Registration Open for the 9th Annual LEAD Summit!
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 8, 2026 – LEAD Summit Conference – 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
UT Commons Conference Center
10100 Burnet Rd Building 137, Austin, TX 78758
(Optional Happy Hour Mixer from 4:30PM-6:00PM at Celis Brewing Taproom)
MORNING KEYNOTE Presented by Texas Mutual Insurance Company
Dr. Syd Young, OutWellness
Dr. Syd Young brings extensive expertise to their practice, with a focus on providing inclusive and compassionate care to the queer community. With a strong foundation in physical therapy, Syd has specialized training in running rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and dry needling, making them a versatile practitioner capable of addressing a wide range of wellness needs.
Keynote Session: From Othered to Leader: Building Belonging-Centered Workplaces in Austin
Workplaces love to put “inclusive” in job postings and value statements—but many people, especially queer and trans folks, people in bigger bodies, disabled folks, and other marginalized identities, still feel like they have to shrink themselves to fit in.
In this highly interactive session, Dr. Syd Young, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT (they/them), founder of OutWellness—Austin’s first queer and trans health and wellness center—shares their journey from being “the only one” in sports and healthcare spaces to building a community where people are invited to come exactly as they are.
Using real stories from Austin’s business and nonprofit ecosystem, we’ll identify the “moments that matter” in a workday—introductions, meetings, feedback, social events, benefits, even dress codes—and surface where exclusion quietly shows up. Then we’ll design small, concrete shifts participants can bring back to their teams, even without a formal leadership title.
Attendees will leave with a 30-day “Belonging Micro-Experiment” plan tailored to their role, plus language and tools they can use immediately to support colleagues, clients, and communities in Central Texas.
AFTERNOON KEYNOTE
Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, Waterloo Greenway
Dr. Burnette previously served in Austin as the first female president of Huston-Tillotson University. During her transformative tenure, the university’s endowment increased by more than 55%, student enrollment grew, and the institution successfully received a ten-year reaffirmation of its reaccreditation with no findings. Also under her leadership, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, an MBA program, and partnerships with the Texas State Department of Parks and Wildlife, Apple, and Army Futures Command were established.
Fireside Chat with Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette and Austin Young Chamber Board Chair, Arielle Sadler
Agenda and Sessions
Check out the 2026 Tracks:
Track 1: AI IRL (Technology & AI)
AI is transforming how we work, create, and make decisions. AI IRL will explore the real-world applications of AI—from practical tools professionals can use today to the ethical and societal implications shaping the future of work.
Track 2: Leadership Lab (Leadership & Career Mastery)
Designed for young professionals looking to sharpen their leadership skills, Leadership Lab will feature sessions focused on career growth, communication, decision-making, and leading with confidence in today’s evolving workplace.
Track 3: The Pulse of Austin (Community, Civics & Austin Now)
Austin is constantly evolving. The Pulse of Austin track will explore the issues shaping our city—from civic engagement and community leadership to policy conversations and the trends influencing Austin’s future.
The LEAD Summit is Austin Young Chamber’s signature professional development event, offering meaningful conversations, practical takeaways, and opportunities to connect with leaders from across Greater Austin.
Join us at 8am to check-in and network with other attendees.
Join us for LEAD welcome remarks from AYC leadership and an opening keynote with Dr. Syd Young, Founder & Lead Physical Therapist of OutWellness. More details coming soon.
Track 1: The AI Operating System: Identity, Authority, and Future-Proofing
In an era where AI is becoming the “new operating system” for professional visibility, the traditional resume is no longer enough. This session explores how leaders must evolve to remain unmissable by cultivating tech-enabled, multifaceted personal brands. We will discuss the “New OS of Trust,” the power of multidimensional branding, and how to transition from “doing nothing” to active engagement with the tools that define modern career longevity.
Panel: Trisha Beher (IBM), Trey Reynolds (Abilities) , Alex Porter (Mod Tech Labs)
Track 2: Orienting Your Professional Compass Presented by vcfo
The focus of this session is the raw, real journey of navigating a career. We are moving past the “resume version” of success to discuss the skills, confidence, and hurdles it takes to lead effectively. We will explore the “uphill battles” and the moments where a leader must recalibrate their direction.
Panel: Isabel Spariel (Everyday Speech), Megan Fanale (Abilitie), Kris Cano (City of Mesa Public Safety Support – Forensic Services)
Moderated by: Jess Pass (VCFO)
Track 3: Austin in Motion: What’s Changing & How to Jump in
Austin is evolving at a rapid pace, from transformative downtown developments and major tourism initiatives to airport expansion and the future of regional transit. But with so much change happening, where do you fit in?
Join leaders from the Downtown Austin Alliance, Visit Austin, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and Transit Forward as they share an inside look at the projects, priorities, and partnerships shaping Austin’s next chapter. This dynamic panel will explore what’s on the horizon for our city, and more importantly, how you can be part of it.
Attendees will walk away with a clearer understanding of Austin’s growth trajectory and practical ways to stay informed, whether through advocacy, civic engagement, or volunteerism. If you’re passionate about the future of Austin and want to play a role in shaping it, this session is for you.
Panel: Davon Barbour (Downtown Austin Alliance), Tiffany Kerr (Visit Austin), Kimmie Hay (AUS), Roberto Gonzalez (CapMetro)
Moderated by: Zeeshan Malik (Transit Forward)
Track 1: Prompting Like a Pro: How to Talk to AI to Get Better Results
AI tools are only as powerful as the prompts behind them. In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to communicate effectively with AI to get clearer, faster, and more useful results. Whether you’re drafting emails, brainstorming ideas, or solving complex problems.
We’ll break down the anatomy of a strong prompt, share real-world examples, and give you practical frameworks you can start using immediately. You’ll leave with hands-on experience, plug-and-play prompt templates, and the confidence to make AI work smarter for you.
Facilitator: Kris Chase (ChaseCo Labs)
Track 2: Your Brain Optimizes, Your Career Should Too Presented by PathFinder Career Prep
With a simple, elegant principle of neuropsychology as our guide, this session will cover what your brain teaches us about how to approach our work. All of our jobs may seem different, but the PathFinder team will highlight three main pillars that exist across all fields and disciplines to optimize your time and efforts. We’ll explore a streamlined problem-solving method, a tried-and-true emotional intelligence framework, and best practices of workplace communication to help you focus on the things that matter while you cut the things that don’t.
Facilitators: Ashley Stafford (PathFinder Career Prep), Matthew Thurman (PathFinder Career Prep)
Track 3: KUT ATXplained: Behind the Scenes
Ever wondered how a simple question turns into a compelling story that helps thousands of Austinites better understand their city? Go behind the curtain with KUT and its beloved series, ATXplained, to see exactly how it happens.
In this Level-Up session, Matt Largey with KUT will share the evolution and process of ATXplained, from sourcing community-driven questions to storytelling. You’ll gain insight into how curiosity and community input come together to create impactful local journalism. Hear from Austin History Center Association, The Austin Common, and KUT as they share concrete examples of how accessible information can drive engagement and action.
Attendees will leave with practical tools to better understand their city, ask more meaningful questions, and turn curiosity into connection – whether in their work, community involvement, or everyday conversations about Austin.
Facilitator: Matt Largey (KUT), Adam Powell (Austin History Center Association), Amy Stansbury (The Austin Common)
Track 1: Engineering Human Readiness: Building Future-Ready Leaders in a Changing World
In an era where change is constant and technology continues to reshape the workplace, leadership must evolve from management to human engineering. This session explores how young professionals can develop the emotional intelligence, adaptability, and systems thinking required to lead transformation at every level, all within a technologically advancing workplace.
Attendees will explore a practical approach to strengthening leadership readiness— how to align people, purpose, and innovation in times of rapid change.
Speaker: Brittany Parish (SHAPEDwithSTEM)
Track 2: From Awkward to Awesome: Your Coaching Cheat Sheet
Great leaders don’t just manage work – they grow people. This interactive workshop draws on practical tools from The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier to help participants coach others with confidence, address unhelpful behaviors, and turn challenging moments into opportunities for growth. Walk away ready to create a workplace your team is proud to be part of.
What participants will experience:
- Learn a coaching framework inspired by The Coaching Habit to guide 1:1 conversations and more
- Learn 7 powerful questions that unlock clarity and alignment
- Set a personal goal or “new habit” to implement immediately
By the end of the session, participants will leave with a practical “cheat sheet” for coaching like a pro.
Speaker: Jill Goodman (Leadership Austin)
Track 3: Demystifying the Board Room
Nonprofit board service is a powerful way to make an impact—but getting started can feel overwhelming. In this panel, I Live Here I Give Here will break down the pathway to board service, from finding the right fit to preparing yourself as a strong candidate.
This panel will include young professionals and experienced board members, as well as nonprofit leaders, who will share their real experiences, lessons learned, and advice for making a meaningful impact in the boardroom. Attendees will uncover the accessibility of deepening volunteer involvement through board service.
Whether you’re just exploring or ready to get involved, you’ll leave with practical next steps and the confidence to take action.
Speakers: Larissa Davila (EGBI), Peter Baez (JP Morgan Chase), Alli Reaves (Ascension Seton)
Moderator by: Charli Krause and Jared Montes Slack (I Live Here, I Give Here)
Wrap up the LEAD Summit with a Closing Keynote from Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, CEO of Waterloo Greenway
Alli Reaves, Ascension Seton Hays
Alli Reaves is a healthcare operations leader with a strong background in hospital administration and clinical support services. She currently serves as an Associate Administrator at Ascension Seton Hays, where she oversees multidisciplinary teams and drives initiatives to improve patient flow, efficiency, and quality of care.
In addition to her professional role, Alli is actively involved in her community. She serves on the American Heart Association Young Professionals board and is also a board member for a Kyle, Texas surgery center
Amy Stansbury, Austin Common
Amy Stansbury is the Editor-In-Chief of The Austin Common, a local news site and civic education organization that uses art and social media to make learning about local government easy, accessible, and even a little bit fun. She’s also the host of The Austin Common Radio Hour, a podcast & radio show on 91.7 FM and the co-author of “A Beginner’s Guide To Local Government,” a coloring book/zine that teaches Austinites how local government works and how to make their voice be heard on the local level.
Ashley Stafford, PathFinder Career Prep
Dr. Ashley Stafford is a licensed psychologist working in private practice in Austin, Texas. A long-time teacher and speaker, Ashley co-founded PathFinder Career Prep with her brother, Matt Thurman, to bring the practical brilliance of modern psychology to student and professional audiences. She lives with her husband, loyal dog, and a pack of wild children.
Dr. Brittany Parrish, SHAPEDwithSTEM
Dr. Brittany Parrish is a Biology Professor and AI Task Force Chair at Lone Star College, where she also serves on the Faculty Senate Executive Board. In 2025, she received a Faculty Excellence Award and a National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award. She earned her Ed.D. in Learning and Organizational Change from Baylor University, with a concentration in Future Trends in Technology Leadership. Dr. Parrish created an AI microcredential serving more than 90,000 students at her institution and is the founder of SHAPEDwithSTEM, helping educators and professionals integrate AI ethically and lead inclusively across multigenerational teams.
Charli Krause, I Live Here, I Give Here
Charli is the Sr Director of Nonprofit Relations at I Live Here I Give Here and serves as treasurer of the board of Friends of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. She has worked in the nonprofit sector since 2014. She’s a passionate believer in the power of volunteerism to transform not only the community, but your life as well.
@mmmagpie
Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, Waterloo Greenway
Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette’s career spans engineering, IT, higher education, and the arts. In 2015, she became the first female president of Huston-Tillotson University, leading major growth in endowment, STEM and environmental justice programs, and community engagement. She retired from the presidency in 2022 and was granted President Emeritus status. She now serves as CEO of Waterloo Greenway Conservancy in Austin, leading the completion of a 35-acre urban park project in partnership with City of Austin. Dr. Burnette guides the strategic vision, including fundraising, sustainability, programming, operations, and partnerships. A champion of equity and civic engagement, she brings strong leadership to public space development. Dr. Burnette holds degrees from The Ohio State University, Georgia College, and the University of Pennsylvania, and has received numerous honors for her impact.
@colettepb
Davon Barbour, Downtown Austin Alliance
Davon Barbour serves as the President & CEO of the Downtown Austin Alliance. Prior to joining the Austin community, he served as the President & CEO of the Downtown Development District of New Orleans, where he was recognized twice as one of New Orleans’ Top 500 Business Leaders and a 2023 Young Leadership Council Role Model. Since joining the Austin community, he is recognized as one of “26 Austinites to Watch in 2026” by the Austin-Statesman and one of “Texas 100 Annual List of Impactful Texans” by the Austin Business Journal.
Isabel Sapriel, Everyday Speech
Isabel Sapriel is a tri-sector senior leader at the intersection of business strategy and human potential. As Head of Strategic Operations at Everyday Speech, she builds the organizational systems behind a leading social skills curriculum for K-12 students. Her career spans serving as a Presidential Appointee in the Obama administration, leading People Analytics at Whole Foods Market, and heading product strategy at Visier. She holds an MBA from UT Austin and is the founder of Good Work Strategies, where she provides leadership development and organizational design consulting. She lives in Austin with her husband, two young kids, and a goldendoodle.
Jared Montes Slack, I Live Here, I Give Here
Somehow, Jared has spent the last 20 years loving people and helping connect them to their community through service and generosity. His work spans ministry, higher education, and nonprofit fundraising. At I Live Here I Give Here, he supports businesses, nonprofits, and individuals as they strengthen giving and engagement across Central Texas. Outside of work, you’ll find him volunteering, antiquing, baking, camping, and at at Austin FC matches.
Jill Goodman. Leadership Austin
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.
Kris Cano, City of Mesa Public Safety Support – Forensic Services
Kris Cano is a nationally recognized leader and accomplished executive with more than 31 years of experience spanning forensic DNA analysis, crime laboratory management, public service, and nonprofit leadership. She is widely respected for pairing scientific rigor with strategic vision and mission-driven impact. After serving as Chief Advancement Officer for Leadership Austin and previously as Executive Director and CEO of YWCA Greater Austin, Kris returned to her scientific roots at the start of this year where she is currently serving as a Forensic Scientist Supervisor for the City of Mesa, leading DNA operations and mentoring the next generation of forensic professionals. Although she is a public servant, Kris’s passion lies in her volunteerism—supporting organizations that promote excellence, leadership, and equality. She serves on the boards of OutYouth, Amplify Credit Union, and Good Work Austin remaining grounded in the Austin community.
Kris Chase, ChaseCo Labs
Engineering executive with 20+ years of experience building software, systems, and teams that last. Has led high-performing engineering groups across SaaS, product, and service environments—modernizing platforms, improving reliability, and shaping cultures where people do their best work.
Brings a strong technical foundation across the full stack, including application, web, and IoT development, system architecture, and application security. Experienced in IT operations, DevOps, platform engineering, and data infrastructure, with a deep understanding of how to keep distributed systems performing, scalable, and secure.
Over the years, has worked across intrusion analysis, penetration testing, quality assurance, fraud prevention, and spam mitigation—always with the same goal: build secure, reliable systems people can trust. Knows compliance and governance inside and out (SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA) and takes a pragmatic approach to applying risk management at scale.
Larissa Davila, EGBI
Larissa Davila is a business development strategist focused on empowering multicultural communities. She helps small businesses grow sustainably while supporting their communities. Recognized as a Change Maker by Austin Woman Magazine (2025), a Latina of Influence (2024), and a Mujer Legendaria (2022), she is also a co-author of two Amazon best-sellers. Since 2023, she has served as Executive Director of EGBI. She founded BCO Consulting Group in 2014 after corporate roles at Sony, FedEx, and Bentoli. She holds a Business Administration degree and is pursuing an MBA at UT Austin.
Matt Largey, KUT
Matt is the Projects Editor at KUT News, which means he does a little bit of everything: editing reporters, producing podcasts, reporting, training, producing live events and always being on the lookout for things that make his ears perk up. He’s been leading KUT’s ATXplained project since its inception in 2016.
Matthew Thurman, PathFinder Career Prep
Matthew Thurman is co-founder of PathFinder Career Prep where he helps students and young professionals learn how work actually works. A former trial attorney and McKinsey consultant, he combines structured problem-solving with practical communication training to close the gap between classroom learning and workplace expectations. He works with schools, families, and organizations to prepare the next generation for successful careers and more confident, effective performance on the job.
Megan Fanale, Abilitie
Megan Fanale didn’t earn an MBA. She earned her leadership chops by doing. That journey fuels her passion for experiential learning and her belief that the best development happens in targeted practice, not theory.
In 2014, together with CEO Bjorn Billhardt, she founded Abilitie to bring that philosophy to life for leaders worldwide. Abilitie’s award-winning leadership development programs have reached over 100,000 leaders in 50+ countries at companies including GE, Dell, and McKinsey. As COO, she creates and oversees company-wide systems for scaling and end-client experience as the company’s growth accelerates.
In 2023, Megan was named a Top Woman in Business by the Austin Business Journal. She thrives at the intersection of strategy, empathy, and growth.
Roberto Gonzalez Jr., CapMetro
I was born and raised in South Texas. I received my Bachelor’s in Environmental Design and Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Texas A&M University, where I also met my wife Katherine – so we are both Aggies. We moved to Austin in 1995 and I started my career at CapMetro as a Transportation Planner – I now oversee our Service Planning group. We live near downtown in a 125-year-old home that we renovated ourselves. We have two daughters—one an anthropology graduate who travels for archaeological digs, the other a senior studying/teaching chemistry. I enjoy cooking, (especially smoking/grilling BBQ) and travel (particularly without plans or reservations). Family has been and remains my first priority.
Tiffany Kerr, Visit Austin
Tiffany Kerr is the Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Austin. Bringing more than 20 years of brand-building to travel and tourism, Tiffany has led advertising campaigns and initiatives for legendary brands including Southwest Airlines, Norwegian Cruise Line, and the Hilton Hotels portfolio. At Meta’s Creative Shop, Tiffany led a global team of creative strategists scaling platform solutions to more than 10,000 advertisers. Her work in inclusive marketing earned her recognition as a 2024 ADCOLOR Leader.
In the Visit Austin CMO role, Tiffany leads destination marketing strategy, communications, international tourism and travel trade, the Austin Music Office, and Austin Film Commission.
Trey Reynolds, Abilitie
Trey Reynolds is the CTO of Abilitie, an Austin-based leadership development company, where he leads engineering and the company’s AI strategy. He works on Case Challenge, Abilitie’s AI-driven simulation platform used by Fortune 500 leadership development programs worldwide, and is rolling out an agent-based operating system across the entire workforce. Before Abilitie, Trey was an engineer at SpaceX, working on Starlink’s firmware, mobile app, and global performance monitoring. He holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Texas Tech University.
Syd Young, OutWellness
Syd Young, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, is the founder of OutWellness, Austin’s first queer and trans health and wellness center. They are a physical therapist, community builder, and entrepreneur focused on making healthcare, movement, and wellness more accessible, affirming, and community-driven. Through OutWellness, Syd leads innovative programming that blends physical therapy, fitness, education, and low-to-no-cost community events, with a special focus on serving queer and trans people in Austin.
@drsydpt, @outwellnessatx
Trisha Beher, IBM
Trisha Beher is an AI product manager at IBM and Cornell University alumna. Her professional journey spans skincare startups, nonprofit leadership, and technology management at companies including LinkedIn, ServiceNow, and Hewlett-Packard. Alongside her work in tech, Trisha is deeply committed to community-building and leadership. She previously founded The Art Shine Foundation, a 501(c)(3) art activism nonprofit, and Women Leaders of Color at Cornell. Trisha is a TEDx speaker, alumna of the Clinton Global Initiative University, and United Nations Millennium Fellow. Outside of work, she is a harpist, fitness enthusiast, and avid traveler.
Zeeshan Malik, Malik Legal Group PLLC
Zeeshan Malik is an Austin-based real estate attorney and lifelong advocate for the future of his hometown. A founding board member and general counsel of Transit Forward, he champions a robust regional public transit system as essential to a more equitable and sustainable Central Texas. As founding principal of Thoughtful Development Partners, he works to redefine homebuilding through resilient, lower-carbon design. Through Onward! Austin Ventures, which he co-founded, Zeeshan helps shape collective dialogue ahead of Austin’s bicentennial in 2039. A Leadership Austin Essential 44 alumnus, son of Indian immigrants, former Peace Corps volunteer, and distance runner, Zeeshan believes Austin’s future is bright.
2026 Sponsorship Opportunities Available
2026 LEAD Summit Sponsors
Event Sponsors
- 2026 Keynote
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MORNING KEYNOTE Presented by Texas Mutual Insurance Company
Dr. Syd Young, OutWellness
Dr. Syd Young brings extensive expertise to their practice, with a focus on providing inclusive and compassionate care to the queer community. With a strong foundation in physical therapy, Syd has specialized training in running rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and dry needling, making them a versatile practitioner capable of addressing a wide range of wellness needs.
Keynote Session: From Othered to Leader: Building Belonging-Centered Workplaces in Austin
Workplaces love to put “inclusive” in job postings and value statements—but many people, especially queer and trans folks, people in bigger bodies, disabled folks, and other marginalized identities, still feel like they have to shrink themselves to fit in.
In this highly interactive session, Dr. Syd Young, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT (they/them), founder of OutWellness—Austin’s first queer and trans health and wellness center—shares their journey from being “the only one” in sports and healthcare spaces to building a community where people are invited to come exactly as they are.
Using real stories from Austin’s business and nonprofit ecosystem, we’ll identify the “moments that matter” in a workday—introductions, meetings, feedback, social events, benefits, even dress codes—and surface where exclusion quietly shows up. Then we’ll design small, concrete shifts participants can bring back to their teams, even without a formal leadership title.
Attendees will leave with a 30-day “Belonging Micro-Experiment” plan tailored to their role, plus language and tools they can use immediately to support colleagues, clients, and communities in Central Texas.
AFTERNOON KEYNOTE
Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, Waterloo Greenway
Dr. Burnette previously served in Austin as the first female president of Huston-Tillotson University. During her transformative tenure, the university’s endowment increased by more than 55%, student enrollment grew, and the institution successfully received a ten-year reaffirmation of its reaccreditation with no findings. Also under her leadership, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, an MBA program, and partnerships with the Texas State Department of Parks and Wildlife, Apple, and Army Futures Command were established.
Fireside Chat with Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette and Austin Young Chamber Board Chair, Arielle Sadler
Real Talk: Navigating Leadership and Career Mastery
- 2026 Sessions and Agenda
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Agenda and Sessions
Check out the 2026 Tracks:
Track 1: AI IRL (Technology & AI)
AI is transforming how we work, create, and make decisions. AI IRL will explore the real-world applications of AI—from practical tools professionals can use today to the ethical and societal implications shaping the future of work.Track 2: Leadership Lab (Leadership & Career Mastery)
Designed for young professionals looking to sharpen their leadership skills, Leadership Lab will feature sessions focused on career growth, communication, decision-making, and leading with confidence in today’s evolving workplace.Track 3: The Pulse of Austin (Community, Civics & Austin Now)
Austin is constantly evolving. The Pulse of Austin track will explore the issues shaping our city—from civic engagement and community leadership to policy conversations and the trends influencing Austin’s future.The LEAD Summit is Austin Young Chamber’s signature professional development event, offering meaningful conversations, practical takeaways, and opportunities to connect with leaders from across Greater Austin.
Join us at 8am to check-in and network with other attendees.
Join us for LEAD welcome remarks from AYC leadership and an opening keynote with Dr. Syd Young, Founder & Lead Physical Therapist of OutWellness. More details coming soon.
Track 1: The AI Operating System: Identity, Authority, and Future-Proofing
In an era where AI is becoming the “new operating system” for professional visibility, the traditional resume is no longer enough. This session explores how leaders must evolve to remain unmissable by cultivating tech-enabled, multifaceted personal brands. We will discuss the “New OS of Trust,” the power of multidimensional branding, and how to transition from “doing nothing” to active engagement with the tools that define modern career longevity.
Panel: Trisha Beher (IBM), Trey Reynolds (Abilities) , Alex Porter (Mod Tech Labs)
Track 2: Orienting Your Professional Compass Presented by vcfo
The focus of this session is the raw, real journey of navigating a career. We are moving past the “resume version” of success to discuss the skills, confidence, and hurdles it takes to lead effectively. We will explore the “uphill battles” and the moments where a leader must recalibrate their direction.
Panel: Isabel Spariel (Everyday Speech), Megan Fanale (Abilitie), Kris Cano (City of Mesa Public Safety Support – Forensic Services)
Moderated by: Jess Pass (VCFO)
Track 3: Austin in Motion: What’s Changing & How to Jump in
Austin is evolving at a rapid pace, from transformative downtown developments and major tourism initiatives to airport expansion and the future of regional transit. But with so much change happening, where do you fit in?
Join leaders from the Downtown Austin Alliance, Visit Austin, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and Transit Forward as they share an inside look at the projects, priorities, and partnerships shaping Austin’s next chapter. This dynamic panel will explore what’s on the horizon for our city, and more importantly, how you can be part of it.
Attendees will walk away with a clearer understanding of Austin’s growth trajectory and practical ways to stay informed, whether through advocacy, civic engagement, or volunteerism. If you’re passionate about the future of Austin and want to play a role in shaping it, this session is for you.
Panel: Davon Barbour (Downtown Austin Alliance), Tiffany Kerr (Visit Austin), Kimmie Hay (AUS), Roberto Gonzalez (CapMetro)
Moderated by: Zeeshan Malik (Transit Forward)
Track 1: Prompting Like a Pro: How to Talk to AI to Get Better Results
AI tools are only as powerful as the prompts behind them. In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to communicate effectively with AI to get clearer, faster, and more useful results. Whether you’re drafting emails, brainstorming ideas, or solving complex problems.
We’ll break down the anatomy of a strong prompt, share real-world examples, and give you practical frameworks you can start using immediately. You’ll leave with hands-on experience, plug-and-play prompt templates, and the confidence to make AI work smarter for you.
Facilitator: Kris Chase (ChaseCo Labs)
Track 2: Your Brain Optimizes, Your Career Should Too Presented by PathFinder Career Prep
With a simple, elegant principle of neuropsychology as our guide, this session will cover what your brain teaches us about how to approach our work. All of our jobs may seem different, but the PathFinder team will highlight three main pillars that exist across all fields and disciplines to optimize your time and efforts. We’ll explore a streamlined problem-solving method, a tried-and-true emotional intelligence framework, and best practices of workplace communication to help you focus on the things that matter while you cut the things that don’t.
Facilitators: Ashley Stafford (PathFinder Career Prep), Matthew Thurman (PathFinder Career Prep)
Track 3: KUT ATXplained: Behind the Scenes
Ever wondered how a simple question turns into a compelling story that helps thousands of Austinites better understand their city? Go behind the curtain with KUT and its beloved series, ATXplained, to see exactly how it happens.
In this Level-Up session, Matt Largey with KUT will share the evolution and process of ATXplained, from sourcing community-driven questions to storytelling. You’ll gain insight into how curiosity and community input come together to create impactful local journalism. Hear from Austin History Center Association, The Austin Common, and KUT as they share concrete examples of how accessible information can drive engagement and action.
Attendees will leave with practical tools to better understand their city, ask more meaningful questions, and turn curiosity into connection – whether in their work, community involvement, or everyday conversations about Austin.
Facilitator: Matt Largey (KUT), Adam Powell (Austin History Center Association), Amy Stansbury (The Austin Common)
Track 1: Engineering Human Readiness: Building Future-Ready Leaders in a Changing World
In an era where change is constant and technology continues to reshape the workplace, leadership must evolve from management to human engineering. This session explores how young professionals can develop the emotional intelligence, adaptability, and systems thinking required to lead transformation at every level, all within a technologically advancing workplace.
Attendees will explore a practical approach to strengthening leadership readiness— how to align people, purpose, and innovation in times of rapid change.
Speaker: Brittany Parish (SHAPEDwithSTEM)
Track 2: From Awkward to Awesome: Your Coaching Cheat Sheet
Great leaders don’t just manage work – they grow people. This interactive workshop draws on practical tools from The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier to help participants coach others with confidence, address unhelpful behaviors, and turn challenging moments into opportunities for growth. Walk away ready to create a workplace your team is proud to be part of.
What participants will experience:
- Learn a coaching framework inspired by The Coaching Habit to guide 1:1 conversations and more
- Learn 7 powerful questions that unlock clarity and alignment
- Set a personal goal or “new habit” to implement immediately
By the end of the session, participants will leave with a practical “cheat sheet” for coaching like a pro.
Speaker: Jill Goodman (Leadership Austin)
Track 3: Demystifying the Board Room
Nonprofit board service is a powerful way to make an impact—but getting started can feel overwhelming. In this panel, I Live Here I Give Here will break down the pathway to board service, from finding the right fit to preparing yourself as a strong candidate.
This panel will include young professionals and experienced board members, as well as nonprofit leaders, who will share their real experiences, lessons learned, and advice for making a meaningful impact in the boardroom. Attendees will uncover the accessibility of deepening volunteer involvement through board service.
Whether you’re just exploring or ready to get involved, you’ll leave with practical next steps and the confidence to take action.
Speakers: Larissa Davila (EGBI), Peter Baez (JP Morgan Chase), Alli Reaves (Ascension Seton)
Moderator by: Charli Krause and Jared Montes Slack (I Live Here, I Give Here)
Wrap up the LEAD Summit with a Closing Keynote from Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, CEO of Waterloo Greenway
- 2026 Speakers
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Alli Reaves, Ascension Seton Hays
Alli Reaves is a healthcare operations leader with a strong background in hospital administration and clinical support services. She currently serves as an Associate Administrator at Ascension Seton Hays, where she oversees multidisciplinary teams and drives initiatives to improve patient flow, efficiency, and quality of care.
In addition to her professional role, Alli is actively involved in her community. She serves on the American Heart Association Young Professionals board and is also a board member for a Kyle, Texas surgery center
Amy Stansbury, Austin Common
Amy Stansbury is the Editor-In-Chief of The Austin Common, a local news site and civic education organization that uses art and social media to make learning about local government easy, accessible, and even a little bit fun. She’s also the host of The Austin Common Radio Hour, a podcast & radio show on 91.7 FM and the co-author of “A Beginner’s Guide To Local Government,” a coloring book/zine that teaches Austinites how local government works and how to make their voice be heard on the local level.
Ashley Stafford, PathFinder Career Prep
Dr. Ashley Stafford is a licensed psychologist working in private practice in Austin, Texas. A long-time teacher and speaker, Ashley co-founded PathFinder Career Prep with her brother, Matt Thurman, to bring the practical brilliance of modern psychology to student and professional audiences. She lives with her husband, loyal dog, and a pack of wild children.
Dr. Brittany Parrish, SHAPEDwithSTEM
Dr. Brittany Parrish is a Biology Professor and AI Task Force Chair at Lone Star College, where she also serves on the Faculty Senate Executive Board. In 2025, she received a Faculty Excellence Award and a National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award. She earned her Ed.D. in Learning and Organizational Change from Baylor University, with a concentration in Future Trends in Technology Leadership. Dr. Parrish created an AI microcredential serving more than 90,000 students at her institution and is the founder of SHAPEDwithSTEM, helping educators and professionals integrate AI ethically and lead inclusively across multigenerational teams.
Charli Krause, I Live Here, I Give Here
Charli is the Sr Director of Nonprofit Relations at I Live Here I Give Here and serves as treasurer of the board of Friends of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. She has worked in the nonprofit sector since 2014. She’s a passionate believer in the power of volunteerism to transform not only the community, but your life as well.
@mmmagpie
Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, Waterloo Greenway
Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette’s career spans engineering, IT, higher education, and the arts. In 2015, she became the first female president of Huston-Tillotson University, leading major growth in endowment, STEM and environmental justice programs, and community engagement. She retired from the presidency in 2022 and was granted President Emeritus status. She now serves as CEO of Waterloo Greenway Conservancy in Austin, leading the completion of a 35-acre urban park project in partnership with City of Austin. Dr. Burnette guides the strategic vision, including fundraising, sustainability, programming, operations, and partnerships. A champion of equity and civic engagement, she brings strong leadership to public space development. Dr. Burnette holds degrees from The Ohio State University, Georgia College, and the University of Pennsylvania, and has received numerous honors for her impact.
@colettepb
Davon Barbour, Downtown Austin Alliance
Davon Barbour serves as the President & CEO of the Downtown Austin Alliance. Prior to joining the Austin community, he served as the President & CEO of the Downtown Development District of New Orleans, where he was recognized twice as one of New Orleans’ Top 500 Business Leaders and a 2023 Young Leadership Council Role Model. Since joining the Austin community, he is recognized as one of “26 Austinites to Watch in 2026” by the Austin-Statesman and one of “Texas 100 Annual List of Impactful Texans” by the Austin Business Journal.
Isabel Sapriel, Everyday Speech
Isabel Sapriel is a tri-sector senior leader at the intersection of business strategy and human potential. As Head of Strategic Operations at Everyday Speech, she builds the organizational systems behind a leading social skills curriculum for K-12 students. Her career spans serving as a Presidential Appointee in the Obama administration, leading People Analytics at Whole Foods Market, and heading product strategy at Visier. She holds an MBA from UT Austin and is the founder of Good Work Strategies, where she provides leadership development and organizational design consulting. She lives in Austin with her husband, two young kids, and a goldendoodle.
Jared Montes Slack, I Live Here, I Give Here
Somehow, Jared has spent the last 20 years loving people and helping connect them to their community through service and generosity. His work spans ministry, higher education, and nonprofit fundraising. At I Live Here I Give Here, he supports businesses, nonprofits, and individuals as they strengthen giving and engagement across Central Texas. Outside of work, you’ll find him volunteering, antiquing, baking, camping, and at at Austin FC matches.
Jill Goodman. Leadership Austin
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.
Kris Cano, City of Mesa Public Safety Support – Forensic Services
Kris Cano is a nationally recognized leader and accomplished executive with more than 31 years of experience spanning forensic DNA analysis, crime laboratory management, public service, and nonprofit leadership. She is widely respected for pairing scientific rigor with strategic vision and mission-driven impact. After serving as Chief Advancement Officer for Leadership Austin and previously as Executive Director and CEO of YWCA Greater Austin, Kris returned to her scientific roots at the start of this year where she is currently serving as a Forensic Scientist Supervisor for the City of Mesa, leading DNA operations and mentoring the next generation of forensic professionals. Although she is a public servant, Kris’s passion lies in her volunteerism—supporting organizations that promote excellence, leadership, and equality. She serves on the boards of OutYouth, Amplify Credit Union, and Good Work Austin remaining grounded in the Austin community.
Kris Chase, ChaseCo Labs
Engineering executive with 20+ years of experience building software, systems, and teams that last. Has led high-performing engineering groups across SaaS, product, and service environments—modernizing platforms, improving reliability, and shaping cultures where people do their best work.
Brings a strong technical foundation across the full stack, including application, web, and IoT development, system architecture, and application security. Experienced in IT operations, DevOps, platform engineering, and data infrastructure, with a deep understanding of how to keep distributed systems performing, scalable, and secure.
Over the years, has worked across intrusion analysis, penetration testing, quality assurance, fraud prevention, and spam mitigation—always with the same goal: build secure, reliable systems people can trust. Knows compliance and governance inside and out (SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA) and takes a pragmatic approach to applying risk management at scale.
Larissa Davila, EGBI
Larissa Davila is a business development strategist focused on empowering multicultural communities. She helps small businesses grow sustainably while supporting their communities. Recognized as a Change Maker by Austin Woman Magazine (2025), a Latina of Influence (2024), and a Mujer Legendaria (2022), she is also a co-author of two Amazon best-sellers. Since 2023, she has served as Executive Director of EGBI. She founded BCO Consulting Group in 2014 after corporate roles at Sony, FedEx, and Bentoli. She holds a Business Administration degree and is pursuing an MBA at UT Austin.
Matt Largey, KUT
Matt is the Projects Editor at KUT News, which means he does a little bit of everything: editing reporters, producing podcasts, reporting, training, producing live events and always being on the lookout for things that make his ears perk up. He’s been leading KUT’s ATXplained project since its inception in 2016.
Matthew Thurman, PathFinder Career Prep
Matthew Thurman is co-founder of PathFinder Career Prep where he helps students and young professionals learn how work actually works. A former trial attorney and McKinsey consultant, he combines structured problem-solving with practical communication training to close the gap between classroom learning and workplace expectations. He works with schools, families, and organizations to prepare the next generation for successful careers and more confident, effective performance on the job.
Megan Fanale, Abilitie
Megan Fanale didn’t earn an MBA. She earned her leadership chops by doing. That journey fuels her passion for experiential learning and her belief that the best development happens in targeted practice, not theory.
In 2014, together with CEO Bjorn Billhardt, she founded Abilitie to bring that philosophy to life for leaders worldwide. Abilitie’s award-winning leadership development programs have reached over 100,000 leaders in 50+ countries at companies including GE, Dell, and McKinsey. As COO, she creates and oversees company-wide systems for scaling and end-client experience as the company’s growth accelerates.
In 2023, Megan was named a Top Woman in Business by the Austin Business Journal. She thrives at the intersection of strategy, empathy, and growth.
Roberto Gonzalez Jr., CapMetro
I was born and raised in South Texas. I received my Bachelor’s in Environmental Design and Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Texas A&M University, where I also met my wife Katherine – so we are both Aggies. We moved to Austin in 1995 and I started my career at CapMetro as a Transportation Planner – I now oversee our Service Planning group. We live near downtown in a 125-year-old home that we renovated ourselves. We have two daughters—one an anthropology graduate who travels for archaeological digs, the other a senior studying/teaching chemistry. I enjoy cooking, (especially smoking/grilling BBQ) and travel (particularly without plans or reservations). Family has been and remains my first priority.
Tiffany Kerr, Visit Austin
Tiffany Kerr is the Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Austin. Bringing more than 20 years of brand-building to travel and tourism, Tiffany has led advertising campaigns and initiatives for legendary brands including Southwest Airlines, Norwegian Cruise Line, and the Hilton Hotels portfolio. At Meta’s Creative Shop, Tiffany led a global team of creative strategists scaling platform solutions to more than 10,000 advertisers. Her work in inclusive marketing earned her recognition as a 2024 ADCOLOR Leader.
In the Visit Austin CMO role, Tiffany leads destination marketing strategy, communications, international tourism and travel trade, the Austin Music Office, and Austin Film Commission.
Trey Reynolds, Abilitie
Trey Reynolds is the CTO of Abilitie, an Austin-based leadership development company, where he leads engineering and the company’s AI strategy. He works on Case Challenge, Abilitie’s AI-driven simulation platform used by Fortune 500 leadership development programs worldwide, and is rolling out an agent-based operating system across the entire workforce. Before Abilitie, Trey was an engineer at SpaceX, working on Starlink’s firmware, mobile app, and global performance monitoring. He holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Texas Tech University.
Syd Young, OutWellness
Syd Young, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, is the founder of OutWellness, Austin’s first queer and trans health and wellness center. They are a physical therapist, community builder, and entrepreneur focused on making healthcare, movement, and wellness more accessible, affirming, and community-driven. Through OutWellness, Syd leads innovative programming that blends physical therapy, fitness, education, and low-to-no-cost community events, with a special focus on serving queer and trans people in Austin.
@drsydpt, @outwellnessatx
Trisha Beher, IBM
Trisha Beher is an AI product manager at IBM and Cornell University alumna. Her professional journey spans skincare startups, nonprofit leadership, and technology management at companies including LinkedIn, ServiceNow, and Hewlett-Packard. Alongside her work in tech, Trisha is deeply committed to community-building and leadership. She previously founded The Art Shine Foundation, a 501(c)(3) art activism nonprofit, and Women Leaders of Color at Cornell. Trisha is a TEDx speaker, alumna of the Clinton Global Initiative University, and United Nations Millennium Fellow. Outside of work, she is a harpist, fitness enthusiast, and avid traveler.
Zeeshan Malik, Malik Legal Group PLLC
Zeeshan Malik is an Austin-based real estate attorney and lifelong advocate for the future of his hometown. A founding board member and general counsel of Transit Forward, he champions a robust regional public transit system as essential to a more equitable and sustainable Central Texas. As founding principal of Thoughtful Development Partners, he works to redefine homebuilding through resilient, lower-carbon design. Through Onward! Austin Ventures, which he co-founded, Zeeshan helps shape collective dialogue ahead of Austin’s bicentennial in 2039. A Leadership Austin Essential 44 alumnus, son of Indian immigrants, former Peace Corps volunteer, and distance runner, Zeeshan believes Austin’s future is bright.
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