November 2023 by Austin Woman Magazine

since

This magnificent bedroom is 100% made in Italy and is a perfect blend of elegant finishes and contemporary design. The combination of natural walnut and high gloss panels comes together to offer a unique blend of warmth and sophistication. By employing the latest in modern manufacturing while remaining conscious of our environment, our Italian bedroom offers exceptional quality and a truly distinctive look and feel. These items are available from stock for quick delivery. King bed $2498 Queen bed $2298 (mattress and bedding not included) Nightstand $755 each Dresser $1788 Desk $1595 Chair $398 Mirror $598 Dining collection also available.

www.copenhagenliving.com

bella clara. an unusual commingling of style and material creates a look that is all its own. simply stunning. Available locally at Copenhagen

furniture & accessories for your modern lifestyle AUSTIN 2236 West Braker Lane 512.451.1233

SAN ANTONIO 18603 Blanco Road 210.545.4366

LURLEEN LADD A Collection of Soulful Christmas Classics

Album Release November 30th Scan to download

2 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2023

“Even during our worst time they took care of us. We never considered going anywhere else.” –Katherine

See how the most compassionate and comprehensive high-risk pregnancy care helped make Katherine Ortiz’s dream come true. Learn more by watching “Hope Lives Here” at stdavids.com.

The Best Is Here. ATXWOMAN.COM | 3

The EDUCATION they need. The OUTCOMES you want. Top-performing, Tuition-Free, Grades K–12

2024-25 School Year Open Enrollment is November 1 – December 13

1605 Kramer Ln., Austin

1217 S. 10th St., Pflugerville

165 N. Lakeline Blvd., Cedar Park

Apply Now at enrollBASISTX.com

4 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2023 *2022 TEA

40 FEATURE

FEMALE-LED FINTECH BY JENNY HOFF PHOTOS BY KOREY HOWELL

48 FEATURE

A LOAN EXPERIENCE JUST FOR US BY HANNAH NUÑEZ

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November CONTENTS 18

Ph.D.(c)

FROM THE DESK OF Sara Hussey

FROM THE DESK OF Allegra Moet Brantly (Factora)

MENTAL HEALTH IS WEALTH Shonté Jovan Taylor, M.Sc.,

FINANCIAL FUTURES Staywood Design

16 24 34 Holiday

GIVE BACK Preservation Austin

ON THE MONEY

GIFT GUIDE

Gift Guide

I AM AUSTIN WOMAN Claire England

ARTS IN REVIEW

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WOMAN to WATCH

26 STACY ARMIJO 27 LAUREL TRACY 28 REENA KAVEN 29 NIKKI MAPLES & MEAGAN JONES 30 LAURA RAMOS JAMES

6 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2023

31 CRISTINA GARCÍA CHAPPELL 32 PAM FRIEDMAN 33 LAURIE CANEPA, TARA JAMES, STEPHANIE ANDERSON

S CA N TO SHOP OUR CURRENT SPECIALS

T WI N LIQUO RS .COM

*Twin Deals apply to identical bottles of wine or spirits. No further discount on sale items, closeouts, final few, price matching or mix & match wine discounts. Does not apply to beer, accessories, mixers or cigarettes. Discount cannot be stacked onto special promotions, competitor pricing or other quantity discounts.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

Sponsored Content

How to Invite Hygge Into Your Home This Holiday Season

The plush knit of your favorite sweater. A sip of hot chocolate on a cold morning. Late evenings with friends around the dinner table, laughing and sharing stories. Because it’s easy to get caught up in life’s hustle and bustle, the practice of slowing down and embracing precious moments, spaces and people is more important than ever at this time of year. This idea is especially alive and well in Danish culture through the concept of hygge. Emily Hansen, web and marketing manager at Copenhagen Living, explains that though hygge is often translated to “coziness” in English, the word has a range of nuances. “Hygge describes a feeling of balance, contentment and warmth, how people come together and the ambiance that’s created,” she says. “Cozy has to do with the setting—a room is cozy. However, hygge is created by people and the flow of energy, experiences and a feeling of closeness, whether that’s with other people or just with yourself. Sitting alone with a book and cup of tea, relaxing and savoring centeredness, comfort and quiet can also be hygge.” If you’re seeking to channel hygge for yourself and your loved ones this holiday season, Hansen is full of helpful tips. “Think about arranging your living or gathering space to encourage a feeling of warmth and togetherness,” she advises. “For example, you can move seating into closer, conversation-friendly formations or layer on the throws and

pillows, whether it’s your favorite well-worn blanket or something new like a plushy bolster you love.” Indeed, hygge can depend strongly on the sensory environment of a space. Aim for physical warmth, comfort and softness, whether you decide to turn on the fireplace or break out your fuzzy socks. Hansen also recommends bringing yellow-toned light into a room, especially candlelight, which can create a charming ambiance on a chilly night. Your favorite music, comfort foods, hot beverages or scented diffusers can also evoke hygge for you and your guests. You may enjoy assembling a playlist with everyone contributing songs they love, cooking up tasty treats as a family or gathering a group to make holiday crafts. Hansen says, “An easy way to feel hygge is surrounding yourself with what brings you joy—place your favorite items like books or trinkets somewhere where you can appreciate them and relax.” She continues, “My recliner from Stressless is my favorite place to curl up and enjoy a conversation, book or movie, or cuddle with my puppy. Because Stressless recliners are supportive and ergonomic, they’re the ideal spot for rest and rejuvenation. “Another one of my favorite things are my tomte figures,” Hansen adds. “Tomtes, also called nisser in Denmark, are the gnomes that have become popular in recent years. Their soft wool beards and cozy hats are full of personality, and having them around my home adds a festive spirit.” One more powerful way to experience hygge is to practice holiday traditions, whether they are ones passed down through your family or new ones you create for yourself. For instance, Hansen says, “A Danish tradition at Christmas time is lighting an advent candle on each day of December until Christmas Eve. I enjoy a deep sense of contentment and appreciation when I light the candle and spend a few moments watching the flicker and movement of the flame and contemplating the day’s events.” Perhaps central to the experience of hygge is a sense of gratitude and being present in the moment. Hansen advises, “Close your eyes and take a breath, or spend a few moments simply looking and appreciating. Giving care and thought to your own relaxation and enjoyment can help you tend to that of others. After all, there’s nothing like the feeling of warmth, mirth and peace that comes from spending time with friends and loved ones in a space that feels just right.”

Stressless® Emily Sofa

Whether you’re hosting a party or simply wearing your coziest outfit in your favorite chair, embracing hygge can help you fully experience the joys of the season and make memories you’ll cherish. If you need inspiration for your interior, Copenhagen is here for you with a selection of beautifully crafted furniture, accessories and gifts to turn any home into a haven of hygge.

CopenhagenLiving.com ATXWOMAN.COM | 19

Join us for an incredible evening supporting affordability!

Saturday, November 4th --Four Seasons Austin

Ruby Dice Live Music

Daranesha Herron Emcee Plus Exclusive Live Auction Items

20 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2023

Tickets Available Now

ATXWOMAN.COM | 21

Give BACK

Protecting the Places and Stories That Make Austin, Austin Preservation Austin prioritizes underrepresented heritage as our city changes. BY STACEY INGRAM KALEH

s our city rapidly grows, four women at the helm of local nonprofit Preservation Austin are dedicated to advocating for the historic places that contribute to our authentic identity as a community—and they want to bring everyone into the conversation about what’s important to hold on to as Austin continues to change. While saving historic buildings, sites, murals and other aspects of the city’s built environment is foundational to preservation work, the organization’s mission to empower all Austinites to shape a more inclusive, resilient and meaningful community culture goes beyond brick and mortar to tell the stories of the people who bring those places to life. What we protect and preserve as a city has a direct correlation to whose stories are being told and who is represented in the larger narrative and history of Austin.

2022 Preservation Merit Awards 22 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2023

Just 15% of City of Austin Landmarks honor women, African American, Mexican American and Asian American Austinites. There are zero historic landmark sites that honor indigenous or LGBTQIA+ communities.

Photo by Katherine O’Brien.

Estrada’s Cleaners from EABL photo courtesy of Preservation Austin.

Estrada’s Cleaners from EABL

Preservation Austin was the first organization to pull together local, state and federal historic designation lists to do this math on whose history has been honored in our city to date. According to Executive Director Lindsey Derrington, “These imbalances reflect national imbalances. Austin isn’t any worse than any other place in America, but this data provides a starting point from which to make things right.” Preservation Austin considers the protection of historic underrepresented heritage sites atop advocacy priority for the community. “We are a citywide nonprofit, and we really want to make sure that we serve all neighborhoods,” says Derrington. “We are very intentional when it comes to diversity—racial, ethnic and generational—both internally across our leadership and in our advocacy work and programs. We want everyone to see themselves reflected in our community.” Since 2016, Preservation Austin has funneled more than $200,000 directly to neighborhood groups for home repairs, restoration projects, local historic designation initiatives and education and storytelling efforts that feature diverse perspectives through their grant program. Derrington says that while the grant amounts may seem small—ranging from $1,500 to $10,000—they are very meaningful. Recent grant recipients have included homeowners in the RogersWashington-Holy Cross Historic District, Austin’s first historic district honoring Black heritage and the Guadalupe neighborhood in East Austin; Roberts Clinic on San Bernard Street, a small proprietary medical clinic built by Black physicians during a period of segregated medical practices; the Stolle-Sweatt House, which was once home to civil rights activist Heman Marion Sweatt; and media producer Karen Kocher for her animated documentary film Jump: Swim-ins at Barton Springs about the essential role of youth activism

in the desegregation of Barton Springs. Preservation Austin grants have also supported larger organizations such as Huston-Tillotson University and the Paramount Theatre. The nonprofit’s support for local communities goes beyond the dollar. A small but motivated team of staff, board members and volunteers works together to provide support to individuals and neighborhood groups by helping with research, sharing resources and meeting space, advocating for policies that support what they are hearing from communities about their needs and more. “We’re asking communities that maybe haven’t received support what’s important to them and why,” explains Derrington. “Sometimes it’s community spaces or family homes.” She shares the story of a local woman who had long wanted to fix up her grandmother’s house and is now able to do so. “Sometimes there are places and stories that now only exist in people’s hearts and minds, and it’s important to celebrate those, too.” For Preservation Austin, celebrating those stories comes in many forms. Neighborhood-specific initiative the East Austin Barrio Landmarks Project connected with community members to document significant Mexican American heritage sites in East Austin and Downtown and resulted in a selfguided bike tour, blog, five state historical marker applications and an in-depth guide to the Holly Street Murals. Citywide programs like the annual Homes Tour, which for 30 years has provided public tours of often privately owned spaces to give participants the opportunity to experience Austin’s unique and diverse built history firsthand. Launched this year, Preservation Austin’s Legacy Business Month asked Austinites to support businesses that have been serving the community for at least 20 years. ATXWOMAN.COM | 23

Phillips House in RWHC

Briones House from EABL

Anyone can help protect the places and stories that mean the most to them by becoming a Preservation Austin member, volunteering, making a donation and participating in advocacy efforts. Learn more at PRESERVATIONAUSTIN.ORG.

Calhoun House in RWHC

24 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2023

Phillips House in RWHC photo by Lauren Kerr. Briones House from EABL photo courtesy of Preservation Austin. Calhoun House in RWHC photo by Lauren Kerr.

In the coming year, Preservation Austin plans to hire three interns to help conduct research and develop lists of the important community spaces and buildings that tell the story of transformative change led by women and LGBTQIA+ Austinites. According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, data shows that preservation and funding of historic areas can benefit women and minority-owned businesses and slow the effects of gentrification and displacement. Preservation Austin looks forward to using preservation as a tool to help our city grow thoughtfully and in a way that advances equity and agency. Derrington sees a big opportunity for Austin. “Preservation can strengthen our community and our connection to community. It can be very empowering when we get to see ourselves reflected in the place where we live. Legacy businesses and historic neighborhoods…that’s what makes a really world-class city.” When viewing the full picture, the story of Austin is diverse, rich and complex. Everyone has a story to tell about why they love to call this city home, and it’s not hard to imagine that much of the love about the city exists thanks to those who lived here in Austin’s earliest days and were foundational in establishing the historic neighborhoods, legendary live music venues, iconic restaurants and celebrated traditions still making the city vibrant today. Each Austinite plays a role in supporting and carrying forward the places and stories that make Austin, Austin. “For anyone who is concerned or heartbroken about the state of Austin, the pace of development and the closures and demolitions, supporting Preservation Austin is the best way to take action around those feelings and reclaim agency and help shape how we grow as a city.”

ATX

WOMEN to WATCH Our pages are full of stories of Austin’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.

SPECIAL PROMOTION | ATXWOMAN.COM ATXWOMAN.COM | | 25 25

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WOMAN to WATCH

S TA C Y A R M I J O

AMPLIFY CREDIT UNION | CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER

tacy Armijo is the chief experience officer for Amplify Credit Union, overseeing nearly $3 billion in assets across Austin. She leads the marketing, retail, payments and talent teams, ensuring a seamless experience for members, employees and the community. Armijo has extensive experience in the marketing profession, having served as the national board chair for the American Marketing Association, and holds various local and national roles. She is actively involved in the Austin community by serving on the executive board of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, as a member of the Austin Area Research Organization, and in leadership positions for organizations like The New Philanthropists and Leadership Austin. Armijo has been recognized as a “Woman of Influence” by the Austin Business Journal and holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from UT Austin. She enjoys spending time with her two boys and experimenting with cocktail recipes as an amateur bartender. goamplify.com | @stacy.armjio

26 | NOVEMBER 2023 26 | AUSTIN SPECIAL WOMAN PROMOTION | ATXWOMAN.COM

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WOMAN to WATCH

LAUREL TRACY

G R AC E & E M E R G E R E C OV E R Y T X | M A N AG I N G PA R T N E R

aurel Tracy co-founded Grace & Emerge Recovery TX, a women’s trauma program committed to helping women rebuild their lives. After sustaining a series of injuries that ended her college soccer career, Tracy spiraled into addiction, necessitating professional intervention and support. In 2012, she found a path to recovery and began working in the behavioral health field shortly after, dedicating her career to helping others find purpose and regain peace. The recurrent thread throughout Tracy’s recovery has been the willingness to confront difficult truths. The necessary courage comes from a powerful network of women walking alongside one another. She has become an unwavering advocate for change by combatting misconceptions associated with mental health, trauma and addiction, and raising the standards of women’s treatment. emergerecoverytx.com | @emergerecoverytx

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R E E N A K AV E N

MANTRA WELLNESS, TRIBE CBD + CANNABINOIDS, GRÜN FINE HERBAL GOODS | FOUNDER AND CEO

s an indigenous woman (Ojibwe, White Earth Clan), celebrating natural wellness and plant medicine is not just a November occasion, but part of Reena Kaven’s everyday life. Almost 20 years ago, Kaven made a conscious shift from successful NYC securities attorney to entrepreneur in Austin, starting three local businesses, all focused on natural health. Currently, she is the owner of Mantra Wellness, a massage and skin care studio and wellness boutique. Mantra provides advanced muscle therapy and bodywork, natural skin care and, most recently, accessible Ayurveda. Kaven is also co-founder and CEO of Tribe CBD + Cannabinoids, an upscale cannabis store in Central Austin, offering a warm and welcoming environment to learn about, and shop for, plant medicine. After several years as a national speaker and educator on the use and application of hemp and adaptogenic herbs, Kaven also founded Grün Fine Herbal Goods and is currently formulating new blends to enhance women’s lives. mantrawellness.co | Tribe.shop | @mantrawellnessatx | @tribeshopatx

28 | NOVEMBER 2023 28 | AUSTIN SPECIAL WOMAN PROMOTION | ATXWOMAN.COM

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WOMAN to WATCH

NIKKI MAPLES AND MEAGAN JONES M A P L E S | J O N E S , P L L C | AT T O R N E Y S

ikki Maples and Meagan Jones are partners at Maples | Jones, PLLC, promoting creative legal solutions, community outreach and adventure. The two are close friends, family law attorneys and business partners in the Austin-based family-law firm. While they both attended the same law school in Michigan (at different times), they connected in Austin and soon learned they shared many common passions. These adventure enthusiasts have sailed, hiked and scaled mountains together. The duo is also dedicated to enriching the Austin community with their committed involvement in local charities and organizations. However, their shared beliefs are most strongly reflected in their legal practices. Maples, Jones and their talented legal team commit their energy to seeking favorable results for their clients while remaining steadfast in their approach to finding creative and smart solutions in any situation. These women advance the practice of law by acknowledging the uniqueness in each and every client and advocating for resolution in family law disputes. maplesjones.com

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L AU R I E CA N E PA ,

MANAGING DIRECTOR – CENTR AL AND SOUTH TE X AS;

TA R A J A M E S ,

DIRECTOR, ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE SE ARCH;

STEPHANIE ANDERSON, MANAGER, ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE SEARCH | STEVENDOUGL AS

he StevenDouglas Central Texas accounting and finance search team based in Austin consists of Managing Director Laurie Canepa, Director Tara James and Manager Stephanie Anderson. Canepa joined StevenDouglas two and half years ago to expand this established national firm into the state of Texas. During that time, this team, with more than 30 years of combined accounting and finance recruiting expertise, has gained tremendous momentum in the Central Texas area, more specifically Austin, now ranking as the third searched firm in the Austin area. The differentiator for this firm is their uncanny ability to build and cultivate long-term client and candidate relationships, their deep technical understanding of accounting and finance and their knowledge of the Austin market. stevendouglas.com | @stevendouglashq 30 SPECIAL WOMAN PROMOTION | ATXWOMAN.COM 30 | AUSTIN | NOVEMBER 2023

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LAURA RAMOS JAMES

R A M O S J A M E S L A W, P L L C | AT T O R N E Y

inner of Austin Woman magazine’s 2023 Woman’s Way Award for Professional Services, Laura Ramos James is one of the top attorneys in Austin as well as one of the most recognized female lawyers in the state. Ramos James is the founder and owner of Ramos James Law, PLLC, a personal injury law firm headquartered in Austin that represents injury victims in cases of serious injury, sexual assault and death. As a survivor of a catastrophic injury herself, Ramos James understands her clients’ plight for justice as few other lawyers can. The most significant influence in her life was becoming the mother of two little girls. She has been named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers for several years, Up-and-Coming 100: Texas Rising Stars and Up-and-Coming 50: Women Texas Rising Stars in 2023. Ramos James is a lifetime member of the coveted Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers. ramosjames.com

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PA M F R I E D M A N

R O B E R T S O N S T E P H E N S W E A LT H M A N A G E M E N T | M A N AG I N G D I R E C TO R , P R I N C I PA L

Pam Friedman is a woman to watch in financial planning and investment management. She is managing

director and principal of Robertson Stephens wealth management, the founder of Divorce Planning of Austin and a lecturer for The University of Texas’ McCombs School of Business. Wealth Solution Report recently recognized her as the 2023 Woman Financial Planner for the Year.* As a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Friedman is passionate about educating her clients to help them develop their financial plan through all of life’s transitions. She is on a mission for women to be more informed about their money, especially in the context of their relationships. Whether you are getting married, living together or ending your relationship, her books on the subject, I Now Pronounce You Financially Fit and Financially Fit Divorce, are important reading. rscapital.com/team/pam-friedman-cfp-cdfa | @robertsonstephens *Investment advisory services offered through Robertson Stephens Wealth Management, LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. © 2023 Robertson Stephens Wealth Management, LLC. All rights reserved. See rscapital.com/disclosures for more information.

32 WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2023 32 | AUSTIN SPECIAL PROMOTION | ATXWOMAN.COM

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CRISTINA GARCÍA CHAPPELL

PA S T R A N A & G A R C Í A I N J U R Y L A W | P E R S O N A L I N J U R Y AT T O R N E Y

orn in Mexico and raised in a society marked by significant inequality, Cristina García Chappell developed an unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth in situations of injustice. Upon moving to Austin in 2006, she joined the Consulate of Mexico. In 2007, she accepted a diplomatic assignment as the chief of staff for the ambassador of Mexico in China. In 2009, she found her true calling at Steve Pastrana’s Personal Injury Law Firm. Pastrana became her mentor, sharing and teaching his extensive knowledge in the field. She shortly became a crucial team member by helping countless injured clients secure the compensation they rightfully deserve. Her exceptional track record and achievements culminated in her promotion to an equal partner in 2020. Since then, she has secured multimillion-dollar settlements for her clients, who are majority members of the Hispanic community in Central Texas. She currently is the managing partner at her firm Pastrana & Garcia.

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Holiday Guide

Gift

Gift ideas for the ones you love. TONI’S TOFFEE Award-winning Chocolate Almond Toffee We have six flavors of toffee: original, dark, rosemary, spicy, pumpkin, plain. Female-owned, locally based toffee company, we can customize any size with any flavor. This holiday season, our award-winning chocolate almond toffee takes center stage as the perfect gift. It comes in an elegant silver tin, adorned with a dark green sheer ribbon and topped with a festive red jingle bell. Inside, savor our scrumptious buttery chocolate almond toffee. Price: $14 to $60 tonistoffee.com @tonistoffee @tonistoffee

RETAIL THERAPY AT THE COLLECTIVE ATX Clothing and luxury hair products and services for the modern woman. Looking for that special outfit for the holidays? Retail Therapy, the new boutique pop-up inside The Collective ATX, is your one-stop shop for all your fashion and hair care needs. From casual to festive, Retail Therapy has you covered. Specializing in luxury hair brands including Oribe, Kérastase and R+Co, The Collective ATX offers a wide range of products to protect, enhance and beautify your hair. Located in the Lamar Union Plaza, The Collective ATX is Austin’s favorite salon for the modern woman! thecollectiveatx.com @thecollectiveatx_ @needsomeretailtherapy

ADDIE ROSE AUSTIN This holiday season, ditch the hassle of scouring the shopping center for just the right gifts. Our one-stop shop will save you! Our selection of carefully curated home and fashion brands—like Rollas, FRNCH Paris, Daze Denim—as well as tons of affordable accessories make it simple to find something great for them or you! Still not sure what to get or give? Book a complimentary styling session with your very own personal stylist! For the finishing touch, get 20% off your first order when you scan the QR code, follow us on IG and bring in this magazine! Shop smarter and easier this season at Addie Rose Austin. Price: $20 to $200 AddieRoseAustin.com @addieroseaustin @addieroseaustin

34 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2023

NATURE’S TREASURES OF TEXAS Gemstone Perfume Oil Bottle Necklace Available in a variety of stones and styles! These natural stones have been carved into elegant gemstone perfume oil bottle necklaces with a removable cap. Perfect for carrying your favorite oil or perfume with you anywhere on the go! Each stone has its own unique energetic benefit. Chain included. Price: $28 naturestreasuresatx.com/products/polished-gemstoneperfume-oil-bottle-necklace-aroma-oil-bottles-brazil @NTRocksTX @naturestreasurestexas

HEY GORGEOUS WAXING AND SKIN STUDIO Black Friday Deal: Free $50 services gift card with $100 gift card purchase. Announcing our Black Friday Gift Card Special! Nov. 24 through 27, purchase one gift card for $100 and get a free $50 services gift card*. Only two free gift cards per person/purchase. Free gift card may only be used toward services only, not product or gratuity. Free gift card will be a physical gift card held at the studio.* Price: $150 to $250 heygorgeousaustin.com @HeyGorgeousStudio @heygorgeousaustin

TULA LIFE BALANCED, INC. To-Do List Take Over On Demand-ish Personal Assistants

Give the gift of time with TULA Balanced! TULA is an on-demand personal and virtual assistant service created to take over your to-do list, whatever that might be! You input your to-dos into our app and our team of amazing, resourceful, trusted, vetted personal assistants gets to working crossing off those to-dos so you don’t have to! TULA does everything from errands, laundry, home organization, research, travel planning, appointment scheduling, gifting and shipping (wrapping, too!), vendor sourcing and supervision, to event planning! TULA makes the perfect gift for anyone who needs a little more time in their day, and who doesn’t? TULA gift cards can be purchased in any amount from $100. Well, the sky is the limit!

JAMIE TURNER Fine Jewelry

Jamie Turner is fine jewelry made to mix, match and style for endless personalized combinations. Solid 18-karat gold and rare gemstones in a rainbow of colors add a unique element to each and every pairing. Handcrafted in Austin. Price: $900 and up jamieturnerdesigns.com @jamieturnerdesigns

Price: Any denomination - $100 minimum. tulabalanced.com @tulabalanced @tulabalanced

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AW CONNECTS CLUB IS DESIGNED FOR WOMEN ON THE MOVE TO STRENGTHEN THEIR CONNECTIONS, INFLUENCE LEADERSHIP AND AMPLIFY THEIR VOICES

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:

CLUB ONLY ACCESS INCLUDES:

• The Community: Access to peers and changemakers who have lived experience with your unique challenges, both in your business and personal life. • Mentorship: Our platform, launching fall 2023, will give you unparalleled access to peer mentors based on specific needs and challenges. • Masterclasses: Each month, we will hold a virtual Masterclass to elevate your learning and uplevel your professional outlook. • A Seat At The Table: Access to Central Texas’ most influential women through private events, panel discussions and more.

• Discounted tickets and access to all AW Events • Exclusive members-only live events • Access to a members-only virtual community platform • Monthly Newsletter with curated + exclusive content • Monthly subscription to Austin Woman magazine* • Club member roster in every issue of Austin Woman

36 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2023

*denotes VIP member benefit

! e r e h e r e w u o y sh

JOIN TODAY AND WE’LL SEE YOU AT ONE OF OUR UPCOMING EVENTS!

> November 14

Masterclass: Retire smart. Live large. Learn how to retire in style by starting with the basics.

> December 6 Holiday Mixer

Enjoy exclusive shopping with hand-picked vendors, network with club members and bring a friend!

SCAN FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO BECOME A MEMBER! Photos are from our recent Wine FUNdamentals event!

awconnects.com ATXWOMAN.COM | 37

AW CONNECTS CLUB MEMBERS Aditi Chauhan Alexia Raven Alison Roscoe Amanda Bonilla Amy Bell Amy Jones Ana Ruelas Ana Villegas Andra Liemandt Andrea Nucete-Elliott Ann Kasper Avni Trivedi Beverly Biehl Bobbie Mack Bonnie Glass Brooke Murray-Etnyre Carrie Kass Cassandra G. Wiggins Charlotte Lipscomb Cherie Mathews Christina Collazo Cyndi Schultz Diana Skellenger Elizabeth Colvin Faye Dedrick Felicia White Heather Parsons Hilda Lunderstedt Holly Odom Hye Moon Isabella Taylor J Rene Walker Jamie Rose Janene Niblock Jean Poteet Jeanne Teshler Jeff Travillion Jen Henderson Jenny Remington Jessica Campos Jessica Shor Jill Jacobs Kendall Law Kim Barnes Krista Burk

Lala Elizondo Laura Webb Leesa Lee Liliana Lozada-Beverido Liliana Patino Lillian Brown Lindsay Crowell Lisa Ivie Miller LisaBeth Thomas Liz Wendler Lollis Garcia-Baab Lori Schneider Lynelle McKay Marisol Giron Meg Lowry Megan Baumer Meghan Butler Melinda Quiroz Mica Gutierrez Michelle Denny Mindy Hofman Nelda Trevino Nichola Cotto Nikitra Jackson-Sagirius Patti DeNucci Paula Bookidis Perla Cavazos Raette Hearne Raka Sandell Sabrina Nelson Sarah Kyle Searcy Morgan Shelby Johnson Sierra Fernandes Sophie Parrott Stephanie Verdugo Tara Godby Taryn Kinney Tatiana Leadbetter Tiffany Wilson Trinity Stennfeld Tulsee Nathu Veronica Imery Veronica Matlock Wendy Howell

38 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2023

FOUNDING MEMBERSHIP

$460 $375/Year FREE UPGRADE TO VIP

awconnects.com

SEE OUR FALL EVENTS & LEARN MORE

Fine jewelry handcrafted in Austin, Texas. JamieTurnerDesigns.com ATXWOMAN.COM | 39

Female-Led Fintech New AffiniPay CEO Dru Armstrong on teams in life and work. BY JENNY HOFF PHOTOS BY KOREY HOWELL

very successful restaurant starts with a visionary—an innovative chef who can create delightful and surprising dishes, something that’s different yet feels familiar, an experience and product diners will continue to crave. But a visionary chef is just one ingredient. Success also requires intense coordination, a team with a diverse skill set that shows up every day ready to give 100%, with a commitment to customer satisfaction and efficient service. It’s a recipe for success that Dru Armstrong knows well. Before becoming CEO of fintech payment solution company AffiniPay, even before initially pursuing a career in law or business, Armstrong worked in New York City’s restaurant scene during her year as a culinary student. “I grew up in a family that was very passionate about food, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to really learn how to cook,” recounts Armstrong, as she makes tea in the light-filled kitchen of the AffiniPay office, which takes up a large floor in a sleek office building in Westlake. While she quickly realized cooking was more of a passion than the right career choice for her, she’s never forgotten the important business lessons she learned while watching how a successful restaurant operates. “There is something magical about how in a kitchen, everyone has to be on their A game and bring a high level of work, day in and day out.” For everything to function, communication was key, and it had to start at the top. “One of the ways Dru is different from other CEOs is her communication,” explains Christian Fadel, AffiniPay’s CFO, who says that in his 25 years of working in private equity, Armstrong is the first female CEO he’s gotten to work with. “Dru is a heavy communicator. She’s an external-thinking CEO, and it keeps us aligned.” After culinary school, Armstrong went on to law school at the University of Chicago. Having grown up with an attorney father whom she adored, she thought she would follow in his footsteps. But like culinary school, she realized that law wasn’t her path. “I’ve never been a person to stay in a job or a career that didn’t feel like a good fit,” she says. “At every internship, at every job, you need to ask yourself if that culture is for you, if it excites you.” While she stayed committed to finishing law school, she also decided to pursue a master’s degree in business, where she could use her analytical skills, problem-solving abilities and her creativity to help a business flourish.

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Armstrong started her business career with Boston Consulting Group and was later recruited to the executive level at a private equity firm. She even got involved in founding a startup. She was successful and in demand. But behind the scenes, she was also trying to keep her loved ones afloat. “I left private equity to join this baby monitor startup,” Armstrong says. “Within a month of leaving my paying job to join this startup, I found out I was pregnant. A few months later, my husband had some serious health issues where we thought he would lose his eyesight. I got to experience fundraising while pregnant and balancing family health issues.” With a baby on the way and money tight, Armstrong remembers that time with gratitude. Being close to Stanford with its top-notch medical team, they were able to save her husband’s eyesight. He got his vision back a week before their baby was born. “During that time, she was basically on her own,” recalls her husband, Scott Armstrong, who works in the tech industry. “I’ve had a lot of health issues, and she always steps up and comes through. She’s rock solid when stuff like that happens.”

Building a Diverse Workforce

After this experience, Dru decided to return to a job with a paycheck and joined Grace Hill, a real estate technology firm that services property management companies. Though she had no experience with property management, she knew how to solve problems. Six months in, she was promoted to the top job and ended up running Grace Hill as its CEO for the next five years. While she knew she could solve problems with companies from her experience at Boston Consulting Group, she was a newbie at learning how to build a team and a culture. So, when Grace Hill acquired a business run by Kendall Pretzer, who had built a property management company with a strong culture of female employees, Dru was eager to learn how to create that kind of tight-knit culture within her team. After all, she had witnessed the importance of building a top-performing support staff during her experience in the New York restaurant world. “The reality of building a business is you need to have the right plan and the right focus,” she says. “But so much of it happens around the team and how you build a team, what culture you set, the vibes in the office and how you celebrate success.” Long before remote work became the norm, Pretzer had discovered that using technology to allow flexibility was the key to recruiting highly qualified female workers who valued, above all else, the ability to make their own hours. She had witnessed many women leave corporate America once they had families, and knew she could create a win-win situation by tapping into that market. 42 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2023

“

The reality of building a business is you need to have the right plan and the right focus. But so much of it happens around the team and how you build a team, what culture you set, the vibes in the office and how you celebrate success.

Dru Armstrong “I didn’t want to lay in bed at night worrying about payroll,” says Pretzer, who is now CEO of Grace Hill. “So, I created contract positions where my employees ate what they killed. We built a strong culture around transparency and communication.” Pretzer says the ability to share the “why” for a business’ mission is foundational to building culture. She’s seen Dru grow as a leader from not only being an innovator but in assembling a team that understands the vision and the purpose. When Dru was CEO of Grace Hill, she moved Pretzer into the role of COO. They not only became close friends, but Pretzer also became a mentor to Dru, who was about 10 years younger. “She is an excellent visionary,” says Pretzer. “She can see two different products and see how they could work together. Where I could work with her was being able to take that vision and explain it in a way that our people could understand it and find a solution.”

Losing a Role Model

A vision is often driven by a mission. While the opportunity to lead AffiniPay was a great move for Dru’s career, the problem AffiniPay solves is also personally motivating for her. Dru grew up very close to her father and, as mentioned, had even wanted to follow in his footsteps as a lawyer. But while she witnessed some great successes for him as an attorney, she also saw what happened to him financially when he opened his own private practice. “He was a great lawyer, but not a good businessman,” says Dru. “Toward the end of his life, he almost went into bankruptcy. It’s really painful when the person who was your role model growing up goes from super successful to feeling like a failure. In my early days of working, I was providing financial support to my parents. That really shaped me.”

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AffiniPay’s core product is offering payroll and software solutions to people like Dru’s father—private practice attorneys, associations and nonprofit organizations who need help with the administrative arm of their business. According to Dru, a private practice attorney spends a third of their time on administrative work and writes off 25% of what they invoice. “So, there is about 50% leakage—you’re only getting paid for about half the time you put into it,” she says. “The core of AffiniPay is that we provide all the software and financial services solutions for a lawyer to run their office.” Providing software that it owns is a relatively new product offering for AffiniPay. While the company had historically partnered with software companies for bundle product offerings, with competition in payments space heating up and software partners becoming competitors, Dru had the task as a new CEO in 2021 of convincing a split board to own the software outright. “She came in and let data drive that decision,” recalls Fadel. “She did a lot of market research, educated the board on that research, and then we did the biggest acquisition we had done. We acquired MyCase, which took us from 250 employees to 500.” Of those 500 employees, about 40% are women, which is much higher than the fintech industry average. Women also hold 4 out of 9 executive positions, with Dru at the helm. The female founder, Amy Porter, sits on the board. “Diversity of thought allows you to be more innovative and understanding of where customers are coming from,” says Dru. “You can’t get diversity if you don’t have a strong foundation for how you attract, retain and promote your team.” The office space is brightly decorated and festive, filled with a positive energy and work culture. An artist is hired to create pop art portraits of each employee after they hit three years. (Dru still has a year to go before her visage makes the wall.) Dru believes that the company, which currently brings in more than $200 million in revenue, will reach the billion-dollar mark in the nottoo-distant future. But the road hasn’t always been easy. While she has been lucky to have many mentors and career advocates along her journey, Dru lost her biggest supporter when her father passed away from a heart attack while she was still young in her career and just starting a family.

“When my dad died, it was very much like losing an anchor,” she says. “He would call me every day and at least leave a voicemail saying, ‘You’re the best.’ I had seven voicemails still saved on my phone the day he died. My son was only 7 months old.” Dru would describe the last seven years as an endurance challenge, with a lot of sacrifice and commitment along the way. Losing her father, raising children, moving cities, trying to establish roots in Austin while running a rapidly growing company has forced her to look inward and work on her own health and well-being while also trying to be everything to everybody. “When I was in my 20s and 30s, I thought that taking care of myself was just hitting it harder—getting up earlier and working later,” she says. “Now in my 40s, it’s more about health. I try to workout; I do acupuncture; I am conscious of food. The reality is when I’m having a bad day, it can make 500 other people have a bad day. I think how you show up to work is important.” Her husband admits it’s a bit of a balancing act. Work for a CEO doesn’t end when you sit down for dinner. They have two young boys who are 6 and 9, playing sports like tennis and baseball. But through a strong partnership, they’re able to make it happen. “It’s always been a give-and-take,” says Scott. “She stepped in when I had work and travel and vice versa. We’ve moved a lot; we’re like a traveling circus. In Austin, we have finally found a place we can put down some roots for the kids.” When asked if she ever feels “mom guilt” for putting in 60- to 70-hour workweeks, Dru admits she doesn’t. She is working hard for her family and for her company and says there is nothing more feminist than showing her two boys that she can have a successful career while giving them a stable and loving home. “I think the thing is that as a working mom, it takes a village. Sometimes you have to pay part of that village, and that’s okay,” says Dru. “There were times that I felt like my whole paycheck was going into childcare, but I always felt like it’s good for them to be exposed to a lot of people who really care about them, and not feel like that love and attention is only going to come from us.”

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“

Austin feels like this perfect middle ground: everything you love about Texas and the South and yet all of the innovation and excitement and culture as it goes through another sea change. Being more senior in my career, I felt as though I couldn’t just be riding the wave, but I wanted to be a leader in that change.

Dru Armstrong Looking Forward

AffiniPay has made the Fortune Inc. 5000 list 12 years in a row. With its acquisition of MyCase and the launch of its latest technology, LawPay Pro, it has a distinct edge in its market, due, in no small part, to Dru Armstrong, who has spearheaded the next chapter of the almost 18-year-old company. It not only serves legal businesses, but accounting, architectural, engineering and construction firms as well. “With these solutions, you collect 30 to 40% more [money] than you would otherwise,” says Dru. “We have an amazing customer satisfaction rating for answering the calls, and we will fight chargebacks. We know your time is valuable.” Dru also looks forward to staying put in Austin, having found a home with woods in the backyard where her boys can explore, and developing relationships with neighbors and new friends. Just coming up for air after a tumultuous span of having babies, moving cities, moving jobs and dealing with health issues, she’s excited to explore her foodie side, enjoying Austin’s ever-evolving restaurant scene. Pretzer says while Dru is ambitious and focused, she’s also a fantastic dinner partner. “My ringtone for her is ‘She Works Hard for Her (sic) Money,’” laughs Pretzer. “But she is also so much fun to eat with. When I first met her, we ate together at restaurants, and she would order all this food to taste and sample. She taught me that at every good restaurant there is an expert in wine, so she’ll call them over and talk about what she likes and doesn’t. She has a very discerning palate.” Besides the great foodie scene with her favorite restaurants like Este and Jeffrey’s and cozy date spots like Neighborhood Vintner, Dru says Austin’s role in innovation was a huge draw for herself and her husband. Having lived in Silicon Valley during big tech, she is excited to be playing a more central role in the booming Austin business market. “Austin feels like this perfect middle ground: everything you love about Texas and the South and yet all of the innovation and excitement and culture as it goes through another sea change,” she says. “Being more senior in my career, I felt as though I couldn’t just be riding the wave, but I wanted to be a leader in that change.” In her early 40s with almost 20 years in a successful career, Dru Armstrong has learned some fundamental lessons about life and work: Prioritize physical and mental wellness; only work in environments that foster and support your growth; when choosing a life partner, choose well; and build the best work team you possibly can. “It’s like being a chef: Every day you need to show up and deliver. At the end of the day, how did you execute these dishes? You need the vision at the top, but it’s about the team working together. It feels very similar; we just make software instead of food.”

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A Loan Experience Just For Us The perfect loan experience

has never existed…until now. BY HANNAH NUÑEZ

inancial security should not be a privilege specifically made for the few that fall under its rigid regulations, yet sadly the system we live under is doing little to help those in genuine need. Rather than providing women of color the opportunity to pursue their dreams, financial platforms are encouraging them to settle for a life lived paycheck-to-paycheck. Just Community, a nonprofit financial platform specifically marketed toward female entrepreneurs of color, is rapidly paving the way for change by working with their partners rather than against them. After working in microfinances around the world, Steve Wanta realized that America was the minority when it came to their loan process. With 3 out of 4 Texas citizens living in poverty being Black or Hispanic, Wanta knew that his impact had to be focused on those the most in need. In 2016, Wanta began to pursue his dream of founding an honest business focused on women who were often overlooked in the Texas financial system. Rather than basing his business model on hate and skepticism, Wanta opened up his office to all women of color in need who had the determination to begin the process of closing the racial wealth gap one opportunity at a time. Since its founding, Just has worked relentlessly to pave a pathway to prosperity for women in its community. What sets Just apart from other companies is a strong foundation of trust between partners and its clients. Rather than being hesitant to work with these entrepreneurs, Just takes the time to fully understand and become committed to its clients’ financial and personal goals. Working off of a “trustbased lending” business model, Just doesn’t require a credit score to take out a loan, meaning that new opportunities open up for individuals who before would have never been given a chance. Vice President of Development Ashley Philips says, “Those who haven’t had access yet to build a financial profile are the ones who need the most help yet are stuck in this loop. Just recognizes those women and allows them a seat at the table.” The company’s mission statement is “to invest in ambitious Black and Brown entrepreneurs to create generational wealth,” and the results are proof enough of this proactive motto. In the past seven years, Just has had more than 2,200 loyal clients and invested more than $19 million, all while keeping up a 99% repayment rate. While its trust-based system is rare to come by in today’s financial world, the numbers speak for themselves, proving that Just is actively making an impact on the racial wealth gap.

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The company’s mission statement: Invest in ambitious Black and Brown entrepreneurs to create generational wealth. In the past seven years, Just has had more than 2,200 loyal clients and invested more than $19 million, all while keeping up a 99% repayment rate. Just is actively making an impact on the racial wealth gap.

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Yolanda Santana, seamstress and designer

Guadalupe Betancourt, construction company owner 50 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2023

CREATING A HOME AWAY FROM HOME One of the company’s very first clients, Ivonne Salinas, had only been in the U.S. for a month and a half before finding Just. Coming from Mexico, she had experience with other microfinance institutions, personal business endeavors and a long line of entrepreneurial women in her family; with the hustler mindset being all she knew, she was terrified that coming to the U.S. would mean having to start all over again. Moving took all stability out from under her feet and left her terrified of what her future entailed. When her daughter approached her speaking of a man who supposedly was looking to start a business and needed clients, Salinas’ first reaction was, “No, I’m not interested in taking help from a man I don’t know has my best interest in mind.” Only after hearing the details of the meeting and being pushed by her family, she agreed to meet with Wanta. “The more I heard, the more comfortable I felt. This wasn’t some man in a skyscraper office trying to scam me; this was a man who spoke my language and agreed to meet me at my neighborhood food truck to get lunch and talk.” Salinas displayed the leap of faith that occurs in all clients, and willingly let Wanta meet her in the middle. From this small trust fall blossomed a complex business that Salinas fell in love with. She is now the director of growth and programs at Just and leader for other Hispanic women who feel lost and scared to make that initial jump into their future. The company’s three pillars are capital, coaching and community, but Philips believes their work will forever be based on the foundation of support instilled in one another rather than any aspect of money. Contrary to businesses with a rigid system that often discourages women from their goals, Just works from a peer-coaching structure. “We’ve taken away the idea of right and wrong and instead empowered women to find solutions within each other,” says Philips. Allowing women to lean on each other in times of hardship reinforces the idea that they are strong and capable of problem-solving without being led by a man. Just Community started with exclusively Hispanic clients, but as the business grew, the company recognized its capability to help both Black and Brown women in need. In 2019, Shandricka Davis, community director, and Rashidah Alshams, community growth and partner manager, became the first Black women to be a part of Just. The community already present in the company welcomed both Davis and Alshams with open arms and also inspired the women to recruit others who may not have ever experienced such a supportive environment before. As time passed, the women played a large role in welcoming all Black and Brown women into the sisterhood.

JOIN THE JUST COMMUNITY Just is based around long-term gratification that provides you with an intentionally frictional experience in order to challenge yourself to grow into the best version possible. Becoming a client at Just is a process that encourages women to envision a future where anything is possible. For women who wish to have a position of leadership, one can go through the application process to become a Just Entrepreneur Trust Agent (JETA). After an application is accepted, one proceeds through a five-week training program facilitated by the company to ensure that all JETAs are equipped to guide their own small circle of women. After graduating, a JETA invites other women into her peer support group. To be invited in by a JETA means that you’re an active entrepreneur in the local public and working hard to better your business. At the moment, Just is looking for more women with commanding voices and determined mindsets to join their JETA program. For more information on how you could potentially be a figurehead in the company, visit hellojust.com. Just understands that the standard Texas financial system is catered toward a very limited number of citizens and prefers to open its doors to women of color who are as deserving, but often get overlooked. By working off of a trust-based lending system rather than obligated financial history, Just is mending citizens’ relationships with loan platforms and reintegrating honest work into Texas.

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Alma García, East Austin gift shop owner

Ivonne Fortuna, country purse vendor

52 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2023

Davis explains how the company’s sense of community has impacted her throughout the years. “In the beginning, I was just feeling stuck within my own business. I felt like I had already tried everything, and things weren’t moving at the pace I wanted anymore, but meeting Rashidah and being embraced into the community changed everything for me.” Rather than solely focusing on her own business, Alshams pushed her colleague turned friend to grow day by day, in not only her work but personal life as well. Davis reminisces, “She helped me get out of my own way; I remember her going as far as to research my industry with me. We were huddled around a computer, and I had a moment of clarity where I realized I truly wasn’t alone anymore.” Being a part of Just is to be accepted into a close circle of women who care for one another like family. While it’s easy to feel isolated at times as a female entrepreneur, Just is here to remind all women that they’re never alone in this experience. By being intentional with who’s allowed into the community, Just is creating a safe haven for women of color to explore their professional passions without

having to be anything but who they are. Being a woman of color in business is no easy task, but rather a challenge these ladies have to face day-to-day. “Before coming to Just, it was so often that I had to ‘Shandy’ myself,” says Davis. “I couldn’t be Shandricka but [was] rather forced to be Shandy. For me, this meant having to water myself down in corporate areas out of fear that I wouldn’t be accepted or taken seriously.” Oftentimes, society pressures women of color to make themselves more agreeable through the gaze of white supremacy in order to be treated with the bare minimum of respect. For women in business, this can mean anything from shortening your name because it’s “too hard to pronounce” or lowering your voice because you’re “too loud.” Just is able to recognize these microaggressions and create a space where women are encouraged to break free from such ignorant restrictions. “This is our space to be safe and protected,” says Alshams. “Having a founder like Steve makes it so easy for us to express ourselves because while he oversees the company, he tries to stay as out of it as possible. He understands that he’s created a space for ethnic women and doesn’t want to do anything to dilute that.”

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To learn more and purchase tickets, visit: bit.ly/GameChangers2023 54 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2023

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 6:30 - 9:30 PM • MUSIC HILL RANCH Join ALF, a nonprofit based in Lakeway, TX, for a night filled with incredible live art and music, a Honduran artisan market, traditional Honduran dancing and cuisine, and a chance to bid on unique artwork and exclusive items during our live and silent auctions, including an island vacation to Roatán on a private jet! Since 2007, the Abundant Life Foundation has served the Bay Islands of Honduras with unwavering commitment. We’re on a mission to create opportunities in Roatán through long-term community development and education initiatives.

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Arts IN REVIEW

CREEK SHOW NOV. 10 THROUGH 18, 6 TO 10 P.M. NIGHTLY Along Waller Creek from Ninth Street to Waterloo Park Waterloo Greenway presents Creek Show from Nov. 10 through 18. Experience nine nights of dazzling illuminated art along Waterloo Creek starting at 700 E. Ninth St. In addition to light-based art installations, Creek Show features nightly live performances at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, concessions and a variety of family-friendly activities. Discover more at creekshow.com.

Pam Friedman is Managing Director and Principal of Robertson Stephens Wealth Management. She was recently recognized as 2023 Woman Financial Planner of the Year by Wealth Solutions Report.* With over 30 years of experience, as a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Pam is passionate about educating her clients to help them develop their financial plan through all of life’s transitions. Pam is on a mission for women to be more informed about their money, especially in the context of their relationships. Develop a comprehensive wealth plan uniquely customized for your life’s journey.

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Follow us on social media! SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH FALCONHEAD GOLF CLUB Join us for a great day of golf, prizes, food, drinks, activities & networking!

All proceeds benefit the Future Women Leaders Fund, our foundation which furthers YWA's mission of creating connections and opportunities for aspiring young women to become tomorrow’s leaders.

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Cookies, Cocktails & Confections

Girl Scouts of Central Texas is grateful for the support of our sponsors and in-kind donors for Cookies, Cocktails, and Confections 2023.

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Girl Scouts of Central Texas ATXWOMAN.COM | 57

Mental Health IS WEALTH

A Tale of Two Mindsets Entrepreneurship is the cornerstone of

economic growth and innovation that benefits both national and local communities. BY SHONTÉ JOVAN TAYLOR, M.SC., PH.D.(c)

TALE 2: UNPACKING THE LENDER AND SOCIETAL MINDSETS:

or most, the journey of entrepreneurship is filled with numerous challenges and setbacks, and for women, these obstacles often come wrapped in financial fears and systemic barriers that stem from deeply ingrained biases. There are two contrasting mindsets that shape the landscape of business ownership: the mindset of women who aspire to build successful businesses and the mindset of lenders who, more often than not, are influenced by biases that are both gendered and discriminatory. TALE 1: THE FINANCIAL BURDEN ON WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

For women, entering the world of business ownership can be a daunting endeavor due to various financial fears that stem from societal expectations, personal insecurities and the very real gender disparities in access to capital. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2019-2020 global report, women-led businesses received only 2% of global venture capital investment. Startup rates fell by 15%, and women’s intentions to start a business declined more than men.

To effectively tackle the discrepancies in financing access for women entrepreneurs, it is imperative to comprehend the mindset of societal influencers and lenders. Paying particular attention to those who may display gender bias, sexism, ageism and prejudice is crucial. Unconscious Bias: Implicit biases, which are automatic and unconscious, can influence lenders’ decisions. In addition to gender bias, ageism and prejudice, studies have shown that even well-intentioned individuals may exhibit biases favoring male entrepreneurs. Gender Role Stereotypes: Societal expectations about traditional gender roles can influence perceptions of women’s business acumen. Lenders may subconsciously associate entrepreneurship with masculinity, leading to disparities in funding. Risk Perception: Research suggests that lenders often perceive women-led businesses as riskier investments. This perception can be rooted in stereotypes about women’s ability to handle financial challenges. THE PATH FORWARD: BRIDGING THE GENDER AND MINDSET GAPS

FINANCIAL AND FEAR MINDSETS IN WOMEN

Fear of Rejection Mindset: Studies in neuroscience and psychology have shown that the fear of rejection is a common emotional hurdle for women entrepreneurs. Rejection is unconsciously processed as physical pain in the brain. So the fear of hearing “no” from potential investors or lenders can deter women from seeking financing, stifling their business growth and innovation. Imposter syndrome, a psychological phenomenon in which individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as frauds, is prevalent among women in entrepreneurship. These feelings of inadequacy can lead to hesitation in pursuing financial support. Risk-Averse Mindset: Women tend to be more risk averse than men, according to numerous studies. This risk aversion can translate into conservative financial decisions that may hinder business growth opportunities. Borrowing Mindset: Women often rely on personal savings and loans from friends and family to fund their startups. While these sources offer initial support, they come with financial limitations and involve smaller amounts that are not sustainable. Invisibility Mindset: The lack of women in leadership roles, venture capital firms and financial institutions perpetuates gender bias. According to Harvard Business Review, only 2.7% of capital-backed companies had female CEOs in 2019. 58 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2023

To address the financial fears, challenges and barriers women entrepreneurs face, it is essential to take a multipronged approach. Diversify Decision-Makers: Increasing the representation of women in leadership positions within venture capital firms and financial institutions can help mitigate gender bias in lending decisions. Mentorship and Networking: Mentorship programs that connect women entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders can provide valuable guidance and support in navigating the financial landscape. Access to Funding Opportunities: Governments and organizations should create and promote funding opportunities specifically designed to support women-owned businesses, such as grants, lowinterest loans and venture capital initiatives. The tale of two mindsets in the world of business ownership reveals a complex and often unfair reality. Addressing this disparity requires a concerted effort to dismantle the barriers that hold women back. Closing the gaps in entrepreneurship success is not only a matter of social justice but also a fundamental economic imperative. To find out more about each aspect of the entrepreneurial financial journey women business owners face, read the full story at atxwoman.com.

HOPE HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP & LEADERSHIP FOCUSED PROGRAM FOR TEXAS TEENS

GOALS

Promote Awareness of Dating Violence and Healthy Relationships

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Raise funds for Texas Advocacy Project

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Texas Advocacy Project’s (TAP) Teen Ambassadors of Hope (TAoH) is a statewide leadership program designed to equip teens to influence positive change around healthy relationships and teen dating violence prevention!

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Applications open November 2023. Visit www.TexasAdvocacyProject.org/TAoH to apply and learn more!

Texas Advocacy Project provides FREE legal and social work services to survivors of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking, and human trafficking across Texas. TAP also advances prevention through public outreach and education. Our vision is that all Texans live free from abuse.

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ATXWOMAN.COM | 59

Financial FUTURES

Buy Local, Bank Local

Everyone knows the value buying local has on their community, but most people don’t realize how impactful banking local can be. BY STAYWOOD DESIGN

“

We literally grew up around construction and banking. It’s what we know. So when we started our business, we used our skills with the intentions of helping community institutions so other people could have the opportunities that our hometown afforded us.

Ashton Brooks

Photos courtesy of Staywood Design.

e find ourselves in a time where the way we bank is changing. Fintech has made mobile transactions not only normalized but expected. Community banks and credit unions are being consumed by larger institutions, which has led to fewer banking choices for consumers and businesses. People are holding money in payment apps that aren’t insured. Dare we mention, savings and loan associations are long gone, and if you were familiar with them in the first place, you might be wondering, “Oh yeah, where did they go?” The banking industry landscape as we know it has completely changed, and while convenience has vastly improved, how has that impacted our home turf? Simply put, it’s been hurt. Ashton Brooks, co-owner of the architectural design-build firm Staywood Design, which specializes in building financial institutions, has had a ringside seat for the shift that’s taken place. “Earlier this year, I was at a ladies’ dinner, and a discussion about the recent banking crisis came up,” Brooks says. “One woman balked and said, ‘Banks are just Ponzi schemes.’ My eyes got wide, and I was silently aghast. I thought, ‘Is this how some people view banks now?’ The headlines can be scary, and I wondered if this sentiment was universal.” Brooks and her brother, Staywood’s architect, grew up in a tight-knit community with a father who worked in management at a regional savings and loans that also used to develop subdivisions. “We literally grew up around construction and banking,” she muses. “It’s what we know. So when we started our business, we used our skills with the intentions of helping community institutions so other people could have the opportunities that our hometown afforded us.”

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Ashton Brooks with her brother

With her MBA, Brooks has used her business skills to structure her accounting practices to have less overhead compared to other architecture firms, allowing for savings to be passed on to her clients. “Most community institutions can’t afford a specialty design firm, but because of their unique security concerns, they need designers that understand the way they operate but also what threats they face. This is where we come in and fill the gaps. We want to serve them so they can serve their communities.” Reflecting on the changing banking industry and the shifting sentiments, Brooks says, “The distrust in financial institutions that my friend expressed isn’t unfounded. Many people blame larger banks for their role in the financial crisis of the late 2000s. However, the most recent banking scare hit regional and community banks the hardest. Community banks and credit unions pride themselves on personal relationships and service excellence. These institutions play an important role in specialty lending for local industries such as agriculture, public agencies and not-for-profits. These are industries that bigger institutions do not have the expertise, risk appetite or profit motivation to pursue, but these are the industries that make up communities across the country. We as Americans are also so lucky to have so many banking options. There are over 4,000 banking institutions in the U.S., while other major countries only have a few major banks to choose from. Canada, for instance, only has five.” Beyond consumer sentiment, the local financial institution has it

hard these days. Being tied to a specific community has caused slower growth, which in turn limits profitability, making them prime targets to be absorbed by larger institutions. “They aren’t typically as agile and don’t adjust to the shifting consumer standards quickly,” Brooks says. “We have witnessed a significant shift in the way a branch location runs. It used to be that their lobbies were mostly for transactions; now they’re significantly retail based. They’re more focused on personalized relationships, products and services, which is a great benefit to the consumer, but it’s not cheap for institutions to be remodeled to accommodate the change.” Most consumers don’t realize the real impact that banking locally has. In contrast to larger financial institutions, the money you put into your community bank or credit union stays in your community. “In the simplest form, when you make a deposit, banks act as intermediaries and lend funds to those that need to take on a loan,” Brooks explains. “The money you deposited is used for commercial loans, student loans, auto loans and mortgages, and this is where your dollars can really make a difference. Your money can actually go to helping your neighbors buy a house. Your money can actually go to helping your friend start a business. Your money can help a family member get an education. Banking locally means your money stays within your community.”

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On the MONEY

Getting on the Same Financial Page

How to budget when your partner doesn’t want to. BY JENNY HOFF

anaging your own money can sometimes feel daunting. When you bring a significant other into the picture and mix your finances, the loss of budgetary control can be absolutely overwhelming, even if you are a high-wage earner. Financial discussions can be tricky. They can bring up a lot of emotions, dredge up childhood issues and even make you question each other’s core values. But it’s crucial to build a budget together, especially if you feel the spending is getting out of control. The sooner you can develop healthy communication and mutual respect around money, the better chance your relationship has of surviving (financial issues are one of the main causes of divorce). Here are some practical steps to help you both find common ground and manage your money as a team. Open Communication. Start by having an honest, nonconfrontational conversation with your partner. Explain your concerns and why budgeting is essential for both of you. Share your financial goals and the future you envision together. Encourage your partner to express their financial aspirations as well. Set Mutual Goals. Start with your shared financial goals and what you both want for the future. This could include saving for a house, planning for a family or going on a dream vacation. Having these shared objectives can motivate both of you to work together toward a common goal. Budget Together. Even if you’re an ace budgeter, creating a budget together is essential for both people to feel responsibility for the plan. Doing a deep dive quarterly is a good way to check and make sure you are staying on track. This is where you can eliminate expenses that are unnecessarily draining your account. There are templates online for creating budgets and tracking your expenses. Separate Accounts. Many couples swear by keeping their finances entirely separate. Consider maintaining separate accounts for personal expenses while having a joint account for shared expenses. This can give both of you financial independence and control while ensuring essential bills are paid. If only one person in the relationship is earning money, then setting a strict budget for personal expenses might be necessary, perhaps through a prepaid debit card where it is impossible to overspend. Automatic Savings. Make saving a habit by setting up automatic transfers to a savings account or investment fund. Automating this process takes the burden off both of you to save consistently and can help you reach your financial goals faster.

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Agree on Spending Limits. Set reasonable spending limits for discretionary expenses. It’s essential that both you and your partner agree on these limits to avoid resentment. These limits can be adjusted as your financial situation improves. Make an agreement that you will not put more on your credit card than you can pay off that month. Accumulating interest is one of the fastest ways to go broke. Emergency Fund. Build an emergency fund together. Knowing that you have a safety net can provide peace of mind for both of you and reduce the impulse to overspend. Seek Professional Help. If your partner’s spending habits are causing severe financial strain, consider seeking the assistance of a financial advisor or therapist. They can provide guidance and mediate discussions about your financial concerns. There are some skills we simply need to learn, and it’s infinitely better to get that help before the financial situation becomes impossible to fix. Patience and Compromise. Remember that changing spending habits can take time. Be patient with your partner and be open to compromise. It’s not about restricting their spending entirely, but finding a balance that works for both of you. Reward Achievements. Make saving fun, and take time to celebrate a milestone like paying off a debt or saving a certain amount over a few months. Recognizing achievements will help keep everyone motivated to stay on track.

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I am AUSTIN WOMAN

Chasing Unicorns GPG Ventures investing partner

Claire England believes in the power of women in leadership VC roles. BY CLAIRE ENGLAND

hen I say I was born and raised here, the usual response is, “Wow, I’ve never met an Austin native; you’re a unicorn.” I’m also a unicorn in my career, venture capital (VC), which has few women partners. I don’t seek to be a unicorn, nor do I want to be the best “woman investor.” I want to be the best investor in companies that become unicorns. My path to VC was nontraditional. Nope, not a day spent as an I-banker on Wall Street. I spent the first decade of my career in social impact nonprofits, then discovered startups, before deciding I’d nudge VC funding toward the change I want to see. Like Austin, I’m scrappy and mission driven. It’s important to me to work where I believe I’ll make a difference. I know VC can make a positive impact by investing in companies that affect change. I support innovation that improves lives and seek founders who build valuable companies. This isn’t just about spreadsheets; VC is a relationship business. While I work long hours like anyone, empathy is one of my superpowers. Starting a company is lonely and hard, and founders need investors who push them higher and support them through lows. I began working in Austin’s startup ecosystem more than a decade ago, directing RISE, an educational and inspirational conference for entrepreneurs and investors. In 2014, I took the reins of Central Texas Angel Network (CTAN), leading it to become the number one most active angel group in the U.S. Over five years, we invested $75 million in 95 companies and dozens of portfolio companies. Early at CTAN, I realized only 4% of investors were women. That wasn’t good enough, so within two years, I grew it to 30% women and increased ethnic diversity twofold. These talented women investors know the challenges female—and, yes, male—founders face. While with CTAN, I was nominated and accepted into Kauffman Fellows, effectively a mini-MBA in venture capital. It opened my investing lens, leveled up my skills and connected me to a global VC network. Expanding my focus on activating women VC investors, I joined Portfolia as a partner in 2019, first with the FemTech Fund and then Food & AgTech, where I’ve invested in another 20 companies. If you think women investors only invest in women founders, I ask, why does it need to be zero-sum? Portfolia 64 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2023

invests in all founder types. While 90% of investors and 97% of partners are women, its portfolio is diverse. This is a differentiator because Portfolia can get into deals where founders recognize its value. Other VCs seek out Portfolia as a co-investor because of its expertise and diversity. In September, I joined Dallas-based GPG Ventures to open our Austin office. We’re one of the few Texas VC firms with two women and ethnic diversity in leadership. I have the good fortune to share new investing opportunities with my Austin-accredited investor colleagues, including many of the women mentioned. Still, I’m one of too few local women VC partners. Beyond those running their own firms, I can’t name half a dozen women investment partners here. Of five Austin VC firms launched between 2005 and 2015 with $75 millionplus in funds, not one has a woman investment partner. Sadly, out-of-state firms opening offices haven’t materially changed this fact. Dozens of Austin women work hard as associates, analysts, principals and venture partners or in non-investing roles, but few make the leap to decision-making, checkwriting partners. For a community that fancies itself progressive, this must change. I know plenty of Austin women who would nail such a role. I hope my male VC peers and investors are starting to realize that we are the change they need. Women are the primary purchasers in the home and control more than half this country’s wealth. We are the consumers who decide to buy products from startups we invest in. We are untapped investors. Lastly, the research is clear: Diverse C-suites perform better. More viewpoints mean faster innovation, greater insight, more impact. If investors want to attract the next generation of founders and get the best return, they need partners who can identify, support and mentor from a unique perspective. There’s plenty of room for diversity at the partner level and in the boardroom. It’s not zero-sum. The room—and the pie—can get bigger. The room—and the team in it—will get better. Every investor is chasing unicorns. I’m happy to make a few introductions.

Photo by Brio Photography.

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