September 2023

Stressless® has long been considered one of the most comfortable recliner series ever produced, and with just one quick test sit, you’ll know why. Stressless® Signature and Cross base recliners feature the the BalanceAdapt™ system, giving you a soft, gentle rocking motion as your sitting angle adjusts, while the Plus™ and Glide systems provide lumbar support in any position. The Stressless® collection of power recline sofas and sectionals offers unlimited custom configurations and comfort only Stressless® can deliver. Come build yours today.

Stressless ® Magic with black Signature base and Shadow Blue Paloma leather

Stressless ® Wing with matte black Cross base and Cherry Paloma leather

*

See store for full offer details. Stocking colors may vary by location. Please contact the location nearest you or visit copenhagenliving.com.

C O M M I T T E D TO

At UT Health Austin, our world-class physician-educators deliver personalized, whole-person care and treat each patient as an individual with unique circumstances, priorities, and beliefs. We strive to better understand you as a person, and your care team is here to listen, learn, and communicate with you and your primary care provider throughout your treatment to ensure your care always meets your needs Learn more about UT Health Austin’s uncompromising commitment to you and your family by scanning the QR code

42 FEATURE SITTING IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT

BY KATHRYN FREEMAN

PHOTOS BY ANNIE RAY

50 FEATURE A PLACE OF BELONGING

BY TESS HARMON

C R I S T I N A

G A R C I A

P A R T N E R

C r i s t i n a G a r c i a i s m a n a g i n g p a r t n e r a t P a s t r a n a & G a r c i a I n j u r y L a w F i r m , w h e r e s h e h a s m o r e t h a n a d e c a d e o f e x p e r i e n c e i n i n j u r y l a w S h e i s d o u b l e l i c e n s e d i n t h e U S a n d M e x i c o , a n d h e r a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s h a v e e a r n e d h e r a s p o t a s a m e m b e r o f t h e T e x a s T O P 1 0 0 l a w y e r s G a r c i a i s a n e m p a t h e t i c a n d c a r i n g l a w y e r w h o p r i o r i t i z e s h e r c l i e n t ' s w e l l - b e i n g I f y o u g e t h u r t i n a n a c c i d e n t , l e t C r i s t i n a G a r c i a t a k e c a r e o f y o u r c l a i m .

C a l l f o r y o u r F R E E c o n s u l t a t i o n

( 5 1 2 ) 4 7 4 - 4 4 8 7

KIP GARVEY

STACY COALE

CY WHITE

NINA GLORIA

JAIME ALBERS

DARBY KENDALL

Contributors

This month, we asked our contributors: Who is a woman in your life who has helped you UPLevel yourself?

KATHRYN FREEMAN

MICHELLE BERMEA

SONIA YAZDI Media

Writer, “Sitting in the Driver’s Seat,” Page 44

• She turned 40 this year in Belize.

• Her last meal would consist of Kerbey queso, Chuy’s jalapeño ranch, guac and chips, followed by Blue Bell cookies and cream.

Sales Executive

ABBY SCHWARTE Media

CAROLINE SMYTHE Media Sales Executive

CHANEL INGRAM Media Sales Executive

CONTRIBUTORS

Editorial: Victoria Abraham, Janaye Barabin, Brown Girl in Recovery, Brandi Clark Burton, Laura Donnelly, Kathryn Freeman, Tess Harmon, Jenny Hoff, Samantha Kozuch, Haley Noble, Molly-Jo Tilton, Georgia Valles, Cy White

Art: Janis Bookout, Brown Girl In Recovery, Yazmin Castañeda, Lauren Clark Photography, Laura Donnelly, Samantha Kozuch, Modern Hippie Design Studio, Annie Ray, Rosa Rebellion, Thinkery, Jessica Wetterer

INTERNS

Tess Harmon, Lauren Howell, Haley Noble, Georgia Valles

AW

MELINDA GARVEY

SHURONDA ROBINSON

LANA MACRUM

LYNELLE MCKAY

TERRY MITCHELL

GRETEL PERERA

ANA RUELAS

NEHA SAMPAT

SAMANTHA STEVENS

• She has a new puppy named after a Taylor Swift song and some of the toughest women in my family.

“I have so many wonderful friends and mentors who’ve inspired me and helped me elevate, including my mother. But I am going to pick the first two women who inspired me and taught me that strong women don’t have to dim their light: Ida Garcia Musgrove and Leticia Van de Putte.”

JANAYE BARABIN

Writer, “Kendra Scott: Family, Fashion and Philanthropy,” Page 18

• She paints as a hobby.

• She loves to cook.

• Her current favorite movie is Barbie.

“Definitely my mom! She supports me and is always there with a hug when I need it.”

GEORGIA VALLES

Writer, “Building Your Creative Self,” Page 28

• She takes a book with her everywhere.

• She is currently practicing how to draw.

• She writes in a journal every day.

“My mom is the hardworking and strongwilled woman in my life who has helped me UPLevel myself in every aspect.”

TESS HARMON

Writer, “A Place for Belonging,” Page 52

• She’s studying history and Spanish at UT.

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

• She’s a summer tennis coach.

• She was born and raised in Houston.

“My mom has helped me reach new heights through always being incredibly supportive and encouraging. ”

Co-owner/Co-founder

Co-owner

Co-owner

Co-owner

Co-owner

Co-owner

Co-owner

Co-owner

Co-founder

COO

Director of Events + Marketing

Managing Editor

Production Coordinator

Creative Director

Copy Editor

Director of Advertising + Sales

Sales Executive

The Community: Access to peers and changemakers who have lived experience with your unique challenges, both in your business and personal lives.

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’s most influential women through private events, panel discussions and more.

Discounted tickets and access to all AW Events

Exclusive Member-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*

Ah, to be 21. In human age, it is so very young—old enough to finally have a cocktail (legally), but in many cases, still too young to have begun a career. In business years, 21 means longevity, staying power—and if you’re lucky, impact. This month, as we celebrate 21 years of Austin Woman, we also celebrate one year of partnership with our new ownership team.

One of our core values is transparency, so we choose now to give you a peek into the last year—one of laughter, pride, joy… and also frustration, miscommunication and even fear. When we embarked on this journey one year ago this month, we never could have predicted the incredibly challenging year we would face. We thought we were finally on the upswing after the hard pandemic years, but what we faced, as many, many small and large businesses did, was something altogether different.

With the economy in a tailspin, we had to draw upon our strength as a group and as individual contributors to ensure that we were here to celebrate this 21st milestone with you this month. Here are some highlights of what we accomplished in the last year, in spite of the headwinds we faced:

Formalization and articulation of our Vision, Mission and Core Values.

A hugely successful Woman’s Way awards, despite a tenuous economy.

Issues dedicated to celebrating Women in Music and Women in Sports.

Rebrand of our “Anniversary” event to UPLevel Her (happening this month on Sept. 8).

Successful launch of our AW Connects Club, rolling out in force this month!

Our first celebration and recognition of male allies in our community (this issue)!

Formalization of a business strategy and structure to take Austin Woman into the next decade and beyond.

And so much more…

There were days and sometimes even weeks where we were engulfed in doubt, but the one thing that never wavered—as a group of owners or individually—was our commitment to you, our readers, and our community. We know Austin Woman has not even come close to completing its mission, and, in fact, that mission continues to expand and grow as the need to support, uplift and connect women also grows.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your support of our efforts and for being in community with us. Please know that the businesses you see advertising in the following pages, on our digital platforms and sponsoring our events are allowing us to continue to do what we do. We ask that you help us thank them by supporting their businesses with your patronage. It matters.

Cheers to 21 years of Austin Woman! We hope to see you on Friday, Sept. 8 at UPLevel Her at the JW Marriott.

WITH LOVE, AW OWNERSHIP TEAM

Melinda Garvey

Shuronda Robinson

Lana Macrum

Lynelle Mckay

Terry Mitchell

Gretel Perera

Ana Ruelas

Neha Sampat

Alison Roscoe

Amy Bell

Brooke MurrayEtnyre

Charlotte Lipscomb

Cherie Mathews

Christina Collazo

Cyndi Schultz

Diana Skellenger

AW CONNECTS CLUB FOUNDING MEMBERS:

Faye Dedrick

Felicia White

Heather Parsons

Holly Odom

Isabella Taylor

J Rene Walker

Jessica Shor

Kim Barnes

Krista Burk

Lillian Brown

Lisa Ivie Miller

Lori Schneider

Lynelle McKay

Meg Lowry

Meghan Butler

Michelle Denny

Mindy Hofman

Nichola Cotto

Perla Cavazos

Raette Hearne

Sabrina Nelson

Searcy Morgan

Taryn Kinney

Tiffany Wilson

Trinity Stennfeld

Veronica Matlock

Mélat Promises Soulful Serentiy with “The Now”

In what she’s touted as her most important record, R&B and soul songstress Mélat delivers on her promise of “soulful serenity” with “The Now.”

WIN THIS!

Kendra Scott pendant

Francés Jones, Esq.

The Visionary Lawyer: Austin lawyer Francés Jones, Esq., acts as a guide to help local creatives secure their intellectual property.

Suzanne Santo: Get Here As Soon As You Can

Suzanne Santo proudly embraces her adopted Texan status.

Known for its design and material innovation, use of color and signature shapes, lifestyle brand Kendra Scott has donated over $50 million to philanthropic organizations since 2010. As a brand committed to creating beautiful jewelry featuring natural gemstones at an attainable price, the Leighton Convertible gold pearl chain necklace in white pearl is half bold link, half dainty chain, and it truly gives you the best of both worlds. Plus the cultured freshwater pearl pendant is removable, letting you mix up your look from day to night. Please follow @austinwoman and @kendrascott on Instagram for your chance to receive this gorgeous and versatile piece. We will announce the winner at the end of the month.

Journaling: A Safe Space to Explore

Samantha Kozuch, creator of The Maniscripting Journal, shares four ways that journaling can help you to be more calm, mindful and resilient.

BY SAMANTHA KOZUCH

Samantha Kozuch reminisces on her 26-year-old self. She recollects the moment she knew she had to go all-in on her vision for creating the ultimate journaling innovation. “I had a traumatic experience happen to me because I ignored my intuition for months and months,” she says in her website bio. “This was my mega ‘wake-up call.’” Though she admits this was never meant to be the direction for her life. “Launching The Maniscripting Journal was never part of my logical life plan, but my intuition whispered to me, and I had learned many lessons over the years to not ignore the whispers.” She credits learning about manifestation and the law of attraction to her obsession with creating her own reality. “I created my own daily routine and ritual practice that helped me move and pick up my entire life and move to another state literally on hopes and dreams.” In spite of a lack of support from her family, Kozuch wouldn’t be deterred from fulfilling her own destiny and taking her life back into her own hands. “What got me through the fear, panic and doubt was the daily Maniscripting ritual that I had created for myself,” she recalls in her bio. “It kept me aligned, focused and in a high vibration that helped me manifest the perfect apartment, friends, jobs/income, car and so much more!”

As with everyone in the world, a major turning point for her was at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the worldwide lockdowns. “When I saw my personal community going through the trauma of losing jobs, schools closing, lives turning upside down in a blink of an eye...my intuition started whispering to me again.”

She began sharing her Mansicripting ritual with other women around her and started a cultural phenomenon that even she couldn’t have predicted. Thus The Maniscripting Journal was born, eventually transforming into a viral multimillion-dollar brand known for its manifestation life design journal and cult following on social media. With over 100,000 dedicated followers across various social media networks, Kozuch has built a thriving community of likeminded individuals seeking to unleash their inner power and achieve their true potential. Beyond her self-development and mindset coach role, she hosts the Money, Mindset, and Manicures podcast, touching hearts with her wisdom and insights.

Samantha Kozuch’s vision, passion and dedication have set her apart as a prominent thought leader in the field of self-development and manifestation. She shares four ways in which her innovative perspective on journaling can help bring some clarity to how you achieve your goals. “You’re not here by accident. Your higher self is calling you to go through the process.”

HELPS TO RELEASE PENT-UP EMOTIONS

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a therapeutic experience that can help you release pent-up emotions. It can help you process your emotions, make sense of them and let them go.

PROMOTES MINDFULNESS

Journaling can be a mindfulness practice that helps you stay present in the moment. As you write, you can focus on the physical sensations of holding the pen, the sound of the pen scratching against the paper and the words flowing from your mind onto the page.

BUILDS RESILIENCE

Journaling can help you build resilience by providing a safe space to explore and process difficult emotions and experiences. It can help you develop coping mechanisms and a positive outlook.

HELPS TO IDENTIFY PATTERNS

Journaling can help you identify patterns in your behavior, emotions and thoughts. This can help you recognize areas where you may need to make changes or seek additional support.

Photo courtesy of Samantha Kozuch.

Kendra Scott: Family, Fashion and Philanthropy

Kendra Scott discusses how she built her business and the importance of giving back.

BY JANAYE BARABIN

In the 17 years since Kendra Scott appeared on the cover of Austin Woman, she’s built something truly remarkable. Since the company’s inception in 2002, she’s kept her focus on uplifting her community, always looking for ways to give back.

As a new mom and entrepreneur, she reveals she struggled with burnout. “In the initial stages of my business, there were moments when juggling motherhood and running a company felt overwhelming,” she admits. She credits her support system for helping her through difficult times in her book Born to Shine. “I quickly realized the value of having a supportive team,” she says, “specifically, many of my girlfriends [who] were also young mothers at that point in time. During those early days of managing my company, they came to my aid when I couldn’t manage school drop-offs or pickups.” Her colleagues would help look after her sons if she needed to bring them to work. “We’d set up a play area, and my team and I would take turns looking after them during meetings. I have countless examples, but the core lesson here, especially for women navigating their careers, is to build a reliable circle and lean on them during those challenging moments.”

As an entrepreneur, she’s faced many obstacles; however, she’s adamant about not letting failure get in her way. “Drawing from my personal experience, I can confidently say it’s crucial to reshape your perception of the term ‘failure.’ Those moments often labeled as ‘failures’ should instead be seen as valuable lessons and chances for personal growth. If it wasn’t for my first business venture, The Hat Box, which closed after five years, I wouldn’t have my jewelry brand today.” Scott uses “failures” to create opportunities for growth. “In the world of entrepreneurship, ‘failure’ and ‘mistakes’ often walk hand in hand. Yet what truly counts is your perspective on these experiences and the actions you take in response. These challenges present chances for personal development. I owe a significant part of who I am today to the highs and lows I’ve encountered along the way, and I wouldn’t change a thing about it.”

Photos by Carly Snook.

When she founded Kendra Scott in 2002, she chose to model her business around three principles: family, fashion and philanthropy. “Our everyday choices are steered by [these] three core pillars,” she says. “These pillars guide us in creating positive change, building meaningful relationships and inspiring others to shine, whether it’s within our headquarters, our retail stores or beyond. They are a huge part of my life on a personal level. We consistently embrace this ethos because it is who we are.”

For Scott, philanthropy is a necessary part of business. “Giving back is the truest form of success. I started this company with the intention to [first] do good and sell jewelry second.” One of her philanthropic endeavors was the creation of the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (KS WELI). Through the institute, she’s been able to support future female entrepreneurs. “As a female founder, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges women often face in the workplace. I wanted to make an impact on young female entrepreneurs and empower them by giving them the tools they need to successfully start their businesses and [provide] mentorship from experienced female business leaders. So, in 2019, we opened the KS WELI,” she explains.

“Through KS WELI, we aim to strengthen the next generation of courageous, creative women leaders who want to change the world through business and beyond. My goal is for this program to spark a conversation around what the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs will look like. With our work at the institute, whether it’s through a speaker series, leadership workshop or simply a networking opportunity, we hope to encourage the world to follow our mission of empowering female leaders.”

Looking back over her career, Scott recalls the time when the team of Dominican designer Oscar de la Renta reached out to her. “[His] team called and asked if I could attend their spring 2006 runway show during New York City’s fashion week. That [experience] really helped solidify my designs and my company within the fashion industry. I am forever grateful for his time and words.”

The launch of the Kendra Scott Foundation stands out to her as well. “This year, in March, we launched our foundation, a component of the Austin Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that’s committed to empowering women and youth in the areas of health and wellness, education and entrepreneurship. Through the foundation we will be able to deepen our investments and impact in these areas.”

Scott has created her brand from the ground up, giving back to the community at every step. No matter how much she achieves, she makes sure to stay true to her core values. “All of these milestones were celebrated and seen as ‘successes,’ all the while remaining true to our communityfirst approach, which I believe has continually propelled our business forward.”

Photos by Chris Lammert.

A Rebellion in Full Swing

February 2020 cover woman Virginia Cumberbatch has followed her passion to pour into other underrepresented womxn’s passions.

BY HALEY NOBLE

The last time Virginia Cumberbatch was in this position, she expressed her passion for the fight for social justice and explained her plan to do something about it. She spoke on her belief in “the art of neighboring” and how sheer perseverance and faith were able to push and guide her throughout her journey. Three years later, her fire is still very much ignited, persisting through the nearly two and a half year–long pandemic.

In 2018, Cumberbatch co-founded Rosa Rebellion with Meagan Harding. The organization’s sole purpose is to invite women of color to design and produce through different creative forums and give them the means to do so.

“Our vision was to create a space where we could intentionally invest in and support what we have coined ‘creative activism,’” Cumberbatch explains. “This is the work of disrupting systems that weren’t built for us and doing that using storytelling and art as a medium for disruption.”

With this vision in mind, Rosa Rebellion is soon to offer their second year of Compose, a writing retreat for women of color to be surrounded by support and heard through expression in their creative projects. In 2022, Rosa Rebellion founded The Rebel Fund, a separate nonprofit whose purpose is to provide financial support to creative projects. But the creative world is not where Cumberbatch would like her work to end. A born-and-bred Austinite, she has observed the issues people of color face in the city.

“I really wanted to support these larger conversations, and I think my work in Austin over the last decade has equipped me to do that,” Cumberbatch says. “At large, that is my challenge to both cities and individual entities: Will we be sustained participants in this liberative work of equity?”

Photos courtesy of Virginia Cumberbatch.

For Cumberbatch, one drastic change over the last three years has been the willingness for people of color to stand up and take action to create their own spaces.

“There was a dynamic of relying on cultural institutions to see us and to hear us and include us. We were exhausted by the practice of having to ask and are now building it ourselves.”

With this exhaustion now transformed into a powerful force, Cumberbatch sees how people of color have truly taken their voices not back, but to places they have created themselves.

“There’s the quote from Shirley Chisholm, ‘If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring your own folding chair,’” Cumberbatch says. “I think we’ve decided we’re just going to build our own table. I look at Rosa Rebellion; I look at work my friends do in the creative space; I look at different businesses and the fact that they weren’t going to rely on the political system to hear their voices; they were going to create their own space to do that.”

Cumberbatch has previously spoken about her faith, which she is still rooted in. In her walk with Christ, she considers her work to be a labor of love for her community.

“It’s a radical act to love thy neighbor,” she insists. “It’s a radical act to love your parents or your siblings. Even moreso, it must be a

radical act to love strangers, to be patient with strangers, to forgive strangers. One of the ways love can be defined is through justice.”

Back in 2020, Cumberbatch spoke about what it truly means to be a good neighbor. Growing up in the only Black family in her neighborhood, she knew it was important for her to live around others she could connect with. With Austin being a place where many people move for job opportunities or a love for the city, Cumberbatch stresses the importance of being a good neighbor to those in the present and those who may have lived here in the past.

“There’s a way we can move in spaces where we honor that space. We can recognize how we enter that community has an impact on people’s sense of belonging. On a macro level, the question is, how are we serving one another in this city?”

Throughout her experience in Rosa Rebellion and around Austin over the past three years, Cumberbatch still holds these values to her core and works toward making more inclusive and caring spaces for herself and her community.

“I use the idea of ‘shalom,’ a Hebrew word for peace and wholeness. We each seek out what our role is to bring about shalom in whatever community or space that we occupy.”

Who’s an iconic woman who has inspired you to UPLevel?

As Austin Woman’s staff strives to UPLevel Austin’s community, they remember iconic women who’ve helped them do the same.

MELINDA GARVEY, CO-FOUNDER

In the early days of Austin Woman , we were honored to feature some of Austin’s most iconic trailblazing women who really led the early days of the women’s equality movement. Liz Carpenter, Molly Ivins and, of course, the inimitable Sarah Weddington who represented “Jane Roe” in the landmark court case that legalized abortion. I was lucky enough to be invited many times to the home of Liz Carpenter, founder of the National Women’s Political Caucus and joint chairwoman of ERAmerica, for some very lively parties and discussions on women’s empowerment, which really helped shape much of the future vison for what I wanted Austin Woman to represent. I will always be grateful for their inclusiveness and support of our efforts at Austin Woman to be a steadfast voice for women.

NEHA SAMPAT, CO-OWNER

Madam C.J. Walker, one of the first American women to become a self-made millionaire, has inspired me to uplevel in a significant way. Born to freed slaves, her entrepreneurial journey began from the ground up, showcasing her resilience, determination and innovative spirit. Despite facing societal barriers and personal hardships, she founded a company that revolutionized the hair care industry for African-American women. Walker’s focus on self-empowerment through economic independence and her unrelenting pursuit of success have left an indelible mark on American business history. Her story serves as a poignant reminder that with conviction and courage, even the loftiest dreams can be realized. In a world often resistant to the success of women, especially women of color, Madam C.J. Walker’s legacy stands as a beacon of what can be achieved through perseverance and vision.

I met her while living in the Midwest, having recently relocated from Louisiana. We had a mutual friend who had been teasing an introduction for months, with the promise that she and I were “two of a kind” and destined to be “best friends.” The common denominator was that we were both from the South and a little out of place in our surroundings. The long-awaited introduction was made and, as promised, we hit it off. Her name was Debi Keay, and she was from Ft. Worth, Texas. She was several years older than me. A writer and artist. I had never met anyone quite like her.

Debi Keay approached life from an artist’s perspective—she made everything beautiful. Her home was a sensorial experience with curated layers of color and texture. This same concept extended outside in her garden, where plantings were often moved in the fall to facilitate a new and more exciting “performance” each spring and summer. Anyone who knew her would say she was one-of-a-kind. She was soft and graceful but strong-willed and outspoken. I carry her with me every day, and she is part of the fabric of who I am. Debi Keay unexpectedly passed a few years ago, and I never got to tell her all of these things. Her friendship and influence are priceless gifts, and I am forever grateful.

STACY COALE, DIRECTOR OF EVENTS + MARKETING

NINA GLORIA, PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

From day one, my mom has been my biggest cheerleader. As a kid, I tried every hobby and activity you can think of. I am incredibly grateful to have had those experiences and that my mom always believed in my potential. She encouraged me to try new things, but most importantly, to stick with them. The sky was the limit. Now as an early-career professional, I apply that mindset to my career goals. My mom’s can-do attitude has motivated me to take on new challenges and elevate my aspirations. Having a great support system has inspired me to UPLevel myself in ways I could have never imagined. Even at my lowest points, I’ve learned to redirect my mindset and persevere through hardships. Throughout the years, my mom has reminded me that growth and change are important phases of life that can help achieve success. I wake up every day eager to put my best foot forward, and I thank my mom for raising me with love and support.

CHANEL INGRAM, MEDIA SALES EXECUTIVE

From my earliest memories, my Aunt Chelle has been an unwavering inspiration. When she embarked on her journey as a cosmetology student, I remember her practicing on dummy heads wearing wigs. When she graduated with her license to practice, she said she was excited to be giving people art to live their lives in. Her true masterpiece came later, though. She built a business plan and opened her own salon, which became a staple of style and prestige in Austin. Within those walls, beauty and comfort converged, creating an atmosphere both welcoming and exciting. She didn’t even stop there, though. With Urban Betty rated as one of the top four salons in Austin, she still continued to expand and triumph, culminating in the upcoming inauguration of her third salon. She’s a dreamer, a doer, an emblem of success. Who wouldn’t admire her?

CY WHITE, MANAGING EDITOR

When I was in fourth grade, I got my first taste of public speaking: a report about a person we admired that we had to present to the class. My presentation was on Janet Jackson. Every time I saw a video from her, I felt empowered (literally like I had superpowers and could do anything). Every song strikes the right balance between pop banger and social conscious sensibilities. I walk different every time I listen to her music. Beyond her feminine grace, there’s a thick layer of feminine power in her messaging, dance performances and commentary. She had a hand in redefining pop culture particularly for Black women (and further Black queer womxn), showing the world that we were, are and will remain the blueprint for how culture moves. I don’t know what it was about her that initially intrigued me so much (particularly because I was so wrapped up in her older brother), but every time I thought about a person from history who fascinated and inspired me, it always came back to Janet. (“Ms. Jackson, if ya nasty!”)

UPLevel Her

Women continue to elevate and thrive as business owners and entrepreneurs.

BY CY WHITE ILLUSTRATIONS BY JESSICA WETTERER

52

In January 2023, the Fortune 500 listed 52 women-identified CEOs, a 18% increase from last year’s count of 44. This is the first time in the list’s 68-year history that women have exceeded 10% of the CEOs on the Fortune 500.

$4.8 billion

On Forbes’ annual list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women, Austin’s Thai Lee is listed fifth, with a net worth of $4.8 billion. This marks the fourth consecutive year the SHI International CEO and co-founder has been on the Forbes list.

8

On this same list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women, eight of those women are from Austin. That list includes August 2020 cover woman

Lisa Su (#34), August 2006 cover woman Kendra Scott (#47), April 2016 cover woman

Whitney Wolfe Heard (#52) and November 2020 cover woman

Julia Cheek (#92).

$6.5 billion

According to Merchant Maverick’s annual list of Top 10 States for Women-Led Startups, Texas is ranked fourth for the amount of money invested for women in the last five years. Venture capital has raised $6.5 billion for women-owned businesses.

2According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Texas is ranked second behind Hawaii in its list of states with the most BIPOC-owned small businesses. The SBA found that of the 3 million small businesses in Texas, 1.1 million of them are owned by Black, Brown and Indigenous people of color.

More Than Clothes

Yazmin Castañeda upholds traditions and connects cultures through clothing.

BY MOLLY-JO TILTON

Inspired by her family history and travels, Yazmin Castañeda had always dreamed of opening her own small business.

In 2020, she created Origin Mexico, with a focus on connecting small artisan families in Mexico to an international market. In doing so, she created jobs, sustainably sourced clothing and financial freedom.

Growing up, Castañeda split her time between the Mexican city of Tijuana and San Diego, California. Her mother was an immigrant, and her grandparents still lived in Mexico. As she traveled back and forth, she saw the beauty in the two cultures melding.

As a child, Castañeda learned what it takes to run a successful business by watching her grandparents.

“They had no formal education,” she said. “However, they persevered through work ethic, opportunities that were awarded to them through just their passion of creating a better future for their children.”

Later, their legacy would guide her.

As an immigrant and single mother, Castañeda’s mom struggled to provide for her children. This inspired Castañeda to create a company that focuses on financial security for her partners.

“When you’re not economically independent, you’re very limited with some options in life,” she says. “However, when you have a livelihood and you are creating your own purpose and your own entrepreneurship, I feel that opens so many opportunities for selfprogress and self-empowerment, not only for the women, but also for their children.”

In her adult life, Castañeda found herself immersed in corporate America. She worked at an investment firm, and on her hour-long commute, she would let her mind wander away from the traffic and think about what she would do if she had more time on her hands.

“I would daydream about the possibility of one day doing what I’m doing now,” she says.

When she and her family moved to Austin and COVID-19 kept the world on pause, Castañeda decided it was time for a change.

“I wanted to make sure that everything we did was fully thought through—from the branding, to the mission, to the nonprofit that we work with, to the story of connecting customers with the artisans.”

So Castañeda got to work. She called a family of artisans she had met years before during a trip to Mexico and asked them to be her first partners. From there, she built a social media and e-commerce presence from scratch.

Photo by Lauren Clark Photography.

But she still worried that her message wouldn’t resonate with the Austin community.

“I’ve had to push through many self-doubts and self-imposed limitations,” Castañeda reveals. “Once you overcome that and you present yourself just as you are, that gives you such freedom to just be yourself. That’s who I am. I’m just myself.”

To her surprise, her mission and story did resonate with the community, and in the three years since Origin Mexico began, it’s been able to expand from working with just 20 artisans to now working with 100 all across Mexico. Castañeda loves sharing customer reviews with the wide swath of artists.

“That in itself brings them so much confidence and so much love for their own culture,” she says. “They feel as if their talent and their hard work and their sacrifices are being recognized, and that really does uplift their spirit.”

However, for Castañeda, the numbers don’t mean as much as the opportunity to change lives.

“In the past three years, the artists and women thrive in a way that I have seen my mother thrive. I relate that so much to my family because they’ve received so many opportunities in life, and I feel that if we have the privilege of being in a position that we can offer others certain opportunities, then we should do that.”

Origin Mexico doesn’t just provide direct support to artisans. Through its online blog segment “Women We Admire,” it empowers and recognizes Austin women who have made contributions to their own community.

The business also donates a portion of their proceeds to the nonprofit Fundación En Via, which provides support to women in the Oaxaca region of Mexico who want to start their own entrepreneurial endeavor.

“It aligns with our goal of empowering women, uplifting women through education, through economic opportunities, through advancement.”

Once you overcome [self-doubt] and you present yourself just as you are, that gives you such freedom to just be yourself.

That’s who I am. I’m just myself.

Yazmin Castañeda

Top right photo by Lauren Clark Photography. Left-side photos courtesy of Yazmin Castañeda.

Building Your Creative Self

Heidi Houdek explains how interior design helped her find creative freedom.

BY GEORGIA VALLES

Heidi Houdek rediscovered her “creative self” five years into her sobriety journey. She unexpectedly found that creative freedom in interior design. Two and a half years following her sobriety journey, she started designing spaces in her own home. After channeling that newfound creativity, she realized it was not something most people can do. It wasn’t until her son (then 14 years old) told her to make a career out of her new passion did Houdek make the decision to quit her corporate job and start her own interior design firm in Austin: Modern Hippie Design Studio.

“I decided to hire a photographer and to build a website,” Houdek expresses. “The jobs and award nominations started to come in fairly quickly. Before I knew it, I was running a full-time business.”

It hasn’t always been an easy road for Houdek. She struggled with imposter syndrome in the beginning, feeling guilty and unworthy for the good things happening to her. “Over time, I was able to find my voice,” she says, “to trust that I am a smart, capable woman who absolutely deserves everything that I have been able to build.”

Photos courtesy of Modern Hippie Design Studio.

“

Over time, I was able to find my voice, to trust that I am a smart, capable woman who absolutely deserves everything that I have been able to build.

Heidi Houdek

Since Houdek found her voice as a “smart, capable woman” in design, her work has been featured in publications like Austin Home and Texas Living, each showcasing her interior design work. Modern Hippie Design Studio has also won many awards for its builds. (Houdek is hoping for a nomination for Austin Home’s Best Interior Designers of 2023 list.) In 2022, they won Austin Home’s Best Interior Designers award.

The team of three interior designers consists of women who share the same passion and creative energy as Houdek. Each designer brings part of their own style into their work. “I am super proud of the work environment that we have created within the company,” Houdek says. “We have found that we can be just as successful by tapping into our strengths as women, and we can absolutely run a business with a feminine energy.”

The relationship Modern Hippie Design Studios has with its clients is what makes it a multi-award-winning company. “I think our biggest change has been that we are fairly picky with the clients we choose to take on,” Houdek expresses. “We do our best work when there is good energy between us and the clients we are working with.” That good energy comes through as Houdek speaks about her excitement on a new build they have been a part of from the ground up (which will be ready by next year).

Photos courtesy of Modern Hippie Design Studio.

“Our primary goal is to create a space that fully reflects the personality of the client,” she says. “We strongly believe that everyone has a unique style, and we want to help our clients create an environment that embraces who they are.”

Along with her strongly positive energy that reflects onto the company, Houdek also has a great influence on the company’s design style, which is based on her personal aesthetic. The company name reflects the natural materials and earthy colors she uses in spaces to make a calming energy, including in her own home. Her more recent project was for a single woman.

“That project was my favorite to work on because of the mutual trust shared between my team and our client,” she explains. “She gave us the freedom to get pretty creative with our designs.”

Houdek continues to make Modern Hippie Design Studio a place for free creativity and passion. “When a client trusts me with their home, it is not something I take lightly,” she insists. “I pour my whole heart into every project I work on.” This kind of trust from her clients fuels the passion Houdek and her designers have for their work.

“Design is a visual representation of who you are emotionally and of your life experiences,” she explains. “Coming home should make you feel comforted and at ease.”

ATX ATX WOMAN to WATCH

K im Tatum is a managing director for Deloitte Consulting LLP, where she leads the Assets and Innovation Practice. Tatum is responsible for developing cutting-edge digital assets for program and transformation management. With a diverse background spanning the health care, life sciences and technology industries, she dedicates a significant amount of time to fostering consensus and bridging the gap between technology-based solutions and business-driven outcomes. Tatum is also passionate about nurturing and cultivating future leaders and working to give underprivileged youth opportunities to explore STEAM-related activities and careers out of a strong desire for inclusion. She believes that by creating accessible pathways for underrepresented groups, we can bridge the gap in educational and professional opportunities and create a more equitable society. Tatum is active in Epiphany Soul, where she has been instrumental in hosting STEAM Camps for underrepresented groups to create exposure beyond the classroom. She is also active in Deloitte’s community outreach efforts. deloitte.com

KIM TATUM DELOITTE CONSULTING LLP | MANAGING DIRECTOR

S ince 2015, Andra Liemandt has been a driving force in emotional health, with the launch of her nonprofit The Kindness Campaign (TKC). Providing innovative arts-based programming, TKC serves schools and students beginning at age 3. A nationally recognized speaker and innovator on emotional health learning, Liemandt has spearheaded the launch of TKC’s signature activations and programming, including Enoughie’s Magic Mirror, KindMusic, the KindGym app, Kind Campuses, KindArt, the Kind Mural on South Congress at Amy’s Ice Creams and TKC’s latest offering, Kind Leadership. An in-depth training program that offers mentoring, skills development and leadership coaching, Kind Leadership is available now to teenagers age 14 and up. The nonprofit beneficiary of the 2024 Cap10K Race, TKC is proud to champion community kindness with a national reach.

tkckindness.org

ANDRA LIEMANDT

THE KINDNESS CAMPAIGN | PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER

ATX ATX WOMAN to WATCH

SYDNEY KEY

KENDRA SCOTT WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

AT UT AUSTIN | STUDENT BOARD PRESIDENT

Sydney Key is a UT Austin junior studying business management information systems, with a minor in economics and entrepreneurship. She leads more than 70 members as the president of the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (KS WELI) student board. Through her work empowering women to lead, Key supports KS WELI’s mission to strengthen the next generation of courageous, creative women leaders who will change the world in business and beyond. She is also the LeadHERship Intern for KS WELI, supporting coursework in the newly launched Women in Entrepreneurship Specialization in the McCombs School of Business’ entrepreneurship minor and facilitating KS WELI’s global efforts to “encourage the world to follow.” A dedicated scholar, Key excels academically, aiming to merge business and technology for impactful change. Her commitment to education and supporting women leaders highlights her determination to make a lasting impact across UT’s Forty Acres. kswelinstitute.utexas.edu

CASSIE PERRY LIVE THE AUSTIN LIFE | OWNER AND DESIGNER

C assie Perry is the owner and designer of Live the Austin Life, where she redesigns yesterday’s furniture for today. After graduating with a degree in fashion design from The Art Institute of Dallas, her love for design and the arts really started to come alive. Living in Austin since she was 8 years old, the love for the city, the people and the way of life brought her to “Live the Austin Life.” At the end of the day, she is a dedicated family person. Lake days, dancing and family dinners give her the renewed energy she brings when redesigning each piece of furniture. Perry is an artist. When her customers bring her a few vague ideas, she fills in the rest. No matter if she is working on a family heirloom or vintage find, she takes pride in creating custom, one-of-a-kind statement pieces.

livetheaustinlife.com

ATX ATX WOMAN to WATCH

Amanda Bonilla’s journey as a woman defies norms and fosters empowerment. Through her unwavering authenticity, she not only levels up as an individual but also inspires women across Austin, the state of Texas and beyond. In the heart of Texas, Amanda Bonilla stands as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging others to embrace their own distinctive paths. She’s a mother, a business owner, a communications director and a dedicated board member of two local nonprofits: Manos de Cristo and the Center for Child Protection. In a world often fixated on conformity, Amanda Bonilla firmly believes that unapologetically leveling up as a woman is an empowering act. Her commitment to living authentically not only enriches her own life but also fosters a community where diversity and individuality are celebrated. Through her journey, she inspires others to create a supportive environment where each person’s unique journey is treasured.

AMANDA BONILLA

AMANDA RENEE COMMUNICATIONS | COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

The panelist and speakers for Austin Woman's inaugural UPLEVEL Her event are ready to uplift and elevate the incredible womxn of Austin

- 10A CHECK IN

MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS

⦁ GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUNDS

⦁ AI IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE

⦁ MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS: THE LONELINESS EFFECT

⦁ YOUNG LEADERS

CHAMPAGNE NETWORKING

SPONSORED BY KORBEL AND TWIN LIQUORS

LUNCHEON

⦁ COVER WOMAN PANEL

⦁ SMALL BUSINESS GRANT

⦁ MEET OUR INAUGURAL ALLIES IN ACTION

AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

⦁ MORE THAN JUST TALK

⦁ GOALSETTING & JOURNALING

⦁ KIND LEADERSHIP

HAPPY HOUR AFTER PARTY

SPONSORED BY WAVEMAKERS

⦁ LIVE MUSIC WITH LURLEEN LADD AND TAMECA JONES

Oksana Malysheva SputnikATX

Janice Odameke The Mentor Method

Andra Liemandt The Kindness Campaign

Katy Fang SchooLinks

Krishna Srinivasan Live Oak Ventures

Patti DeNucci DeNucci & Co

Shonté Jovan Taylor OptiMind Institute

Sarah Kyle Right Relationships International

Vivianne Pearson Broken Into Purpose Dru Armstrong Affinipay

Allison Ellsworth Poppi

Neha Sampat ContentStack

Jeanne Teshler RaaS 99

Carolina Barcenas Airbnb

Samantha Kozuch The Maniscripting Journal

Mackenzie Price Alpha School

Allison Roscoe Austin FC

Alicia Weigel Exyst

Najah Clay Former MIss Black Texas

Rosandra Silveira Dell

Austin Woman UPLevels Austin Womxn

In celebration of their inaugural UPLevel Her anniversary event, we take a look at some of the magazine’s most impactful moments in their 21-year history.

September 2002

Austin Woman magazine launches. The first woman featured on the cover is Amy’s Ice Cream Founder Amy Miller.

November 2005

Austin Woman features Claudia Alta “Lady Bird” Johnson on the cover.

January 2006

Austin Woman features Sarah Weddington, attorney and women's reproductive rights advocate who successfully represented “Jane Roe” in the landmark Roe v. Wade case in 1971.

2007

Austin Woman begins its Small Business Grant Program. The first recipient was Blue Avocado.

2015

Austin Woman holds its first Woman’s Way Business Awards, Austin’s only award ceremony that focuses exclusively on women-owned and -led businesses and organizations.

January 2018

Austin Woman Founder Melinda Garvey partners with Saruni International and Kanti Goods in efforts to support young Kenyan girls and women who are survivors of violence. Austin Woman mailed magazines to Kenya to be turned into gift bags, and the proceeds went directly toward funding education for Kenyan girls.

March 2023

Austin Woman magazine features their first trans woman on a cover: p1nkstar. Trademarked as “ur fav electr0nic pop superstar,” p1nkstar is a Mexicanborn electronic artist and DJ whose single “GIRLS LIKE US” received national recognition for featuring Austin-based trans artists.

July 2023

Austin Woman features the founders of one of Austin’s only all-woman soccer teams: Austin Rise FC. The founders are former members of FC Austin Elite, which was officially disbanded in 2022. They created Austin Rise FC to create a safe space for women soccer players to learn the game and elevate themselves to a professional level.

Photos courtesy of Austin Woman.

Sitting in the Driver’s Seat

Rosandra Silveira has approached life’s twists and turns with enthusiasm and empathy.

BY KATHRYN FREEMAN PHOTOS BY ANNIE RAY

STYLING BY PARKE BALLANTINE

(WITH INSPIRATION FROM ESTILO AND BYGEORGE). SHOT ON LOCATION AT CONTENTSTACK EXPERIENCE CENTER.

The day with Rosandra Silveira begins and ends with laughter. A woman of color and an immigrant, Silveira is the senior vice president and general manager of Global Retail Sales at Dell, but is not your typical C-suite executive. Breathing rarefied air has not changed her values or erased the lessons she learned as a girl growing up in the small southern town of Santa Maria, Brazil. Rather than her small-town upbringing being an obstacle, Silveira has spent her career turning detours and road hazards into growth opportunities in business and joy in her personal life.

Silveira’s approach to her life begins with Santa Maria and her parents who raised their daughters to be tough, independent, hardworking and compassionate. Her father was a salesman, and her mother was a teacher. Silveira grew up with her older sister and a crew of male cousins, spending a lot of her childhood trying to keep up with the big kids. Her cousins refused to treat her differently because she was a girl. This message of being just as good as, if not better than, the boys was reinforced by her parents. “My dad never let us believe because we were girls we could not or should not do something,” says Silveira. “Instead, he reminded us that we needed to be strong; man or woman, people need to be tough to succeed in life.”

Silveira was indeed tough, and she was also fiercely independent. Her parents worked hard to provide for their family, and while they were not destitute, she wanted to work hard and help her family too. She started looking for a job at 12 and eventually was hired at the local Bank of Brazil as a teller at 14. From 14 to 18, she worked four hours a day, five days a week. Working in the bank showed her that she liked interacting with customers and learning new things. She then attended the Federal University of San Maria in Brazil. “My parents always stressed the importance of a great education. Even though my dad only completed elementary school, education was the key to a better life,” Silveira shares. Education was her top priority; she finished college and went on to complete a master’s degree in marketing from Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul.

She soon realized her dreams were bigger than Santa Maria, as life in a small town did not exactly fit those big dreams. So, she decided to move to a much bigger city, Porto Alegre, which has a population of over 4 million, giant compared to Santa Maria, whose population is about the same as Lubbock. This move was not without its challenges, but the strength and confidence Silveira saw in her mother most decidedly did not skip a generation. In the months after her graduation, Silveira opened the phone book and started calling all of the major companies, inquiring about an internship program. When she finally got a yes, she had to figure out how to get herself to her interview—over four hours away. (By the way, at the time, Silveira did not drive.) Undeterred by that seemingly major obstacle to her career and life in a bigger city, she found a ride and was able to become financially independent at 21. For Silveira, overcoming obstacles requires not focusing on the challenge itself but the path forward. She compares her approach to driving. “If you are focused on not hitting a car or driving into a ditch, you end up steering in that direction and hitting the car or ditch you were trying to avoid. Obviously, you need to be aware of obstacles, but your focus should be on where you are trying to go.”

Silveira credits her determination for getting her foot in the door, but she also attributes her willingness to listen and learn from others as a key to her success. Her mother taught her the importance of compassion and the golden rule—treat others the way you would want to be treated. “My mom never went to college, but she was my role model,” shares Silveira as her face wells with pride. “She was not a businesswoman, but she was independent and determined to always keep going. Most importantly, she was so compassionate and put love into everything she did.”

Silveira learned by watching her mother as well as numerous mentors and sponsors, both male and female, who “drive business transformation while making strategic decisions and inspiring their teams.” Silveira tries to learn something new every day. “There is always one thing I can learn, even if it’s a small thing,” she says. “I try to find something or someone to learn [from].” For instance, another woman in leadership she admires is very introverted, and while Silveira is an extrovert, watching this other woman taught her to be her authentic self. “I admire leaders who keep their own identity. She reminds me you do not have to shape yourself into a stereotype to be a successful businessperson. I will always speak English with an accent, but there are advantages to being from another culture.” Silveira leads a global team at Dell, and her accent provides an opportunity to connect with other cultures and learn their stories. “Their stories are not bigger or smaller than mine, but by being committed to learning all the time, I demonstrate that their stories matter too.”

“

There is always one thing I can learn, even if it’s a small thing. I try to find something or someone to learn [from].

Rosandra Silveira

Just as her ambitions first led her away from Santa Maria, they would eventually lead her away from Brazil completely. After following a mentor to Dell, Silveira became one of the first employees when the company launched in Brazil in 1999. She would work her way up, gaining experience in a variety of units. She knew she needed certain skills to enter the C-suite. She recalls, “I was always clear about what I wanted to do. I had mentors who supported me, but I knew I needed to be great if I wanted to be a leader. So I was very intentional about gaining the experience I needed to lead a business unit.”

But even her well-crafted plans had to yield to her desire to grow her family. When she finally got the call to lead a business unit, Silveira and her husband were planning to have their second child. “I got the offer to lead this new team, and I was upfront with my boss about wanting another baby. He told me it did not change anything, so I took the job.” Within a month of getting her dream job, she was pregnant, but her boss supported her leadership, and even with her prolonged absence when she had just started learning the role—Brazil is one of 88 countries that mandates at least 120 days of maternity leave—everything worked out. Silveira thought she was settled, but after serving in the top leadership at Dell Brazil for five years, she began to wonder, “What’s next?”

Silveira knew she could make a lateral move in Brazil, but owning her career meant a move to Dell’s headquarters in Austin to continue to advance. The move did present some obstacles. Her husband had a successful career in Brazil, her young children did not know any English and she worried how her parents and sister would do if she left the country. Silveira sat down with her family, her husband and her kids to get their opinions. “My kids, who were 8 and 4 at the time, said, ‘Mom, you should go. It’s gonna be hard, but you should go.’” Everyone agreed she should go, but not without first placing her kids in an international school where they could spend two years learning English. Silveira’s multiyear plan to move into the C-suite is a reminder that sometimes good things take time to come to fruition. Some dreams may be microwaveable, but others require many ingredients and several hours in the oven. Part of being successful is determining the difference, and not rushing the process to meet ambitions.

Silveira and her family would eventually move to Austin. She began leading the Dell.com team, before becoming senior vice president of the Global Consumer Channel and Outlet Sales divisions. She jokes that coming from Santa Maria, Rio Grande (do Sul, the southernmost state of Brazil), and a family of ranchers prepared her for life in Texas, but the first 18 months after her move were difficult. Amidst working to resettle her family, she forgot about herself. Then her mother passed away. Silveira realized that to take care of others, she needed to take care of herself. She warns against trying to save everyone and putting yourself last on your to-do list. You can be a leader, but self-care is an essential part of leading well. “Before focusing on everybody else’s needs, I need to focus on myself first so that I am in a better position to help others.”

LOCATION: CONTENTSTACK

Headquartered in Austin, Contentstack is the leading Composable Digital Experience Platform (DXP), which empowers marketers and developers to deliver digital experiences at the speed of their imaginations. Companies such as ASICS, Burberry, Chase, Mattel, McDonald’s, Mitsubishi, Shell and Walmart trust Contentstack to power their most critical content experiences to inspire and engage their audiences. Contentstack ranks No. 1222 on Inc. Magazine's 2023 List of America’s 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies and is recognized as a Best Place To Work for its leadership, career growth and diversity.

1023 SPRINGDALE ROAD, SUITE 14A | CONTENTSTACK.COM

“

Silveira is familiar with the working mother’s conundrum: “having it all” while achieving some semblance of perfect balance. But her life seems less about balance and more about finding a rhythm that works for her and her family. She makes sure she attends Pilates classes at 6 a.m. a few times a week no matter what. She goes out to new restaurants with her girlfriends. She makes time to connect with her husband and children, and they go on family vacations. Silveira practices radical presence. “When I am playing with my youngest son, I am with him or cooking dinner with my husband; we are talking, not trying to maximize my efficiency by reading emails, so that when I am at work, I am 120% at work with my team and not anywhere else.”

Silveira leads with empathy. She laughs that her team would call her tough but fair. In addition to her commitment to learn something new every day, she is also committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others every day, whether it’s in a team meeting or at the grocery store. Silveira is putting her mother’s wisdom into practice. “I am at the stage of my career where it’s not about me. It’s about helping others grow, find their own strengths and talents, and the projects or positions where they will be their best,” she adds with delight. “I want to build environments where people can be vulnerable and build something meaningful and purposeful with people they trust and respect.”

Silveira owns every part of her story. Her small-town experiences meant that Silveira never cared about being the only woman in the room, another experience that served her well as she pursued her career goals. Women are only 1 of 4 C-suite executives, and for women of color, reaching the upper echelons in corporate America is even harder. According to McKinsey’s 2022 report on Women in the Workplace, 26% of C-suite executives are women and only 4% are women of color. Silveira is determined, and while she credits her background for helping her soar to her current career heights, she also recognizes the systemic issues that keep women from succeeding.

At a time when many are shrinking diversity and inclusion commitments, her employer, Dell, has continued to invest in diversity and inclusion programs. They have set moonshot goals to expand the archetype of a Dell executive—by 2030, 40% of their global leaders being women and 15% of their U.S. teams being led by people who are African American or Hispanic. Silveira, too, is committed to seeing more Latinas in executive leadership through her nonprofit work with L500, a group she co-founded that champions Latina leaders rising into executive roles.

Silveira insists she was able to overcome the glass ceiling because she was “never focused on it.” She was focused on trying new things and figuring out how to grow despite the obstacles. “Be the lead in your story, not a victim of the situation. But also have joy along the way.” Know your strengths and make the most of what you do have even as you continue to learn. Her guide for success is a reminder of the gift of resilience. Women of color may face many obstacles because of gender and ethnicity/race. Those obstacles can derail us, or we can adopt the Br’er Rabbit strategy of the generations of women who came before us. Malcolm Gladwell highlights the ways in which the underrepresented and the under-resourced rely on their intellect to out-maneuver their circumstances or those who wish to block progress. We can be intentional in directing our time, energy and resources into our families, ambitions, neighbors, employees while addressing systemic barriers facing women of all races and ethnicities. Whatever we choose, hopefully in tackling our obstacles, we can find as much fun and joy in our paths as Rosandra Silveira.

I am at the stage of my career where it’s not about me. It’s about helping others grow, find their own strengths and talents, and the projects or positions where they will be their best.

Rosandra Silveira

A Place of Belonging

For 40 years, Thinkery has uplifted Austin through providing valuable informal educational experiences and collaborating with community members to inspire curiosity, all while committing deeply to accessibility and inclusivity.

BY TESS HARMON

Photos courtesy of Thinkery.

Since 1983, Thinkery has elevated Austin’s community as a center for play-based educational experiences, which serve to inspire curiosity and a love for learning. Originally called Austin Children’s Museum, this hub for informal education was founded by a group of parents who ran mobile exhibits out of a station wagon. The museum grew in resources and popularity, eventually moving into its downtown locations in the ’90s. In 2013, Austin’s Children Museum moved to the Meredith Learning Lab in Mueller and rebranded itself as Thinkery due to its commitment to STEAM-based learning, which has become a core component of its mission.

Thinkery’s network includes both a passionate team of committed advocates, as well as the communities it serves and partners with to bring valuable learning experiences to Austin’s youth. According to Shaleiah Fox, Thinkery’s chief advancement officer, Thinkery’s STEAMbased learning programs are not just focused on motivating young people to enter STEAM fields. They are about fostering necessary life skills and a love for learning.

“STEAM-based learning is a foundation through which you can develop what we call durable skills,” Fox says. “Collaboration, communication, compassion, critical thinking, creativity—those are the skill sets people need to be successful in STEAM careers, to be successful in education careers, to be successful in hospitality, public service, you name it. The focus of STEAM moving to Thinkery and incorporating STEAM in an intentional way is to be open-ended. We’re going to be inquiry based, and we are going to nurture those durable skills so that children love learning forever, but then also understand how to creatively problem solve.”

STEAM-based and joyful learning are concepts Thinkery members are deeply dedicated to, as they implement research-backed approaches to education, which are part of national conversations about what formal education should look like. Brooke Turner, the vice president of STEAM learning at Thinkery, has herself witnessed the tangible impact that these programs have had.

“The community’s growing response is resounding in key moments,” Turner says. “For example, during our recent STEAM Learning Institute professional development program for educators, I received feedback from participants that gave me that ‘Aha! We’re making a positive impact!’ moment—they were feeling seen and valued. They were so on board with our approach to learning, an approach that they’ve seen work firsthand. An approach that’s a child-led, playful STEAM learning experience centered around belonging and culturally responsive teaching practices.”

In creating this sense of belonging that is integral to Thinkery’s educational environment, its leaders have developed a strong commitment to ensuring that it provides equitable access and inclusivity, an approach that is built directly into its programs.

“When we are facilitating learning experiences in Thinkery’s family museum or out in schools and community centers across the Greater Austin area, we write down what we hear and see; we check for understanding and accuracy working to recognize biases; and we work to center the voices of those we’re collaborating with, whether they are 3 years old or 80 years old, in our strategic planning, policy advocacy work, with partners, etc.,” Turner says.

Thinkery’s intentional charge to ensure everyone feels a sense of belonging, and has access to everything it has to offer, manifests in its accessibility initiatives. Through the Open Door initiative, Thinkery aims to eliminate financial barriers to museum and education programs. Thinkery offers two designated hours during the week when the museum is free; it offers scholarships to summer camps and its preschool, as well as field trips that offer discounted rates to Title I schools. Last year, the Open Door initiative reached close to 88,000 children, and Thinkery provided 149 scholarships to its summer camps and close to

In our partnerships, communities feel like we customize experiences just for them, and that’s when we know we’re on to something. That sense of belonging is the whole point. That’s when innovation can really happen.

Brooke Turner

$50,000 in tuition waivers for the preschool.

While Thinkery leaders are keen on expanding these initiatives, they have also recognized that they must meet people in their communities where they’re at. According to Turner, Thinkery’s “strategic approach to community listening organically ensures [they] go to and enter partnership with communities who may not otherwise come into Thinkery’s physical location.”

Most recently, Thinkery broke ground on a shared facility with the Del Valle Independent School District and is building the first Thinkery neighborhood museum that will be freely available to the community during out-of-school hours. Meanwhile, its leaders are also working with Del Valle’s early childhood educators to infuse Thinkery’s learning approach and provide professional development.

“Truly everything we do from a programmatic and guest experience perspective is all about making sure that they have access, and when we think about what the next 40 years looks like, it really is making sure that every child that calls the Greater Austin area home has a Thinkery experience,” Fox says. “We have core values that drive everything we do; we want to be a place of belonging. We want to always play and have fun. We want to be innovative, and we want to collaborate. The way that we make sure that it’s not just about getting people here, but meeting them where they’re at, is through our collaborations and really building a bigger sense of belonging in the community to everything we do at Thinkery.”

Thinkery’s community-forward approach extends to its openness to collaboration, as it partners with organizations in Austin that help elevate local communities through building pathways for youth to

have transformative educational experiences. These partnerships include an engineering program with the Boys and Girls Club of Austin and a play-based learning initiative with AVANCE, a nonprofit which supports low-income families with young children. Thinkery also hosts Welcome Days, where partners’ community members can come to the museum for free and explore the resources that Thinkery has to offer. During these events, Thinkery offers professional development training, scholarships, memberships with flexible pricing models and more. Recently, Thinkery collaborated with the Black Mamas Village on a Welcome Day that also served as a “Back to School Bash,” complete with offerings of backto-school haircuts, massages for caregivers, backpack giveaways and opportunities for children and caregivers to do STEAM-based activities together—all of which promotes Thinkery’s goal of fostering a verve for learning.

As Austin continues to grow, so does Thinkery’s engagement with different communities. Leaders at Thinkery maintain equitable access as a key component of their mission, even, and especially, as Austin changes.

“What stands out to me as we expand our impact, though, is our awareness that not every community needs or wants the same things,” Turner says. “Our approach to playful learning allows us to meet each community where it is, listen to where it wants to go and collaborate to support that shared goal. In our partnerships, communities feel like we customize experiences just for them, and that’s when we know we’re on to something. That sense of belonging is the whole point. That’s when innovation can really happen.”

For the past 40 years, Thinkery has been a source of growth for the

I see a future where there is at least one whole day where Thinkery is free each week, and it’s something that our city is investing in. It’s something that the new corporations that are moving in and taking advantage of our wonderful workforce, that they’re also seeing the importance in giving back philanthropically.

Shaleiah Fox

Austin community and an intentional advocate both for children and caregivers. Fox and Turner have positive outlooks on what the next 40 years holds for Thinkery. According to Turner, Thinkery has developed strategic priorities with its community for the next three to five years that aim to “equitably expand access to Thinkery experiences, strengthen Thinkery’s museum as the leading Central Texas family learning hub [and] deepen educational impact through Thinkery’s STEAM Learning Institute.” Fox says she sees a future where children have Thinkery experiences before even entering the door.

“If I were looking at the headlines for Thinkery in 10 years, my hope is it says that it is a place where joyful learning is alive and thriving,” Fox says. “I see a future where there is at least one whole day where Thinkery is free each week, and it’s something that our city is investing in. It’s something that the new corporations that are moving in and taking advantage of our wonderful workforce, that they’re also seeing the importance in giving back philanthropically. [That] every child has a Thinkery experience, that is what I hope for the next 40 years. That’s my personal mandate; that is what drives me, that we are living up to our purpose to put the joy in learning so children can thrive, and that is happening all around Thinkery and beyond in the community.”

Brooke Turner, vice president of STEAM learning at Thinkery

Shaleiah Fox, Thinkery’s chief advancement officer

JUST Lends Based on Trust

Female entrepreneurs can level up with a little help from their friends.

BY JENNY HOFF

When Rashidah Alshams moved from Washington, D.C. back to her native Austin in 2018, she had dreams of leaving the world of banking behind and starting her own yoga studio. She knew the banking industry and what they could offer entrepreneurs, but she was looking for something different—not just a loan, but a relationship with her “banker,” a community based on trust over credit scores. She found JUST, an organization dedicated to helping current and future Black and Latina women business owners level up their entrepreneurial visions through community and accountability.

“I’ve been affected by the lack of trust in a lot of places being a Black person,” she says. “JUST knows that trust starts in the community. It works because I’m as invested in my business as I am in my friend’s. Her growth is my growth.”

For women who apply for loans with JUST, there is no credit check or financial history requested. But there is accountability to their community. Women who complete the leadership program bring in other entrepreneurs from their circle of friends who also need loans. Loans are granted based on trust, with the assumption that you’re less likely to default on a loan when you’re accountable to a network of friends. These entrepreneurial circles of friends then meet once a week to discuss their challenges, their ideas and to pay off part of their loan. The loans come with a 15% interest rate on a declining balance. So, for your first $750 loan, you’ll pay about $15 in interest.

“After you’ve successfully paid off your first loan, you’ll gradually have the ability to borrow more, up to $15,000,” says Alshams, who is now the Community Growth and Partnership manager at JUST, as well as the owner of her yoga studio, Woke Yoga & Wellness, based in East Austin, where she grew up.

As the first Black entrepreneur funded by JUST (when they started in 2016, they focused on Latina immigrant women), Alshams says she is convinced more than ever that community is a vital element to starting your own business. Friends lift each other up, hold each other accountable and care about helping solve each other’s challenges. And

it seems to work. Alshams says they have a 99% repayment rate.

“Use your circles to find a trusted partner,” advises Alshams. “Trust is the hardest thing to build, so why not start with somebody that you already trust to help you go forward?”

JUST also offers coaching, with the belief that with coaching, capital and community, a woman entrepreneur can elevate her business and her life, surrounded by the support of friends she can trust.

“

Use your circles to find a trusted partner. Trust is the hardest thing to build, so why not start with somebody that you already trust to help you go forward?

Rashidah Alshams

We are excited to present the inaugural Allies In Action section. The men featured in the following pages were hand-selected by the AW Ownership Team as outstanding examples of true male allies who have boldly and consistently used their voices to champion women. Further, we asked them to financially sponsor this section in order to help underwrite what Austin Woman does each month to amplify the voices of all women, especially those who are underrepresented. We are grateful for their allyship and support and are thrilled to be able to celebrate them in this very special issue.

With love, The AW Ownership Team: Melinda Garvey, Lana Macrum-Craig, Lynelle McKay, Terry Mitchell, Gretel Perera, Shuronda Robinson Ana Ruelas, Neha Sampat

CRAIG CUMMINGS

MOONSHOTS CAPITAL | GENERAL PARTNER

As an entrepreneur, investor and Army veteran, Craig Cummings is a true Austinite super-connector immersed in the city’s vibrant tech community. He is a special advisor for Military and Veteran Affairs for Capital Factory and serves on the advisory boards of VetsInTech, Texas Venture Labs at UT McCombs School of Business and DivInc. After 17 years of military service that earned him a Bronze Star, he co-founded the transportation platform RideScout, which was acquired by Mercedes-Benz. In 2014, Cummings co-founded Moonshots Capital alongside Kelly Perdew to invest in extraordinary leadership in the military veteran community and beyond. He holds a B.S. in political science from West Point, where he was their first Truman Scholar and later served as assistant professor of political science. He also holds a Ph.D. in political science and econometrics from Columbia University, is a member of the 2016 class of Henry Crown Fellows with the Aspen Institute and was recently named a Future Texas Legend Veteran by the Texas Business Hall of Fame. He is married to Lawton Posey Cummings and has two children, Addison (20) and Cooper (18). moonshotscapital.com

MATT STEPHENSON CODE2COLLEGE | CEO AND CO-FOUNDER

Matt Stephenson is the CEO and co-founder of Code2College. Launched in 2016, Code2College is an Austin-based nonprofit that serves more than 1,000 students annually and places hundreds of historically underestimated high school students—primarily Black, Latine and girls—into paid summer tech internships to dramatically improve their chance to enter and excel undergraduate majors and careers in STEM. In 2020, Code2College launched Vision 2024, it's key initiative to support, develop and place 200 Legacies - Black and Latina girls - into STEM roles by 2024. To date, six cohorts of Vision 2024 Legacies have been served and placed into these life-changing experiences. Stephenson started his career in K-12 education as a high school math teacher, and later a Leadership Fellow, at Achievement First in New Haven, Connecticut. Prior to his career in K-12 education, Stephenson was a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs as well as an internship program manager for Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, where he was able to help 93% of the interns in his cohort to receive full-time job offers from their host firms. He then joined KIPP Austin Public Schools as director of finance and has served as an adjunct professor at the McCombs School of Business at UT Austin, teaching a course on philanthropic investments.

code2college.org

TERRY KAHLER T. KAHLER COACHING | EXECUTIVE COACH

Recognized as one of Austin’s top executive coaches, Terry Kahler leverages his decades of leadership experience and 11 years as an executive coach to help leaders and organizations of all types increase their effectiveness. His approach to coaching is based on pragmatism and industry-standard tools and methods to deliver measurable outcomes. When he began coaching in 2012, Kahler’s vision was to embed social impact into his practice. As such, proceeds from his purpose-driven practice fund nonprofits in the Austin area that are focused on community, education, entrepreneurship and health care. He also advocates for women in the workplace and plays an active role in furthering their cause. Kahler has called Texas home most of his life. He is an accomplished photographer, has a passion for cooking, enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife. The Kahlers reside in Austin with their three cats.

tkahler.com/coach

STEVEN D. GONZÁLEZ

PNC BANK | SVP, REGIONAL PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF CORPORATE BANKING - AUSTIN

Steven González is the PNC regional president for Austin. He has been in the financial service industry for nearly two decades, and during that time, González has consistently gone above and beyond to support woman-identified clients and colleagues, brings positive change, values equality and actively works to acheive it. He is reminded every day of the importance of being an ally when he sees his young daughter Gigi.

As a PNC leader, González helps women move financially forward with initiatives like Project 257, designed to help close the economic gender gap and support women who are financial decision-makers. Additionally, PNC has Certified Women’s Business Advocates, bankers whose passion for supporting woman-identified clients and employees is both personal and professional.

González is a genuine ally. He is educated on gender inequalities, is empathetic, acknowledges there is a lot of work to be done and does everything he can to make progress.

pnc.com/women

Preston is the co-founder and CEO of DivInc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to generate social and economic equity through entrepreneurship by equipping diverse founders with access to the critical resources they need to build investable companies. Founded in Austin in 2016, DivInc has supported more than 100 companies and more than 130 founders since its inception. A former 20-year veteran at Dell, he served in executive leadership roles in enterprise IT sales and consulting where he oversaw teams responsible for driving $250 million-plus in revenue. He also served as the managing director for the Dell Global Center for Entrepreneurship, where he oversaw the $100 million Dell Credit Fund and helped expand the center’s initiatives globally. James is a champion for transforming and broadening the tech ecosystem by making it authentically inclusive. He firmly believes that the future prosperity of our nation is directly tied to our ability to empower women and people of color through entrepreneurship and innovation. divinc.org

PRESTON L. JAMES II DIVINC. | CO-FOUNDER AND CEO

ROBERT TURNER AND PATRICK DOBBS

JAMIE TURNER | OWNER, DESIGNER

Entrepreneur and Texas-native Robert Turner’s most recent business endeavor is perhaps his most creative and unexpected yet: handcrafted luxury jewelry. Turner’s lifelong love of geology turned him into a collector. He’s amassed one of the world’s largest personal gemstone collections. When he couldn’t find a quite-right gift for his daughter, Jamie, he realized he could bring a unique point of view to the luxury jewelry space and learned the craft. He named the company for Jamie, who’s personal style and appreciation for fine jewelry influence the brand aesthetic. Together, with master jeweler Patrick Dobbs, they developed the line and launched the company’s DTC business in 2022. Never one to follow a rulebook, Turner is drawn to organic shapes and unique gemstones like blue zircon, tsavorite and rare boulder opals. Each piece is designed and handcrafted in 18-karat gold by a team of world-class artisans in their Austin design studio.

jamieturnerdesigns.com

ALEJANDRO RUELAS THIRD EAR | FOUNDER | CEO

Alejandro Ruelas is a respected figure in the advertising world. He parlayed a successful corporate marketing career to start one of the most celebrated advertising agencies in the industry: LatinWorks, now known as THIRD EAR. Turning 25 years-old this fall, they’ve helped transform brands with innovative creative business solutions for Fortune 500 clients. Twice named one of the top 10 agencies in the U.S. by Ad Age magazine, THIRD EAR has achieved enviable milestones in its space, including crafting the number one rated spot in the 2007 Super Bowl broadcast. Notably, a key secret of the agency’s success is the fact that more than 60% of THIRD EAR’s workforce is made up of women. Ruelas has served on multiple nonprofit boards, including The Ann Richards School for young women leaders, The Texas Tribune and the Economic Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. He holds an MBA from the John M. Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis, where in 2010, he was honored with the Olin Distinguished Alumni Award. Alejandro is married to Ana Ruelas, founder of luxury real estate brokerage The Agency Austin. They have three children, Gabriel (23), Melina (20) and Alejandro (9). wearethirdear.com

What One Weekend in Austin Taught Me About Advocating for Women

Through Rosa Rebellion’s Compose Fellowship, Victoria Abraham found a safe space to advocate for herself.

BY VICTORIA ABRAHAM

Aquick Google search of “self-advocating for women” results in a plethora of articles about how women can advocate for themselves in the workplace to get a raise or a promotion, the importance of self-advocacy and the barriers, such as racism and sexism, that can hold women back from reaching their professional goals. The idea is that doing excellent work isn’t enough; you also must speak up and promote yourself, and there are greatly effective (and less effective) ways to do so.

For example, one Harvard Business Review article suggests women should practice with small asks, team up with peers and co-workers and be empathetic and understanding of the needs of their boss or co-workers, framing their ask with those needs in mind. An Indeed article on the topic advises women to be specific in their ask, communicate with confidence and gratitude and use data to support their request—such as salary data if they want a raise or a portfolio of achievements if they want a promotion. The same article notes, “There have been various studies that point to a negative perception of women who assertively advocate for themselves in the workplace as well as those who do so without being assertive enough. The perception disadvantage increases for women of color who self-advocate.”

Sounds like a bit of a catch-22, doesn’t it? We need to advocate for ourselves to advance, but no matter how we do it, there are negative consequences and no guarantee of success. A study of 4,600 Australian women across 800 workplaces found that women ask for raises as often as men do, but men are more likely to be successful. The same study also found no evidence that women act less assertive than men in negotiations.

Therein lies the other crucial piece of the self-advocacy conversation: A woman can advocate for herself all she wants and practice all the self-advocacy tips in the universe, but if she is in an environment that is not receptive or supportive, her advocacy is going to fall on deaf ears. What this indicates to me is that where you’re advocating for yourself and with whom is at least as important as the how. The questions are how do we advocate for ourselves, and also what does an environment where women can successfully advocate for themselves look like?

This past November, I had the privilege of getting a glimpse of what such an environment could look like. I attended a retreat in Austin as a writing fellow with the Compose Fellowship, the goal of which is to provide mentorship to women of color writers and storytellers. Being a part of this community felt like I had been holding my breath, and I finally got the chance to exhale. There were three elements that made it feel this way for me.

The first is alignment of shared and individual goals. There was no competition between the mentees or the mentors. We were all there to support each other in advancing our individual projects and united in the belief that individual success also meant group success. This helped everyone in the room feel empowered to give and receive feedback.

The second is genuine buy-in from the mentors and organizers of the program who were eager to share resources and ideas with the mentees and with each other to help set each of us up for success. There was a palpable excitement about being in the room together.

The third is psychological safety. It felt safe to share deeply personal stories and fledgling ideas with relative strangers in this judgment-free space, not merely accommodating, but outright celebratory of diversity. Yes, we were all women of color, but we were also all different ages, from different places, with different backgrounds, careers, levels of experience and aspirations.

It’s easy to imagine how if, for example, the organizers had introduced an element of competition into the retreat—such as writing a story pitch in five minutes for a chance to get published, thereby pitting mentees against each other—or if there was a lack of transparency about opportunities—with opportunities being shared with some people and not with others—the three elements I describe above would have been eroded. Instead, they created an environment that was not intimidating, free from manufactured competition and geared toward success.

Advocating for yourself includes knowing your worth, and therefore knowing when something, someone or someplace no longer serves you. Advocating for other women includes creating an environment where individual success and team success are symbiotic, diversity is celebrated and resources, opportunities and information are shared equally.

And Then There Was Sobriety

Brown Girl in Recovery finds the light at the end of the tunnel.

BY BROWN GIRL IN RECOVERY

Hello, readers. I am Brown Girl in Recovery, sharing with you my sixth column about my experiences with alcoholism, mental health and, ultimately, sobriety. At this point in my journey, I was in my first few years of sobriety.

I was “white-knuckling” it for the first several months—that’s a popular phrase from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and it is so true. Your hands are literally balled up in fists to the point where your knuckles are turning white from the grip. I slowly learned to breathe through it and that “this too shall pass” (another annoying and popular AA phrase).

I was 31, in the middle of a divorce, my dad was sick with a progressive brain disease and, frankly, I felt like a loser of a daughter and a person. No matter how much I wanted to drink to forget everything, I didn’t. I kept telling myself it would only be a temporary fix and that if I ever did drink again, it would be to end my life. For good this time. I took staying sober minute by minute, hour by hour. I couldn’t think too far into the future.

After a few months of attending AA meetings, I finally approached an older woman who had nearly 20 years of sobriety and asked her to be my sponsor. That sponsorship, and ultimate deep friendship, changed my life for the better. To this day, she is still a big part of my support system and a dear friend. She’s outgoing, an artist and is super funny even though she, too, deals with a lot. She taught me so much, and continues to do so.

This also is when yoga entered my life. Before sobriety, I hardly ever practiced, but at that time I began a daily practice. I started with restorative yoga. It forced me to be still, something I wasn’t used to doing but that I knew I needed for my own sake. I had to stop running away and finding temporary fixes to my problems. Instead, I had to learn to sit in the uncomfortableness of it all and remain sober. After several months, yoga became a part of my daily life. Years later, I got my yoga teacher certification through Black Swan Yoga.

I sought out therapy and psychiatric help from the get-go. I realized, whether I wanted it or not, I needed the help. I couldn’t keep ending up in the ER and psychiatric unit from unsuccessful suicide attempts. I couldn’t keep putting my parents and sisters through that. Watching your mom wheel your sick dad in his wheelchair to pick you up from the detox unit really makes you think about what you’ve done to your life. It took a lot of effort and time to find a psychiatrist who didn’t have a waitlist and took my insurance, but I stuck with it and found a great one. I went through a few different counselors, and they all helped me in different ways. Medication played a significant role too. I was on two medications for over a year for my depression and anxiety before I started weaning off of them.

In that first year of sobriety, I leaned on my parents and sisters in a way I hadn’t ever before. I realized it was okay to not have it all figured out, that they would stick by my side no matter what. I learned how to share my feelings with them.

My mom and dad played a crucial role in that first year, even though I felt so ashamed for turning into this mess of a daughter. But they helped me while simultaneously giving me space. I spent a lot of time with my dad during my early days of sobriety, until he passed away right before I reached the two-year mark. His death was a tough blow in all of our lives, yet I stayed sober through it all with the help of my thenboyfriend (who is now my husband) and my sisters.

It also helped that one of my sisters was training to become a psychiatrist at the time (and is now an in-demand psychiatrist helping so many people find peace and clarity) and that my other sister is so empathic, caring and just gets me. My sisters are not just my family; they’re my friends. Our relationship as adults is a beautiful thing for which I’m very grateful.

For my next column—my last one with Austin Woman—I will share the last few years and where I am now. Until then, I hope by sharing my journey and reflections thus far I am able to give other Brown women a space to reflect, perhaps nod along and feel less alone, and realize life is going to eventually be okay.

For a glimpse of where Brown Girl in Recovery’ is presently in her sobriety journey, read the full article at atxwoman.com.

Photo courtesy of Brown Girl in Recovery.

Empowering Women

Upleveling mindsets through brain science, data and the human collective

BY SHONTÉ JOVAN TAYLOR, M.S.(c)., PH.D.(c)

Upleveling the female mindset, life and professional realms is a journey. In the evolving landscape of gender equality, drawing inspiration from those who bravely paved the way is crucial. As a teenager in the ’90s, I witnessed Anita Hill’s courageous act of speaking out about her experience of sexual harassment at the hands of Clarence Thomas, a nominee for the highest court. Reflecting today, it sheds light on the uphill battle women have fought for decades to continuously “uplevel.” In an unjust society, women face the ongoing struggle of being heard and believed. They also strive to find the courage, like Hill, to elevate in different domains. Maya Angelou’s powerful words “and still I rise” come to mind to aid in overcoming these challenges.

But what does rising or “upleveling” mean for women today and beyond? How do we ascend across mental, physical, emotional and financial realms while staying true to ourselves and avoiding burnout?

Here are few ways to go about it:

RETHINK UPLEVELING AS HOLISTIC: BEYOND CORPORATE PARADIGMS

The concept and mindset of upleveling must continue to evolve and progress. It is not just a popular gaming term or corporate jargon, but a transformative journey. It’s about gathering strength from personal and collective stories and embracing growth and authenticity. Upleveling must defy a society that underestimates women. It’s realizing that even in the face of adversity, we can rise, united and empowered.

Let’s reimagine it as a holistic journey embracing every aspect of a woman’s life beyond just career and financial advancement. It includes health, relationships, authenticity and intentionality.

Expanding our understanding of upleveling allows for inclusivity. Whether it’s a stay-at-home mom prioritizing self-care, a hospitality worker valuing their role in creating a welcoming environment or simply someone seeking to redecorate their bedroom to bring peace and inspiration, we can collectively recognize the significance. Upleveling has a yin-yang dynamic; it requires letting go of some aspects of our lives. By letting go, we empower other aspects of our lives by harmonizing our journey of growth.

UPLEVELING IS IGNITED BY THE BRAIN

The neural underpinnings of this journey are fascinating and important to consider. The brain resists stagnation; it craves novelty, growth and change. When we find ourselves stuck, whether in a tedious job or a stifling routine, the brain registers discomfort. Restlessness, dissatisfaction and even guilt can emerge. It’s our internal readiness to explore the next level of self-actualization in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. At its core, upleveling urges us to embrace authenticity and operate within and explore new possibilities of our strengths, fostering a state of thriving rather than merely surviving.

UPLEVELING WITHOUT OVERWHELM OR ISOLATION

Let’s dispel the misconception that upleveling is synonymous with shouldering more responsibilities. Women already face the burden of proving themselves and battling imposter syndrome. By reframing it as a transformative journey, we can forge the link between reducing disparities and advancing equality. Having a growth mindset empowers the personal improvement journey and uplifts communities, rather than fixating on task accumulation. Upleveling is not a solo expedition; collaboration is key for social humans. Girls and women often hesitate to seek help, which can lead to loneliness—a recognized public health crisis. Loneliness impacts individuals and society, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, depression and anxiety. Therefore, upleveling should involve reducing loneliness by fostering positive relationships and social connections, on both personal and systemic levels.

Advocates, regardless of gender, are key in supporting women’s advancement through social and collaborative forces at all ages and in societal contexts. In Austin, companies like Home Depot collaborate with community leaders to uplift neighborhoods. Rose Smith, the founder of Black Women in Business, empowers young minds through her annual back-to-school drives. Meanwhile, Matt Stephenson, the co-founder of Code2College, empowers female high schoolers to pursue STEAM fields through mentorship, internships and representation in computer science. Thus, upleveling at the community and future generational levels is crucial for girls and women to thrive at all stages of their journey.

REMEMBER THIS...

The upleveling of the female mind and life is a transformative journey that transcends original societal confines and embraces holistic growth. It taps into the brain’s innate desire for novelty, encouraging us to seek authenticity, strength and collaboration. It challenges us to redefine success, bridge disparities and rewrite narratives fostering a world where women rise, not in isolation, but in unity. Not with shame and guilt, but with grace and understanding. As we journey forward, let us remember to uplevel our courage like Anita Hill and our wisdom like Maya Angelou, for it’s in their footsteps that we pave the way for generations to come and to continue to RISE.

Photos by Shonté Jovan Taylor, M.S.(c)., Ph.D.(c).

Janis Bookout’s Journey of Resilience, Advocacy and Authenticity

In this interview, Janis Bookout speaks about her work at Earth Day Austin and the Community Resilience Trust.

BY Brandi Clark Burton

Janis Bookout possesses a deep commitment to inclusive problemsolving through disaster response initiatives and strategic collaborations. She highlights the transformative power of authentic engagement when contributing to positive change and emphasizes her deep belief in human interconnectedness. She is a truth-teller, a believer in people and wants everyone to thrive.

How would you describe the work you do?

My work is focused at the intersection of environment and racial equity. In particular, I’m very focused on advancing community resilience.

What does that mean to you?

In a resilient community, everyone has the ability to both survive and thrive in the face of stressors, independent of race, disability, age, income status, gender or lived experience.

Describe how you have worked to help our communities survive and thrive through a variety of stressors.

Prior to the pandemic, I had done volunteer work in a variety of collaborative disaster response initiatives such as Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey. But when COVID-19 hit, an ever-expanding group of local leaders—mostly grassroots organizers, but a bunch of folks from different sectors—met daily for a year to ask, “Who might be left out of disaster response during the pandemic, and what can we do about it?” One thing I’m particularly proud of was including sign language services, American and Mexican, in addition to having Spanish translators help festivalgoers engage with the many booths.

Community Resilience Trust was a collective response to a crisis, focused on equity. What came out of that?

Initially, we focused on filling information and action gaps, generating a lot of collaborative multilingual materials to educate our community and decision-makers. During Storm Uri, we coordinated with others to shelter and feed members of the unhoused community in hotels and facilitated two distribution centers with hot meals and water for about 25,000 people. Over time, we became a generator of collaboratives in many areas of community crisis.

What is the core approach or philosophy that informs all of the work that you do?

I lean on distinctions of anti-racist work, traumainformed approaches, transformation and a belief in human interconnectedness.

How did you go about transforming the Earth Day festivals to be so much more diverse and inclusive?

When I took the reins, we started with leadership, creating an intentionally diverse board. Then we redesigned the festival to make it more culturally representative through partnerships and invitations to many who had never been included. Then I said to those partners, “Look, this is your platform. What do you want to do with it?”

You have some interesting ideas about disaster and progress. Please explain.

Yes, I view disasters as opportunities for transformation. We need to move away from rigid, exclusionary structures that may crumble under stress and toward flexibility, connectivity and authentic inclusion. As we continually rebuild, we should do so equitably, with sustainability, trust, connectivity and the whole ecosystem in mind, learning from the dysfunction highlighted during these disruptive moments.

You do work in some “heavy” subjects. What are your strategies for self-care?

My three r’s are being rested, resourced and regulated. Therapy is key, because this world is hard, and there’s more harm coming with climate change. Process the grief, connect to beauty and each other and take action on what matters.

Learn about Janis, her work and the people and organizations she wants to uplift at Workable World (workableworld.com/janis-bookout)

Community Resilience Trust (communityresiliencetrust.org)

Earth Day Austin (earthdayaustin.com)

3 Bridges Sign Language Services (pisab.org)

People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond (producers of Undoing Racism training)

Photo courtesy of Janis Bookout.

Nonprofit Executive Director Mythology Debunked

Laura Donnelly, former executive director of Latinitas,

regularly tackles misconceptions of nonprofit work.

BY LAURA DONNELLY

Born in New York City and raised in New Jersey, I’m genetically loud. It has served me well in book publicity for many years pushing lesser known authors onto best-seller lists or morning television, but also promoting icons like the poignant Maya Angelou, pioneer sex positive writer Erica Jong, the father of Black independent cinema Melvin Van Peebles and even getting fixed up on a date with his other publicist by Catch-22 writer Joseph Heller. My jobs have tended to reflect my love of reading and writing. Prior to publishing, I was a beat reporter for my local newspaper in Sussex County, New Jersey, where, handsdown, small-town news out-weirds major city coverage, from their shady town managers to family militias living in the woods. I interned at the Geraldo Rivera Show, a prototype for what is now ubiquitous reality television. I’ll pause here and let anyone under age 35 Google Geraldo. He is one of a small handful of Latino national broadcast journalists and maybe the most well-known.

The spirit of Latino media representation stayed with me, and in 2002 in a class as a masters student at UT Austin, I co-founded Latinitas, still one of the only magazines made for and by young Latinas. I was 29 and my co-founder, 23—old in “girl” years. So, to collect authentic, reflective content we launched clubs, camps and conferences where girls and teens did the writing, photography, filmmaking, podcasting but also “techier” storytelling using graphic and web design, coding, augmented and virtual realities. The programs have served 42,000 young girls and women in 25-plus U.S. cities and countries like Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Nigeria and the Philippines.

I got “mentored up” at Latinitas all the time by tweens and teens. The aftermath of difficult breakups or financial woes would melt away when I walked into Martin or Dobie Middle Schools to teach club. There, 15 11-year-olds and I threw conformity to the wind, making websites that blinked and sparkled, illegible with white backgrounds and yellow text. We choreographed music videos to Ciara’s “1, 2 Step,” but where I got my biggest lessons in resilience were from Latinitas who were the English translators for their parents, caregivers to their siblings and, for some, constantly feared deportation.

I left Latinitas this year after two decades. It was a difficult transition as there are a lot of misconceptions about nonprofit work, even by board members. For one, it’s not just one job. I have been CEO, CFO, human resources and communications director, all at once. I designed programs and pushed the vision, but also led resource development. Taking out the garbage or changing the toilet paper rolls made me the custodian at times.

Nonprofit doesn’t mean “no profit.” It took an enormous amount of ingenuity to yield funding before equity was trending. For almost 20 years, funders asked, “Why focus on Latinas?”

Nonprofits are also one of the few industries where the budget resets annually to zero. As recently as a year ago, someone asked me, “Do you get a salary?” This was a smart, professional person. We do charitable work, but we are not charity cases.

MY TAKEAWAYS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF NONPROFITEERS:

• Build the space: You don’t need a budget to create a meeting or website. People will show up to help when the mission is genuine.

• Trust your own expertise. Some magazine publishers (who no longer exist) told me not to write or teach in Spanish, that it’s patronizing to Latiné teens. This was not our experience and became a signature asset.

• Self-care is eating when you are hungry or hiring the help you need even when it’s a budget risk. Boundaries are essential, but all the memes leave out the courage it takes, the pushback and even retaliation that comes.

• Stay aware of what gives you flow. Delegate the “drains” early.

My salvation, now and then, has been my fellow Austin women. Behind every amazing thing happening in Austin is a group of women doing the grunt work taking it from an idea to fruition. My fellow executive directors show up in the most significant ways: via partnerships, unsolicited but welcomed advice and sometimes crisis averting calls. They are Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas’s Lupe Morin; National Hispanic Institute’s Gloria DeLeon; New Philanthropists’ Monica Maldonado Williams; State Representative Sheryl Cole; former board chairs and “multipreneurs” Becky Arreaga and Ana Ruelas; the late Bibi Lobo, founder of National Latino Children’s Institute; and many more.

I feel like I’ve grown up with a “class” of fellow E.D. changemakers too—remembering backyard barbecues in my 20s at Cine Las Americas Co-founder Celeste Quesada and Black Pumas’ Adrian Quesada’s house, bonding over funding orientations with Big Medium Founders Shea Little and Jana Swec and shared community space with Worker’s Defense former executive director Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez, once-candidate for U.S. Senate. Now we are bumping into each other at high school orientations for our kids.

The relationship-building that an executive director does in even a few years is tantamount to the networks of major public figures and celebrities. I’m proud of my legacy and am tapping that network and realizing Austin is still as fecund with new ventures as ever—media startups to a film industry about to reexplode, potentially our own WNBA team. Enterprise abounds!

Photo courtesy of Laura Donnelly.

OF LEARNING STARTS WITH

THE HEART Visit our Stressless® Comfort Zone galleries today to experience the full line of Stressless® motion sofas, recliners, and mattresses. Our knowledgeable associates are standing by to assist you in finding the perfect fit and feel.

To submit

nearest you or visit copenhagenliving.com.

Electrify your life with Volvo Recharge

Designed for a better way to move through the world. Meet Volvoʼs pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The Recharge line brings you technology, design and sustainable materials to elevate your drive.

Learn more today at Volvo Cars of Austin.

For over 95 years, Volvoʼs research and innovations have saved over one million lives, and are working on a million more.

Focusing on innovations that understand whatʼs outside the car isnʼt enough. There also needs to be better understanding of you, the driver inside. So Volvo is stepping into a new era – for safety and for Volvo Cars – where the ambition isnʼt just to protect your life. It's to help you live your best life.