Thank you to Texas Mutual for being the 2024 LEAD Summit’s presenting sponsor!
Thank you to everyone that joined this year’s 7th Annual LEAD Summit, presented by Texas Mutual Insurance Company on May 7, 2024!
You can view event photos here.
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.
May 7th – LEAD Summit Conference – 8:00 AM – 4:15 PM
Commons Conference Center
Mixer to follow at Turnstile – 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
2025 Sponsorship Opportunities Available
2024 LEAD Summit Sponsors
In-Kind
John & Kendall Antonelli
John and Kendall Antonelli launched Antonelli’s Cheese in Austin, Texas in 2010, driven by a desire to spread joy through cheese. Their award-winning business includes two tasting rooms, a cut-to-order cheese shop, a national cheese club, catered trays, and a Texas-wide wholesale program. They’ve earned accolades like Best Artisan Food Company and Best Cheese Shops in America. Both are ACS Certified Cheese Professionals and deeply involved in their community. They speak on entrepreneurship and mental health, volunteer, and travel with their children, Everett and Elia. John is a past president of the American Cheese Society and Kendall of Les Dames d’Escoffier Austin.
Agenda and Sessions
Join us at 8am to check-in, network with other attendees and take advantage of free headshots sponsored by BoothEasy. Be sure to connect with KUT/KUTX and our partners over at the Travis County Voter Registration team for voter registration.
Join us for LEAD welcome remarks from Board Members Ashley Wainscott, Arielle Sadler & Jackie Sekiguchi and an opening keynote from Michele Lau Torres.
Track 1: Mental Wellness & Resiliency- Battling Burnout
As young professionals, we’re constantly pushing ourselves to climb the career ladder, but amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to neglect our own well-being. This session is all about finding that delicate balance between ambition and self-care. So, if you’re ready to reclaim your passion for your career while safeguarding your well-being, mark your calendars and join us for a session that promises to equip you with the tools you need to thrive in today’s fast-paced world. See you there!
Track 2: Growth & Innovation- The Future of Work: Emerging Technologies & the Young Professional
AI and machine learning. Robotics and automation. We’ve all heard these buzzwords, but what does this really mean for the future of work? In this session, we’ll delve into the exciting intersection of emerging technologies and the evolving landscape of work. Gain insights on how to navigate this rapidly changing environment, harnessing these technologies to enhance your skills, stay relevant in the job market, and carve out a successful career path. Join this dynamic panel of tech leaders to discover the strategies and tools necessary to thrive in the future of work.
Track 3: Leading with Purpose- Be Your Own Brand of Leader
We all have examples of great leaders, and we believe every person has the potential to be a great leader. How? You do you! Learn how to set a leadership vision that will help you become your own unique brand of leader – one that matches your style, personality, and goals – and will help you navigate when the world around you continues to change. In this session, you will hear from several dynamic leaders on finding and leaning into your leadership style.
Track 4: Civics & Community- Beyond the Ballot
Join us for an invigorating panel discussion that goes beyond the traditional notions of political participation. In this session, we’ll explore how young professionals can actively engage in shaping their communities and effecting positive change outside of election cycles. In this session, gain insights from seasoned professionals and community leaders on leveraging your skills and networks to make your voice heard. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the broader spectrum of civic engagement and unlock your potential as a catalyst for change.
Track 1: Mental Wellness & Resiliency- Healing Through Art
Immerse yourself in the transformative power of art in this enriching session where we’ll explore how creative expression can serve as a vehicle for healing, resilience, and self-discovery in both your personal and professional spheres. In this wellness session with the founder of MAS Cultura, Monica Maldonado, you’ll discover how to unlock the therapeutic potential of art and cultivate a deeper connection to yourself and your community.
Track 2: Growth & Innovation – Hard Talks: 7 Pro Tips to Handle Difficult Conversations in the Workplace
Hard talks are, well…hard and figuring out how to approach these conversations with confidence and compassion can be daunting. Whether you are facing conflict in the workplace or simply seeking to enhance your communication toolkit, this session shares philosophies and practical tools to empower you in navigating difficult conversations with grace, authenticity, and results. Come practice with us to reduce anxiety around that next hard talk.
Track 3: Leading with Purpose- Money Moves: Level Up Your Financial Game
Join us for a dynamic workshop designed to equip young professionals with essential financial skills and knowledge. From budgeting and saving to investing and debt management, this session will cover the fundamentals of personal finance in a practical and engaging way. Learn how to make informed decisions about your money, set achievable financial goals, and pave the way towards a secure financial future. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to level up your financial game, this workshop is your pathway to financial empowerment and success.
Track 4: Civics & Community- Workday Workout w/ Airrosti
Does your body or brain need a stretch break? The workday may keep you in front of your computer, but you can still stay active and avoid “Tech Neck” pain! Exercises you can do at your desk are an easy way to prevent injuries, reduce fatigue, increase blood flow, and boost focus. In this wellness session, you’ll get the chance to get up and get moving with some simple exercises you can continue to implement and build upon for that quick workday workout!
Track 1: Mental Wellness & Resiliency – Workshop: The Mindful Professional: Navigating the Workplace with Presence
Dealing with setbacks is challenging. Dealing with one after another can be downright draining. How do effective leaders refill their cup to keep persevering through changes? How can you grow and build your own resiliency reservoir? Through this workshop, you will learn strategies for coping with obstacles – no matter what they look like, how to adopt a growth mindset, and make a plan to get back on track.
Track 2: Growth & Innovation – Workshop: Designing Your Life
Are you ready to learn the principles of Design Thinking in a fun, useful, and meaningful way? You can take charge of the direction of your own life by applying “design thinking,” a dynamic process for approaching tough-to-solve questions.This high-impact workshop, based on the New York Times number-one bestseller and wildly popular Stanford University course, DYL applies “design thinking” to architect your own individual roadmap. While you, your career, and your life deserve more than 90-minutes of focus, this is a great first step in setting aside time to focus on you. You will apply design thinking principles to create three possible future paths – Odyssey Plans – for your life.
Track 3: Leading with Purpose – Workshop: Finding Your Authentic Leadership Style
The most impactful leaders of today aren’t just driving success for their organizations, they are invested in the growth and success of each team member, too. Simply, great leaders create more great leaders. In this interactive workshop with Vaishali Jadhav, you will dive into key strategies that will guide you on this next phase of your leadership journey. You will leave with tangible ideas and tactics to activate professional development and personal growth in others – and take impact to a whole new level.
Track 4: Civics & Community – Workshop: Civic Engagement: Shaping the Future of Society
Do you want to be more involved in civics, but don’t know where to start? In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore the intricate workings of governance and policy-making processes, understanding how they shape the fabric of our communities and influence future trajectories. Engage in dynamic discussions and hands-on exercises to develop practical skills for effective advocacy, policy analysis, and civic leadership, empowering you to become agents of change in building a better tomorrow.
Wrap up the LEAD Summit with a closing Keynote from Kendall and John Antonelli of Antonelli’s Cheese Shop
Read more about our 2024 LEAD Summit speakers below!
Amber DiPippa, SHRM-SCP
Amber is the Manager of HR Operations at University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) and currently serves as the Board Chair Elect for Austin Young Chamber. She enjoys working with Mission-driven organizations who see their employees and their families as the bottom line. 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.
AJ Bingham
A.J. is the Founder and CEO of Bingham Group, a prominent Austin and Austin Metro lobbyist with over a decade of experience advocating for clients at municipal and state levels in Texas. His expertise spans government affairs, public affairs, and procurement. A.J. also leads the Bingham Group Foundation, supporting nonprofits that enhance educational and economic access for underserved communities in the Austin Metro area. With a B.A. in Political Science from Wake Forest University and a J.D. from Washburn University School of Law, A.J. is deeply rooted in Austin, having graduated from the city’s renowned LBJ Science Academy.
Brandie Meister
Brandie has ten plus years of leadership experience that paved the way into Mindful Leadership. Taking a more human and compassionate approach to leadership proved to be highly effective. Teams were more engaged, productive, and reliable. Where stress, burnout, and conflict reduced significantly. Later in her career, she discovered in studies that mindfulness practices were being proven as an effective tool when addressing stress in the workplace.
Carlos Martin
Carlos Martin is the CEO of macami.ai, a company focused on bringing efficiency to the enterprise by leveraging Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and AI. Formerly Director of Strategic Alliances for Brazil for the company Blue Prism, which pioneered the RPA market, and where he worked for 6 years. At Blue Prism he developed internal playbooks on the ROM methodology and the art of establishing Centers of Excellence to ensure ROI maximization and success on intelligent automation projects.
Chris Harris
Chris Harris is a native Texan, proud son and passionate advocate working to upend our unjust status quo by dismantling systems of surveillance, punishment and exclusion and building systems of support, accountability and restoration. He currently serves as the Policy Director for the Austin Justice Coalition and volunteers for numerous organizations and causes in Austin. Chris has contributed to winning campaigns aimed at limiting: racial disparities in the criminal legal system, police violence, criminalization of poverty, ICE detentions, pre-trial incarceration, subpar indigent defense and investment in police and prisons.
Dana Such
Dana Such is the founder of Squeezed Consulting, where she helps nonprofits make a greater impact in the world by growing their audiences and sustainable revenue. She began her career at Texas Monthly and has over a decade of focused experience in audience development across media, e-commerce and nonprofit sectors. Dana has chaired local and national nonprofit boards serving women and first-generation college students and is a Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute FoundHer.
Danielle Sunberg
Danielle Sunberg, a multi-award winning author of the book Atlas of Being and TEDx speaker, is a former attorney and seasoned entrepreneur. Danielle coaches high performers and advises social-impact organizations on authentic leadership, a process of personal mastery that unleashes our most extraordinary lives and legacies.
Derek Curlee
Derek Curlee leads the employer partnerships team for Airrosti, a healthcare provider group that reduces costs for patients and health plans. An Austin native and Texas A&M grad, he is passionate about developing strategies to lower treatment costs and educate on a solution to pain.
Diana Anzaldua
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.
Eric Byrd
Eric is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in mental health, rehabilitation, and social advocacy. In 2020, he served as Chief of Staff for Austin’s District 1. Currently, he leads VI&M Consulting to enhance organizational fairness and efficiency and presides over board of The Man in Me which promotes healthy fatherhood, and the incomparable Ballet Afrique Dance Company, alongside his role as President of the Black Professional Alliance.
Esteben Zaldivar
Esteben Zaldivar currently serves as a Lead Technologist/Immersive Designer within the Booz Allen CSS Immersive Team. Since 2012 Esteben Zaldivar has been creating virtual worlds ranging from VR, AR, to Desktop and Mobile. He attended the University of Texas at Austin where he obtained a concentration in digital media in 2015. Now as a Lead Technologist and Immersive Designer at Booz Allen he is at the forefront of designing simulations and serious games for the DoD and government clients.
Jackie Padgett
Jackie is the Executive Director of IGC Institute and COO of IGC. She has spent 20 years building social impact programs for both corporate and nonprofit organizations in Austin. She currently serves on the Austin Ed Fund and Con Mi MADRE boards and The New Philanthropists and Austin Monitor advisory committees.
Jennifer Schmidt
Jennifer Schmidt, a Traverse City native with a background in Marketing and International Business, transitioned to tech leadership in Austin, Texas. Battling burnout in 2023, she developed a framework for wellness. Her upcoming book offers a modern approach to work-life balance. Follow her journey on Instagram @hopeyouredoingwellness.
Jill Goodman
Jill Goodman is CEO for Leadership Austin. She envisions a community of leaders who create exponential impact across Central Texas (and the world). Jill’s career spans 20+ years in the civic space, journalism, and management consulting, most recently as Deputy Chief of Strategy & Innovation for the Austin airport. She loves discovering new coffee spots.
Julio Cotto
The National Hispanic Institute’s Senior VP, Julio is a graduate of Boston U and St. Ed’s. He’s also a folklorist, husband-chef, dance dad, and trustee of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center and Measure. He has 20+ years in nonprofit including time with Jr. Achievement and a NYC charter school.
Katya Ehresman
Katya is the Voting Rights Program Manager at Common Cause Texas. In this role Katya leads policy research on campaign finance reform and voter access. Katya also manages a table, the Texas Election Reform Coalition, which is dedicated to coordinating legislative affairs around voting rights priorities and managing over 250+ statewide and national partners. Katya has previously served as campaign manager and senior advisor in multiple statewide, local, and national campaigns.
Michele Lau Torres
Michele Lau Torres is an accomplished organizational talent and learning leader with over 20 years of experience in performance and organizational development. Renowned as a culture and talent strategist, equity champion, and transformational leader, she has a rich global perspective from extensive work and travel across continents.
Monica Maldonado
Monica Maldonado, MAS Cultura founder since June 2021, blends her South Austin roots and two decades in property management, combating gentrification through accessibility and representation. She champions culture preservation, curating art events, and advocating for emerging Latino artists.
@m.a.s.cultura
Stacy McCracken
Stacy McCracken, founder of Impact and Lead, has over 20 years of experience empowering global professionals. Specializing in leadership development and design thinking, her “Design Your Life” session offers transformative strategies for personal and professional fulfillment. Stacy’s deep roots in continuous learning guides individuals toward intentional growth and resilience.
Travis Penfield
Travis Penfield, CEO & Founder of 49 Financial leads a values-based financial planning firm headquartered in Austin, Texas. Since launching in 2019, Travis now leads a team of 150 advisors across 8 offices nationwide. In an industry where the average age of advisors is nearly 60, 49 Financial is leading the revolution – investing in the development of young leaders to allow them to impact the communities they serve and the lives of their clients for generations to come.
Vaishali Jadhav
Vaishali Jadhav combines 25 years of experience at mission-driven companies, such as The Gallup Organization, Whole Foods Market, and Indeed.com to create experiential learning programs to support conscious leaders. She is the Founder of Mandalight Learning, a full-circle leadership and team development company focused on cohesion and clarity. In addition to her company, she is also the Leadership Development Instructor for the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute.
Yasmine Smith
Yasmine Smith, Esq. is a native Austinite and accomplished attorney, holding a B.A. in Criminal Justice from St. Edward’s University and a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. She is the managing partner and founder of Abundance Law, PLLC, specializing in Wills & Estates, Business Entity, and Real Estate Law, serving clients across Central Texas. Yasmine is deeply committed to community service, serving as the Director of Justice & Advocacy at The Austin Area Urban League, focusing on policy matters for unhoused neighbors.
Vero Sandoval
Veronica Sandoval, raised in East Austin by a single mother, learned the value of community early on. Her mother, a hardworking custodian, instilled in her the importance of financial literacy. Now, as part of the Financial Success Program at University Federal Credit Union, Vero is dedicated to empowering underserved communities.
- Sponsorships
-
2025 Sponsorship Opportunities Available
2024 LEAD Summit Sponsors
In-Kind
- 2024 Keynote
-
John & Kendall Antonelli
John and Kendall Antonelli launched Antonelli’s Cheese in Austin, Texas in 2010, driven by a desire to spread joy through cheese. Their award-winning business includes two tasting rooms, a cut-to-order cheese shop, a national cheese club, catered trays, and a Texas-wide wholesale program. They’ve earned accolades like Best Artisan Food Company and Best Cheese Shops in America. Both are ACS Certified Cheese Professionals and deeply involved in their community. They speak on entrepreneurship and mental health, volunteer, and travel with their children, Everett and Elia. John is a past president of the American Cheese Society and Kendall of Les Dames d’Escoffier Austin.
- 2024 Sessions
-
Agenda and Sessions
Join us at 8am to check-in, network with other attendees and take advantage of free headshots sponsored by BoothEasy. Be sure to connect with KUT/KUTX and our partners over at the Travis County Voter Registration team for voter registration.
Join us for LEAD welcome remarks from Board Members Ashley Wainscott, Arielle Sadler & Jackie Sekiguchi and an opening keynote from Michele Lau Torres.
Track 1: Mental Wellness & Resiliency- Battling Burnout
As young professionals, we’re constantly pushing ourselves to climb the career ladder, but amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to neglect our own well-being. This session is all about finding that delicate balance between ambition and self-care. So, if you’re ready to reclaim your passion for your career while safeguarding your well-being, mark your calendars and join us for a session that promises to equip you with the tools you need to thrive in today’s fast-paced world. See you there!
Track 2: Growth & Innovation- The Future of Work: Emerging Technologies & the Young Professional
AI and machine learning. Robotics and automation. We’ve all heard these buzzwords, but what does this really mean for the future of work? In this session, we’ll delve into the exciting intersection of emerging technologies and the evolving landscape of work. Gain insights on how to navigate this rapidly changing environment, harnessing these technologies to enhance your skills, stay relevant in the job market, and carve out a successful career path. Join this dynamic panel of tech leaders to discover the strategies and tools necessary to thrive in the future of work.
Track 3: Leading with Purpose- Be Your Own Brand of Leader
We all have examples of great leaders, and we believe every person has the potential to be a great leader. How? You do you! Learn how to set a leadership vision that will help you become your own unique brand of leader – one that matches your style, personality, and goals – and will help you navigate when the world around you continues to change. In this session, you will hear from several dynamic leaders on finding and leaning into your leadership style.
Track 4: Civics & Community- Beyond the Ballot
Join us for an invigorating panel discussion that goes beyond the traditional notions of political participation. In this session, we’ll explore how young professionals can actively engage in shaping their communities and effecting positive change outside of election cycles. In this session, gain insights from seasoned professionals and community leaders on leveraging your skills and networks to make your voice heard. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the broader spectrum of civic engagement and unlock your potential as a catalyst for change.
Track 1: Mental Wellness & Resiliency- Healing Through Art
Immerse yourself in the transformative power of art in this enriching session where we’ll explore how creative expression can serve as a vehicle for healing, resilience, and self-discovery in both your personal and professional spheres. In this wellness session with the founder of MAS Cultura, Monica Maldonado, you’ll discover how to unlock the therapeutic potential of art and cultivate a deeper connection to yourself and your community.
Track 2: Growth & Innovation – Hard Talks: 7 Pro Tips to Handle Difficult Conversations in the Workplace
Hard talks are, well…hard and figuring out how to approach these conversations with confidence and compassion can be daunting. Whether you are facing conflict in the workplace or simply seeking to enhance your communication toolkit, this session shares philosophies and practical tools to empower you in navigating difficult conversations with grace, authenticity, and results. Come practice with us to reduce anxiety around that next hard talk.
Track 3: Leading with Purpose- Money Moves: Level Up Your Financial Game
Join us for a dynamic workshop designed to equip young professionals with essential financial skills and knowledge. From budgeting and saving to investing and debt management, this session will cover the fundamentals of personal finance in a practical and engaging way. Learn how to make informed decisions about your money, set achievable financial goals, and pave the way towards a secure financial future. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to level up your financial game, this workshop is your pathway to financial empowerment and success.
Track 4: Civics & Community- Workday Workout w/ Airrosti
Does your body or brain need a stretch break? The workday may keep you in front of your computer, but you can still stay active and avoid “Tech Neck” pain! Exercises you can do at your desk are an easy way to prevent injuries, reduce fatigue, increase blood flow, and boost focus. In this wellness session, you’ll get the chance to get up and get moving with some simple exercises you can continue to implement and build upon for that quick workday workout!
Track 1: Mental Wellness & Resiliency – Workshop: The Mindful Professional: Navigating the Workplace with Presence
Dealing with setbacks is challenging. Dealing with one after another can be downright draining. How do effective leaders refill their cup to keep persevering through changes? How can you grow and build your own resiliency reservoir? Through this workshop, you will learn strategies for coping with obstacles – no matter what they look like, how to adopt a growth mindset, and make a plan to get back on track.
Track 2: Growth & Innovation – Workshop: Designing Your Life
Are you ready to learn the principles of Design Thinking in a fun, useful, and meaningful way? You can take charge of the direction of your own life by applying “design thinking,” a dynamic process for approaching tough-to-solve questions.This high-impact workshop, based on the New York Times number-one bestseller and wildly popular Stanford University course, DYL applies “design thinking” to architect your own individual roadmap. While you, your career, and your life deserve more than 90-minutes of focus, this is a great first step in setting aside time to focus on you. You will apply design thinking principles to create three possible future paths – Odyssey Plans – for your life.
Track 3: Leading with Purpose – Workshop: Finding Your Authentic Leadership Style
The most impactful leaders of today aren’t just driving success for their organizations, they are invested in the growth and success of each team member, too. Simply, great leaders create more great leaders. In this interactive workshop with Vaishali Jadhav, you will dive into key strategies that will guide you on this next phase of your leadership journey. You will leave with tangible ideas and tactics to activate professional development and personal growth in others – and take impact to a whole new level.
Track 4: Civics & Community – Workshop: Civic Engagement: Shaping the Future of Society
Do you want to be more involved in civics, but don’t know where to start? In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore the intricate workings of governance and policy-making processes, understanding how they shape the fabric of our communities and influence future trajectories. Engage in dynamic discussions and hands-on exercises to develop practical skills for effective advocacy, policy analysis, and civic leadership, empowering you to become agents of change in building a better tomorrow.
Wrap up the LEAD Summit with a closing Keynote from Kendall and John Antonelli of Antonelli’s Cheese Shop
- 2024 Speakers
-
Read more about our 2024 LEAD Summit speakers below!
Amber DiPippa, SHRM-SCP
Amber is the Manager of HR Operations at University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) and currently serves as the Board Chair Elect for Austin Young Chamber. She enjoys working with Mission-driven organizations who see their employees and their families as the bottom line. 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.
AJ Bingham
A.J. is the Founder and CEO of Bingham Group, a prominent Austin and Austin Metro lobbyist with over a decade of experience advocating for clients at municipal and state levels in Texas. His expertise spans government affairs, public affairs, and procurement. A.J. also leads the Bingham Group Foundation, supporting nonprofits that enhance educational and economic access for underserved communities in the Austin Metro area. With a B.A. in Political Science from Wake Forest University and a J.D. from Washburn University School of Law, A.J. is deeply rooted in Austin, having graduated from the city’s renowned LBJ Science Academy.
Brandie Meister
Brandie has ten plus years of leadership experience that paved the way into Mindful Leadership. Taking a more human and compassionate approach to leadership proved to be highly effective. Teams were more engaged, productive, and reliable. Where stress, burnout, and conflict reduced significantly. Later in her career, she discovered in studies that mindfulness practices were being proven as an effective tool when addressing stress in the workplace.
Carlos Martin
Carlos Martin is the CEO of macami.ai, a company focused on bringing efficiency to the enterprise by leveraging Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and AI. Formerly Director of Strategic Alliances for Brazil for the company Blue Prism, which pioneered the RPA market, and where he worked for 6 years. At Blue Prism he developed internal playbooks on the ROM methodology and the art of establishing Centers of Excellence to ensure ROI maximization and success on intelligent automation projects.
Chris Harris
Chris Harris is a native Texan, proud son and passionate advocate working to upend our unjust status quo by dismantling systems of surveillance, punishment and exclusion and building systems of support, accountability and restoration. He currently serves as the Policy Director for the Austin Justice Coalition and volunteers for numerous organizations and causes in Austin. Chris has contributed to winning campaigns aimed at limiting: racial disparities in the criminal legal system, police violence, criminalization of poverty, ICE detentions, pre-trial incarceration, subpar indigent defense and investment in police and prisons.
Dana Such
Dana Such is the founder of Squeezed Consulting, where she helps nonprofits make a greater impact in the world by growing their audiences and sustainable revenue. She began her career at Texas Monthly and has over a decade of focused experience in audience development across media, e-commerce and nonprofit sectors. Dana has chaired local and national nonprofit boards serving women and first-generation college students and is a Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute FoundHer.
Danielle Sunberg
Danielle Sunberg, a multi-award winning author of the book Atlas of Being and TEDx speaker, is a former attorney and seasoned entrepreneur. Danielle coaches high performers and advises social-impact organizations on authentic leadership, a process of personal mastery that unleashes our most extraordinary lives and legacies.
Derek Curlee
Derek Curlee leads the employer partnerships team for Airrosti, a healthcare provider group that reduces costs for patients and health plans. An Austin native and Texas A&M grad, he is passionate about developing strategies to lower treatment costs and educate on a solution to pain.
Diana Anzaldua
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.
Eric Byrd
Eric is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in mental health, rehabilitation, and social advocacy. In 2020, he served as Chief of Staff for Austin’s District 1. Currently, he leads VI&M Consulting to enhance organizational fairness and efficiency and presides over board of The Man in Me which promotes healthy fatherhood, and the incomparable Ballet Afrique Dance Company, alongside his role as President of the Black Professional Alliance.
Esteben Zaldivar
Esteben Zaldivar currently serves as a Lead Technologist/Immersive Designer within the Booz Allen CSS Immersive Team. Since 2012 Esteben Zaldivar has been creating virtual worlds ranging from VR, AR, to Desktop and Mobile. He attended the University of Texas at Austin where he obtained a concentration in digital media in 2015. Now as a Lead Technologist and Immersive Designer at Booz Allen he is at the forefront of designing simulations and serious games for the DoD and government clients.
Jackie Padgett
Jackie is the Executive Director of IGC Institute and COO of IGC. She has spent 20 years building social impact programs for both corporate and nonprofit organizations in Austin. She currently serves on the Austin Ed Fund and Con Mi MADRE boards and The New Philanthropists and Austin Monitor advisory committees.
Jennifer Schmidt
Jennifer Schmidt, a Traverse City native with a background in Marketing and International Business, transitioned to tech leadership in Austin, Texas. Battling burnout in 2023, she developed a framework for wellness. Her upcoming book offers a modern approach to work-life balance. Follow her journey on Instagram @hopeyouredoingwellness.
Jill Goodman
Jill Goodman is CEO for Leadership Austin. She envisions a community of leaders who create exponential impact across Central Texas (and the world). Jill’s career spans 20+ years in the civic space, journalism, and management consulting, most recently as Deputy Chief of Strategy & Innovation for the Austin airport. She loves discovering new coffee spots.
Julio Cotto
The National Hispanic Institute’s Senior VP, Julio is a graduate of Boston U and St. Ed’s. He’s also a folklorist, husband-chef, dance dad, and trustee of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center and Measure. He has 20+ years in nonprofit including time with Jr. Achievement and a NYC charter school.
Katya Ehresman
Katya is the Voting Rights Program Manager at Common Cause Texas. In this role Katya leads policy research on campaign finance reform and voter access. Katya also manages a table, the Texas Election Reform Coalition, which is dedicated to coordinating legislative affairs around voting rights priorities and managing over 250+ statewide and national partners. Katya has previously served as campaign manager and senior advisor in multiple statewide, local, and national campaigns.
Michele Lau Torres
Michele Lau Torres is an accomplished organizational talent and learning leader with over 20 years of experience in performance and organizational development. Renowned as a culture and talent strategist, equity champion, and transformational leader, she has a rich global perspective from extensive work and travel across continents.
Monica Maldonado
Monica Maldonado, MAS Cultura founder since June 2021, blends her South Austin roots and two decades in property management, combating gentrification through accessibility and representation. She champions culture preservation, curating art events, and advocating for emerging Latino artists.
@m.a.s.cultura
Stacy McCracken
Stacy McCracken, founder of Impact and Lead, has over 20 years of experience empowering global professionals. Specializing in leadership development and design thinking, her “Design Your Life” session offers transformative strategies for personal and professional fulfillment. Stacy’s deep roots in continuous learning guides individuals toward intentional growth and resilience.
Travis Penfield
Travis Penfield, CEO & Founder of 49 Financial leads a values-based financial planning firm headquartered in Austin, Texas. Since launching in 2019, Travis now leads a team of 150 advisors across 8 offices nationwide. In an industry where the average age of advisors is nearly 60, 49 Financial is leading the revolution – investing in the development of young leaders to allow them to impact the communities they serve and the lives of their clients for generations to come.
Vaishali Jadhav
Vaishali Jadhav combines 25 years of experience at mission-driven companies, such as The Gallup Organization, Whole Foods Market, and Indeed.com to create experiential learning programs to support conscious leaders. She is the Founder of Mandalight Learning, a full-circle leadership and team development company focused on cohesion and clarity. In addition to her company, she is also the Leadership Development Instructor for the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute.
Yasmine Smith
Yasmine Smith, Esq. is a native Austinite and accomplished attorney, holding a B.A. in Criminal Justice from St. Edward’s University and a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. She is the managing partner and founder of Abundance Law, PLLC, specializing in Wills & Estates, Business Entity, and Real Estate Law, serving clients across Central Texas. Yasmine is deeply committed to community service, serving as the Director of Justice & Advocacy at The Austin Area Urban League, focusing on policy matters for unhoused neighbors.
Vero Sandoval
Veronica Sandoval, raised in East Austin by a single mother, learned the value of community early on. Her mother, a hardworking custodian, instilled in her the importance of financial literacy. Now, as part of the Financial Success Program at University Federal Credit Union, Vero is dedicated to empowering underserved communities.
- 2023 LEAD Summit
