Name: Chelsea Delbar
Company: University Federal Credit Union
Role: Sr. Learning and Development Specialist

 

1. What brought you to Austin and how long have you been here?
   I was born in McAllen, TX, but I’ve lived in Austin most of my life. True story—when my parents were living in McAllen (with me and my older sister Kelly), my mom was pregnant with my younger sister and they missed Austin so much that they named her after the city. We moved back shortly after, so Austin now lives in Austin. 🙂 I love this city and I’m looking forward to raising my two boys, Jack and Elliot, here.
2. How did you get connected to AYC?
   I was introduced to AYC through my friend and colleague, Emmy Hill. At the time, she was chairing the State of AYC Committee (now the ChangeMaker Awards) and she was looking for committee members. I was looking to get more involved in the community so I joined her team. I knew right away it was a good fit! My employer, University Federal Credit Union, is a huge supporter of the Austin Young Chamber and believes strongly in developing Austin’s young professional community. UFCU has encouraged my involvement in AYC and they’ve enabled me to give my time and talent by allowing me to use volunteer time off to attend events and committee meetings.
3. What are you involved with in AYC AND what is your favorite part of AYC?
   I’ve been a member of the ChangeMaker Committee (formerly State of AYC) for many years, and this past year I had the pleasure of co-chairing the event with Gabriel Krizin. Outside of ChangeMaker, I enjoy attending other AYC sponsored events, like FAVE and Speaker Series events. I’m a total introvert, so AYC helps me stretch my wings a bit and step out of my comfort zone.
4. Where can we find you brunching in Austin on any given Saturday?
   This doesn’t really count as “brunch,” but on any given Saturday you can find me at Summer Moon Coffee Bar with my sisters and my boys. When I wake up in the morning my first thought is generally, “Ooooh I get coffee! Yay!”
5. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and what would you use it for?
   If I could have any superpower, I would choose teleportation. Imagine all the time you’d save! Not to mention how cool it would be to visit any place in the world at the snap of your fingers. Woke up late? No worries, *snap* you’re at work. Want to visit your family on the other side of the world (my husband’s family is from Belgium), *snap* you’re in Belgium. Spilled coffee on your white blouse right before an important meeting? *Snap* you’re at home where you can change and *snap* you’re back at work. You get the idea. I’d love if my family could teleport with me too!
6. If you could have any celebrity live next door to you, who would it be?
   I have no idea. I’ve seriously given this some thought and I have no idea.
7. If you had guests visiting Austin for the weekend, where is the first place you would take them to show them a good time?
   During the day I’d pack a picnic and take them to Zilker Park. We’d enjoy lunch on the hillside, swim at Barton Springs, and then ride bikes around Lady Bird Lake. In the evening, I’d probably take them to the Warehouse District for music, drinking, and dancing.
8. If you played hooky for a day, where would we find you and what would you be doing?
   A perfect “hooky” day for me would first involve coffee, a good book, and a big shady tree (maybe on the Capital grounds) where I could sit back and people watch. Then, I’d want to throw on my running shoes and get a few miles in around Lady Bird Lake. I’d end the day time by spending time with my husband, kids, and my sisters.
9. When people ask you what you do for a living, what do you tell them?
   At it’s core, my job is all about helping people grow! I work with people to help them identify and reach their goals. I’m an instructional designer and facilitator by trade, but what that really means is figuring out where people are in their professional lives versus where they want to be, and then helping to bridge the gap for them through learning solutions, coaching, and other opportunities.
10. What technology could you not live without?
    I’m behind the times when it comes to technology. My phone? I do love my phone and I need my Google Maps!
11. Who inspires you?
    The answer to this question has changed over the years. Right now, at this stage in my life raising two young children and working full time, my parents inspire me. I realize how much (wonderful) work it is to raise kids and how your life changes. I’m fortunate enough to still have my dad in my life, and I hope he knows how much I love him and appreciate all he did for me growing up. My mom passed away a little over 2 years ago and there are times when I want to pick up the phone and just THANK her for all she did. I also want to ask her “How did you do it all Mom? How did you raise three daughters AND stay at the top of your field?”
12. What is your proudest accomplishment?
    Definitely my little boys Jack and Elliot. People say having children is the “hardest job you’ll ever love” and in my experience it’s true. They’ve challenged me in ways that I never could have imagined. Every day with them is an adventure and an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone. Watching them grow and learn is a truly amazing experience and every time they learn something new my heart bursts with pride.
13. If you couldn’t live in Austin, where would you want to live?
    San Francisco would be nice. I’d make frequent trips to Muir Wood forest to enjoy the solace of the red wood trees.
14. I want to learn how to…?
    Cook! I’d love to learn how to *really* cook. I can make spaghetti and that sort of thing, but I’m the first to admit my kitchen skills are lacking.
15. Pick:
    Soup or Salad?  Salad
    Indoors or Outdoors?  Outdoors!
    Winter or Summer?  Summer
    Tea or Coffee? Coffee!
    Mountains or Beach? Both!
    
16. Favorite drink?
    Coffee