: University of Delaware (BSE) and University of Maryland (MSE) What do you like most about your job? AV: I enjoy having the autonomy to work on a diverse set of technical and business challenges while having the privilege to work with some of the most innovative people in the industry. How did you get started in your career field? AV: I got started in my career with formal STEM education in school but also participated in summer programs geared toward real life applications of what I learned in the classroom. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? AV: I would recommend aspiring engineers to make sure that they are dedicating their studies to their field while also seeking out authentic mentoring relationships to gain insights and guidance on how to prepare for and identify new career opportunities. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? AV: I attended a summer STEM program during my junior year in high school and it showed me the broad impact that math, science and engineering have on the world that we live in. It really resonated with me and planted the seed which ultimately was a part of the foundation and trajectory for my career.

What life lessons have you’ve learned? AV: Never take anything for granted. I've been extremely blessed in my life and it's so important to work hard and set high goals for myself but not take the blessings I have for granted in the process of striving for my goals. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? AV: I really don't think there is a single moment or experience. My way of thinking is more of a culmination of experiences along my journey. How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? AV: Failure is a key element in agile and innovative thinking. You have to try many things and if they don't work out, learn to pivot, understand why it didn't work, improve upon it and continue on your journey. Favorite book or book you'd recommend? AV: Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins .... A true testament to endurance, resilience and pushing not only your body but your mind to the limit. What do you do in your leisure time? AV: I like to spend time with family and friends, outdoor activities, travel and real estate investing. Favorite quote AV: YOLO - You Only Live Once

Norman Walton Software Engineer Manager IBM

Normal Walton serves as the Blockchain Development manager at IBM. Norman says, “ the world was a different place in 1979, the year I graduated from Albany State University. When I began my career that year at IBM, I was testing diskettes – a technology that’s foreign to most college students today. Over the course of a 39year career, I’ve seen the technology sector undergo enormous change and progress, and I’ve had to grow and evolve skill sets that I could not have imagined when I was in school.” Norman believes, “technology continues to rapidly evolve today, creating increasing demand for people with the technical skills to use and create new and innovative products and services. For organizations to be successful, we must continue creating opportunities for talented workers from all walks of life.” He goes on to say, “just as the tech industry has always thrived on finding new and innovative ways to solve business problems, we must continue thriving by exploring new and innovative ways to recruit and develop colleagues from all walks of life.”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

125

TECHNOLOGISTS

UP & COMING

Emmanuel Akatugba

& G N I M O C

Emmanuel Akatugba Godwin Attigah Pearly Mcqueen Charles Tuyishime

126

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

Security Engineer Google

My name is Emmanuel Akatugba, I’m an Offensive Security Engineer on the Redteam at Google. My job is to simulate real threat actors and identify ways in which they can infiltrate and attack our infrastructure. We make hacking Google harder by hacking Google

ghosted for interviews and having inboxes full of rejections, while I watched my friends land amazing gigs. It truly affected my mental health and I questioned my purpose for many months. While applying for full-time roles, I watched a sermon where the pastor ended with “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door- by Milton Berle” Since then, I’ve kept Where did you attend school & why? that quote in the back of my mind whenever ΕΑ: I attended the University of Texas at AusI work to manifest my goals.It spoke to my tin with a Bachelors in Civil Engineering and journey in learning to utilize my existing arminor in mathematics. I am constantly faseas of expertise to open new opportunities cinated in system design and mathematical for myself and pave the way. calculations which allows me to continue to leave my mark on the world. What life lessons have you’ve learned? ΕΑ: Some life lessons that I have learned are What do you like most about your job? that first and foremost, its okay to take time ΕΑ: What I enjoy is the people and teams that for yourself to allow yourself to recharge. I I interface with on a daily basis. I can always have always been a firm advocate for mental bring my best self to work, feel comfortable to health and finding healthy ways to maintain ask questions and find amazing learning opit to reduce the feeling of being burnt out or portunities from many inspiring individuals. exhausted is important. Second, Invest and bet How did you get started in your career on yourself. No literally, sharpen your crafts. I field? don’t think I have ever felt like I’ve had things ΕΑ: I was fortunate enough to join Apple un- 100% figured out without the possibility of der their AppleCare College program, where failure, so taking those risks has not only ceI became a subject matter expert in custom- mented confidence but broadened my skill set. er support for MacOS, IOS, and WatchOS How has a failure, or apparent failure, set products. you up for later success? What advice would you offer someone who ΕΑ: Failure has molded me to be the better permay be considering going into your career son today than I was yesterday and take every field? action as a learning opportunity for myself. ΕΑ: “Cybersecurity is a growing field with Favorite book or book you’d recommend? multiple opportunities. Having a willingness ΕΑ: My favorite book is the Count of Monte to learn has been extremely beneficial as a lot of Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Such a thrilling things you may encounter may be completely and exciting story full of adventure. foreign or require additional knowledge. What do you do in your leisure time? What was one moment or experience ΕΑ:I enjoy playing pickup basketball, travin your life that changed your way of eling, exploring art galleries, gaming, and thinking? watching movies. ΕΑ: One experience that truly impacted me was my time when I was getting ready to grad- What’s your favorite quote? uate and not having a job lined up after I fin- ΕΑ¨ “A lot of people say they want to be great, ished college. I remember submitting so many but they’re not willing to make the sacrifices applications to multiple companies, getting necessary to achieve greatness.”-Kobe Bryant

NOVEMBER 2021

UP & COMING

TECHNOLOGISTS

Pearly Mcqueen Chief of Staff Indeed

My name is Pearly Antonio McQueen, IV. I am the Chief of Staff to the Head of Finance at Indeed.

Godwin Attigah Security Engineer Google Godwin Attigah is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Terraoak, a social venture that aims to bring efficient solar boxcookers to the Ashanti region of Ghana. Terraoak hopes to mitigate the deaths caused by indoor air pollution from cooking. Through the Genesys, a prototype solar cooker that has the ability to cook regardless of sunlight, they will reduce smoke emission by 90% (when compared to other cookers), while turning energy created during the cooking process into electricity. Godwin currently studies Mathematics and Computer Science at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has been a Resolution Fellow since 2014.

Where Did You Attend School & Why? PM: I attended Hampton University. I chose this institution as it is a highly regarded HBCU and afforded me the opportunity to secure a quality education and equally quality cultural experience.

Best place you’ve ever lived and why? PM: Alexandria, VA. Being a part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Alexandria was a great location to live due to the diverse array of places to go and things to do whatever your particular interests may be.

What do you like most about your job? PM: The level of responsibility, autonomy, and the freedom to be creative to solve business problems or develop new business opportunities.

If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, metaphorically speaking, getting a message out to millions what would it say? PM: Lead with Love

How did you get started in your career field? PM: I started my full-time professional career in project management. This was a natural next step after serving in various other IT / Tech related roles including development, software testing, and business requirements analysis.

Who do you admire and why? PM: My mother. She raised me to be the person I am today. In her everyday life she exemplifies a depth of compassion for others and humility that I attempt to emulate.

What advice would you offer someone who may be considering going into your career field? PM: Listen first and listen often! As both a Chief of Staff and Program / Project Manager this advice has served me well. Allowing yourself time to listen, observe, and assimilate information will lead to more informed decision making and better outcomes. How do you give back? PM: I am a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and have served in various leadership roles within the Austin Alumni Chapter that helped to provide scholarships and mentorship for Austin area students as well as community engagement and support for cities across the Austin metropolitan area. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? PM: The birth of my first child. Having the awesome responsibility to care for, nurture, and develop another human being.

What life lessons have you’ve learned? PM: Never judge a book by its cover. Describe your experience of being black in your career field. PM: It is sometimes lonely. However, I view the opportunities that have been afforded to me as an avenue to pull others like me up to have similar experiences. How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? PM: Being looked over for a promotion, despite meeting all of the criteria. This caused me to be introspective and determine what else I could do to get to my desired goal. This led to more proactive networking and, shortly thereafter, the promotion I was seeking. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? PM: What Got You Here Won't Get You There What do you do in your leisure time? PM: Spend time with family and produce music. What’s your favorite quote? PM: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

127

TECHNOLOGISTS

UP & COMING

Charles Tuyishime Software Engineer Dell EMC Charles Tuyishime is a software engineer at Dell EMC. He started at Dell shortly after graduating from Huston-Tillotson University. Charles has a bachelors in Mathematics and Education. He is currently pursuing a Masters in Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.

Jim Anderson Managing Director Google Cloud Congratulations

Ada-Renee Johnson Head of Equity Enablement Google Recruiting Congratulations

Helynn Nelson People Consultant Manager Google Congratulations

On being named Black Business Journal’s

Top 10 Blacks in Tech

2021 Top 10 Central Texas Diversity Champion

2021 Up & Coming Diversity Champion

128

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

NOVEMBER 2021

Lewis Taylor

CONGRATULATIONS DON HOBSON CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER AT VISA ON BEING NAMED ONE OF AUSTIN BLACK BUSINESS JOURNAL’S TOP 10 BLACK TECHNOLOGISTS. WE ARE PROUD OF YOUR LEADERSHIP IN HELPING VISA LIVE OUT ITS MISSION – CONNECTING THE WORLD TO ENABLE INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES AND ECONOMIES TO THRIVE.

PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Joel Baker Clifford Brown Natasha Harper-Madison Aurora Martinez Jones Brenda P Kennedy Lora J Livingston Rudolph Metayer Velva L Price Eric Montgomery Shepperd Christopher Shorter Jeff Travillion Yvonne Michelle Williams Larry Wallace, Jr

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

131

PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Joel Baker Fire Chief City of Austin Fire Department

“There Is No Right Way to Do Wrong.”

Born and raised: Atlanta, Georgia Moved to Austin: November 2018 Education: Columbus State University - Master of Public Administration, Georgia State University - Bachelor of Science , Georgia Perimeter College Associate (Fire Science and Technology)

Describe what you do in one sentence, two at the most. JB: I am responsible for the state of readiness for the city of Austin’s community risk reduction as it relates to fires, and non-law enforcement emergencies. Why did you decide to become a firefighter? JB: I decided to become a firefighter after completing my military services with the United States Marine Corps. I wanted to join a profession where I believed that I could continue to serve my community and the public. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a fire chief? JB: Join the fire department as a fire fighter, which will enhance your knowledge, skills and abilities as a professional fire fighter. Establish or join a fire fighter’s mentoring group or join the various working groups/commit132

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

tees within your fire department in order to learn the inter working of how the fire service meet the needs of its stakeholders. Obtain an associate degree in Fire Science; bachelor degree in Emergency Management or Human Resource; a master degree in Business, Finance or Public Administration. Attend the National Fire Academy in Emmetsburg, Maryland, which will help you develop long turn relationship with members in the fire services from all over the country. Finally, ask a fire chief to help you outline your career plan for the fire service. What do you like most about living in Austin, Texas? JB: It’s hard to say what I like most because I have only been living in Austin for approximately 3 months. However, what I do like since I moved is its people. Everyone has been so welcoming to me. Reaching out to ensure that I am settling in. Discuss one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? JB: The United States Marine Corps – as it relates to the development of leadership and management skills. However, since I started working in the fire service my attitude toward seeking a college degree also changed. Before joining the fire department, I never had a desire to go to college. It wasn’t until I decided to enhance my opportunities in my fire station that I decided to go to college and obtain various degrees which I believe prepared me to become fire chief for the City of Atlanta – Fire Rescue Department and the City of Austin – Fire Department. What life lessons have you’ve learned? JB: Put God first and take nothing personal.

Develop your personal and professional relationships early and do all you can to ensure that you nurture those relationships. And finally, always seek out opportunities to pay it forward. Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? JB: Since I am aspiring to inspire before I expire, I am planning on starting a professional executive coaching consulting firm that will enhance the opportunity for fire fighters to get promoted in their fire department, as well as obtain the rank of fire chief for those who are willing to take on that opportunity. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? JB: I would recommend the following: • Autobiography of Malcom X (author: Alex Haley) • Roots (author: Alex Haley) • Black Man of the Nile and His Family (author: Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan) • It’s Your Ship: Management Technique (author: D. Michael Abrashoff) • Think and Grow Rich (author: Napoleon Hill) • Black Square and Compass (author: Joseph A. Walkes) • Landmarks of our Fathers (author: John L. Hairston Bey) • The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell (author: Oren Harari) • Leadership on the Line (author: Ronald A. Heifetz and Marty Linsky) • Any book of your personal faith (i.e. Holy Bible, Quran, etc.) What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? JB: I like to ride my Harley Davidson, play golf and spend time with my friends and family. NOVEMBER 2021

PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Clifford Brown State District Court Judge , 147th District Court

legal decision

Born and raised: Mount Vernon, NY Moved to Austin: 1999 Education: BS in Business from Adelphi University (Long Island, NY) and JD from George Washington University (Washington DC) Legal focus: Criminal Law Describe what you do in one sentence. CB: Sit as the Arbiter of Criminal Allegations brought by the State of Texas against individual citizens. Ensure that the rights of the accused are protected and all parties encounter fair proceedings based solely on the law. Why did you decide to become a Judge? CB: My becoming a District Judge is rooted in the desire that ALL participants in judicial proceedings are treated fairly with dignity and respect. To bring my life experience to bear lending objectivity and sensitivity borne out of those experiences to ensure fair and just outcomes. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a Criminal Judge? CB: 1. Have a sincere desire to do what is right, just and fair irrespective of person in an effort to bring balance, integrity and sound judgement to the position 2. Gain a comprehensive understanding and holistic view of the criminal justice system 3. Obtain vast experience demonstrating excellent logical reasoning, analytical and decision-making skills to analyze complex cases and statutory law and render sound

What do you like most about living in Austin, Texas? CB: My top 3. • Opportunity and accessibility. The mix of people: Academia meets Technology meets Government • Weather and Topography: Absolutely lovely especially coming from east coast. The Food Scene: BBQ/TexMex What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? CB: Being raised in poverty by a single Mother with 5 children who deeply valued Love, Faith, Family, and Education and watching her graduate from college while I was in middle school and seeing first-hand the value of education. What life lessons have you’ve learned? CB: Most important thing in life are relationships: God, family and friends. Ground your character in humility. Treat everyone you meet with dignity and respect. To much is given, much is expected Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? CB: On the Bench still serving the citizens of Travis County Favorite book or book you’d recommend? CB: The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? CB: Spending time with my family, travel. cooking and entertaining friends, watching sports and golfing when I can.

Natasha HarperMadison City Council Member, District 1 Describe what you do. NHP: : As a city council member for the city of Austin I have the opportunity to serve my constituents and Austin residents through advocacy and policy making. Why did you decide to become a city council member? NHP: : I decided to run for elected office because I wanted to serve my community and my city. As the singular black city council person, it is also of the utmost importance to me that Austin have black representation on council. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a council member? NHP: : I would advise anyone interested in running for an elected office to first determine why they want to run, what they hope to accomplish, and whether or not they are prepared for the sacrifice of public service. If the “why” isn’t to be of service, if the hopes of accomplishment aren’t the betterment of the community they serve, and if the sacrifice of privacy and time are too great, I advise another path. next page >>

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

133

PUBLIC OFFICIALS What do you like most about living in Austin, Texas? NHP: : I love the natural beauty of the city of Austin most.

Aurora Martinez Jones

Describe one experience that changed your way of thinking? NHP: : The moment my doctor gave me a cancer diagnosis changed my way of thinking entirely. Prior to that, I thought my altruistic goals would be met with philanthropy, which would first require I amass some degree of wealth. I was singularly focused on wealth-building until that moment. My perspective shifted when my mortality was in question and community advocacy became my path. What life lessons have you’ve learned? NHP: : • Be patient with children and the elderly • Think before you speak • Always operate with integrity • Cheaters actually do win sometimes, but that doesn’t mean you want to be one • Smile often, laugh even more, dance whenever possible • Set measurable goals • Don’t make promises you can’t keep • Admit when you don’t know something • You do not have to be the smartest person in the room Speak up and out when necessary- but know when to be quiet and listen Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? NHP: : In 10-15 years, I see myself as a social innovation business consultant specializing in helping small businesses find resources, large businesses in partnering with community organizations and connecting organizations that encourage and provide civic education and engagement mentorship. Which book would you recommend others read? NHP: : Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? NHP: : My leisure time is best enjoyed in the company of my family and friends, eating, playing games, listening to music, watching movies, camping or just relaxing.

134

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

Travis County Associate Judge

Born and raised: La Porte, Texas Moved to Austin: 2001 Education: University of Texas at Austin—Bachelor of Arts, Government University of Texas School of Law—Juris Doctorate, Law Legal focus: Child Welfare Law and Civil Litigation Describe your job. AMJ: : I help children and families heal and improve their lives through support, services, and collaboration. I work to provide healthy, safe, loving, longterm permanency for children in Travis County, Texas.

AMJ: : For anyone considering becoming a lawyer or a judge I would tell them, you can do it! Growing up, I did not know any attorneys or judges. In fact, it was quite some times before I was able to meet an attorney who looked like me. As a young Afro-Latina in a Southern state, I was unaware of the potential I could achieve. Fortunately, I received encouragement and confidence to become a judge. What do you like most about living in Austin, Texas? AMJ: : I like the openness to innovation and progressive ideas that Austin, Texas embraces. I am constantly working to improve the child welfare system and the way in which the community accesses the court system so being in a city that is willing to try new things provides the kind of environment needed to enable change.

Why did you decide to become a judge? AMJ: : As a child of immigrants, I learned early in life that I needed to help my family navigate through American systems and cultural norms. Since then, I developed a passion for helping people who traditionally go unheard. I became an attorney so that I could (help the most fragile members in our community – especially children, immigrants, and families living in poverty.

What was one experience that changed your way of thinking? AMJ: : While I was an attorney, a judge, who was another woman of color, asked me had I considered being a judge. I had not. To be honest, I had no idea how to become Judge and I questioned whether I was qualified enough to consider being a Judge. Through her encouragement, I became a judge at age 31. Since then, I have made it a point to not limit myself in my personal life or in my career. In addition, I have become a mentor and regularly encourage young people to reach beyond their wildest dreams.

Any advice?

What life lessons have you’ve learned?

NOVEMBER 2021

PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Brenda P. Kennedy Presiding Judge Travis County Criminal Courts, 403rd District Court AMJ: : In life, I have learned that challenges, obstacles, and perceived failures make for a stronger, more resilient person. Most of what I achieved came with great difficulties, but success through that lens has helped me grow wisdom. I have learned to appreciate the hard times because they have set me up for greatness. Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? AMJ: : In 10 to15 years I see myself continuing to serve my community and expanding progressive approaches to overcome broken institutions. I hope to expand my definition of community to be statewide or greater. Favorite book? AMJ: : The Giver by Lois Lowry. Although it is a children’s book, it is a great read as an adult. This book gives me hope. It is a great reminder, especially in my work, that despite all the suffering, sadness, and awful things that make us human, there are also wondrous, amazing, and loving things that show the best of humanity. It reminds me that my priority is always to invest as much as possible in goodness for our children because the human experience is a varying balance of good and bad. The more good a child can receive, I believe, the better life can be for that child. What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? AMJ: : I enjoy reading books for my Feminist Book Club, watching Anime, spending time with my husband and two daughters, and attending community events.

In 1988, Kennedy became the first AfricanAmerican elected in a contested countywide race in Travis County. Born & Raised: Mexia and Temple, Texas Moved to Austin:1975 Education: University of Texas at Austin, School of Law Legal focus: Criminal Law Describe what you do. BK: : I preside over felony level criminal cases. Why did you decide to become a lawyer? BK: : Initially, my intent was to become a civil rights attorney after learning of the injustices occurring across our nation. During my law school experience, I became more interested in criminal law; got an internship with the Department of Justice in Washington D.C.; and, returned wanting to pursue a career in advocacy. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a lawyer or a judge? BK: : A student should pursue an internship in the particular area of law that they have interest in to get the day to day exposure, experience, and working knowledge that they will need to determine if that is the area they really wish to pursue. What do you like most about living in Austin? BK: : The environmental concerns, cleanliness, and overall culture of the city. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? BK: : My exposure gained as a result of being involved in Drug Court has provided a whole new way of thinking regarding drug

addiction, its consequences and effects on families and communities. What life lessons have you’ve learned? BK: : Too many to name… a few would be patience, active listening, and how to talk to varied people of differing backgrounds and life experiences. Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? BK: : Hopefully, travelling and enjoying retirement by that time. Favorite book? BK: : I am an avid reader, so, I have many favorites. I would say that of my latest reads, “An American Marriage”, by Tayari Jones was a very good read. What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? BK: : Reading, swimming, making Jewelry and traveling to beach locations. Background: Kennedy earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. She has served as an assistant city attorney for the city of Austin and assistant district attorney in Travis County before assuming her judicial duties in October 1987. BK: is the founding member of the Austin chapter of the National Charity League and completed many projects through the Austin chapter of the Links, Incorporated and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated; and many others. She is the proud mother of two daughters, Mallore Ahmad and Pilar Caldwell. BK: enjoys traveling to different parts of the country and around the world, and see the varied cultures and people across the globe.

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

135

PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Rudolph “Rudy” K. Metayer Lora J. Livingston Civil and Family Law Judge

In 1999, Livingston became the First African-American woman to serve on a district court in Travis County, Texas. Born and raised: Los Angeles, California Moved to Austin: 1982 Education: BA Political Science; Juris Doctorate Describe what you do. LL: I am a judge. I hear all types of civil and family law cases. Why did you decide to become a judge? LL: I felt called to public service and I believed I could make a significant difference in the justice system. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a lawyer? LL: Be prepared in every way possible; personally, and professionally. 136

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

Background: Judge Lora J. Livingston is a 1982 graduate of the UCLA School of Law. She began her legal career as a Reginald Heber Smith Community Lawyer Fellow assigned to the Legal Aid Society of Central Texas in Austin. After completing the two-year fellowship program, she continued to work in the area of poverty law until 1988, when she entered private practice with the law firm of Joel B. Bennett, P.C. In 1993, she and S. Gail Parr formed a partnership and opened the law firm of Livingston & Parr and engaged in a general civil litigation practice with an emphasis on family law. In January 1995, she was sworn in as an associate judge for the district courts of Travis County. After her successful election, Livingston was sworn in as Judge of the 261st District Court in January 1999, the first to African American woman to do so. Since 2011, she has served as the Local Administrative Judge for the Travis County Courts. Livingston is active on several local, state and national bar association activities and serves on several boards.

Councilmember, City of Pflugerville and Litigator, Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody

Born and raised: Brooklyn, NY, Raised in Trophy Club, TX Moved to Austin: 1998 (Live in Pflugerville.) Education: BA in Philosophy, BA in Government, Masters in Public Affairs (MPA), Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD), all from the University of Texas at Austin Legal focus: Insurance Defense, Corporate Litigation Describe what you do in one sentence, two at the most. RM: I defend corporations, big and small, in lawsuits ranging from slip and fall cases to medical malpractice or building construction defects. I also serve the citizens of Pflugerville as their Councilmember Why did you decide to become a lawyer or civic professional? RM: Simply put, to help people. When I was 4 years old, I discovered a book my parents own named “The Kennedy Years and the Negro.” That book documented the work of several people during the Civil Rights movement, including Thurgood Marshall. Once my parents explained to me who he was and NOVEMBER 2021

PUBLIC OFFICIALS that he was a lawyer, I decided to become one. Out of my desire to help people, it organically continued toward service at a higher level for public at large as a Councilmember in a place I love and call home, Pflugerville What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming lawyer or civic professional? RM: Perspective is a key attribute in life that is often understated by those in leadership. Meaning, it is just as important you are able to relate to a custodian as it is to a CEO of a major Fortune 100 company. Often times, you will be called upon to find solutions to difficult problems and if you cannot understand, or empathize, with a perspective or opinion that is different from your own, you are likely not going to find a solution that benefits everyone involved. Both as a lawyer and a Councilmember, you’re a problem solver. To do so effectively is to understand everyone’s perspective. What do you like most about living in Austin, Texas? RM: I love living in Pflugerville due to wonderful city services, the great schools, diverse population, and overall high quality of life. This old German town is the 3rd fastest growing city in the US and based on all it has to offer, you can see why. What are the challenges of being Black and living in Austin, Texas? RM: In Austin, often times you do not see the rich diversity that’s necessary to help make sure all viewpoints and perspective are engaged in helping to make a decision on a specific topic or matter. That lack of representation often times shies away young black people who may have been willing to call Austin home instead of Houston or Dallas. If you don’t see that inclusivity from the onset, you often times wonder why that is the case and makes you think twice about living in Austin. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? RM: When I realized that often times the wrongdoing or actions of someone do not come from a place of malice (evil), but ignorance (misunderstanding). That fundamentally changed how I interacted with people for the better.

RM: You are always interviewing. You just don’t know it. Meaning, people are always watching how you treat others, how you treat your job, how you treat society around you. Therefore, act and conduct yourself in a manner that will make those around you want you to be on “their team.” Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? RM: Continuing to serve people in the Great State of Texas

What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? RM: Spending time with my wife Letisha, family and friends. Working out in Camp Gladiator, meeting with my Men’s Prayer Group, playing soccer and video games. Supporting the Texas Longhorns in all that they do.

Favorite book or book you’d recommend? RM: “Mindset” by Carol Dweck

Velva L. Price Travis County District Clerk

Velva Price was the first AfricanAmerican woman to be elected president of the Austin Bar Association and the Travis County Women Lawyers Association. She also served as president of the Austin Black Lawyers Association. Born: Denver, Colorado Raised: Everywhere due to Father’s military service in the Air Force. Moved to Austin: 1983 Education: University of Texas School of Law, J.D. Legal focus: Trial Litigation

Describe what you do: VP: Administrator of all the District Court records and funds from 19 district courts, 4 associate courts and a magistrate court and summoning potential jurors for all the Travis County and City of Austin jury trials including grand jury service.

What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a lawyer? VP: Being an attorney is an intellectually stimulating profession that can apply to any position or industry. A person may consider attending court to see how trials/hearings are conducted, contact local legal organizations and/or join/attend pre-law groups. What do you like most about living in Austin, Texas? VP: The small town feel in a now big city. What life lessons have you’ve learned? VP: This lesson was taught by my parents – ‘ People are more alike than they are different and most want to make the world a better place, if given a chance’ Favorite book or book you’d recommend? VP: Any book that my almost book club, of the last 29 years, is reading.

What life lessons have you’ve learned? To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

137

PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Eric Montgomery Shepperd Judge County Court Law #2

Describe what you do. EMS: I help litigants resolve their differences. Why did you decide to become a judge? EMS: Because I believe in the rule of law and want to help others do so What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a lawyer or judge? EMS: Read Wrote and Analyze as much as possible

Born and raised: Maryland Moved to Austin: 1982 Education: BA in Business Andrews University, JD University of Texas Legal focus: Civil Trial

UT Law School in 1985, Eric Shepperd became an Assistant Attorney General in what is now called the Law Enforcement Defense What do you like most about living in Division. He went on to become the director Austin, Texas? of civil litigation for the Travis County AtEMS: The people of Austin. They are for torney’s Office until his election for County the most part warm friendly kind and so- Court Judge in 2006. Shepperd is an active phisticated mentor in the legal community for more than 30 years. He is the immediate past president What was one moment or experience of the Austin Bar Foundation, a lecturer for in your life that changed your way of the University of Texas School of Law’s Trial thinking? EMS: Creating an environment where even Advocacy Program and a professor for the pro se litigants can resolve their legal problem. Austin Community College paralegal program, teaching advanced litigation. In the What life lessons have you learned? EMS: Never attribute to malice that which is past, he has had the honor to serve as presiadequately explained by ignorance. We just dent/chairman of Austin Black Lawyers Association, Texas Organized Professionals, don’t know what we don’t know. Red Cross of Central Texas, Austin Habitat Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 for Humanity, Leadership Austin and Texas years? Center for the Judiciary. EMS: Still engaged in Austin civic life in whatever way Austin would have me do so. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? EMS: Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis Background: Shortly after graduating from 138

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

Jeffrey W. Travillion, Sr. Travis County Commissioner, Precinct 1 Describe what you do. JT: I work with the Commissioners Court to fund Constitutional and statutory requirements of Travis County by State government (Court systems, county jail, public safety, indigent care) while working to understand and provide for the needs and priorities of communities in Travis County. Why did you decide to become a commissioner? JT: I understood very early that government can have a tremendous impact on the quality of life of its citizens. I believed that I had a unique perspective from working for many years to guarantee civil rights (NAACP), and as a professional in local, and state government. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a commissioner? JT: If you work on things that you believe in, your passion will be obvious and create opportunities for you.

NOVEMBER 2021

PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Yvonne Michelle Williams

Born and raised: Jackson, Mississippi Moved to Austin: 1985 Education: Bachelor of Arts, Jackson State University, WEB Dubois University Honors Program Sloan Fellow (Carnegie Mellon University, Harvard University - Master of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin

Yvonne Michelle Williams, Justice of Peace, Travis County Precinct 1 Born and raised: Sublime, Hallettsville, and San Antonio Texas Moved to Austin:1989. Education: University of Houston – Juris Doctorate Describe what you do. YMW: I am a judge who presides over small claims, evictions, class C misdemeanor tickets, and juvenile truancy cases.

What do you like most about living in Austin, Texas? JT: It is a great place to raise a family. What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? JT: My thinking changed when my wife and I had children. I understood that my mission was creating a space for the next generation to thrive. What life lessons have you’ve learned? JT: You only get out of this life what you put into it. Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? JT: I enjoy the public space. I enjoy meeting people, sharing ideas, challenging beliefs. I plan to work in the community or teach as long as I find joy in those spaces. Favorite book or book you’d recommend? JT: I have several, but I recommend the “Crisis of the Negro Intellectual” by Harold Cruise and “In the Matter of Color” by A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? JT: Reading, traveling, and spending time with family.

Why did you decide to become a judge? YMW: I became a lawyer to “right the wrongs of this world” and as such I chose to prosecute civil rights and employment discrimination cases (Houston/Galveston area for years). I was coaxed into becoming a judge and so decidedly approached the role as one who respects everyone who comes before me. What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a legal professional? YMW: Read, read, read and be involved in your community & your world. Study both academics as well as everyday life. Maintain a life of integrity and watch the company you keep. What do you like most about living in Austin, Texas? YMW: It is the most progressive city in the state; in spite of its enormous growth it remains a pleasant place to live so far. What experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? YMW: My college year where I became involved in organizing in the anti-apartheid movement. What life lessons have you’ve learned? YMW: There will “always be something” to challenge us. But, we have deep within us a natural resiliency to prevail when we try hard enough.

Where do you see yourself in 10–15 years? YMW: Glad to be alive! Favorite book or books you’d recommend? YMW: For leisure, anything written by Beverly Jenkins. For all other, • “When & Where I Enter: The Impact of Black Women on Race and Sex in America” by Paula Giddings. • “Women, Race & Class” by Angela Davis • “Illusions: Adventure of a Reluctant Messiah” by Richard Bach What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? YMW: Music, movies, the woods, the desert southwest, and good company. Background: She was appointed to an associate municipal court judge post in 2006 by the Austin City Council and became the first judge selected to magistrate a night court. Williams has also been an adjunct instructor at Austin Community College since 2006, teaching legal writing courses. After winning election, a law school friend contacted Williams about a prevention/intervention program she had designed to address truancy while working with families of justice-involved youth. Dr. Grady M. Paris, J.D., senior trainer at Prairie View A&M University’s Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center, piloted it with JP1 and its courtinvolved families. Several hundred families have successfully completed the workshop series. Williams’ juvenile court was cited as a model by Texas Appleseed, when it advocated for decriminalizing truancy during the 2015 legislative session. To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

139

Austin’s Black Churches Church Name

Pastor

Agape Baptist Church Alpha Seventh Day Adventist Bethany Christian Church Christian Faith Fellowship Church Church of the New Testament CrossWork Christian Center David Chapel Missionary Baptist East 19th Street Missionary Baptist East Side Church of Christ Ebenezer Baptist Church First Presbyterian Baptist Church Gates of Dominion Word MinistryInternational Grant A.M.E. Worship Center Greater Calvary Baptist Church Greater Mt. Moriah Primitive Baptist Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church Greater Union Baptist Higher Dimension Church Holy Cross Catholic Church Imani Community Church Joshua Chapel C.M.E. Little Zion Baptist Metropolitan AME Church Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Mt. Olive Baptist Church Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church Mt. Zion Baptist Church New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church New Covenant Church New Hope Baptist Church New Lincoln Missionary Baptist Church Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church Rehoboth Baptist Church Simpson United Methodist Church Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church St. James Missionary Baptist Church St. James Episcopal Church St. John Primitive Baptist Church St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church St.Peter United Methodist Church St. Stephens MBC-Northstar Sweet Home Baptist Church True Light Baptist Church Wesley United Methodist Zion Rest M.B. Church

H. Ed Calahan Dr. Gordon S. Jones Rev. W.W. Booker

140

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

Billy J. Walker John F. McCormick Rev. Joseph C. Parker, Jr. Rev. M.C. Walker George Williams - Minister Dr. Ricky Freeman Elizabeth McLean Michael A. Price - Apostle Rev. Sylvester Delaney Patton III Archbishop Dr. Sterling Lands, II Chester F. Brown, III Gaylon Clark Pastor Rickey E. Williams Bishop Sid Deon Johnson Rev. Basil Aguzie, MSP

Rev. N. Jordan Mkwanazi Rev. L.K. Jones Rev. Richard E. Carter A. W. Anthony Mays Rev. G. V. Clark

Pastor Roy F. Jones II Rev. Darron E. Patterson Pastor Nathaniel T. Cannon, Jr. Robert C. Waddle John M. Perez Dr. B.W. McClendon, Sr. Rev. Madeline Hawley

Rev. Richard A. Coaxum Jack Gause BJE McQueen Dr. Dante R Wright Sylvester Chase R.E. Foster

Address

City

7801 North Lamar Blvd., Bldg. F-15 Austin 3016 East 51st Street Austin 3507 East 12th Street Austin 14900 Avery Ranch Blvd. Suite C200 Austin 1602 Harvey Street Austin 4 Applegate Cir Round Rock 2211 E. MLK Jr. Blvd. Austin 3401 Rogge Ln Austin 5701 East MLK Jr., Blvd. Austin 1010 East 10th Street Austin 8001 Mesa Drive Austin 5050 Commercial Park Dr., Suite A-1 Austin 1701 Kramer Lane Austin 6510 Berkman Drive Austin 4907 Springdale Road Austin 4301 Tannehill Lane Austin 2939 Pecan Springs Austin 1310 Salina Street Austin 1610 East 11th Street Austin 5214 Duval Road Austin 1309 East 12 St Austin 406 East Burton St. Manor 1101 E. 10TH STREET Austin 2111 S.L. Davis Ave. Austin 2718, 1800 E 11th St Austin 5900 Cameron Road Austin 2938 East 13th Street Austin 3403 Manor Road Austin 507 Commercial Drive Buda 2405 East 16th Street Austin 2215 East 8th Street Austin 1158 Webberville Road Austin 5303 Samuel Huston Ave Austin 1701 East 12th @ Leona Austin 1014 Gardner Road Austin 3417 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Austin 1941 Webberville Road Austin 1709 E.M. Franklin Austin 1160 Hargrave St Austin 1202 Russell St Pflugerville 4509 Springdale Road Austin 12300 Amherst Dr Austin 3200 Sunrise Rd Round Rock 1300 Fort Branch Blvd. Austin 1164 San Bernard Austin Austin 3326 Paisano Trail Austin

State

Zip

Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas

78752 78723 78721 78717 78702 78665 78702 78723 78721 78702 78731 78724 78758 78723 78723 78721 78723 78702 78702 78757 78702 78653 78702 78702 78702 78723 78702 78723 78610 78702 78702 78721 78721 78702 78721 78721 78721 78721 78702 78660 78723 78727 78665 78721 78721 78745

NOVEMBER 2021

BLACK RESTAURANTS & FOOD TRUCKS

PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Type Food

Name

Website

African

Cheap Date

https://www.facebook.com/CheapdateAustin-130884130646017/?ref=page_internal

Emoji’s Grilled Cheese

www.EmojisGrilledCheese.com

My Granny’s Kitchen

https://www.facebook.com/My-Grannys-Kitchen-431160566944688/

American

Country Boyz Fixins

places.singleplatform.com

Dirty Glove Midwest BBQ

https://www.facebook.com/Dgmbbq313/

Sam’s BBQ

https://www.facebook.com/ATXBBQ/

Willie’s Bar-B-Q

https://www.facebook.com/Willies-Bar-B-Que-105259916179491/

Jean-Jean’s Cajun Barbque

https://www.facebook.com/JeanJeans-Cajun-Barbque-434878466676325/

Original New Orleans Po-Boy

http://www.theoriginalneworleanspoboygumboshop.com/

Wild Magnolias

https://www.facebook.com/WildMagnolias/

Big Easy Bar & Grill

https://www.facebook.com/barandgrillbigeasy/

Chicken wings

Ooh Wee Chicken

https://www.facebook.com/Ooh-Wee-Chicken-254822834684553/

Comfort food

Lard Have Mercy

https://www.facebook.com/Lardhavemercy/

Christen’s Gourmet Pralines

www.christenpraline.com

American, Cajun, & Soul Barbecue Cajun Barbecue Cajun Creole

Creole

La Gris Gris

https://www.facebook.com/ConjureNoir/

Pink Sugar Sweets

https://www.facebook.com/pinksugaraustin/

Sweet Epiphany

https://www.facebook.com/sweetepiphanytreats/

Sweet Sensations Desserts

http://sweetsensationstex.wix.com/home#!about/cjg9

The Black Banana Dessert Bar

https://www.facebook.com/TheBlkBanana/

Word of Mouth Bakery

http://wordofmouthbakery.com/

Sweet Temptations

www.sweettemptationsbymo.com

Asters Ethopian Restaurant

https://www.astersethiopianrestaurant.com/

Haesha Ethopian Restaurant

http://www.habeshaaustin.com/

Nubian Queen Lola

http://nubianqueenlolas.com/

Taste of Ethiopia

www.tasteofethiopiaaustin.com

Gemma Love Jamaican Cuisine

https://www.facebook.com/GemmaLoveJamaicanCuisine/

Tony’s Jamaican Food

https://www.facebook.com/Tonys-Jamaican-Food-370547336313465/

Goodies and Bits

https://roaminghunger.com/goodies-bits/

Y’all Down Home Cafe

http://www.yalldownhomecafe.com/

Elevated Soul

https://www.facebook.com/erinselevatedsoul

Galloway Sandwich Shop

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Galloways-Sandwich-Shop/109666675736229

Hoover’s Cooking

http://www.hooverscooking.com/

Krack of Dawn Breakfast and Donuts

https://www.facebook.com/krackofdawndonuts/

Lil Mama’s Corner Cafe

https://www.facebook.com/pg/LilMamasKitchenTX/about/?ref=page_internal

Marie’s Menu

https://www.facebook.com/mariesmenu/

Midtown Sports Bar & Cafe

https://www.facebook.com/MidtownLive/

Mr Catfish and More

https://www.facebook.com/thebestcatfish/

The Rolling Rooster

www.therollingrooster.com/

Roland’s Soul Food and Fish

https://www.facebook.com/rolandssoulfood

Three Chicks Soul Food

https://www.facebook.com/threechickssoulfood

Southern Hospitality

http://sohosfoods.us/

African

Wasota African Cuisine

https://www.facebook.com/wasotaveganparadise/

American

Baby Greens

http://eatbabygreens.com

Soul Food

Sassy's Vegitarian Soul Food

https://www.facebook.com/sassysvegetariansoulfood/

Desserts

Desserts/Custom Sweets

Ethiopian

Jamaican Soul Food & Barbecue

Soul Food

Southern comfort Vegetarian

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

141

BLACK PUBLIC BUSINESS OFFICIALS DIRECTORY TYPE

BUSINESS NAME

WEB ADDRESS

Advertising Agency

Sanders/Wingo

https://www.sanderswingo.com/

Agape Family Barbershop Marshall’s Barber Shop

Barber Shop

Beauty Mary Kay Rep

Beauty Salon

Beauty Supply

PHONE

PHYSICAL ADDRESS

https://www.facebook.com/Agape-FamilyBarbershop-107320889326709/

512-542-9994

3218 E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Austin, TX 78721

https://www.facebook.com/pages/MarshallsBarber-Shop/143649095666663

512-472-0302

1915 E 12th Street, Austin, TX 78702

Wooten’s Barber Shop

https://www.facebook.com/Wootenbarber/

512-477-0109

2106 Guadalupe Street

Tie’s Barbershop

https://www.facebook.com/TiesBarbershop-1472681953025553/

512- 906-2775

628 E. Oltorf Dr Suite B

Legendary Cuts

http://www.legendarycutsaustin.com

512-953-1360

4700 Loyola Ln #107, Austin, TX 78723

Zeus Barbershop

https://www.facebook.com/ZeusBarberShop

512-443-4142

4360 S Congress Ave, Ste 102, Austin, TX 78745-1909

Kutting Edge Barber Shop, Trae The Barber

https://www.facebook.com/ nicecutatkuttingedge/

817- 840-8619

1779 Wells Branch Pkwy #110A

Kut Klose Barber Shop

http://www.kutklosebarbershop.com/

512-252-9260

821 Grand View Pkwy Austin, TX 78660

Keesha Nix, Indepedndent Beauty Consultant

www.marykay.com/KeeshaNix

512-963-7197

513 Hickroy Run Dr. Cedar Park, TX 78613

Ann’s Private Cuts

https://www.facebook.com/anngosey61/

512- 491-8730

11139 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78753

Black Hair Unlimited

http://www.blackhairunlimited.com/

512- 423-3940

3218 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd

JaeUndreas Natural Hair Care

http://www.jaeundreas.net/

512-840-0660

7517 Cameron Rd. Ste 105 Austin, TX 78752

Salon Envee

https://www.facebook.com/SalonEnvee-172328024723/

512- 767-8877

702 W St Johns Ave, Ste C, Austin, TX

The Hair Clinic

http://thehairclinicaustin.com/

512- 608-4016

3016 Guadalupe Street

Gabrielle’s Salon & Day Spa

http://www.gabriellesalonspa.com/index.html

512-323-0798

9012 Research Blvd Suite C7

512- 494-4327

1923 E 7th St #170, Austin, TX 78702

512-265-2155

7500 Rialto Blvd. #250, Austin, TX 78735 7703 North Lamar Blvd.

Boojee Hair Austin

https://boojeehair.com/

Ball Business Consulting Business Consulting

Darrell K Malone Consulting

www.dkmalone.com

512-879-6307

Sirach Consulting, LLC

http://sirachconsulting.com/

512-790-4524 512-579-6517

College or University

Construction

Unbound Consulting

www.theunboundgroup.com

512-994-2883

Huston-Tillotson University

http://htu.edu/

512-505-3000

900 Chicon St, Austin, TX 78702

Virginia College

https://www.vc.edu/locations/austin/

512- 371-3500

14200 N. Interstate Hwy. 35 Austin, TX 78728

Bridgeucation

www.bridgeucation.com

Aleon Properties, Inc.

www.aleonpropertiesinc.com

Haynes-Eaglin Waters Construction

http://www.hewaustin.com/

512-451-6600

6448 E Hwy 290 Ste D-105, Austin, TX 78723

MM Family Dentistry

http://www.mmfamilydentistry.com/

512-477-9775

2113 East Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Suite 105, Austin, TX 78702

Frazier Dentistry

http://frazierdentistry.com/

512-453-3879

7333 E. US Hwy. 290, Austin, TX 78753

Dentist

142

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

NOVEMBER 2021

BLACK BUSINESS DIRECTORY TYPE

BUSINESS NAME

WEB ADDRESS

PHONE

Demitra N. Alexander, CPA, PC

http://www.dalexandercpa.com/

512-535-7932

Hopkins Tax & Accounting

http://www.hopkinstaxaccounting.com/

512-829-1088

7600 Chevy Chase Dr. #300, Austin, TX 78752

Bobs Tax Teachers

http://www.bobstaxteachers.com/

512-252-1927

200 E Pecan St., Pflugerville, Tx 78660

512-808-7656

6200 Bridge Point Pkwy, Bldg 4, Ste 300, Austin, TX 78753

Finance

Financial Check-up and Review Home Organization Human Resources

Nicky Fix My life

https://www.facebook.com/ groups/1907248392929347/

512-522-2016

ChelaWorks

http://www.chelawhiteramsey.com/Shop.php

228-326-7768

PHYSICAL ADDRESS 5407 N IH 35 Ste 303 Austin, TX 78723

Pat Bell | HR Consulting

http://patbellhr.com/

361-861-0086

Interior Design

Stephanie Sullivan Interior Design

http://www.ssinteriordesign.com

512--593-1437

Magazine

Austin Black Business Journal & Community News Magazine

www.austinblackbusiness.com

512-380-1611

Marketing

Elevation Firm

https://elevationfirm.com/

512-910-2420

Floor 14, 600 Congress Ave, Austin, Tx 78701

Newspaper

The Villager Newspaper

http://theaustinvillager.com/

512-476-0082

4132 E. 12th Street, Austin, TX 78721

Non-profit Organization

National Black MBA Association Austin

http://austinblackmba.org/

Nonprofit

Child Inc

http://childinc.org/

H|Adewumi Photography

http://hadewumi.com/

Photography

Public Relations Firm

P.O. Box 144822 Austin, TX 78714-4822 512-451-7361

Alfy Wilmot Photography

http://www.alfywilmotphotography.com/

512-537-5451

Look At Me! Media

https://www.facebook.com/lookatmemedia/

512-296-3341

Northstar Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/lissiaz/

512-422-7968

Rebuk Artist Photography

http://www.rebuckartisticphotography.com/

512-367-9747

Texas Touch Photography

https://www.facebook.com/ TexasTouchPhotography/

512-905-3371

818 E 51st Street, Austin, TX 78751

Cindy Elizabeth Photography

http://www.cindyelizabeth.com/

D.Hills Photography

https://www.dhillsphotography.com/

Adisa Public Relations

www.makingthingsclear.com

512-472-6112

Donald Harrell - Century 21

http://www.century21.com/real-estate-agent/ profile/donald-harrell-P25253564

512-968-3290

E Infinity Realty

https://www.facebook.com/einfinityrealty/

512-807-9292

Edie C. Phillips Real Estate

http://ediecphillips.com/

512-775-0637

106 E 6th St #900, Austin, TX 78701

6205 Burnet Rd. B, Austin, TX 78757

Anita C Roberts

www.luxuryaustinproperties.com

512-380-1611

1801 S MoPac Expy #100, Austin, TX 78746

Kathy De La Cruz (Realtor) Re/Max Posh Propeties South

http://www.remax.com/realestateagentoffice/ austin-tx-78735-kathydelacruz-id27266661. html

512-470-4877

5501 W Hwy 290 Suite C, Austin, TX 78735

Real Estate

W.G. Hunt & Co. Yinka Oyefeso - Keller Williams Realty

http://www.kw.com/kw/agent/austin-budaforsalehome

Funmi Ogunro

https://www.facebook.com/layo88

Videographer Documentary You - Justin Humphries

512-478-3451

1721 E 12th St, Austin, TX

(660)693-3376

1801 S MoPac Expy #100, Austin, TX 78746

https://www.facebook.com/JustinJoyful

To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com

143

WHAT'S THE HENDRICK DIFFERENCE? The measure of a good man is not what he has outwardly achieved or how much money he has in the bank. It is how much he has made himself accountable to himself and others. That is why I firmly believe that you need to care. In a world where love and empathy has cooled off, you make the difference. Thoughts come before actions, and if we are to deliver on our promises, we have to start with ourselves. The core values Mr. Hendrick has set as a foundation for his company has called each of us to action. Whether it be commitment to continuous improvement or teamwork through trust and respect, I am honored to be part of a group that is committed to being a living example for the community and gets people to care. -Montye Purify Community Relations Liaison montye.purify@hendrickauto.com

P.S. Congrats to all of the honorees for their Achievements In Black Austin

1,000 Books for 1,000 Kids. Become a Sponsor. They will be what they see

Achievements in Black Austin

Support Levels $49.95 per book

by Anita C

Bronze 1-50 Books Silver

51-99

Gold

100+

Receive a 10% discount on orders of 100 or more

Number of Books ___________ Total Cost $ ________________

Thank you for your support.

Roberts

2 0 19

To donate or sponsor go to www.madedmediagroup.org

I would like to donate books to the following school:

Name of School

Made Media Group is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that helps tell the stories that haven’t been told and provide educational opportunities to underserved youth.

Please email Anita C Roberts at anita@amcpublishing.net or mail check to Made Media Group, 5114 Balcones Woods Dr. Ste 307-345, Austin, TX 78759

AUSTIN Black Business Journal® & Community News

prides itself on creating quality content for the multi-cultural community we serve. Each month we bring a high quality, informative print & digital publication designed to inform, empower and transform our community.

CONNEC T WITH US. @austinblackbiz •

C O N TA C T U S .

@austinblackbusiness •

Have an interesting story idea or business announcement?

@austinblackbusiness •

SUBSCRIBE.

Get local news and information delivered straight to your inbox.

info@blackbusinessjournal.com

ADVERTISE.

Make an impact with print and web advertising opportunities.