The 6th Annual LEAD Summit, presented by Texas Mutual Insurance Company returns May 4 & May 5, 2023!
The LEAD Summit (Learn | Explore | Act | Develop) is the Austin Young Chamber’s annual leadership development conference for students, young professionals and business leaders. The Summit strengthens the pipeline of talent and leaders in Central Texas through education, community-building, and practical steps for engagement. Students, early career professionals, mid-to-senior managers, HR teams, individual contributors, small business owners, and community engagers are encouraged to attend. In 2023, the Austin Young Chamber is proud to introduce a job resource fair offering organizations and community partners an opportunity to showcase their career opportunities, small business resources, and education programs.
This Year’s Theme: Bold & Balanced
Let’s explore how to be BOLD & BALANCED. That means, challenging the status quo and reimagining what it means to be a leader. It is about creating space for each of us to feel safe and confident to be unapologetically and authentically ourselves. It means learning about how to understand and advocate for our own needs and lift up our peers. This year’s summit is designed to take you on a journey to discover what it means for you to be a BOLD and BALANCED leader for yourself and your community.
May 4 – Job & Resource Fair – 5:00 – 8:00 PM
May 5 – LEAD Summit Conference – 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Austin PBS and ACC Highland
Last Call for Tickets!
Registration for the Job & Resource Fair is Free and Open to the Public
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Denise Hernández
Presiding Judge of County Court at Law #6, Travis County
Judge Denise Hernández is a community organizer and the presiding judge of County Court at Law #6 in Travis County, Texas. She also leads Project Engage, a youth diversion program focused on holistic community-centered support. Outside of her judicial role, Judge Hernández is committed to non-profit work centered in equity, mentorship, and community building. She currently serves on the board of Con Mi MADRE, Creative Action, The New Philanthropists, and the Rebel Fund. Judge Hernández has been recognized locally and nationally for her community work. She was honored as an Anne McAfee Leader of Cultural Change, recognized as a Racial Justice Champion by Notley, and named the “People’s Judge” by Austin Woman Magazine. Driven by her lived experience and humble beginnings, Judge Hernández continues to dedicate herself to community and is committed to mentoring the next generation of community leaders.
Agenda and Sessions
Track 1: Mid to Senior Management – Be an Astronaut: Engineering a Space of Culture and Trust with Multi-Hyphenated Teams
The post-pandemic team looks a little different… In addition to multigenerational teams, navigating hybrid schedules, different technical abilities, etc., managers are faced with challenges. How do you create a space where employees from all lived experiences (age, gender, race, geography, etc.) can reach their full potential? Like a crew of astronauts embarking on a mission, successful teams are bound together by a sense of cohesion and belonging. During this panel, you’ll hear how managers from high-performing teams create trust among diverse employees by embracing the skills and perspectives that make each person unique.
Track 2: HR – Gen Z and HR: Finding a Middle Ground in Talent Retention
From quiet quitting to ESGs, Gen Z has made many headlines in recent months. What does Gen Z want from their employers and the workplace in general? How can organizations create a workplace where everyone can thrive? We’ll have a live conversation between HR leaders and young people about what it will take to create organizations that foster inclusion and empower the current and future workforce. What workplace interventions have worked to ensure we continue to build and retain the talent pipeline without impeding overall costs and performance? Join us for a facilitated dialogue between workplace leaders.
Track 3: Small Business / Entrepreneurship / Nonprofit Management – Building an Operational Backbone with Adaptability and Resiliency
We’ve all learned that our world can change overnight, but how do we prepare for the unexpected? In times of both prosperity and uncertainty, organizations benefit from agile and intentional operations and processes. In fact, the answer to most of our challenges are systemic. This discussion with local Austin business leaders and business management experts will explore how to identify the root of organizational problems, create an organization that can stand up to any obstacle, and that can continue to grow sustainably.
Track 4: Early Career – What’s Next: Breaking into the Workforce
Starting your journey to find success? Then this session is for you! Join prominent business and community leaders as they share important lessons learned from the opportunities and challenges they have faced on their journeys. Regardless of where you are in your career – just starting out or switching industries – this engaging panel will help guide your decision making as you set a strong foundation and build a bold vision for your future.
Track 5: Individual Contributor – Titles Don’t Make Leaders
Think about the most compelling people that you’ve looked up to, and you’ll find that they embody leadership abilities: they are great listeners, emotionally intelligent, supportive and encouraging, and empower others to work together collaboratively. Titles don’t make leaders – actions do. Come hear from our panelists about why they want to lead and be inspired to make an impact, create change, or help influence others regardless of your title.
Debrief your takeaways from the panel session with fellow participants in a facilitated roundtable discussion.
- How to Handle the Nuances of Conflict in the Workplace
- Designing Your Ideal Workplace
- Beyond the Business Plan: Organizing Your Operations
- How to Build Your Network, Virtually and IRL
- What’s Your Flavor of Leadership?
This time is given to recharge, decompress, and finish the conference day strong. Attendees will be able to go on a walk, catch up with a colleague, attend a guided meditation, spend some quiet time (feel free to bring your own yoga mat!), or enjoy a social party brought to you by KUT and KUTX.
- Influencing Behaviors & Systems: How to Foster an Inclusive Team Culture
- From the Ground Up: How to Advance DEI in Any Organization
- The Dos & Don’ts of Boundaries
- How to Build Your Network, Virtually and IRL
- What’s Your Flavor of Leadership?
Round out the day with a reflection fireside chat with Texas Mutual Insurance Company’s Vice President Marketing & Community Affairs, Jeremiah Bentley and Austin PBS’ CEO, Luis Patiño!
Diana Anzaldua
Workshop Facilitator | Track 3: Small Business / Entrepreneurship / Nonprofit Management – The Do’s and Don’t’s of Boundaries
Diana Anzaldua, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Trauma-Resilient Therapist in Austin, Texas. She is the founder and owner of the award winning health and wellness center; Austin Trauma Therapy Center. Diana is a social change activist and influential leader in mental health equity and reform. Her vision and trauma-informed leadership create safe spaces for other survivors to grow, embrace their resilience, and heal; in-community with others. Diana and her clinical expertise has been featured in a number of magazines like: Allure, The BBC, and The Atlantic Journal. Diana serves on several local and national non-profit boards and has received numerous awards for her work in community healing, public service and leadership. Diana is a graduate of St. Edward’s University, and The University of Texas in Austin.
Monica Balderas
Panelist | Track 2: HR – Gen Z and HR: Finding a Middle Ground in Talent Retention
Monica Balderas is an Austin native who graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science. She’s spent the past 6 years dedicated to service, out-of-school-time learning, and implementing DEI practices in small organizations.
Ray Blue
Workshop Facilitator | Track 3 – Small Business / Entrepreneurship / Nonprofit Management – Beyond the Business Plan
Ray is the founder and CEO of Blue Crow Group, an Austin-based consulting firm that helps nonprofits and corporations with strategic planning, leadership training, and revenue modeling. Ray has spent over 25 years building, training, and leading high functioning development and corporate relations teams. He has served on a number of boards, giving him a unique perspective into the complicated space where staff and volunteers have to figure out how to dance together, creating a shared vision and aligning around a common purpose. When he’s off the clock, Ray enjoys long distances in the woods and spending time with his wife and best friend Erica, and his two daughters Ruby and Zoey.
Monica Caivano
Panelist | Track 3 – Small Business / Entrepreneurship / Nonprofit Management – Building an Operational Backbone with Adaptability and Resiliency
Co-founder/director of Esquina Tango, a 17-year-old Non-Profit organization in Austin, Monica Caivano’s career in the arts began as a teenager in her hometown of Buenos Aires, Argentina. She moved to Austin with her family where she was one of the first tango teachers contributing to the community’s birth. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Theater Arts from St. Edward’s University. She worked and taught at many non-profits and studios before opening Esquina Tango which has been a dream come true for building community. She continues to be at the forefront of Austin’s arts teaching, performing, and creating while raising her children.
Alex Cantu
Panelist | Track 1, Mid to Senior Management – Be an Astronaut: Engineering a Space of Culture and Trust with Multi-Hyphenated Teams
Alex is a community advocate, philanthropist, and nonprofit leader. As the Executive Vice President of Finance and Operations with MAYA Consulting, he is focused on creating equitable systems to ensure a diverse and inclusive workplace can thrive. During his tenure, MAYA has doubled its revenue and headcount, achieved the Best Place for Working Parents distinction, and was recognized by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce with the Small Business Excellence Award. Alex is a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame and St. Edward’s University. Alex is engaged to his partner, Michael, and they are enthusiastic dog dads to Leo and Daisy.
Julio Cotto
Panelist | Track 5 – Individual Contributor: What’s Your Flavor? Finding Your Brand of Leadership
A native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Julio Irving Cotto has called Austin home for over 15 years. Much of his professional work has been with the National Hispanic Institute (NHI) where he serves as Senior Vice President for Education and Training. Established in Austin in 1979, NHI is a global youth leadership nonprofit organization located in Maxwell in Caldwell County. Julio is also an active member and trustee with Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance and Cultural Center (PRCC). Prior to his return to Austin in 2011, he worked with Junior Achievement of New York and started the short-lived Kingsbridge Innovative Design Charter School in the Bronx, New York.
Amber DiPippa
Panelist | Track 2: HR – Gen Z and HR: Finding a Middle Ground in Talent Retention
Amber is the Manager of Benefits & Wellness at University Federal Credit Union (UFCU). She prides herself on her work with Mission-driven organizations who see their employee experience and engagement as the bottom line, and strive to align their Total Rewards strategy with “What’s best for our employees and their families?”. In 2020, Amber earned the Society for Human Resources Management – Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) designation. She received her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Business from The University of Houston.
Fernando Fermin
Panelist | Track 2: HR – Gen Z and HR: Finding a Middle Ground in Talent Retention
Born and raised in Austin, Fernando is a first-generation college student who comes from poverty and an immigrant household. He has had to overcome numerous challenges to pursue his aspirations. Growing up, he was constantly reminded of the sacrifices his parents made to give him and his siblings a better life. Despite the financial struggles, his parents always emphasized the importance of education. They instilled in a strong work ethic and tenacity in him, which encouraged Fernando to strive for academic excellence. With devotion and commitment to furthering his education, he found his path to St. Edward’s University with the purpose to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration for Spring 2024. Fernando’s purpose in life is to be the one in his family who pulls them out of poverty and builds a strong and everlasting family that alters the trajectory of future family generations.
Patricia Hayes
Workshop Facilitator | Track 4 – Early Career: How to Build your Network and Relationships, IRL and Virtually
Patricia V. Hayes, J.D., is a licensed attorney who serves as an executive advisor, career empowerment coach and authentic networking strategist. She guides professionals and entrepreneurs to take empowered action towards their goals in their careers. She is the owner of PVH Consulting Group, LLC, a strategy consulting and leadership development firm. She has served in senior leadership roles, including as a senior advisor to a State Senator, Lieutenant Governor, Commissioner of Education and University System Chancellor. A passionate advocate and community leader, she is a graduate of Pepperdine University School of Law and the University of Texas at Austin.
Kory Kelly
Panelist | Track 3 – Small Business / Entrepreneurship / Nonprofit Management: Building an Operational Backbone with Adaptability and Resiliency
Kory Kelly is a tech entrepreneur based in Austin, TX. With over 10 years experience in startups, he has built his current company Legal Karma from the ground up helping large financial institutions offer Estate Planning services to their members. As an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur, Kory is passionate about mentoring others in his community to pursue their own ventures. In his free time, Kory loves to go on backpacking trips, read fantasy books, and do triathlons.
Nagavalli Medicharla
Panelist | Track 5 – Individual Contributor – What’s Your Flavor of Leadership?
Nagavalli Medicharla is a professional musician, a technology leader and an avid music, arts and DEI advocate. Brought up in Mumbai, Indian-American Austin-based Nagavalli’s music is described as “Eastern Soul,” blending pop, rock, trance with east-Indian overtones and melodies. As a Technology professional, Nagavalli has over twenty years of experience spanning Engineering, Product and Program Management roles and currently works as a Senior Director in Technology at Visa. She is currently the Board Chair of EQ Austin and serves on the Austin Music Commission. She was recently elected as Chair of the commission; she is also Mayor Kirk Watson’s appointee to the Arts Commission. The City of Austin honored Nagavalli with a proclamation of February 11, 2023 as “Nagavalli Day”.
Brandie Meister
Panelist | Track 4 – Early Career – What’s Next: Breaking into the Workforce
Brandie is a dedicated advocate for mental health, social equity, and community development. She has over 8 years of operations and management experience, she has volunteered extensively with local organizations, focusing on youth and community development. She currently manages her own Mindfulness and Wellness business and works as a Mental Health consultant, while serving as Vice President of Real Queens Fix Each Other’s Crowns, a non-profit focusing on women and young girls’ mental health. In her spare time, Brandie is a self-published author of poetry and enjoys discovering new hangout spots in Austin, hiking, shopping for old books, and traveling.
Garrett Mintz
Workshop Facilitator | Track 1 – Mid to Senior Management – How to Handle the Nuances of Conflict in the Workplace
Garrett Mintz is the founder of Ambition In Motion where he creates communities and technologies to help leaders be their best for their teams. Garrett helps leaders achieve promotions by showcasing their ability to effectively develop their teams through metrics. His vision is a world where the vast majority of people are excited to go to work, when they are at work, their expectations meet reality, and when they come home they feel fulfilled. He believes that leaders are at the core of achieving this vision because leaders create the experiences employees have while at work.
Natalie Rodgers
Workshop Facilitator | Track 2 – HR – From the Ground Up: How to Advance DEI in Any Organization
Natalie Rodgers (she/her) is the Co-Founder of The Acacia Company, a consulting firm that focuses on creating more equitable and employee-centered workplaces for small to mid-sized organizations. She and her team help organizations uncover inequities across the business and design solutions that center their employees and achieve their mission with integrity. Natalie has supported a variety of businesses and nonprofits with DEI strategy development and implementation, training and development, leadership upskilling, and operational efficiency. She also serves as a board member and volunteer to a variety of Texas nonprofits, such as Tapestry Dance, AIESEC, and the Austin Young Chamber.
Rachel Schmidt
Panelist | Track 2 – HR – Gen Z and HR: Finding a Middle Ground in Talent Retention
Rachel Schmidt is an employee experience specialist and leader in the intersection of innovation and human flourishing. As the Employee Experience Manager for Gartner’s Midsize Enterprise Sales team, Rachel has designed and implemented initiatives that support global employees in adapting to the ever-evolving future of work. She is a seasoned professional with diverse experience in state and United Nations healthcare policy, tech, and social impact. Rachel is passionate about creating positive change and has boosted productivity and morale for Gartner’s sales team with her innovative employee engagement initiatives. Rachel resides in Austin, Texas with her husband and enjoys gardening, biking, pickleball, and serving her local community.
Julie Smith
Workshop Facilitator | Track 1 – Mid to Senior Management – Influencing Behaviors & Systems: How to Foster an Inclusive Team Culture
Julie Smith is a community builder, people developer and learning specialist. She creates transformative engagements that connect people and build shared purpose. Driven by a values-based approach for leadership, Julie is passionate about working within and across systems and sectors to build collaborative opportunities that support growth and change for individuals and communities. She has 15+ years of experience working with many organizations in Austin, including Austin Habitat to Humanity, Leadership Austin and the City of Austin. Julie holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communications from Elon University and earned her Master of Education in Human Resource Development from Vanderbilt University.
Katherine Sobel
Panelist | Track 3 Small Business / Entrepreneurship / Nonprofit Management: Building an Operational Backbone with Adaptability and Resiliency
Katherine Sobel currently serves as a Program Manager for the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department – Small Business Division. In her role, Katherine provides consultation, education, and training to Austin businesses through 1:1 business coaching and targeted programs. Prior to working for the City, Katherine spent over 6 years working in a small business lending non-profit doing largely the same. Katherine is a part-time faculty member at Texas State University and Austin Community College and also provides volunteer service to the Mayor’s Health and Fitness Council and A&R Foundation. As a Doctoral candidate at Texas Tech University, Katherine is committed to life-long learning and is passionate about using her knowledge to help others.
Adam Steele
Panelist | Track 5: Individual Contributor – What’s Your Flavor? Finding Your Brand of Leadership
Adam has spent the past 10 years as a technical product manager, building products ranging from sales and marketing, to infrastructure evaluation and AI. Currently, he’s a senior product manager at Amazon Last Mile where he owns edge device sensor intelligence. Prior to his career in product, he spent 10 years as an Army officer, serving tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Adam has a Masters in Technology Commercialization from McCombs, and a Bachelors from the UT. He has been a member of Austin Young Chamber since 2015, and a member of the board of directors since 2019. In 2022, he served as the Chair of the Board of Directors.
Kendra Strange
Panelist | Track 1 – Mid to Senior Management – Be an Astronaut: Engineering a Space of Culture and Trust with Multi-Hyphenated Teams
Dedicated to improving and creating systems and a belief that all students have the potential to succeed, Kendra’s mission is to drive equitable access to education for all. Kendra is a first-generation college graduate with a BS degree in Sociology and an MEd in Educational Leadership, with nearly 20 years of experience. Kendra is a postsecondary expert who has built programs, resources, training, and more. Kendra’s knowledge and impact are vast, from working directly with students to the statewide level; to improving systems; Kendra wants to use her expertise, personal experience, and knowledge to impact the futures of others.
Danielle Sunberg
Workshop Facilitator | Track 5 – Individual Contributor / What’s Your Flavor of Leadership
Danielle Sunberg is a former attorney turned TEDx and authentic leadership speaker, author, and coach. After being diagnosed with depression Danielle left her firm to travel six continents, exploring how to create a truly fulfilling life. Now a leading authority on authentic leadership, Danielle guides leaders to anchor themselves in deep personal wisdom, using it as the most precise and efficient compass to navigate life. Her book, Atlas of Being: From Briefcase to Backpack, One Former Lawyer’s Exploration of the Human Way, was an Amazon #1 New Release.
Cho Wang
Panelist | Track 4 – Early Career – What’s Next: Breaking into the Workforce
After getting a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M, Cho started at Applied Materials, a semiconductor and display equipment company, as a Manufacturing Engineer working on various projects including computer vision, automation, and 3D printing. He then transitioned to a Business Process Architect role that allowed him to drive improvements to company wide applications. Now in his current role as a Technical Program Manager in the Immersive Technology team, he supports the implementation of AR and VR technology in Manufacturing and Logistics for Applied Materials.
Monica Williams
Panelist | Track 1 – Mid to Senior Management – Be an Astronaut: Engineering a Space of Culture and Trust with Multi-Hyphenated Teams
Monica Maldonado Williams is the manager of community affairs for UFCU where she leads UFCU’s grants and employee volunteering programs and the credit union’s DEI initiatives. Monica is the co-founder of The New Philanthropists, a nonprofit with a mission to increase the diversity of community leadership. For that work, she has been honored with an Austin Mosaic Award and the YWCA Women of Color Making Change award, and in 2022 TNP was honored with a proclamation from the city. She is also the founder and director of GivingCity Austin, a multichannel media company sold in 2020 that covered Austin’s philanthropic and civic sectors.
Check out the 2022 LEAD Summit Photo Album!
- Sponsorships
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Sponsorship Opportunities Available
- 2023 Keynote
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Denise Hernández
Presiding Judge of County Court at Law #6, Travis County
Judge Denise Hernández is a community organizer and the presiding judge of County Court at Law #6 in Travis County, Texas. She also leads Project Engage, a youth diversion program focused on holistic community-centered support. Outside of her judicial role, Judge Hernández is committed to non-profit work centered in equity, mentorship, and community building. She currently serves on the board of Con Mi MADRE, Creative Action, The New Philanthropists, and the Rebel Fund. Judge Hernández has been recognized locally and nationally for her community work. She was honored as an Anne McAfee Leader of Cultural Change, recognized as a Racial Justice Champion by Notley, and named the “People’s Judge” by Austin Woman Magazine. Driven by her lived experience and humble beginnings, Judge Hernández continues to dedicate herself to community and is committed to mentoring the next generation of community leaders.
- 2023 Sessions
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Agenda and Sessions
Track 1: Mid to Senior Management – Be an Astronaut: Engineering a Space of Culture and Trust with Multi-Hyphenated Teams
The post-pandemic team looks a little different… In addition to multigenerational teams, navigating hybrid schedules, different technical abilities, etc., managers are faced with challenges. How do you create a space where employees from all lived experiences (age, gender, race, geography, etc.) can reach their full potential? Like a crew of astronauts embarking on a mission, successful teams are bound together by a sense of cohesion and belonging. During this panel, you’ll hear how managers from high-performing teams create trust among diverse employees by embracing the skills and perspectives that make each person unique.
Track 2: HR – Gen Z and HR: Finding a Middle Ground in Talent Retention
From quiet quitting to ESGs, Gen Z has made many headlines in recent months. What does Gen Z want from their employers and the workplace in general? How can organizations create a workplace where everyone can thrive? We’ll have a live conversation between HR leaders and young people about what it will take to create organizations that foster inclusion and empower the current and future workforce. What workplace interventions have worked to ensure we continue to build and retain the talent pipeline without impeding overall costs and performance? Join us for a facilitated dialogue between workplace leaders.
Track 3: Small Business / Entrepreneurship / Nonprofit Management – Building an Operational Backbone with Adaptability and Resiliency
We’ve all learned that our world can change overnight, but how do we prepare for the unexpected? In times of both prosperity and uncertainty, organizations benefit from agile and intentional operations and processes. In fact, the answer to most of our challenges are systemic. This discussion with local Austin business leaders and business management experts will explore how to identify the root of organizational problems, create an organization that can stand up to any obstacle, and that can continue to grow sustainably.
Track 4: Early Career – What’s Next: Breaking into the Workforce
Starting your journey to find success? Then this session is for you! Join prominent business and community leaders as they share important lessons learned from the opportunities and challenges they have faced on their journeys. Regardless of where you are in your career – just starting out or switching industries – this engaging panel will help guide your decision making as you set a strong foundation and build a bold vision for your future.
Track 5: Individual Contributor – Titles Don’t Make Leaders
Think about the most compelling people that you’ve looked up to, and you’ll find that they embody leadership abilities: they are great listeners, emotionally intelligent, supportive and encouraging, and empower others to work together collaboratively. Titles don’t make leaders – actions do. Come hear from our panelists about why they want to lead and be inspired to make an impact, create change, or help influence others regardless of your title.
Debrief your takeaways from the panel session with fellow participants in a facilitated roundtable discussion.
- How to Handle the Nuances of Conflict in the Workplace
- Designing Your Ideal Workplace
- Beyond the Business Plan: Organizing Your Operations
- How to Build Your Network, Virtually and IRL
- What’s Your Flavor of Leadership?
This time is given to recharge, decompress, and finish the conference day strong. Attendees will be able to go on a walk, catch up with a colleague, attend a guided meditation, spend some quiet time (feel free to bring your own yoga mat!), or enjoy a social party brought to you by KUT and KUTX.
- Influencing Behaviors & Systems: How to Foster an Inclusive Team Culture
- From the Ground Up: How to Advance DEI in Any Organization
- The Dos & Don’ts of Boundaries
- How to Build Your Network, Virtually and IRL
- What’s Your Flavor of Leadership?
Round out the day with a reflection fireside chat with Texas Mutual Insurance Company’s Vice President Marketing & Community Affairs, Jeremiah Bentley and Austin PBS’ CEO, Luis Patiño!
- 2023 Speakers
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Diana Anzaldua
Workshop Facilitator | Track 3: Small Business / Entrepreneurship / Nonprofit Management – The Do’s and Don’t’s of Boundaries
Diana Anzaldua, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Trauma-Resilient Therapist in Austin, Texas. She is the founder and owner of the award winning health and wellness center; Austin Trauma Therapy Center. Diana is a social change activist and influential leader in mental health equity and reform. Her vision and trauma-informed leadership create safe spaces for other survivors to grow, embrace their resilience, and heal; in-community with others. Diana and her clinical expertise has been featured in a number of magazines like: Allure, The BBC, and The Atlantic Journal. Diana serves on several local and national non-profit boards and has received numerous awards for her work in community healing, public service and leadership. Diana is a graduate of St. Edward’s University, and The University of Texas in Austin.
Monica Balderas
Panelist | Track 2: HR – Gen Z and HR: Finding a Middle Ground in Talent Retention
Monica Balderas is an Austin native who graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science. She’s spent the past 6 years dedicated to service, out-of-school-time learning, and implementing DEI practices in small organizations.
Ray Blue
Workshop Facilitator | Track 3 – Small Business / Entrepreneurship / Nonprofit Management – Beyond the Business Plan
Ray is the founder and CEO of Blue Crow Group, an Austin-based consulting firm that helps nonprofits and corporations with strategic planning, leadership training, and revenue modeling. Ray has spent over 25 years building, training, and leading high functioning development and corporate relations teams. He has served on a number of boards, giving him a unique perspective into the complicated space where staff and volunteers have to figure out how to dance together, creating a shared vision and aligning around a common purpose. When he’s off the clock, Ray enjoys long distances in the woods and spending time with his wife and best friend Erica, and his two daughters Ruby and Zoey.
Monica Caivano
Panelist | Track 3 – Small Business / Entrepreneurship / Nonprofit Management – Building an Operational Backbone with Adaptability and Resiliency
Co-founder/director of Esquina Tango, a 17-year-old Non-Profit organization in Austin, Monica Caivano’s career in the arts began as a teenager in her hometown of Buenos Aires, Argentina. She moved to Austin with her family where she was one of the first tango teachers contributing to the community’s birth. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Theater Arts from St. Edward’s University. She worked and taught at many non-profits and studios before opening Esquina Tango which has been a dream come true for building community. She continues to be at the forefront of Austin’s arts teaching, performing, and creating while raising her children.
Alex Cantu
Panelist | Track 1, Mid to Senior Management – Be an Astronaut: Engineering a Space of Culture and Trust with Multi-Hyphenated Teams
Alex is a community advocate, philanthropist, and nonprofit leader. As the Executive Vice President of Finance and Operations with MAYA Consulting, he is focused on creating equitable systems to ensure a diverse and inclusive workplace can thrive. During his tenure, MAYA has doubled its revenue and headcount, achieved the Best Place for Working Parents distinction, and was recognized by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce with the Small Business Excellence Award. Alex is a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame and St. Edward’s University. Alex is engaged to his partner, Michael, and they are enthusiastic dog dads to Leo and Daisy.
Julio Cotto
Panelist | Track 5 – Individual Contributor: What’s Your Flavor? Finding Your Brand of Leadership
A native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Julio Irving Cotto has called Austin home for over 15 years. Much of his professional work has been with the National Hispanic Institute (NHI) where he serves as Senior Vice President for Education and Training. Established in Austin in 1979, NHI is a global youth leadership nonprofit organization located in Maxwell in Caldwell County. Julio is also an active member and trustee with Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance and Cultural Center (PRCC). Prior to his return to Austin in 2011, he worked with Junior Achievement of New York and started the short-lived Kingsbridge Innovative Design Charter School in the Bronx, New York.
Amber DiPippa
Panelist | Track 2: HR – Gen Z and HR: Finding a Middle Ground in Talent Retention
Amber is the Manager of Benefits & Wellness at University Federal Credit Union (UFCU). She prides herself on her work with Mission-driven organizations who see their employee experience and engagement as the bottom line, and strive to align their Total Rewards strategy with “What’s best for our employees and their families?”. In 2020, Amber earned the Society for Human Resources Management – Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) designation. She received her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Business from The University of Houston.
Fernando Fermin
Panelist | Track 2: HR – Gen Z and HR: Finding a Middle Ground in Talent Retention
Born and raised in Austin, Fernando is a first-generation college student who comes from poverty and an immigrant household. He has had to overcome numerous challenges to pursue his aspirations. Growing up, he was constantly reminded of the sacrifices his parents made to give him and his siblings a better life. Despite the financial struggles, his parents always emphasized the importance of education. They instilled in a strong work ethic and tenacity in him, which encouraged Fernando to strive for academic excellence. With devotion and commitment to furthering his education, he found his path to St. Edward’s University with the purpose to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration for Spring 2024. Fernando’s purpose in life is to be the one in his family who pulls them out of poverty and builds a strong and everlasting family that alters the trajectory of future family generations.
Patricia Hayes
Workshop Facilitator | Track 4 – Early Career: How to Build your Network and Relationships, IRL and Virtually
Patricia V. Hayes, J.D., is a licensed attorney who serves as an executive advisor, career empowerment coach and authentic networking strategist. She guides professionals and entrepreneurs to take empowered action towards their goals in their careers. She is the owner of PVH Consulting Group, LLC, a strategy consulting and leadership development firm. She has served in senior leadership roles, including as a senior advisor to a State Senator, Lieutenant Governor, Commissioner of Education and University System Chancellor. A passionate advocate and community leader, she is a graduate of Pepperdine University School of Law and the University of Texas at Austin.
Kory Kelly
Panelist | Track 3 – Small Business / Entrepreneurship / Nonprofit Management: Building an Operational Backbone with Adaptability and Resiliency
Kory Kelly is a tech entrepreneur based in Austin, TX. With over 10 years experience in startups, he has built his current company Legal Karma from the ground up helping large financial institutions offer Estate Planning services to their members. As an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur, Kory is passionate about mentoring others in his community to pursue their own ventures. In his free time, Kory loves to go on backpacking trips, read fantasy books, and do triathlons.
Nagavalli Medicharla
Panelist | Track 5 – Individual Contributor – What’s Your Flavor of Leadership?
Nagavalli Medicharla is a professional musician, a technology leader and an avid music, arts and DEI advocate. Brought up in Mumbai, Indian-American Austin-based Nagavalli’s music is described as “Eastern Soul,” blending pop, rock, trance with east-Indian overtones and melodies. As a Technology professional, Nagavalli has over twenty years of experience spanning Engineering, Product and Program Management roles and currently works as a Senior Director in Technology at Visa. She is currently the Board Chair of EQ Austin and serves on the Austin Music Commission. She was recently elected as Chair of the commission; she is also Mayor Kirk Watson’s appointee to the Arts Commission. The City of Austin honored Nagavalli with a proclamation of February 11, 2023 as “Nagavalli Day”.
Brandie Meister
Panelist | Track 4 – Early Career – What’s Next: Breaking into the Workforce
Brandie is a dedicated advocate for mental health, social equity, and community development. She has over 8 years of operations and management experience, she has volunteered extensively with local organizations, focusing on youth and community development. She currently manages her own Mindfulness and Wellness business and works as a Mental Health consultant, while serving as Vice President of Real Queens Fix Each Other’s Crowns, a non-profit focusing on women and young girls’ mental health. In her spare time, Brandie is a self-published author of poetry and enjoys discovering new hangout spots in Austin, hiking, shopping for old books, and traveling.
Garrett Mintz
Workshop Facilitator | Track 1 – Mid to Senior Management – How to Handle the Nuances of Conflict in the Workplace
Garrett Mintz is the founder of Ambition In Motion where he creates communities and technologies to help leaders be their best for their teams. Garrett helps leaders achieve promotions by showcasing their ability to effectively develop their teams through metrics. His vision is a world where the vast majority of people are excited to go to work, when they are at work, their expectations meet reality, and when they come home they feel fulfilled. He believes that leaders are at the core of achieving this vision because leaders create the experiences employees have while at work.
Natalie Rodgers
Workshop Facilitator | Track 2 – HR – From the Ground Up: How to Advance DEI in Any Organization
Natalie Rodgers (she/her) is the Co-Founder of The Acacia Company, a consulting firm that focuses on creating more equitable and employee-centered workplaces for small to mid-sized organizations. She and her team help organizations uncover inequities across the business and design solutions that center their employees and achieve their mission with integrity. Natalie has supported a variety of businesses and nonprofits with DEI strategy development and implementation, training and development, leadership upskilling, and operational efficiency. She also serves as a board member and volunteer to a variety of Texas nonprofits, such as Tapestry Dance, AIESEC, and the Austin Young Chamber.
Rachel Schmidt
Panelist | Track 2 – HR – Gen Z and HR: Finding a Middle Ground in Talent Retention
Rachel Schmidt is an employee experience specialist and leader in the intersection of innovation and human flourishing. As the Employee Experience Manager for Gartner’s Midsize Enterprise Sales team, Rachel has designed and implemented initiatives that support global employees in adapting to the ever-evolving future of work. She is a seasoned professional with diverse experience in state and United Nations healthcare policy, tech, and social impact. Rachel is passionate about creating positive change and has boosted productivity and morale for Gartner’s sales team with her innovative employee engagement initiatives. Rachel resides in Austin, Texas with her husband and enjoys gardening, biking, pickleball, and serving her local community.
Julie Smith
Workshop Facilitator | Track 1 – Mid to Senior Management – Influencing Behaviors & Systems: How to Foster an Inclusive Team Culture
Julie Smith is a community builder, people developer and learning specialist. She creates transformative engagements that connect people and build shared purpose. Driven by a values-based approach for leadership, Julie is passionate about working within and across systems and sectors to build collaborative opportunities that support growth and change for individuals and communities. She has 15+ years of experience working with many organizations in Austin, including Austin Habitat to Humanity, Leadership Austin and the City of Austin. Julie holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communications from Elon University and earned her Master of Education in Human Resource Development from Vanderbilt University.
Katherine Sobel
Panelist | Track 3 Small Business / Entrepreneurship / Nonprofit Management: Building an Operational Backbone with Adaptability and Resiliency
Katherine Sobel currently serves as a Program Manager for the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department – Small Business Division. In her role, Katherine provides consultation, education, and training to Austin businesses through 1:1 business coaching and targeted programs. Prior to working for the City, Katherine spent over 6 years working in a small business lending non-profit doing largely the same. Katherine is a part-time faculty member at Texas State University and Austin Community College and also provides volunteer service to the Mayor’s Health and Fitness Council and A&R Foundation. As a Doctoral candidate at Texas Tech University, Katherine is committed to life-long learning and is passionate about using her knowledge to help others.
Adam Steele
Panelist | Track 5: Individual Contributor – What’s Your Flavor? Finding Your Brand of Leadership
Adam has spent the past 10 years as a technical product manager, building products ranging from sales and marketing, to infrastructure evaluation and AI. Currently, he’s a senior product manager at Amazon Last Mile where he owns edge device sensor intelligence. Prior to his career in product, he spent 10 years as an Army officer, serving tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Adam has a Masters in Technology Commercialization from McCombs, and a Bachelors from the UT. He has been a member of Austin Young Chamber since 2015, and a member of the board of directors since 2019. In 2022, he served as the Chair of the Board of Directors.
Kendra Strange
Panelist | Track 1 – Mid to Senior Management – Be an Astronaut: Engineering a Space of Culture and Trust with Multi-Hyphenated Teams
Dedicated to improving and creating systems and a belief that all students have the potential to succeed, Kendra’s mission is to drive equitable access to education for all. Kendra is a first-generation college graduate with a BS degree in Sociology and an MEd in Educational Leadership, with nearly 20 years of experience. Kendra is a postsecondary expert who has built programs, resources, training, and more. Kendra’s knowledge and impact are vast, from working directly with students to the statewide level; to improving systems; Kendra wants to use her expertise, personal experience, and knowledge to impact the futures of others.
Danielle Sunberg
Workshop Facilitator | Track 5 – Individual Contributor / What’s Your Flavor of Leadership
Danielle Sunberg is a former attorney turned TEDx and authentic leadership speaker, author, and coach. After being diagnosed with depression Danielle left her firm to travel six continents, exploring how to create a truly fulfilling life. Now a leading authority on authentic leadership, Danielle guides leaders to anchor themselves in deep personal wisdom, using it as the most precise and efficient compass to navigate life. Her book, Atlas of Being: From Briefcase to Backpack, One Former Lawyer’s Exploration of the Human Way, was an Amazon #1 New Release.
Cho Wang
Panelist | Track 4 – Early Career – What’s Next: Breaking into the Workforce
After getting a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M, Cho started at Applied Materials, a semiconductor and display equipment company, as a Manufacturing Engineer working on various projects including computer vision, automation, and 3D printing. He then transitioned to a Business Process Architect role that allowed him to drive improvements to company wide applications. Now in his current role as a Technical Program Manager in the Immersive Technology team, he supports the implementation of AR and VR technology in Manufacturing and Logistics for Applied Materials.
Monica Williams
Panelist | Track 1 – Mid to Senior Management – Be an Astronaut: Engineering a Space of Culture and Trust with Multi-Hyphenated Teams
Monica Maldonado Williams is the manager of community affairs for UFCU where she leads UFCU’s grants and employee volunteering programs and the credit union’s DEI initiatives. Monica is the co-founder of The New Philanthropists, a nonprofit with a mission to increase the diversity of community leadership. For that work, she has been honored with an Austin Mosaic Award and the YWCA Women of Color Making Change award, and in 2022 TNP was honored with a proclamation from the city. She is also the founder and director of GivingCity Austin, a multichannel media company sold in 2020 that covered Austin’s philanthropic and civic sectors.
- 2022 LEAD Summit
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