October 2020 by Austin Woman Magazine

AUSTIN WOMAN MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

“I’m a survivor. I’m not gon’ give up!” –Destiny’s Child

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CONTRIBUTORS

This month, we asked our contributors: What’s a survival skill you’ve had to use in 2020?

A PUBLICATION OF AW MEDIA INC.

VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2

DAWN WESTON

Publisher NIKI JONES

KYLIE BIRCHFIELD

Creative Director

Photographer, “On the Road to Survival,” Page 68 • Is learning to play the electric guitar

CY WHITE

• Would love to go to Canada one day

Managing Editor

• Enjoys watercolor painting as a hobby Survival skill: “None really, but I really would like to learn the basics.”

DARBY KENDALL

Interim Copy Editor JENNA NORTHCUTT

Web Editor MADILYN BISCOE

Marketing and Events Manager

JENNY HOFF

OLIVIA HUNTLEY, MONIKA KELLEY, KATY MABEE

Account Executives

Writer, “On The Money,” Page 78 •T raveled to more than 50 countries and is excited to eventually get back on the road •H osted a financial podcast, interviewing people like Tony Robbins, Nicole Lapin and Robert Kiyosaki

LESLIE WILLIAMSON

Sales and Production Coordinator CONTRIBUTORS

Editorial: Brooke Anderson, Taylor Ellison, Dr. Suzanne Fuqua, Jenny Hoff, Alexis Jones, Niki Jones, Sabrina LaBoeuf, Aisha White, Cy White, Kristi Willis

•S tarted a kids’ camp when she was 11 and has been putting those skills to good use with her own children this summer Survival skill: “Patience and building mental resilience has been so helpful in surviving this time of uncertainty.”

Art: Rudy Arocha, Niki Jones, Paige Newton, Robert Strickland, Connie Vazquez, Madison Weakley, Jessica Wetterer INTERNS

Aisling Ayers, Kylie Birchfield, Allie Justis, Anastasia Vastakis

MADISON WEAKLEY Illustrator, “From the Desk Of,” Page 26 • Thinks she’s addicted to buying shoes

AW MEDIA INC.

• Drives a scooter

MELINDA GARVEY

KIP GARVEY

Co-founder/Co-owner

CEO/Co-owner

SAMANTHA STEVENS

Co-founder

• Halloween is her favorite holiday Survival skill she’s used in 2020: “My 2020 learned survival skill would have to be learning to cook.”

ASHLEY GOOLSBY

CFO

Austin Woman is a free monthly publication of AW Media Inc. and is available at locations throughout Austin and in Lakeway, Cedar Park, Round Rock and Pflugerville. All rights reserved. To offer feedback, email feedback@awmediainc.com. For submission information, visit atxwoman.com/jobs. No part of the magazine may be reprinted or duplicated without permission. Visit us online at atxwoman.com. Email us at info@awmediainc.com. 512.328.2421 | 7401 West Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX 78739

SABRINA LEBOEUF Writer, “On the Road to Survival,” Page 70 • Is originally from Slidell, Louisiana (so she can peel crawfish like a pro) • Plays the guitar, violin and ukulele. • Is learning a third language: French Survival skill: “This year I’ve had to use a lot of patience to understand that difficult circumstances aren’t always resolved immediately.”

FROM THE EDITOR

Hello there, my loves! My name’s Cy White, and I am the humble new captain of this editorial ship called Austin Woman magazine. I come to you all honored and elated. It’s fitting that this issue’s theme is survivor. Survivor. Over the course of working on this issue, I’ve had to seriously evaluate my understanding of the word. At its most basic, a survivor is someone who, despite every weapon formed against them, has found a way to prevail. To live through it all and come out on the other side a bit tougher, braver and wiser. We all have those stories. Mine is quite common (especially this year). Two weeks before the New Year the department at my job was dissolved. I went from being the director of my department to back where I started with that company: a contractor. I swiftly lost 75% of my income. Fun times. You know, thinking back, I should’ve seen 2020 coming… After the 30-minute temper tantrum, I called one of my sisters and I made a list. Logic stepped in, and I got to work. Six months, a long-term temp job and about 50 job applications later, here I am. My story isn’t nearly as traumatic and heartbreaking as so many navigating 2020. I haven’t had to survive the loss of someone because of white supremacist sentiments (Rest in Peace and Love Tyree Davis, Donny Sanders, Breonna Taylor, Daniel Prude, Kanisha Fuller, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Rayshard Brooks, Elijah McClain and hundreds of others). I haven’t had to restart my life after a massive fire, tsunamis or hurricanes. Haven’t had to pick up the pieces after a loved one has died from cancer or the effects of COVID-19. I have been blessed and am grateful. The best way I can honor the fallen is to fight on, to survive. I will strive for honor and integrity, and with Austin Woman magazine, I hope to continue to uplift the voices of all womxn in the Greater-Austin area. As my peers in the Hallyu Wave say: HWAITING!

Happy reading!

CY WHITE

Managing Editor

16 | AUSTIN WOMAN | OCTOBER 2020

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Photo courtesy of Cy White.

Publication of Austin Woman would not be possible without the support of our monthly advertisers and sponsors, who believe in the impact we are making in the Austin community. The following businesses have stepped up their support of our efforts beyond traditional advertising and we are proud to recognize them as our partners. The team at Austin Woman is grateful for these businesses that have shown their commitment to the advancement of women in Austin and hopes you, as readers, recognize their efforts and support these businesses and all our regular advertisers.

TRIBUTE

CALL HER LADY JUSTICE

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a giant who lived her life to uphold justice for all. BY CY WHITE

September was a whirlwind month. Going into October,

Rights Project, which advocates for women on issues we lost some veritable giants. Perhaps none mightier of employment, domestic violence, criminal justice and than Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. At education. She became the project’s general counsel the 5’ 1”, she might have been small in stature, but she had following year. the presence of a being from Roman mythology. Call her All of Bader Ginsburg’s justice work in the 1970s Lady Justice, the physical manifestation of the Roman culminated in one of the highest honors for a purveyor goddess Iustitia. The effects of Bader Ginsburg’s work of justice. In 1993, she was sworn in as Supreme Court extend far beyond the courtroom. Her groundbreaking Justice, becoming only the second woman to do so. She rulings brought before the Supreme would continue her righteous fight for equality Court and her advocacy have pushed throughout her 27-year tenure. Another Her groundbreaking boundaries, providing progressive steps milestone in her storied career came in August toward true justice in this country. 2013, when she became the first Supreme rulings brought before Frankly, we at Austin Woman could fill Court Justice to officiate a same-sex marriage the Supreme Court an entire issue with achievements that ceremony. attest to her impact on our community. Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s dedication to justice and her advocacy have For now, we highlight just a few of her continued until her passing on Friday, Sept. pushed boundaries, most notable in the fight for women’s 18. Her passing on the day of Rosh Hashanah (and human) rights. holds significance. Someone who passes providing progressive Bader Ginsburg was born Jane Ruth on Rosh Hashanah is considered a tzedek steps toward true Bader on March 15, 1933 in Brooklyn, in Jewish tradition. A tzedakah, as Bader NY, to an observant Jewish family. Ginsburg would be, represents a balancing justice in this country. Bader Ginsburg’s most active era of of the scales, correcting injustice. So we give advocacy came in the 1970s. In 1971, she the proper send-off to this giant, this agent wrote the brief for Reed v. Reed, 404 U.S. 71. This pushed of justice. “May her memory be for blessing.” As Molly the Supreme Court to extend the Equal Protection Conway, a writer for The Forward penned so eloquently, Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to women. “When you hear us say ‘May her memory be for a blessing’ In 1972, she was appointed as a professor at Columbia don’t hear ‘It’s nice to remember her.’ Hear ‘It’s up to us University School of Law, where she was not only the to carry on her legacy.’ When you hear us say, ‘She was a first woman to claim tenure, she also co-authored tzaddeket’ don’t hear, ‘She was a nice person.’ Hear ‘She the first law school casebook on sex discrimination. was a worker of justice.’” That same year she founded the ACLU’s Women’s ATXWOMAN.COM | 17

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Chicness In Strength, Courage & Consistency Chicness Nails epitomizes the resilience of small businesses. Owner Angie Tran knew when she re-opened the doors of her nail salon, her first priority had to be her customers’ safety and comfort. Through the pandemic, social unrest and an uncertain future, the Chicness Nails story proves that no matter what, “You have to keep your fire burning.”

Artist April Garcia explores modern-day feminism April Garcia is a woman inspired. Her desire to showcase women-identifying and non-gender specific artists propelled the creation of her show ChingonX Fire. But when the “stay at home” order locked Austin down, the future of her passion project was uncertain. One thing Garcia learned from her muses, however, is that nothing, not even a pandemic, can stop an artist from creating, learning and evolving.

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WIN THIS! Kendra Scott butterfly charm and necklace October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and thanks to the lovely team at Kendra Scott, we’re giving away this beautiful Breast Cancer Butterfly charm and necklace in vintage gold. This charm is dedicated to the strength of those affected by breast cancer. Fifty percent of the proceeds from each purchase of a Breast Cancer charm will support the research grant through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, The Kendra Scott Award in Honor of Holley Rothell Kitchen. To enter to win, follow us on Instagram @austinwoman and stay on the lookout for the giveaway announcement. We will choose a winner by the end of the month.

18 | AUSTIN WOMAN | OCTOBER 2020

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Bertha Rendon photo by Connie Vazquez . Angie Tran photo courtesy of Angie Tran. April Garcia photo courtesy of April Garcia. Charm photo courtesy of Kendra Scott.

We Are Vanessa Guillén In July, Arte Texas founder, Bertha Rendon, and 500 Austinites raised their voices to honor Vanessa Guillén. The young Army Spc.’s tragic murder sparked a nationwide rally to hold the military accountable for its history of covering up sexual assault. Rendon and her family have been at the forefront of getting the I Am Vanessa Guillén bill on the House floor.

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WOMEN IN NUMBERS

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. BY CY WHITE ILLUSTRATIONS BY JESSICA WETTERER

491 The SAFE Alliance has administered 491 sexual assault forensic exams to survivors of sexual violence.

101,963 The SAFE Alliance supplied 101,963 bed nights/days of care to survivors of violence and abuse.

6,628 The SAFE Alliance has provided services for 6,628 youth and adults.

32,981 The SAFE Alliance is comprised of 32,981 community members and professionals as well as 1,322 volunteers.

34,155 The SAFE Alliance has dedicated 34,155 hours to counsel, house and provide emergency care for survivors of violence and abuse.

22 | AUSTIN WOMAN | OCTOBER 2020

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STAFF PICKS

HOW DID WE SURVIVE LOCKDOWN?

The staff of Austin Woman shares what kept their spirits up during the pandemic.

MELINDA GARVEY FOUNDER

Wine, especially Twin Liquors delivery! Books: Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Wiener and Untamed by Glennon Doyle. Watching reruns of the Alias series (Jennifer Garner) with my family. (And yes, we may have a nerdy dance that we do to the theme song!)

OLIVIA HUNTLEY SALES ASSOCIATE

LESLIE WILLIAMSON SALES AND PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

During the quarantine, I decided that I am going to vehemently pursue the art of leather craft. I have also redecorated my apartment, in the process becoming a plant mother to an ivy I have named Blue. But I couldn't have made it through without my trusty canine companion, Patrick.

24 |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; AUSTIN WOMAN | OCTOBER 2020

All photos courtesy of respective staff members.

Three things that have gotten me through quarantine: Whole Foods delivery, cross-country adventures with my better half and our new rescued German Shepherd puppy, Kyrgios!

NIKI JONES CREATIVE DIRECTOR

The thing that really helped me maintain a state of well-being during the quarantine has been fostering dogs. My husband and I foster for Great Pyrs and Paws Rescue because we love the sweet nature of the Great Pyrenees breed. During quarantine, we’ve been fostering these gentle giants back to back, and it gave us something awesome to focus on, especially when they got to go to their amazing forever families.

DAWN WESTON PUBLISHER

MANAGING EDITOR

The three things that helped me through Mother Nature Timeout: Listening to an obscene amount of music with my cat, Avatar: The Last Airbender and James Baldwin.

KATY MABEE SALES ASSOCIATE

Got a puppy! Made sourdough starter and ate copious amounts of bread. Cheeseburgers from The Little Darlin’.

All photos courtesy of respective staff members.

The three things that have helped me survive quarantining long-term have been morning walks with the family, virtual coffee dates and happy hours and Bufalina pizza and wine carry out.

CY WHITE

ATXWOMAN.COM | 25

FROM THE DESK OF

AISHA WHITE

Dr. Aisha White offers 5 pieces of advice for women trying to heal after a traumatic health struggle BY AISHA WHITE ILLUSTRATION BY MADISON WEAKLEY

r. Aisha White has spent much of her career helping women who have survived breast cancer become reacquainted with their bodies. As the owner of Quintessence Plastic Surgery, White has performed various types of breast surgery, including reconstruction. For her, beauty isn’t just skin deep. Beauty is in the autonomy a woman has of her own body, the power she has to control her destiny. In her own words, “For some, plastic surgery is about beauty. For me, it’s about strength. When you are comfortable in your skin, you are empowered. Beauty shouldn’t fit a mold.” White has never presumed to know the extent of someone’s situation. Nor has she ever tried to give empty words of encouragement. This list features just some of her tips for healing the mind and spirit after surviving a traumatic health experience. With these five tips, she hopes to encourage women to embrace their strength and allow themselves permission and time to heal.

GIVE YOURSELF THE TIME TO HEAL; IT’S A PROCESS. “Women are very often the caretakers for their families. Given that, they often put everyone else’s needs and care before their own. In order to heal, it’s important to optimize your mental and physical condition. Slowing down and focusing on yourself is a necessary part of that process. And give yourself grace and patience. Healing takes time.”

EXPLORE AVAILABLE CLINICAL AND SUPPORT RESOURCES. “Often patients don’t realize how many resources there are available to them when going through a health struggle. There are numerous organizations developed to provide information and support for people experiencing specific health conditions. There are also various support groups focusing on specific health conditions. Tapping into those resources can lead to a wealth of knowledge and a community of people who understand what you’re going through.”

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP OR ACCEPT SUPPORT. “Your friends and family want to be there for you. Be open to them providing support. It is common for some people to disconnect from their usual support system when they are suffering health challenges, despite the fact this is likely a time they need them most. Establish whatever boundaries you are comfortable with, but don’t shut them out.”

FIND A HOBBY THAT ALLOWS YOU TO HAVE A MENTAL BREAK FROM THE STRESS OF WHAT YOU’RE EXPERIENCING. “Having an outlet is a great coping mechanism. Consider journaling. Take up yoga. Find a good book to read. Carve out a relaxation space in your home or a local park. Being in the right frame of mind is an important part of healing and getting yourself through mentally.” 26 | AUSTIN WOMAN | OCTOBER 2020

ALLOW SPACE FOR THE IDEA THAT YOUR BODY MAY NOT BE THE SAME AGAIN. “Women are susceptible to so many body-image pressures. So when health conditions result in undesired body changes, it can lead to a lot of stress. Sometimes these changes are temporary, but sometimes they're permanent. It’s important to remember that you are more than your body or any body part. I know that’s easy to say, but finding a way to embrace that mindset can be critical to your mental recovery.”

JUST DO IT “If you have an idea, I think you should just do it and don’t let yourself self-sabotage. Just start and see what happens. In the beginning, no one is paying attention to you yet. Just do it for yourself and do it for fun, and then all of that other stuff will come. I think we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make things really perfect and amazing. It doesn’t really have to be perfect and amazing, because you haven’t even done it yet.”

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TEXAS TRIPPIN'

THE HILL COUNTRY’S BEST-KEPT SECRET

There is so much to see and do in Comfort, Texas. STORY AND PHOTOS BY NIKI JONES

Nestled in the Hill Country somewhere between Austin and Kerrville, there exists a town so lovely the residents should be keeping it a secret. I discovered Comfort, Texas, accidentally. In the middle of quarantine, I decided I needed to jump in my car and just drive. Rolling through High Street, the town’s main road, I was struck by the old buildings and charming shops, most of which were closed at the time due to the pandemic. I vowed to return as soon as it opened back up. When I did a couple months later, I realized there was more to Comfort than I could have ever imagined. I was lucky enough to have a brilliant guide in Shirley Solis, a Comfort native who returned to enjoy her retirement and now volunteers with the Comfort Chamber of Commerce. I couldn’t have had a better host; Shirley knew everything about the town’s history and even showed me a road named after her family. When she handed me a meticulously planned two-and-a-half-day itinerary with appointments scheduled on the hour every hour, I wondered how there could possibly be that many things to see in Comfort’s 3.2 square miles. Turns out there were…and more. Originally a German settlement town established in 1854, Comfort has been referred to as the most well-preserved town in Texas. Historical markers are everywhere; “close to one hundred” historical buildings dating back to the 19th century, Shirley estimated. Notable architect Alfred Giles designed many of the buildings in the later part of the 19th century, including courthouses, hotels and even residences. The Treue der Union ("Loyalty to the Union”) Monument is just one of the many pieces of Comfort’s story; history buffs can easily do a deep dive into Comfort’s past. “This used to be…” became Shirley’s mantra as she showed me around this town of 2,500 residents. She recalled details from her childhood like it was yesterday and told stories that illustrated everyday life in this idyllic town. 28 | AUSTIN WOMAN | OCTOBER 2020

“Used to be” might sound bittersweet to anyone else who yearns for days past. In Comfort, however, everything that “used to be” is now optimized for maximum aesthetic appeal. Virtually every old building that has become a business in Comfort has been meticulously and thoughtfully preserved and restored with much care and the highest-quality materials. There’s nothing quite like a renovation of a historic structure when done correctly, especially when the original elements, wear and tear and history are left intact, juxtaposed with clean modern touches. In Comfort, those who have love for the history and the means for an allout renovation take on these projects, the large majority of which are for their own businesses. An old warehouse becomes a stunningly laid out home-decor store. An old Ford dealership becomes an eclectic shopping bazaar. An old filling station becomes the town’s cool pizza joint. An old bowling alley becomes a hip boutique bed and breakfast. The transformations are countless. The most stunning restoration is the Ingenhuett on High, one of the oldest buildings in Texas. Another Alfred Giles creation, this former general store was built in 1867. Thanks to Craig and Jeanine Leeder’s meticulous labor, it’s now an events venue. Painstakingly restoring the structure, some of which had fallen down due to a fire in 2006, the Leeders kept original elements and repurposed them, like the industrial floor-to-ceiling parts bins from when the building served as a John Deere dealership. The wall of bins now stands behind the massive original shop counter. Together they look like they were designed specifically for the striking events-center bar. The history of the building is evident in the walls that feature the char marks of the fire, the beauty of which one couldn’t duplicate if they tried. Anyone can see the soaring level of renovation and restoration everywhere in Comfort. The mixing of old and new isn’t the only thing that sets Comfort apart from the myriad charming Texas small towns. The sense of community in Comfort is robust. The people collaborate and support each other in a way I’ve never witnessed before. “This community is beautiful. Everyone in this town helps each other out,” remarked Kathy Asher, proprietor of Food for the Soul (where I was served the most delicious Thai coconut shrimp soup Kathy whipped up from ingredients that inspired her at the supermarket that morning) and Just Chillin’, an indooroutdoor wine-and-beer lounge on High Street that features live music. As I met business owner after business owner, I kept hearing the same sentiment on what makes Comfort so special to them: 100% of them raved about Comfort’s sense of community. When I asked High’s Cafe Owner Denise Rabalais what makes Comfort so special, she said, “Its history and its people, truly. There’s an essence…the people, the community.” And based on the number of locals visiting her restaurant, it’s clear

The Holekamp Guest Haus is a historic 1906 Sears kit house (ordered from the catalog!).

The crabcakes at High's Cafe are not to miss.

The Elephant Story is a not-for-profit organization promoting elephant conservation in Asian countries.

ATXWOMAN.COM |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; 29

they are happy to support her and her business (though High’s also gets a plethora of out-of-towners who come just to sample their fresh offerings in the bright, spacious former fire station). Most of the restaurant owners I chatted with mentioned they even get their ingredients from locals whenever possible. Shirley recalls how excited she was when she turned 12 years old and had to pay 12 cents instead of the kids’ price of 8 cents at the movie theater. Today that same theater houses a busy coffee shop (called, fittingly, The Lobby Coffee Shop) and a grand event space and brewery currently under renovation and restoration in the back. The owners, Russell and Rhonda Cravey, are painstakingly preserving elements of the original space while mixing clever design elements like a scrim at the back of the theater stage to feature the silhouettes of the beer vats. While the former theater will undoubtedly draw visitors from out of town, the Craveys hope the brewery will be as popular with the locals as their coffee shop is. (A happy bonus is that a portion of the proceeds of their Rescue Dog Coffee Company sales go to local dog rescues.) While getting visitors to Comfort is the goal for all the business owners I spoke with, they all seemed to agree there is a line they don’t want to cross where Comfort becomes like another certain Hill-Country town. From what I could tell, Comfort is about to enter the sweet spot where the town is bringing people in, but not so many people that it would mar the experience. In fact, once I returned from my trip and mentioned to various friends where I’d been, the overall response was some variation of “Oh, yeah, I’ve been wanting to check Comfort out.” “As the saying goes,” Russell Cravey remarked, “‘A rising tide lifts all boats.’” He couldn’t have summed up Comfort, Texas, more succinctly.

Lucy welcomes guests to Fiddlin Frogs boutique.

Comfort Coffee Co.'s modern look is a great addition to 8th Street Market, which used to be a Ford dealership in the 1940s.

30 | AUSTIN WOMAN | OCTOBER 2020

Studio Comfort offers both hands-on and virtual art classes.

Art class photo courtesy of Studio Comfort.

To read more about Comfort's not-to-miss businesses and attractions, visit atxwoman.com.

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WOMEN to WATCH Our pages are full of stories of Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most engaging, empowering and successful women, and this section is specially designed to provide you access to even more incredible role models and success stories. Be part of this amazing group and share your story with thousands of women. Contact us at sales@awmediainc.com or call 512.328.2421 for more information. PHOTOS BY ROMINA OLSON

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BRIONA JENKINS

PUBLIC SPE AKER AND ACTIVIST

iven the title “The love child of Oprah, Beyoncé and Michelle Obama,” Briona Jenkins is a Black, queer, female public speaker and activist. In 2019 she launched her podcast, “The Tea with Bri.” In 2020 she started her own company, Briona Jenkins Consulting. She has served on four boards here in Austin, has appeared on panels and stages all across town and on Dec. 4, 2019, she won the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce Rising Star Award. She’s also the subject of a documentary entitled Uncomfortable Spaces that will be released at the end of 2020. Visit brionajenkins.com or @brionajenkins on Instagram for more. Jenkins is featured as part of a photography series matching anonymous sponsors for Black-owned businesses and individuals in Austin. Taylor Prinsen is trying to make a tangible difference and elevate Black voices by doing what she does best—photography. To sponsor a shoot, contact Prinsen at taylorprinsen@gmail.com. brionajenkins.com

34 | SPECIAL PROMOTION

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Photo by Taylor Prinsen.

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BRANDI MCMURRY

OW N E R O F AU ST I N S K I N A N D W E L L N ES S

ustin Skin and Wellness is committed to providing medically sound, evidence-based skin-care and wellness treatments to help Austin women look and feel their best. Owner Brandi McMurry (pictured center) and her staff realize that no two people are alike, and they take great pride in creating highly personalized treatment plans for each client. McMurry has worked for 28 years as a skin-care specialist, which has led her to build a caring and intuitive environment at Austin Skin and Wellness. She and her expert team—physician assistant Kirsten Baker, registered nurse Jenny Smith and aesthetician Jen Miller (not pictured)—strive to offer the best care in the city. Austin Skin and Wellness services range from the tried-and-true like waxing and injectables to the latest treatments, including Emsculpt and a non-surgical face-lift with no downtime. At Austin Skin and Wellness, your unique beauty is always in the hands of trusted professionals. austinskinandwellness.com

ATXWOMAN.COM | SPECIAL PROMOTION | | 35 ATXWOMAN.COM 35

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AMANDA GARCIA

R E A LT O R A N D O W N E R O F S U N S H I N E R E A LT Y G R O U P

fter taking a leap of faith and leaving corporate America in 2017, Amanda Garcia started her journey in real estate. Since then, she has founded and operated a short-term rental business, The Nod, in multiple locations across the U.S., and launched a successful real estate brokerage, Sunshine Realty Group. Garcia, an active board member with nonprofit organization Rebuilding Together Austin since 2018, is an avid philanthropist who has a passion for giving back and making a difference. Her love of helping others reflects in her team where she offers mentoring, education, candid advice and monthly community service initiatives. Garciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success is based almost entirely on positive referrals. She earns the reverence of her clients because she works diligently on their behalf and always offers them sincere advice. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys cooking, making charcuterie boards, riding bikes with her husband and children and traveling. sunshinerpm.com

36 |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; AUSTIN | OCTOBER 2020 36 SPECIAL WOMAN PROMOTION | ATXWOMAN.COM

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AMANDA SCHRIDER-RHODES

GENER AL MANAGER OF BMW OF SOUTH AUSTIN

manda Schrider-Rhodes started as a salesperson in the automotive industry 21 years ago. She has held many positions within dealerships and even went on to start her own consulting firm. It was there where she began working with Hendrick Automotive Group in 2015. Now Schrider-Rhodes is proud to be one of the few female general managers in the company and runs BMW of South Austin, the second largest BMW store in the nation. She says working directly with customers is her passion. She “leads with love” and is striving to create a culture in her store that welcomes and empowers all people who walk through their door. That’s the Hendrick way. Amanda and her family moved to Austin last year and absolutely love it. “It’s the perfect place to raise our two little boys!” bmwofsouthaustin.com

ATXWOMAN.COM | SPECIAL PROMOTION | | 37 ATXWOMAN.COM 37

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HANNAH ALLEN

R E A LT O R A S S O C I A T E A T T O D D B R E A LT Y

annah Allen was born into a family of connectors. As a child, her family home was open to all visitors and eventually morphed into the Colcord House Bed and Breakfast. The experience of meeting travelers from around the world opened her eyes to many different perspectives. With a major in psychology and a family of mentors and advisors, her interest developed into counseling the most difficult human issues. Allen prides herself on her ability to help guide clients to their new homes, fueling her position as a high-producing realtor. She doesn’t help just clients to their new homes. Allen simply helps people. She also hosts “Kitchen.Table.Heart,” her cooking show on YouTube, where she invites top chefs and raises money for various local nonprofits. “This project combines my passion for food, feeding people and engaging my audience with worthwhile charities. I love putting my diverse passions all in the same place.” twelveriversrealty.com

38 | SPECIAL PROMOTION

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Photo by Kendell Peters.

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ANJI MADDOX

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR AND OWNER, SHE SPIES PRIVATE EYE, INC.

nji Maddox is a licensed private investigator in the state of Texas with offices in Austin, Round Rock and Dallas. Maddox has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and has previously worked for Travis County Adult Probation, Travis County Juvenile Probation and the Austin Police Department. She has been a private investigator for 18 years specializing in domestic matters, which include infidelity and child custody; however, she provides a variety of investigative services. Maddox has been featured on numerous TV news stations and several reality TV programs, showcasing her passion: helping others. She is a member of the Texas Association of Licensed Investigators (TALI) where she has formerly served on the Board of Directors. Her firm, She Spies Private Eye, was also named as one of the top investigations companies in the state. shespiespi.com

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EXPERT ADVICE ON COMMON MEDICAL TOPICS

GET TO KNOW

AUSTINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROVIDERS

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TRANSFORMING THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE By Jenny Aghamalian, VP of Public Affairs & Strategy at Sedera

Since 2014, Austin-based startup Sedera has been hard at work to create a new normal in healthcare.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, these misplaced values have only become further entrenched.

You may ask, aren’t we struggling with enough “new normals” these days, as 2020 continues to interrupt our routines and force a new status quo? But after 15 years of studying healthcare policy and 11 years balancing professional and parenting responsibilities, I believe now is the time to transform the patient experience and give individuals and families access to better healthcare choices.

This is why we created Sedera. Sedera is a nonprofit Medical Cost Sharing Community that offers an innovative, noninsurance approach for managing healthcare costs through direct member-to-member sharing.

Now more than ever we need options when it comes to managing our healthcare costs. Why now? The consequences of our broken healthcare system are becoming increasingly unbearable and unsustainable. Between rising costs, lack of price transparency, strict network requirements and copious amounts of red tape, caring for our families’ health is anything but simple. Efforts to reform the system are met with political positioning, government regulation and corporate interest. To make matters worse, these problems disproportionately affect women. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that women make 80% of the healthcare decisions for their families, but our current system prioritizes skyrocketing premiums and insurer profits over the wants and needs of most women.

Sedera members belong to a community of likeminded individuals who are active and engaged participants in their healthcare decision-making. Sedera believes the best care happens when patients have a direct relationship with their doctor, so we encourage members to explore another innovative non-insurance healthcare option: Direct Primary Care. Sedera and DPC memberships work so well together, we even discount the monthly contribution for our members who have a DPC. DPC practices offer comprehensive care to their patients using a monthly membership model. By cutting out third-party payers, DPC physicians can focus on treating their patients without heavy administrative burdens, making excellent partners for Sedera. Our passion is to be the change that we all want to see: a simple, transparent and timely alternative to the broken and overly complicated health insurance industry. Together, Sedera is giving patients the change they need now, here in Austin and beyond.

CUSTOM LOCAL CARE FOR YOUR LOVED ONE Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an errand to be run or the care of a loved one, Halcyon Homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seamless delivery and attention to detail is unique and exceptional in every way. Halcyon Home can provide both medical and non-medical services including home health and hospice. Using creative home solutions and highly trained personnel, Halcyon Home strives to create a tranquil, happy, peaceful life for you.

DR. KHAN OCULOPLASTIC SURGEON AND BOARD-CERTIFIED OPHTHALMOLGIST

DR. KHAN GOES BEYOND SKINCARE AND OFFERS VARIOUS TREATMENTS AND SERVICES SUCH AS:

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Austin • Bastrop • Bee Caves • Spring Branch Cedar Park • La Grange • Hallettsville Contact us today to learn more about our services and specials tru-skin.com • • 888.451.0139

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Austin Oral Surgery

For more than 45 years, Austin Oral Surgery has provided a legacy of exceptional care to Central Texans, offering 12 convenient locations, saving patients time and travel. AOS doctors are well trained in the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures. 512.591.9557 | Austinoralsurgery.com 12 Central Texas locations: Central Austin, North Central Austin, South Austin; Dripping Springs, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Lakeway, Temple, San Marcos, Marble Falls, La Grange and Pflugerville

Halcyon Health provides private-duty home care (nonmedical), home health (medical), pain & symptom management and hospice care for your loved one in their place of residence. Regional Director, Kristin Satsky, can provide a complimentary consultation on care options and determine the best in-home level of care to meet your loved one’s needs. Serving Austin and San Marcos areas. We also offer a private pay post-plastic surgery recovery suite with private rooms under nursing supervision in West Austin. 512.815.9009 | myhalcyonhome.com 8133 Mesa Drive

DERMATOLOGY

Skin Science Soul

Dr. Alina Sholar and her team focus on identifying each person’s unique lifestyle and beauty needs and take a scientific approach to learning about each woman’s skin physiology. We promote healthy, beautiful skin naturally. 512.646.2744 | skinsciencesoul.com 8305 Shoal Creek Blvd.

Tru-Skin

Our premier dermatology experts at Tru-Skin Dermatology specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all skin diseases. Tru-Skin is the first practice in Central Texas to treat non melanoma skin cancer patients with the revolutionary Sensus SRT-100 Vision. In addition, Dr. Daniel Ladd and his team offer cosmetic services, including skin-rejuvenation procedures, injections and laser treatments as well as offer eyelid surgery performed by our oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Tanya Khan. Come visit us at one of our seven Tru-Skin locations throughout Central Texas. 512.451.0139 | tru-skin.com 3500 Jefferson St., Suite 200 Bastrop: 3101 Highway 71 East, #203 Bee Cave:11612 Bee Cave Road, Suite 175 Spring Branch: 160 Creekside Park, Suite 300 Cedar Park: 701 East Whitestone Blvd., Suite 150 Hallettsville: 1400 E. Cemetery Road La Grange: 2 St. Mark’s Place #140

58 | 2020 GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH | ATXDOCTORS.COM

Sedera

Sedera Medical Cost Sharing is a refreshing noninsurance solution for managing large healthcare costs. Sedera memberships are available for individuals, families and businesses. Join the Sedera Community today to start saving. 855.907.0349 | sedera.com 7171 Southwest Parkway, Bldg 300, Suite 350

DIRECTORY WOMEN’S HEALTH

ARA Diagnostic Imaging:

ARA is a specialty healthcare organization dedicated to providing quality imaging services in Central Texas. 512.453.6100 | AusRad.com 13 locations in Central Texas: Central Austin, Midtown Austin, Southwest Austin, Cedar Park, Dripping Springs, Georgetown, Kyle, Quarry Lake, Rock Creek Plaza, San Marcos and Westlake

Texas Breast Specialist

For leading-edge surgical approaches and high-quality care, visit our fellowship-trained and dedicated breast surgeons at Texas Breast Specialists. Our surgeons compassionately collaborate with you to help you better understand your disease and develop a personalized surgical treatment plan. texasbreastspecialists.com Central Austin: 901 W. 38th St., Suite 300, 512.421.4111 Downtown Austin: 1015 E. 32nd St., Suite 306, 512.872.7200 North Austin: 12221 Renfert Way, Suite 120, 512.873.8900 Bastrop: 3107 Highway 71 E, 512.421.4111

Ascension Seton

Ascension Seton is here for you with compassionate and comprehensive services for women at all stages of life. With access to convenient locations for births and OB-GYN services throughout Central Texas and safety precautions, don’t delay care. SetonBaby.com

Cedar Park: 1401 Medical Pkwy., Building C, Suite 200, 512.260.6050 Georgetown: 1500 Rivery Blvd., Suite 2215, 512.260.6050 Round Rock: 2410 Round Rock Ave., Suite 250, 512.341.8724

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Our treatment center is exclusively for women and provides a nurturing and supportive community.

Ascension Seton Williamson Birthing Center 201 Seton Parkway, 512.324.4000 University Physicians Group Women’s Health 911 W 38th St., 512.324.8670 Ascension Medical Group Seton Women’s Health Williamson 301 Seton Parkway, #407, 512.324.4071 Kyle Parkway Ob/Gyn Associates 1180 Seton Parkway, #340, 512.504.0851 Seton Family of Doctors at Davis Lane 5301-B Davis Lane, #100, 512.324.8980

Specializing in: Major depression PTSD Anxiety and obsessive disorders Mental health issues related to fertility (loss of pregnancy, postpartum depression, breastfeeding and menopause)

No-cost assessments available 24/7 512.440.4800 | austinoakshospital.com

2020 GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH | ATXDOCTORS.COM | 59

MAKE ROOM

MAKE ALL THINGS PRETTY

Designer Brooke Anderson proves you can make a room pretty in form and retain its function. BY BROOKE ANDERSON

1. This family has a love of antiques but also loves things more modern in nature. So we chose to mix it up and combine the aesthetic. Antiques that had been in the family for generations were mixed with new modern art and a more clean architecture style. We all have family pieces that were handed down or antiques we’ve collected. Pick your favorites, then add something new to the mix. 2. When working with the wide-open spaces of so many of today’s newer floor plans, color flow is so important. While the “all white” house is very 60 | AUSTIN WOMAN | OCTOBER 2020

Photos courtesy of Bay Hill Design.

oday’s moments of being home more bring to light the realization of how we truly live in our rooms. The old adage “form over function” comes into play more and makes us question our living spaces more seriously. Do we want our rooms to look inviting, be styled, have a great aesthetic, be “pretty” (as this client asked for)? Or do we all want “comfort over everything else”? Brooke Anderson and her team at Bay Hill Design were not willing to give up either in this home they designed for their clients, who also happen to be close friends. Knowing them well, Anderson and team also knew how they wanted to live. But asking to make all things “pretty” was crucial. To that end, they went to work. Key components to making this room work for function and beauty are 1. a mix of more traditional elements with modern touches that anyone can attain, 2. use of color mixes and 3. choosing the right materials that look great but wear even better.

popular, we love that color is coming back to the forefront. If too much color is a big step for you, this is the way to add just a bit. Keep the overall palette neutral/light but add a pop of your favorite color. In this room, we’ve used a neutral off-white with pops of gray and Tiffany Blue and medium wood tones. The blue shows up in the sofa and pillows as well as in the art. As we move into fall, add your favorite color as a “pop” into your all-white or neutral rooms—as a pillow, art, accessories, accent wall, etc.

3. One does not have to give up beauty for function or comfort. Anderson incorporated some key design tricks that you can use to spruce up any space.

“” One does not have to give up beauty for function or comfort.

• Paint using a high- or semi-gloss paint. It not only gives an updated glamorous effect. It cleans up with an easy wipe and is family friendly. • Use washable velvets and linens. If you have a great sofa or chairs, but they are a bit tired, a way to refresh them this fall/holiday season is to re-cover or slipcover them. You can even re-buff any good piece if needed and give it new life with new fabrics. Then you can choose performance or washable fabrics. As the days get shorter and the cooler air approaches, “home is where the heart is” has never had bigger meaning for our generation. With that, we are living larger than life in rooms that truly embrace both form and function as we usher fall into our spruced-up spaces.

ATXWOMAN.COM | 61

FANNING THE

FLAMES OF

JUSTICE

Delia Garza, city council member and county attorney, is ablaze with plans to change the criminal justice system. BY JENNY HOFF PHOTOS BY RUDY AROCHA

In today’s political climate, a candidate needs to fight through heated campaigns, put out fires on a regular basis and resist the urge to accept failure. For Delia Garza, Travis County’s newly elected county attorney, these skills have defined her career. “Once you’re a firefighter, there are not many things that can intimidate you,” says Garza. She sits in a quiet corner of her East Austin home, connecting over video as she has had to do for months. Add to that running a campaign, working as an Austin City Council member, as well as mayor pro tem. “Maybe that’s a life lesson: When you do something hard, the next thing doesn’t seem as hard.” To run for office and win as the first Latina Austin City Council member and be the first Latina mayor pro tem, and when she was a firefighter, to become the first woman elected to the Austin Firefighters Association, Local 975’s executive board, Garza couldn’t be afraid to forge her own path, no matter how hard or intimidating it seemed. While part of that fearlessness may simply be her personality, Garza says a lot of it comes from forcing herself to overcome her failures instead of letting them define her. The first time Garza tried to become a firefighter she didn’t get hired. Although she grew up in San Antonio, where her father had been a fire chief and then fire marshall, Garza had never really considered that career path for herself. She studied journalism in college. When she began looking for a job that would get her to Austin, she discovered that the AFD was hiring. Naturally athletic and ready for a challenge, Garza decided to try out and felt deflated when she didn’t succeed. So she tried again.

62 | AUSTIN WOMAN | OCTOBER 2020

“I think that says a lot about who Delia is as a person,” says her longtime friend Mike Martinez. Martinez was part of her oral interview panel when she applied for the firefighter job. He later got her involved in the Austin city council when he served as a member. “She is just the type of person where, if she makes up her mind to do something, you can guarantee she is going to follow through. Even if she might not be successful initially, she has that leadership quality to learn from her mistakes and accomplish what she set out to do.” That kind of determination is what has pushed Garza to fight for causes she believes in, even if they could cause a public backlash. She was a proponent of reducing funding for APD, voting to reallocate certain divisions to other departments and increase funding for mental health professionals to respond to situations where they could be more helpful. She’s also been at the forefront of fighting for resources for Austin’s homeless population, believing that while allowing people to camp out in the city might be controversial, it’s necessary to confront the problem as a community. “Because of people seeing it more and it being an issue, we have dedicated more resources to it,” she says. “We passed a huge affordable-housing bond, the biggest the city has ever seen. At the end of the day, the people who need help the most are never the ones with the loudest voices on an issue. I wanted to do this because I wanted to help people who need it, and they are rarely the ones at the table.”

ATXWOMAN.COM |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; 63

64 | AUSTIN WOMAN | OCTOBER 2020

“”

You can’t be an expert on any issue unless you know how your opposition frames it. While Garza didn’t necessarily intend to follow in her father’s footsteps as a firefighter, his own activism has played a role in guiding her to fight for the underdog. Although he hadn’t completed more than an eighth grade education because he couldn’t afford shoes for school, he rose through the ranks in San Antonio’s fire department, not only as a chief and fire marshall but also fighting for union rights. While working full time and raising a family, he went back to school and completed a university degree, graduating the same year she graduated high school. While her mother never completed a college education, Garza and her sisters say she is one of the most self-educated women they know. She taught them to pave their own way instead of relying on someone else. “She’s always in our heads telling us we could do anything we want. We just have to work hard for it to get it,” says Lisa Armstrong, one of Garza’s two older sisters. “I think because we were all girls, we were also taught to do everything. We mowed the lawn, changed tires and never thought of things as girl roles or boy roles. Garza became a firefighter, our other sister became a game warden. I think that’s because there were never boundaries to what we could do.” Pushing boundaries is what Garza plans to do as county attorney. Aiming to reduce the racial disparity in Travis County’s criminal justice system, she considers her new role to be more than just putting criminals away. It’s about helping people avoid prison through more use of sober houses and other county resources. “The county attorney is a gatekeeper in a lot of ways and can decide if they are going to prosecute certain crimes,” she says. “You can decline to prosecute low-level drug charges or things like criminal trespassing. Sometimes people just have nowhere to go.” Garza says her career and life goals have always been more about advocating for others than just rising to the top. As a firefighter with multiple leadership positions and on track to go higher, she decided to quit and apply for law school when she turned 30 years old. She believed there was a different type of public service she was destined to do.

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“When she first told me she was leaving the fire department, I said, ‘What are you thinking? You could be the first female Hispanic fire chief in the entire country,’” says Martinez. “But she had made up her mind. I’ve heard her say, ‘Being the first is significant, but it’s more important to not be the last.’” After law school, Garza was an assistant to the attorney general’s office in the Child Support Division. Eventually she made her way to the city council after Mike Martinez appointed her to a commission debating whether members should continue to be elected at-large, meaning voted in by the city as a whole, or if they should be elected by certain districts. The aim was to better represent areas of town with lower voter turnout. “I remember reaching out to her and telling her that I’m not sure all single-member districts was the way to go. I thought we needed a hybrid system of some at-large and some district members. She called me and said, ‘I think we should go to all single-member districts. I know that’s not what you would like, but I think we should,’” Martinez recalls. “She did her work on that commission and made up her own mind. And it passed. 10-1 was formed, and she became the first Hispanic council woman in Austin’s history.” 10-1 refers to the change in the city council makeup, switching from seven at-large council members to 10 single-member districts and one atlarge mayor. Garza was elected to represent District 2 in Southeast Austin in 2014. Garza admits that having the confidence to go against the grain and even against the wishes of friends and family isn’t always easy, especially as she has pivoted her career and risked failure in new roles. Like anyone doing something they’ve never done before, she’s faced self-doubt about whether she has what it takes to make the right choices, especially when those decisions affect thousands of people or set precedents for future cases. In the heat of the runoff for County Attorney, Garza faced criticism about whether she had enough law experience to lead such a large department. She only worked for three years at the attorney general’s office after graduating from law school and before running for city council. But she learned a lesson early on that she says has given her the confidence to change course, even in the midst of uncertainty. “I remember having a conversation when I was a firefighter, talking to a specialist about how I was nervous about taking the test to be certified as a driver,” she recalls. “He told me, ‘You’re never going to feel like you’re ready, but you just have to do it. You’re not going to learn the job until you do the job.’ That had a huge effect on my life. And hearing a man say that showed me that everyone had these insecurities.” Garza knows she plays an important role in her community. Not only advocating for her constituents and now helping reshape Travis County’s crime statistics, but also as a role model for other Latinas who aspire to lead one day. “Her very first campaign was a rough one,” says Armstrong. “Even though it was hard for her emotionally, financially and even physically, she knew she wanted to do it and she knew on the other side it would be something for other Hispanic girls to look up to. Now that she is a mother of a little girl, it gives her even more motivation to break these barriers.” Stepping into an even more prominent role as county attorney, Garza knows she’ll have work to do as she tries to change the current demographic statistics within the criminal justice system. But as she’s learned in her career, sometimes bravery, hard work and the shifting winds of public opinion are all one needs to set fire to a system that seems inflammable.

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WHAT IS SOME ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO OTHER WOMEN WHO ARE CONSIDERING PUBLIC SERVICE? 1. “ Don’t be afraid to fail. I have learned the most when I have failed. That’s when you come back wanting more.” 2. “ Public service is hard but you can do it. Women are natural multitaskers, and that’s what you have to do in this job. We want to be compassionate about people feeling heard, and we are willing to negotiate more and maybe be a little less stubborn. It’s an important characteristic and needed in politics. It’s so important to have our voices at the table.” 3. “ Over prepare, over prepare, over prepare.” 4. “ You’re not going to know the job until you do the job.”

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“”

When you do something hard, the next thing doesn’t seem as hard. 3 QUESTIONS FOR DELIA GARZA

PLATFORM FOR COUNTY ATTORNEY:

You chose to come to Austin after college, and you’ve dedicated your career to the city. What are your favorite things to do here when you’re not campaigning or working?

1. Decrease racial disparities in the jail population

“We love going out to eat! That’s been hard during this time, we miss it. Our favorite places are Sap’s Thai Fine Cuisine, Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse and Polvo’s on South First.” What has it been like campaigning in a heated race for county attorney while also serving as a city council member and mayor pro tem during quarantine?

2. End cash bail 3. Fight criminalization of poverty 4. Lower prosecution of misdemeanor marijuana possession 5. Decline prosecution for low-level theft 6. P olicy of weapon forfeiture in domestic violence cases 7. Enforce environmental regulations

“My husband is very supportive. I don’t think you can do this work without a supportive partner. But one good thing that has come from this time is I am home much more. I’ll take my little girl on a bike ride, and we finally bought outdoor furniture and are using our backyard more.” Speaking of being home more, your schedule is pretty busy. How do you balance your public duties with your home life? “I learned to limit myself to committing to something only three evenings a week, otherwise I would not see my child all day. You have to set those boundaries.”

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ON THE ROAD TO SURVIVAL

Rebecca Contreras and Holly Christine Hayes use their stories to give back to the Austin community and help those who share similar experiences from their respective difficult pasts. BY SABRINA LEBOUEF PHOTOS BY KYLIE BIRCHFIELD 70 | AUSTIN WOMAN | OCTOBER 2020

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A LAUNCHPAD FOR CHANGE: REBECCA CONTRERAS

ebecca Contreras had only ever been on one other plane in her entire life. It was a trip to Mexico with her husband. “First time on a plane ride, first time in the ocean,” Contreras says. When she touched down after her second-ever flight, she took her very first step on Washington D.C.’s soil. Contreras made the decision to go north five days earlier when she was offered a job in then President George W. Bush’s administration. The task: manage more than 1,200 personnel for the president. Her husband and kids stayed behind in Austin, just for a short while. Six weeks and they would reunite in Virginia. But for now, she was moving alone. After landing, Contreras went straight to work. She rented a car for the first time and hit the road toward the transition office downtown near the White House. For about an hour, she circled the building, not knowing she was already at her destination. “You’ve passed the building 10 times,” said her friend, who was attempting to navigate with Contreras through a flip phone. The move to D.C. in January 2001 was a stark difference from her move to Austin as a young girl. Growing up in El Paso, Contreras lived with uncertainty. When she was five years old, her mother went to the grocery store and didn’t return. Contreras, her twin brother and her sixmonth-old sister were left alone. “That really did a number on my brain and my own self-esteem, or lack of,” Contreras says. It didn’t help that at that same age, Contreras was a victim of sexual abuse for the first time. Contreras’ grandmother was the only stability in her life amid the neglect, abuse and poverty. Yet at nine years old, she was forced to say goodbye to her and El Paso. Contreras’ mom had stopped using drugs and wanted to move to Austin with her children. “As a young girl who didn’t really have a relationship with her mother, it was a very difficult transition for me,” Contreras says. “My mom had started to get her life on track and tried to make sure she was dealing with her own personal issues, but [for] all intents and purposes, she really didn’t have a strong relationship with any of us.” In Austin, Contreras began smoking marijuana at age 14. It became a gateway to other drugs. Contreras then moved out of her mom’s house two years later. She got pregnant at 17 and dropped out of high school. When her daughter was born, Contreras had already moved back into her mom’s place in East Austin. By 19, she was ready to get her life back on track. “Once I had my daughter, I really understood that I had to do something different with my life and that the nonsense of repeating a cycle in my

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own family needed to stop for her sake,” Contreras says. She joined a Spanish church called Templo Sinai and surrounded herself with people who believed in her—faith leaders and pastors. There, she started attending counseling to work through her abuse and suppressed anger. She also enrolled in the Job Training Partnership Act, created to help single moms trying to get off welfare. The program guided moms through getting their GEDs and training in a specific skill of their choice. After living on welfare her whole life and never holding a job, Contreras set her sights on a new goal. “If I could just land a secretary job, I would accomplish it all,” Contreras says. In October 1989, Contreras walked in for her first day of work. She was to answer phones for Anne Richards, who at the time was the state treasurer and running for governor of Texas. This single job kicked off the next 10 years of a career in government that gave Contreras mentors, an education from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and an opportunity that took her all the way to D.C. “I really felt like the mission of government was centric to me wanting to do something bigger with my life than just myself,” Contreras says. “I didn’t want to just have a job to have a job. I really felt like I was making a difference.” After serving in Washington D.C., Contreras moved back to Texas in 2005. Even though she had another job offer for Bush’s second term, her daughter wanted to graduate high school with her friends in Austin, and that was Contreras’ highest priority. Back in the Lone Star State, Contreras and her husband, who also grew up an inner-city kid in a single-parent home, had a vision. They wanted to help those in the community who were like them growing up. In 2008, their vision manifested as LaunchPad, a nonprofit that provides resources to help disadvantaged youths and underserved families. The pair started with offering an after-school program at Dobie Middle School to serve students who were truant or dealing with issues like drugs. They worked with the middle school for eight years and served several thousand families before evolving the organization into more of a foundation model. LaunchPad now searches for community projects they want to support. With the pandemic, they recently worked to provide meals for almost 3,000 nurses and doctors. Contreras is still on the board for LaunchPad, but her main focus has since shifted to AvantGarde LLC, a consulting firm she co-founded in 2011. Her small business consults about 15 government agencies, including some on Capitol Hill. Similar to her 10 years rising through the ranks in government, Contreras has spent nearly a decade growing her business in stride. Today, AvantGarde LLC has produced more than $15 million in revenue and houses more than 100 employees across Austin, Philadelphia and the Washington D.C. area.

“”

Throughout her career, Contreras has been honored for her accomplishments. She has received the “Women in Enterprise” award from Enterprising Women magazine in January 2020 and was selected for the 2020 “Women 2 Watch” by the Women Presidents’ Organization. Back in 2017, the Austin Business Journal honored Contreras with the “Profiles in Power” award. That same year, Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Small Business Summit awarded Contreras the “Latina Entrepreneurial Excellence Award.” Contreras says it’s nice to get the recognition, not because she’s looking for it but because of the potential it has to motivate other Latina business owners. If she can create a booming business without an entrepreneurial background, anybody can. “We all have struggles and issues that we deal with, so I really believe in sharing my story with as many people as possible,” Contreras says. “I believe that it provides hope and inspiration for others that might be in the same boat or have a different journey.” This was the case for Maria Hernandez. She met Contreras through LaunchPad in 2008, where Hernandez was working as Dobie Middle School’s dropout prevention specialist. They both had a lot in common. Hernandez, too, had a troubled childhood. After watching her father murder her mother, she became a ward of the state. As a child, she experienced physical and sexual violence. This was later followed by domestic violence. By the time she met Contreras, Hernandez was afraid to make eye contact and speak in public. She was a mother to four children while her husband was in jail, so she relied on government assistance to supplement her low teaching wages. Contreras began to mentor Hernandez, helping her overcome her fears and raise her self-esteem. “She helped me be sure of myself and know that I don’t have to stay a victim just because I was a victim of domestic violence,” Hernandez says. “I’m a survivor.” Contreras eventually encouraged Hernandez to get off government assistance. Step by step, Hernandez worked to get off food stamps, then Medicaid, then Section 8 Housing. With each achievement came a celebratory phone call. “If it were not for seeing you and hearing your story, I would never think that was possible for me. You inspire me,” Hernandez told Contreras. Over the years, Contreras has found more appreciation for her story. Now 51 years old, she realizes the importance of stepping away from the grind of her work and dedicating time to sharing her experience with people unsure of how to start their own story. Contreras knows she didn’t have a great beginning. However, the punches she’s taken have contributed to the tenacity and resolve she holds today. “My past doesn’t define me,” Contreras says. “It’s an important part of my journey because without my past, Rebecca wouldn’t exist.”

My past doesn’t define me.

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FINDING HER SANCTUARY: HOLLY CHRISTINE HAYES

Holly Christine Hayes only started sharing her story roughly around 2015, when she launched Sanctuary Project, a nonprofit to employ survivors of trafficking, addiction and violence. “It takes a long time to heal enough to be open about some of the things we’ve been through,” Hayes says. Hayes herself is a survivor of sex trafficking. At 19 years old, she was caught up in drug addiction. She met the man who would become her trafficker at a party. Hayes’ dependence on drugs and alcohol was her escape from the pain of the sexual abuse she had experienced as a child. After she started dancing at a club and doing sex work, she would get drunk and high to cope with the humiliation. “He saw me from across the room and saw right into my soul,” Hayes says. “I think he targeted me from the beginning and could see how insecure I was.” Following the party, the man initiated a relationship with Hayes. He encouraged her to stop paying rent and to come live with him. When she had been there for a while, he asked Hayes to begin having sex with clients to help cover her living costs. He would collect the money. “I felt indebted to him,” Hayes says. “This is really common with a trafficking situation where they create a debt and a situation where you don’t have the ability to say no.” Hayes continued getting drunk and high. Eventually she stopped showing up for the jobs her trafficker lined up. She then became homeless after he kicked her out. On Feb. 10, 2001, Hayes found herself on the ground of a public bathroom, 21 years old and asking God for help. She had never believed before. That same night, she met someone who got her into a recovery program and an entirely new life. She’s been sober ever since. Hayes grew up in the San Francisco Bay area, but she moved around a lot before settling in Austin. She spent time with organizations across the globe that taught women coming out of trafficking how to make jewelry. The same organizations would employ and empower these survivors of trafficking through this new skill. Hayes wished to work for one of the organizations one day, with the goal of creating jewelry that appealed to Western women. However, her dream was put on hold for a few years after Hayes landed a job at The American Church in Paris. When Hayes moved to Austin in 2017, she tried looking for an anti-trafficking organization she could volunteer with but didn’t find many. She joined a program called Ascend Life Skills, which works with women in the Travis County Correctional Complex through mentorship and prayer. During her first time at the jail, Hayes shared her story. Looking back at her were women with tears in their eyes saying, “Me too.” Hayes had an epiphany. She could take her dream of working overseas and create her own organization to help women coming out of trafficking in America. She could give survivors the opportunity to transition into recovery.

“”

“I realized that the problem in Austin, Travis County and Central Texas was overwhelming,” Hayes says. “We were going to have no shortage of survivors to employ.” At Sanctuary Project, the proceeds from the jewelry sales go directly back to the organization to fund job opportunities for survivors. Working with the jewelry helps show survivors they can create something beautiful. It’s a feeling akin to shining shoes, one of the first jobs Hayes obtained in her recovery community. Each day at work, Hayes repeated the same action. She would take a dirty, cracked shoe and make it shiny again. It was a reminder that she could still be healed. When women join Sanctuary Project, they first go through a job training program where the Survivor - Leader Team recommends they only work eight hours a week to allow them time to adjust, attend counseling and focus on their healing. “People need space to heal, rebuild and grieve,” Hayes says. “This is not an overnight journey. I like to remind the women at Sanctuary Project to go easy on themselves and take their recovery journey slowly.” Hayes says this piece of advice applies to any woman’s healing journey. Time and space is necessary for healing, regardless of if it means putting other projects or obligations on the back burner. “Your heart is the only thing you’ll carry with you your entire life,” Hayes says. “At the end of your life, your job is not going to be with you. That degree is not going to be with you. The heart you’re carrying is all that will be with you.” So far, Sanctuary Project has employed 26 survivors, giving each individual the space needed to recover and the opportunity to create something new. Hayes had a vision for the jewelry the women designed as well. She wanted to create pieces that would become more than compassion purchases. She desired to craft jewelry American women saw as on trend. With this idea in mind, Hayes took inspiration from the Parisian, minimalist, dainty style. She then took it a step further. Hayes took the pieces and incorporated moments of sanctuary—branches to represent time in nature or elements of marble to mimic the pillars of a cathedral—as well as deeper meanings related to trafficking. When Hayes isn’t at Sanctuary Project, she’s at home with her husband and infant daughter on their five-acre farm. Hayes didn’t know if she would ever become a mother, and if she did, she wondered if she would even be good at it. Her time with Sanctuary Project changed her mind. After working with survivors, her fears lessened. She came to know how nurturing she actually was. There are moments she misses being at work, but Hayes hopes her daughter will grow up to understand and see that her mom is helping women on their paths to self-sufficiency. She also knows there will come a day when she will need to share her story. “I’m proud of the woman I am today. I don’t feel any shame or remorse about my past anymore because I get to see every day how it’s become my greatest gift,” Hayes says. “I just pray it’s the same with my daughter, that she hears that story and feels a deep sense of joy that she gets to be in on that story.”

Your heart is the only thing you’ll carry with you your entire life.

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RECIPE REVEAL

JOE’S BAKERY HOLDS TO TRADITION

Regina Estrada opens up about traditions in the new normal. BY KRISTI WILLIS

Regina Estrada isn’t just a restaurateur. She’s the caretaker of an Austin institution. As the granddaughter of Joe and Paula Avila, founders of Joe’s Bakery, Estrada works every day to stay true to the roots of her family and the legacy of their East Austin cafe. Over their almost 60 years in business, Joe’s Bakery has become well known for their heaping breakfast plates of huevos rancheros and migas, as well as arguably the best carne guisada in town. Each of those tasty dishes comes with an extra side, a strong sense of community from decades of investing in their East Austin neighbors. “It’s not just about being a business. We are very community driven,” says Estrada. “My grandparents were hard at work in the restaurant and didn’t have time to volunteer, so they sponsored baseball or softball teams and other local groups.” Even though she grew up in the restaurant, Estrada didn’t really understand how ingrained they were in the community until she started working with her family full time after college. Her mother, Rose Ann Maciel, encouraged her to make changes in the business, but Estrada understood that with so much history, she needed to be mindful of how those changes impacted the restaurant, as well as their neighbors and friends. Estrada made a point to seek advice from venerable community leaders who were also regular customers, like Senator Gonzalo Barrientos, Travis County Commissioner Richard Moya, Constable Maria Canchola and Mayor Pro Tem John Treviño. With their guidance, she started raising money for the Oswaldo A.B./Cantu Pan American Recreation Center Thanksgiving Dinner around 2012. Then she looked at how she could give more to neighborhood schools. Over time, the things Estrada was passionate about became linked to Joe’s Bakery. But there were limits to what Estrada was willing to change. “At the end of the day this was my grandparents’ blood, sweat and tears. I always ask myself how am I staying true to that dream,” says Estrada. “If I can check off those boxes, then it’s a good decision.” Some of the choices, like serving beer or alcohol, would add to profits but be in direct conflict with her grandparents’ vision, so they remain alcohol free. Joe’s Bakery is also still closed on Mondays, a respite for their team and the day the extended Avila family has dinner together.

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“There’s no separating work and family. My mom and I work together and she lives next door,” says Estrada. “My grandmother still gives me advice, and it’s very much a family affair.” The closeness of their family makes it easier to weather the challenges of running a restaurant for almost six decades. The trials of COVID-19 have been yet another set of obstacles they overcame together. On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Joe’s Bakery shut down the dining room an hour early to adhere to the City of Austin order for restaurants to move to takeout only. The next day Estrada had to find a way to take care of her family, her employees and her customers in the midst of a global pandemic. “I walked into the empty restaurant, with the lights off, and I asked myself how we were going to make this work,” says Estrada. She started digging through their supplies and created plans to transform Joe’s Bakery into a drive-thru. “I started grabbing baskets, table numbers and chalk. I called one of my employees to come help me make a video and we filmed how it was going to work for our customers,” says Estrada. “We already had a steady takeout business, but I had to figure out how to set up ordering outside. We turned each parking spot into a table number, and we moved the host stand to the parking lot. We were back at work on Thursday.” The most challenging part was helping her team learn a new way to serve alongside new safety procedures. She also had to find a way to protect her higher risk, older employees, some of whom have been with the restaurant for more than 50 years. “Everyone wears gloves and masks, and we ask customers to do the same even when they are in the cars,” says Estrada. “We divided the servers into teams—one works outside with the customers, and the other packages food and brings it to their outside partner. We made it work.” Estrada and her team are looking forward to the day they can serve customers in the dining room again, but they don’t want to rush it. “We miss visiting with our customers, but we have to keep everyone safe. That’s the most important thing right now, to keep our family safe.” That family extends well beyond Estrada’s relations and includes thousands of employees, customers and neighbors who consider Joe’s Bakery home.

JOE’S BAKERY HUEVOS RANCHEROS Recipe courtesy of Paula Forbes and The Austin Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from Deep in the Heart of Texas. Huevos rancheros: eggs how you want ’em, topped with ranchero sauce, served with tortillas on the side. Joe’s adds beans to the plate, as well as a couple pieces of their famous crispy, lightly floured bacon, so I recommend you do the same. This recipe calls for sunny-side-up eggs, but if you prefer scrambled, go for it. Ingredients 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 eggs Salt and black pepper, to taste 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) Ranchero Sauce Refried beans Bacon 2 flour tortillas, warmed Directions 1. Heat the oil in a skillet or nonstick pan over medium heat and crack two eggs into it. Lower the heat slightly and cook the eggs until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. 2. W hile the eggs are cooking, heat the ranchero sauce in a small pan.

Directions 1. In a medium pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, bell pepper, salt, cumin and garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. 2. A dd the chiles, whole and crushed tomatoes and two tomato cans’ worth of water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 40 minutes, stirring to break up the tomatoes; the mixture should be soupy. This will last in the refrigerator for about a week and up to two months in the freezer.

Photo by Robert Strickland.

3. T o serve, put the eggs on a plate and top with the ranchero sauce. Add the beans and bacon to the plate, and serve with flour tortillas on the side.

Ranchero sauce ingredients 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 cup (125 g) finely diced onion 1 cup (100 g) finely diced celery 1 cup (145 g) finely diced green bell pepper 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cumin 2 teaspoons granulated garlic powder 1 can (7 ounces/200 g) green chiles or jalapeños, drained and chopped 1 can (14 1/2 ounces/411 g) whole tomatoes 1 can (14 1/2 ounces/411 g) crushed tomatoes

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ON THE MONEY

SURVIVING A FINANCIAL CRISIS

Learn when to get help and how to talk down your debt. BY JENNY HOFF

A personal financial crisis can be as scary as a health crisis: You may feel very alone, very desperate and powerless to change it yourself. The good news is, a financial setback is not terminal. There are steps you can take to get out of it, and there are professionals available to help you do it. Suffering monetarily can come in many forms, from a major dip in your credit scores due to late payments or identity theft, an accumulation of debt that continues to snowball due to high interest rates or even just the sensation that at any moment, one small upset could leave you without any money to pay for your most basic needs. “If it’s causing you a lot of stress, if you’re afraid to answer your phone, if you dread going to the mailbox and seeing your bills, even if you’re keeping up but you have this sinking feeling, you are so much better off getting help now rather than later,” says Sally Herigstad, author of Help! I Can’t Pay My Bills: Surviving a Financial Crisis. Credit counselors can help you manage debt, work on your credit scores and even make a plan to save up for a house. Organizations like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) offer a

variety of counseling services and they advertise that no one is turned away, regardless of income level. If your credit scores are good but your debt is becoming unmanageable (you may be making your minimum payment every month but accumulating interest), one option is to apply for a no- or low-interest card and transfer your debt to that one card. It may come with an intro offer of 12-15 months without interest, giving you the chance to pay off the debt steadily over the course of many months. There will be transfer fees associated with the switch as well as a hike in interest once the intro period is up, but if you make a plan and pay off your debt in time, this can save you thousands in interest you would have otherwise paid. If you don’t qualify for a no-interest card, you can always attempt to negotiate down your debt with your creditors. There are companies that will help you in the process, but Hergistad suggests you try to do it yourself first. “When negotiating down your debt you’re gonna need some money to negotiate with,” she says. “If you’re flat-out broke, it’s not going to help you. If you can come up with some money and say to a creditor, ‘Will you take this much instead of the full amount?’ and show them a reason they should, they will often do that.” Most importantly, Hergistad says, be wary of taking out loans, either in the form of credit cards or car loans. “You need to avoid interest like the plague, be allergic to it,” she says. Unless it’s a home, which should increase in value over time, pay cash for everything. That way, in times of financial downturns you can concentrate on finding more work and building your wealth instead of surviving calls from creditors.

“” You need to

avoid interest like the plague, be allergic to it.

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October 2020

Articles inside

WAITING ROOM: 4 Tips for Breast Cancer Education and Prevention

I AM AUSTIN WOMAN Alexis Jones

ON THE MONEY Surviving a Financial Crisis

ASK AN EXPERT: What You Need to Know About Mammography

RECIPE REVEAL Joe’s Bakery Huevos Rancheros

DIRECTORY

ASK AN EXPERT: What is Oculoplastic Surgery?

AMANDA SCHRIDER-RHODES

STAFF PICKS How We Survived Quarantine

HANNAH ALLEN

AMANDA GARCIA

FROM THE DESK OF Aisha White

BRANDI MCMURRY

BRIONA JENKINS