STAFF PICKS
WHAT’S A MILESTONE YOU’RE CELEBRATING IN 2021?
The Austin Woman staff reflect on the craziness of 2021 and share moments of celebration in their lives.
DAWN WESTON PUBLISHER
I’m turning 40 later this year! I’d love to take a big vacay to celebrate, but I’m hesitant to make any travel plans. This picture is from a fantastic European vacation I took with my mom. It’s in a small pub in Debenham, with our family from across the pond. I was turning 29. It was one of those trips of a lifetime. What I do know is that no matter what the big 4-0 celebration looks like this year, I’m excited to step into a new decade with my amazing family, friends and co-workers by my side.
PARKE BALLANTINE Amidst the many changes and chaos of the past year, celebratory milestones seemed to get somewhat put aside, but one that stands out and deserves extra applause was the completion of my MBA in Innovative Entrepreneurship from Northeastern University. As a high school dropout, I never thought I would have a bachelor’s degree let alone a master’s degree from a top-tier school. My BA was in Ethnic Studies and Film. With a career in startups and nonprofits I wanted to understand the models, methodologies and resources behind entrepreneurship and business more thoroughly. I believe in the impact entrepreneurship has to create sustainable and meaningful economic power and exciting products, services and content for women, LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC communities not seen from the contemporary business landscape. In completing my MBA, I feel even more empowered to break the rules as I’ve come to know them. So, cheers to the tough days and late nights for the sake of innovation, passion and authentic embodiment through our work!
20 | AUSTIN WOMAN | SEPTEMBER 2021
All photos courtesy of respective staff member.
DIRECTOR OF EVENTS AND BRANDING STRATEGY
