STAFF PICKS
WHO DO YOU CONSIDER LOCAL CHAMPIONS OF EQUITY AND INCLUSIVITY?
The Austin Woman staff look at women and businesses who are intentional with their inclusivity.
JESS BUGG EDITORIAL INTERN
ANNE COX PRODUCTION MANAGER
I love keeping up with Future Front TX (formerly Boss Babes ATX). I think they’re a wonderful organization championing equity and inclusivity in everything they do. Last year, I went to their Front Market and got to meet and shop with so many diverse artists and makers. I easily spent way too much money, but it was well worth it to support local women and minority-owned businesses.
18 | AUSTIN WOMAN | FEBRUARY 2022
All photos courtesy of respective staff member.
It’s inspiring to see equity and inclusivity promoted organically through someone simply doing what they love. Joyce Ni is the co-founder of PlowBao and is doing just that. PlowBao is a food truck that serves dim sum, bao and Chinese fusion. It also happens to be vegan. PlowBao is the first business to come out of an employee-to-entrepreneur program created by Isaac Mogannam, owner of Plow Distribution (Plow Burger). Ni realized there weren’t many plant-based options for Chinese cuisine in Austin and pitched PlowBao. With a passion for food sustainability, she is tirelessly working to provide Austinites with more food options for environmental, dietary (food allergies) and ethical reasons. Although her recipes are loosely based on more traditional ones she remembers from her childhood, they are very much her own. All of PlowBao’s packaging is also completely compostable and biodegradable. Through PlowBao, Ni also regularly partners up with various animal sanctuaries and rescues offering her time and money while promoting kindness to all.
