
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.
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
Tickets on sale through 4/30
Registration for the Job & Resource Fair is Free and Open to the Public
Invest In Your Talent | Build Your Leaders | Strengthen Our Community
We welcome the opportunity to customize a sponsorship package based on your goals and budget.
Thank You to Our 2022 Community Partners

Stay In The Deep End
with Daron K. Roberts
In this talk, former NFL coach Daron K. Roberts will provide lifestyle design strategies to jumpstart your journey to success. Complacency is the enemy, and Daron’s keynote will equip you with the tools to wage war against your status quo.
Introduction by Amy Green-Hinojosa, Vice President of IT Business Operations for Texas Mutual Insurance Company
About Daron K. Roberts
Daron K. Roberts is a former NFL coach, leadership coach and author of A Kids Book About Empathy and Call an Audible. Call an Audible was named a #1 New Release and Best Seller by Amazon and Sports Illustrated selected the book as one of its “Best Sports Business Books of 2017.” Oprah selected A Kids Book About Empathy as one of her Favorite Things of 2020.
Roberts is the a co-founder of Amass – an end-to-end wealth launchpad and investment platform for Black Americans. He also formally served as a partner with Notley Ventures.
Since 2014, Roberts has served as the founding director of the Center for Sports Leadership and Innovation (CSLi) at the University of Texas. The Center is the first university-based institute dedicated to developing leadership and character curricula for high school, collegiate and professional athletes.
In January of 2018, the Center received the commitment and financial support of NBA All-Star, Kevin Durant.
Roberts holds a faculty appointment in the Liberal Arts Honors Program. He has received the Silver Spurs Centennial Teaching Award, Creative Engagement Award and was named a distinguished faculty member by the School of Undergraduate Studies in 2015. His research revolves around issues of rejection, failure management and leadership.
After graduating from Harvard Law School (2007), Roberts served coaching stints with the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, West Virginia Mountaineers and Cleveland Browns. He holds a B.A. in Plan II Honors and Government from the University of Texas (2001) and an M.P.P. from Harvard’s Kennedy School (2004).
In 2010, Daron launched a nonprofit football camp – 4th and 1, Inc. 4th and 1 provides free SAT prep, life skills development and football training to at-risk youth in Michigan, Texas and Florida. The camp has served nearly 500 student-athletes since 2010.
The Presidential Leadership Foundation – a joint venture between Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush – tabbed Roberts as a Presidential Leadership Scholar for 2015. He was one of 60 members in the inaugural class.
Roberts has been featured in ESPN the Magazine, Bloomberg Businessweek and Sports Illustrated. His articles have appeared in The Dallas Morning News, Fortune, Houston Chronicle, and Time.
He and his wife spend their weekends tending to their urban garden and corralling five kids.
The Heart of Entrepreneurship
Presented by H-E-B
Before ROI and KPIs, entrepreneurs started with a big idea. Let’s spend some time discovering the long-term impact of mission and vision on a business – and how it should evolve as your business evolves. This discussion with local entrepreneurs will explore how these vital elements can help set your business up for success, and why you should be devoting time to the fundamentals to help set, and hit your goals.
Panelists
- Ariel Lee, Founder of Remane
- George Luc, CEO of GivePulse
- Kara Perez, Founder of Bravely Go
Moderated by Cat Duong, HR Strategic Project Manager at H-E-B
Be Your Own Brand of Leader
Presented by Ascension Seton
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 fireside chat, you will hear from Central Texas leader Geronimo Rodriguez on finding and leaning into your leadership style.
Fireside chat with Geronimo Rodriguez, Chief Advocacy Officer at Ascension Texas
with Caitlin Henson, Director of Strategy at Ascension Texas & Austin Young Chamber Board Chair-elect
The Road Ahead: Driving Change in DEI
Presented by Capital Metro
Diversity, equity, and inclusion. By now these are all words we’re familiar with – from new and old spaces throughout the community and within our workplaces. We’ve spent the last couple of years learning how to start hard conversations and the need for change – so where are we now? This panel discussion will explore what we’ve accomplished as a community, where we’re headed, and what needs to be addressed as we move forward, together.
Panelists
- Jesus “Chuy” Lardizabal, President of Altura Solutions
- Elizabeth Medina, Inclusion & Accountability Director at Everly Health
- Nicole Taylor, Director of Community at Mursion and DEI Consultant
Moderated by Jacqueline Evans, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at CapMetro
Foresight 20/20: How Lessons of the Past Can Shape Tomorrow
Presented by vcfo
They say that hindsight is 20/20, but what if foresight could be 20/20, too? In this session, join prominent business and community leaders as they share important lessons learned from opportunities and challenges they have faced on their journeys. Their insights will help guide your decision-making as you set a strong foundation and build a bold vision for your future.
Panelists
- Stacia Klim, REALTOR® at JB Goodwin Realtors
- Trenzio Turner, Chief Empathy Officer at Progress Confirmed LLC
- Courtney Petersen, CEO and Founder of SPEAK Cosmetics
Moderated by Cristina Silingardi, Vice President at vcfo
Sparking Change
Presented by Tito's Handmade Vodka
We know that one spark can change everything, and change built around positive, dynamic ideas can build a better, fairer, more sustainable, more interesting world. Come hear from our panelists about how they sparked positive change in their work or community spaces and be inspired to create change yourself.
Panelists
- Charlotte Brown, DEI Engagement Manager at Bumble
- Ashton Cumberbatch, President and Co-founder of Equidad ATX
- Dmitri Julius, Chief People Officer at ICON
Moderated by Paulina Artieda, Executive Director at The New Philanthropists
Join in on facilitated roundtable conversations to share key takeaways, insights, and lessons learned from the morning panel topics. Additional information coming soon!
Best Present, Being Present
Learn how you can be more mindful and present as you tackle all that life throws at you, managing the many thoughts and feelings that creep in when we worry about the future or ruminate on our past.
with
- Blanca Nereida Valencia, Change Management & Strategic Planning Facilitator for Fronteras Change Management & Strategy, LLC
Sit, But Be Fit
You may remember laughing at those videos with exercises from the chair on PBS, but stretching and learning about your ergonomics are actually really good for you and can lead to more effective work, especially when we are spending over 50% of our days sedentary. Join us to learn the best way to take breaks and stretch throughout your busy days.
with
- Olexandra Pravotorova, Healing Heaven Aesthetics
Sound Bath: A Relaxation Station
There are so many ways to take care of your mental health – yoga, meditation sessions, breathing techniques – but what about sound baths? What are they and how do they work? Come join us to learn more and experience this new type of immersive, full-body listening experience that can bring balance, relaxation, and a sense of calm to your whole being.
with
- Cynthia Aguillón Bernard, Founder and Owner of ATX Yoga Girl
Divine Canines: Pet a Dog for Inner Peace
Research shows that even petting a dog can lower your blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and decrease stress. So, come get your relaxation on and reset for the remainder of the day by learning how canine therapy provides a real and unique benefit both human and animal.
with
- Divine Canines Therapy Dogs and their Human Handlers
- Frida, Piebald Dachshund and Carmen Hernandez, volunteer and Divine Canines Board Chair
- Nemo, Great Pyrenees and Susan Reda, volunteer
Pause, Reflect, & Share: Podcast Recording
For a midday pick-me-up, sit down with Moby Hayat of FireShow Media to debrief and share what you’ve learned so far and to talk about the connections you’ve made during the day for his podcast – The B2B CEO Show.
with
- Moby Hayat, Founder of FireShow Media
Crafting a Business Plan that Matters
Why does curating a business plan feel so daunting? It doesn’t have to be! This workshop will focus on the key parts of creating, or refreshing, a business plan, and important things to keep in mind. Attendees will discuss all the essentials, including: problem/opportunity, solution/impact, revenue model, competition, team, and go to market strategy. Get ready to put together a roadmap that will help you take the next step and guide you through your entrepreneurial journey.
Facilitated by
- Erika Haskins, CEO of 3 Day Startup, INC
Leaders Create Leaders
Presented by University Federal Credit Union
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 leaders. In this interactive workshop with Heather McKissick, 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.
Facilitated by
- Heather McKissick, Executive Vice President of Community Impact, Marketing and Communication for University Federal Credit Union (UFCU)
Finding Your Lane: How to Lean in to DEI Initiatives
Presented by Corridor Title
We live in rapidly changing social, cultural, and economic environments that challenge the flexibility and adaptability of organizations and individuals. In the past couple of years, we have all been called upon to evaluate ourselves and our organizations through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. But how do you find your lane in this vast space? What skills can you bring to DEI? Leave this session with a game plan and greater confidence in being the change you want to see.
Facilitated by
- Isokoy McDermott, Owner of Leaders Inspire Leaders
Purpose, Mission and Values: Does Yours Align with Your Work?
Your core values play an important role in guiding how you make decisions and what actions you take on a daily basis. Knowing what they are will help you grow and develop both personally and professionally. This session will offer you the opportunity to take a look at your values, and realize that having a strong set of core values as a leader helps build respect and trust in your personal areas of influence.
Facilitated by
-
- Courtney Bailey, Director of Issues & Engagement at Leadership Austin
- Haydeana Gaviria, Chief Program Officer at Leadership Austin
You Have a Great Idea - Now What?
How many times have you heard in conversation, “That’s a great idea!” What usually happens next? Most of the time – nothing. It can be incredibly difficult to bring ideas to life. In this workshop, you’ll learn what it takes to make a plan, set the stage, and spark innovation as you begin to convert your great idea into reality.
Facilitated by
- Dr. Douglas H. Carter, Visiting Assistant Professor of Management in The Bill Munday School of Business at St. Edward’s University
Stay In The Deep End
In this talk, former NFL coach Daron K. Roberts will provide lifestyle design strategies to jumpstart your journey to success. Complacency is the enemy, and Daron’s keynote will equip you with the tools to wage war against your status quo.
Introduction by Amy Green-Hinojosa, Vice President of IT Business Operations for Texas Mutual Insurance Company

Daron K. Roberts

Paulina Artieda

Courtney Bailey

Cynthia Aguillón Bernard

Charlotte Brown

Dr. Douglas H. Carter

Ashton Cumberbatch, Jr.

Cat Duong

Jacqueline Evans

Haydeana Gaviria

Erika Haskins

Moby Hayat

Caitlin Henson

Dmitri Julius

Stacia Klim

Jesus ``Chuy`` Lardizabal

Ariel Lee

George Luc

Isokoy McDermott

Heather McKissick

Elizabeth Medina

Blanca Nereida Valencia

Kara Perez

Courtney Petersen

Olexandra Pravotorova

Geronimo Rodriguez

Cristina Silingardi

Nicole Taylor

Trenzio Turner

Frida

Nemo
Roundtable Retrospective Facilitators

Khrystyna Layman

Felicia Morales

Danny Ortegon

Brittany Paxman
- Sponsorships
-
Invest In Your Talent | Build Your Leaders | Strengthen Our Community
We welcome the opportunity to customize a sponsorship package based on your goals and budget.
Thank You to Our 2022 Community Partners
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Austin Branch Younger Member Forum | Austin Area Urban League Young Professionals | Austin Chamber of Commerce | Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce | Austin Technology Council | Emerging Professionals in Conservation | Georgetown Young Professionals | Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce | IREM Austin Future Leader Program | The Junior League of Austin | Leadership Austin | The New Philanthropists | TreeFolks Young Professionals | United Way for Greater Austin Emerging Leaders | Young Hispanic Professional Association of Austin | Young Men’s Business League | Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Austin | Young Women’s Alliance
- 2022 Keynote
-
Stay In The Deep End
with Daron K. Roberts
In this talk, former NFL coach Daron K. Roberts will provide lifestyle design strategies to jumpstart your journey to success. Complacency is the enemy, and Daron’s keynote will equip you with the tools to wage war against your status quo.
Introduction by Amy Green-Hinojosa, Vice President of IT Business Operations for Texas Mutual Insurance Company
About Daron K. Roberts
Daron K. Roberts is a former NFL coach, leadership coach and author of A Kids Book About Empathy and Call an Audible. Call an Audible was named a #1 New Release and Best Seller by Amazon and Sports Illustrated selected the book as one of its “Best Sports Business Books of 2017.” Oprah selected A Kids Book About Empathy as one of her Favorite Things of 2020.
Roberts is the a co-founder of Amass – an end-to-end wealth launchpad and investment platform for Black Americans. He also formally served as a partner with Notley Ventures.
Since 2014, Roberts has served as the founding director of the Center for Sports Leadership and Innovation (CSLi) at the University of Texas. The Center is the first university-based institute dedicated to developing leadership and character curricula for high school, collegiate and professional athletes.
In January of 2018, the Center received the commitment and financial support of NBA All-Star, Kevin Durant.
Roberts holds a faculty appointment in the Liberal Arts Honors Program. He has received the Silver Spurs Centennial Teaching Award, Creative Engagement Award and was named a distinguished faculty member by the School of Undergraduate Studies in 2015. His research revolves around issues of rejection, failure management and leadership.
After graduating from Harvard Law School (2007), Roberts served coaching stints with the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, West Virginia Mountaineers and Cleveland Browns. He holds a B.A. in Plan II Honors and Government from the University of Texas (2001) and an M.P.P. from Harvard’s Kennedy School (2004).
In 2010, Daron launched a nonprofit football camp – 4th and 1, Inc. 4th and 1 provides free SAT prep, life skills development and football training to at-risk youth in Michigan, Texas and Florida. The camp has served nearly 500 student-athletes since 2010.
The Presidential Leadership Foundation – a joint venture between Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush – tabbed Roberts as a Presidential Leadership Scholar for 2015. He was one of 60 members in the inaugural class.
Roberts has been featured in ESPN the Magazine, Bloomberg Businessweek and Sports Illustrated. His articles have appeared in The Dallas Morning News, Fortune, Houston Chronicle, and Time.
He and his wife spend their weekends tending to their urban garden and corralling five kids.
- 2022 Sessions
-
The Heart of Entrepreneurship
Presented by H-E-B
Before ROI and KPIs, entrepreneurs started with a big idea. Let’s spend some time discovering the long-term impact of mission and vision on a business – and how it should evolve as your business evolves. This discussion with local entrepreneurs will explore how these vital elements can help set your business up for success, and why you should be devoting time to the fundamentals to help set, and hit your goals.
Panelists
- Ariel Lee, Founder of Remane
- George Luc, CEO of GivePulse
- Kara Perez, Founder of Bravely Go
Moderated by Cat Duong, HR Strategic Project Manager at H-E-B
Be Your Own Brand of Leader
Presented by Ascension Seton
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 fireside chat, you will hear from Central Texas leader Geronimo Rodriguez on finding and leaning into your leadership style.
Fireside chat with Geronimo Rodriguez, Chief Advocacy Officer at Ascension Texas
with Caitlin Henson, Director of Strategy at Ascension Texas & Austin Young Chamber Board Chair-elect
The Road Ahead: Driving Change in DEI
Presented by Capital Metro
Diversity, equity, and inclusion. By now these are all words we’re familiar with – from new and old spaces throughout the community and within our workplaces. We’ve spent the last couple of years learning how to start hard conversations and the need for change – so where are we now? This panel discussion will explore what we’ve accomplished as a community, where we’re headed, and what needs to be addressed as we move forward, together.
Panelists
- Jesus “Chuy” Lardizabal, President of Altura Solutions
- Elizabeth Medina, Inclusion & Accountability Director at Everly Health
- Nicole Taylor, Director of Community at Mursion and DEI Consultant
Moderated by Jacqueline Evans, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at CapMetro
Foresight 20/20: How Lessons of the Past Can Shape Tomorrow
Presented by vcfo
They say that hindsight is 20/20, but what if foresight could be 20/20, too? In this session, join prominent business and community leaders as they share important lessons learned from opportunities and challenges they have faced on their journeys. Their insights will help guide your decision-making as you set a strong foundation and build a bold vision for your future.
Panelists
- Stacia Klim, REALTOR® at JB Goodwin Realtors
- Trenzio Turner, Chief Empathy Officer at Progress Confirmed LLC
- Courtney Petersen, CEO and Founder of SPEAK Cosmetics
Moderated by Cristina Silingardi, Vice President at vcfo
Sparking Change
Presented by Tito's Handmade Vodka
We know that one spark can change everything, and change built around positive, dynamic ideas can build a better, fairer, more sustainable, more interesting world. Come hear from our panelists about how they sparked positive change in their work or community spaces and be inspired to create change yourself.
Panelists
- Charlotte Brown, DEI Engagement Manager at Bumble
- Ashton Cumberbatch, President and Co-founder of Equidad ATX
- Dmitri Julius, Chief People Officer at ICON
Moderated by Paulina Artieda, Executive Director at The New Philanthropists
Join in on facilitated roundtable conversations to share key takeaways, insights, and lessons learned from the morning panel topics. Additional information coming soon!
Best Present, Being Present
Learn how you can be more mindful and present as you tackle all that life throws at you, managing the many thoughts and feelings that creep in when we worry about the future or ruminate on our past.
with
- Blanca Nereida Valencia, Change Management & Strategic Planning Facilitator for Fronteras Change Management & Strategy, LLC
Sit, But Be Fit
You may remember laughing at those videos with exercises from the chair on PBS, but stretching and learning about your ergonomics are actually really good for you and can lead to more effective work, especially when we are spending over 50% of our days sedentary. Join us to learn the best way to take breaks and stretch throughout your busy days.
with
- Olexandra Pravotorova, Healing Heaven Aesthetics
Sound Bath: A Relaxation Station
There are so many ways to take care of your mental health – yoga, meditation sessions, breathing techniques – but what about sound baths? What are they and how do they work? Come join us to learn more and experience this new type of immersive, full-body listening experience that can bring balance, relaxation, and a sense of calm to your whole being.
with
- Cynthia Aguillón Bernard, Founder and Owner of ATX Yoga Girl
Divine Canines: Pet a Dog for Inner Peace
Research shows that even petting a dog can lower your blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and decrease stress. So, come get your relaxation on and reset for the remainder of the day by learning how canine therapy provides a real and unique benefit both human and animal.
with
- Divine Canines Therapy Dogs and their Human Handlers
- Frida, Piebald Dachshund and Carmen Hernandez, volunteer and Divine Canines Board Chair
- Nemo, Great Pyrenees and Susan Reda, volunteer
Pause, Reflect, & Share: Podcast Recording
For a midday pick-me-up, sit down with Moby Hayat of FireShow Media to debrief and share what you’ve learned so far and to talk about the connections you’ve made during the day for his podcast – The B2B CEO Show.
with
- Moby Hayat, Founder of FireShow Media
Crafting a Business Plan that Matters
Why does curating a business plan feel so daunting? It doesn’t have to be! This workshop will focus on the key parts of creating, or refreshing, a business plan, and important things to keep in mind. Attendees will discuss all the essentials, including: problem/opportunity, solution/impact, revenue model, competition, team, and go to market strategy. Get ready to put together a roadmap that will help you take the next step and guide you through your entrepreneurial journey.
Facilitated by
- Erika Haskins, CEO of 3 Day Startup, INC
Leaders Create Leaders
Presented by University Federal Credit Union
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 leaders. In this interactive workshop with Heather McKissick, 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.
Facilitated by
- Heather McKissick, Executive Vice President of Community Impact, Marketing and Communication for University Federal Credit Union (UFCU)
Finding Your Lane: How to Lean in to DEI Initiatives
Presented by Corridor Title
We live in rapidly changing social, cultural, and economic environments that challenge the flexibility and adaptability of organizations and individuals. In the past couple of years, we have all been called upon to evaluate ourselves and our organizations through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. But how do you find your lane in this vast space? What skills can you bring to DEI? Leave this session with a game plan and greater confidence in being the change you want to see.
Facilitated by
- Isokoy McDermott, Owner of Leaders Inspire Leaders
Purpose, Mission and Values: Does Yours Align with Your Work?
Your core values play an important role in guiding how you make decisions and what actions you take on a daily basis. Knowing what they are will help you grow and develop both personally and professionally. This session will offer you the opportunity to take a look at your values, and realize that having a strong set of core values as a leader helps build respect and trust in your personal areas of influence.
Facilitated by
-
- Courtney Bailey, Director of Issues & Engagement at Leadership Austin
- Haydeana Gaviria, Chief Program Officer at Leadership Austin
You Have a Great Idea - Now What?
How many times have you heard in conversation, “That’s a great idea!” What usually happens next? Most of the time – nothing. It can be incredibly difficult to bring ideas to life. In this workshop, you’ll learn what it takes to make a plan, set the stage, and spark innovation as you begin to convert your great idea into reality.
Facilitated by
- Dr. Douglas H. Carter, Visiting Assistant Professor of Management in The Bill Munday School of Business at St. Edward’s University
Stay In The Deep End
In this talk, former NFL coach Daron K. Roberts will provide lifestyle design strategies to jumpstart your journey to success. Complacency is the enemy, and Daron’s keynote will equip you with the tools to wage war against your status quo.
Introduction by Amy Green-Hinojosa, Vice President of IT Business Operations for Texas Mutual Insurance Company
- 2022 Speakers
-
Daron is a former NFL coach and former partner with Notley Ventures. He’s a startup founder, investor and recovering law student. Daron teaches 500 students at the University of Texas each year and chases five children with his wife, Hilary.
Daron K. Roberts
Former NFL coach, leadership coach and authorPaulina Artieda is an Executive Director for The New Philanthropists where she leads all efforts in helping make Austin nonprofit boards more diverse and inclusive. She has over 15 years of experience in marketing and has focused her career on delivering creative solutions through a DEI approach.Paulina Artieda
Executive Director, The New PhilanthropistsCourtney Bailey
Director of Issues & Engagement, Leadership AustinFounder of ATX Yoga Girl, Cynthia Aguillón Bernard is a yoga, mindfulness and sound meditation teacher. She supports all ages, all bodies on their journey to living a more conscious lifestyle rooted in presence.Cynthia Aguillón Bernard
Founder and Owner, ATX Yoga GirlCharlotte Brown is the DEI Engagement Manager at Bumble, where she spearheads efforts to increase engagement, understanding, and integration of DEI goals and initiatives across Bumble’s global organization. She is based in Austin and holds a B.F.A. in Technical Theatre from Texas State University.Charlotte Brown
DEI Engagement Manager, BumbleDr. Carter has been engaged in teaching and research associated with Entrepreneurial Studies, Social Responsibility of Business and Global Management. Prior to moving to St. Edward’s, Dr. Carter was employed at Texas A&M University-San Antonio as an Assistant Professor in the College of Business and was formerly the Associate Vice President for External Affairs & Global Partnerships.Dr. Douglas H. Carter
Visiting Assistant Professor of Management, St. Edward's UniversityAshton is President and Co-Founder of Equidad ATX, a catalyst for the holistic, equitable, and transformative revitalization of Austin’s Eastern Crescent. He also serves as a Special Counsel at McGinnis Lochridge, LLP, where he was a partner prior to his service as the Austin Police Monitor, an Ascension Health executive, and a volunteer Policy Advisor for Austin Mayor Steve Adler.Ashton Cumberbatch, Jr.
President & Co-Founder, Equidad ATXCat Duong is an HR Strategic Project Manager for H-E-B’s Manufacturing, Warehouse and Transportation Division and focuses on H-E-B’s supply chain communications. She loves to volunteer and can be seen around town with her fiancé, Anival, giving back to the community.Cat Duong
HR Strategic Project Manager, H-E-BJacqueline has been with CapMetro for 10 months. Prior to CapMetro, she worked for Travis County and gained her passion for DEI through her work for Delta Air Lines, Inc. and Kelloggs. She has lived in 5 cities and is happy to call Austin home.Jacqueline Evans
Director - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, CapMetroHaydeana “Nana” Gaviria serves as Chief Program Officer at Leadership Austin. In her current role, she oversees the implementation of all programming. Ms. Gaviria has over 13+ years of experience in learning and development, talent management and career coaching.Haydeana Gaviria
Chief Program Officer, Leadership AustinErika Haskins is an educator, community builder, and entrepreneurship enthusiast. She brings 12 years experience coaching entrepreneurs and startup teams, facilitating community led design, and overseeing the launch of 65+ education ventures.Erika Haskins
CEO, 3 Day Startup INCMoby moved to the US at the age of 18, and in the last 13 years has interviewed 320+ entrepreneurs, worked with Venture-Backed companies as well as the state department. He is currently the founder of FireShow Media.Moby Hayat
Founder, FireShow MediaCaitlin Locke Henson is a healthcare leader with a strong background in strategic planning and consulting, project management, and operational best practices across the healthcare spectrum.Caitlin Henson
Director of Strategy, Ascension TexasDmitri Julius is an entrepreneur, USMC veteran and Chief People Officer at ICON, the construction technology company using 3D printing robotics, software and materials to advance humanity.Dmitri Julius
Chief People Officer, ICONStacia is an Austin area REALTOR & owner and founder of Accessible Designs Austin, which is focused on evaluating an individual’s unique home accessibility needs, and designing/modifying a home to work for the individual(s). Her love for design & working with incredible clients fuels Stacia daily.Stacia Klim
REALTOR, JB Goodwin REALTORSChuy assists municipalities in becoming accessible to people with disabilities. His background ranges from engineering design and construction project management to City of Austin ADA Program Manager and Chair of the Austin Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities. Mr. Lardizábal is a guest lecturer at universities and presenter at national conferences.Jesus ``Chuy`` Lardizabal
President, Altura SolutionsAriel Lee
Founder, RemaneGeorge Luc is the CEO and Cofounder of GivePulse, an Austin, TX based tech platform to coordinate all philanthropy, giving and volunteer activities. He is a TEDxAustin speaker, a WhiteHouse Champion for Change, SXSW Dewey, and a firm believer that everyone has the potential to make an impact on addressing community and social issues.George Luc
CEO, GivePulseIsokoy runs Leaders Inspire Leaders, a premier professional services company providing consulting services and solutions in strategy, technology, operations, and inclusive leadership.Isokoy McDermott
Owner, Leaders Inspire LeadersHeather leads credit union strategic relationship development, community engagement, social purpose, advocacy, and marketing. She also focuses on strengthening the UFCU brand and establishing collaborative opportunities for positive community impact.Heather McKissick
Executive Vice President of Community Impact, Marketing and Communication, University Federal Credit Union (UFCU)Dr. Medina has close to two decades of experience in the work of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging. Dr. Medina is passionate about supporting and empowering underrepresented and underserved communities through creating diverse, inclusive, and equitable access to health and wellness.Elizabeth Medina
Inclusion & Accountability Director, Everly HealthBlanca Valencia is a changemaker focused on human-forward stewardship of change, people and ideas. As a school administrator and Vice President for Contigo Wellness, she advocates for mental health and educational justice. Blanca is also the owner of Fronteras Change Management & Strategies, LLC.Blanca Nereida Valencia
Change Management & Strategic Planning Facilitator, Fronteras Change Management & Strategy, LLCKara Perez is the founder of Bravely Go, a feminist financial education company. Bravely focuses on bringing actionable, intersectional and accessible financial education to people via pop-up events and online community. Kara has been featured in national media outlets as a financial expert and co-hosts the award-winning podcast The Fairer Cents.Kara Perez
Founder, Bravely GoCourtney is the Founder and CEO of SPEAK Cosmetics. She launched her business from her personal experience of domestic abuse. She sees how women can be transformed by the power of makeup. SPEAK Cosmetics exists for a cause-every color, a story, every story from a survivor, all sharing hope.Courtney Petersen
CEO and Founder of SPEAK CosmeticsOlexandra Pravotorova
Healing Heaven AestheticsGeronimo Rodriguez
Chief Advocacy Officer, Ascension TexasCristina Silingardi
Vice President, vcfoNicole Taylor is Director of Community at Mursion, a VR simulation company, and an award-winning DEI practitioner. Nicole has over 10 years of community building and DEI experience in both non-profit and corporate spaces and currently lives in Austin, TX with her two fur babies, Athena & Malakai.Nicole Taylor
Director of Community, Mursion; DEI ConsultantTrenzio Turner is a former advertising agency executive and partner. With 20+ years of experience and a background in media planning, agency operations and account management, he made his name in the ad industry by building strategic partnerships and helping clients make meaningful connections.Trenzio Turner
Chief Empathy Officer, Progress Confirmed, LLCFrida is a spunky Piebald Dachshund who has never met a stranger. Frida loves all adventures especially hiking, swimming, and paddle boarding. She loves making people smile. Follow her on Instagram @fridalou84. Carmen Hernandez, Frida’s Human Handler, is a veteran Divine Canines volunteer who currently serves as our board chair and on our Fundraising Pack, which organizes Barks for Beers.Frida
Therapy Dog, Divine CaninesNemo is a Great Pyrenees who was found as a stray and taken to the animal shelter where it was crowded and noisy. His mom saw his sad face and rescued him. Now he is a happy boy who loves people, loves to be petted and spending time making people smile. Susan Reda, Nemo’s Human Handler, and Nemo graduated in the last Divine Canines class before our COVID shutdown and had to wait two years before making their first visit. They have already made up for lost time.Nemo
Therapy Dog, Divine CaninesRoundtable Retrospective Facilitators
Khrystyna Layman
Head of HR and Finance Workday Systems, Electric Reliability Council of TexasFelicia Morales
Director of Marketing, Amplify Credit UnionDanny Ortegon is a talented leadership speaker and team builder. Using his love of people as his drive, he facilitates meaningful conversations that provide clarity, commonality, and purpose to the human condition. Danny is currently an Associate at SOS Leadership in Austin, Texas.Danny Ortegon
Associate, SOS LeadershipBrittany is a founder and managing partner at Point 600, specializing in technology and analytics for corporate communications. She was recently named to PR Week’s “Dashboard 25” list of leaders in CommTech. She is Secretary of the board for MEASURE, and co-chair of AYC’s advocacy subcommittee.Brittany Paxman
Managing Partner, Point 600