Our Team Members

Emily Jansen is a bestselling author, marketing, branding communications professional, and global citizen. With roots in Maryland, Emily resides in Austin, TX today and runs her own marketing and strategic communications consulting practice, Emily Jacob Agency, LLC (est. 2022), as well as her Keep Dreaming podcast, a spin-off of her book.

Jennifer Sinski is the Executive Vice President of business development at Giant Noise. With expertise in lifestyle, hospitality, and entertainment PR, she oversees communications for a variety of the agency’s 150+ clients. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, tennis, and life in Austin with her husband Aaron and dog Honey.

Kat Griffith, Senior Vice President at ECPR Texas, leads strategic communications for high-impact clients, including St. David’s HealthCare, Texas Health Action, H-E-B Excellence in Education and Ballet Austin. Since 2014, Kat has cultivated ECPR Texas’ reputation for delivering top-tier, results-driven campaigns across various sectors.

Lindsey is a strategic PR consultant and co-owner of LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue. Passionate about community engagement and connecting people, she serves on the board of Les Dames d’Escoffier’s Austin chapter, helping uplift and support women in the hospitality, food, and beverage industries.

Nakevia is a marketing expert with 13+ years of experience. As Creative Director at Gladiator Consulting, she earned 25+ awards. As founder of iN Possibiliti, she helps B2B companies and nonprofits turn complex messaging into customer-focused stories. A proud Texan, she champions equity, creativity and growth by asking, ”What’s possible?”

Casey Kent, Managing Principal at Perkins&Will Austin, is a servant leader who has delivered over $3 billion in impactful projects over the past decade and a half. He drives innovation and a holistic approach to design across corporate, commercial, civic, and cultural architecture, shaping Austin’s future with purpose and passion.

Jacqueline, Beck’s Austin Practice Leader, oversees studio operations and project delivery, blending architecture and construction for exceptional results. Active in the community, she serves on boards for RECA, Elizabeth Ann Seton, and McDonald Observatory. A UT alum, she loves cheering on the Longhorns with her husband and kids.

Karen oversees revenue operations at Page with an entrepreneurial, solutions-driven approach. She develops processes and operational efficiencies to support revenue growth. She is a Board Member for the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas and holds multiple volunteer positions with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas.

Dr. Raechel French is the Director of Planning for Austin ISD. She has spent her career integrating research into practice to improve school design and use. She is a board member for the Central Texas Chapter of A4LE and a co-founder of the Coalition for the Advanced Understanding of School Environments (CAUSE).

Sean, CEO of Skelly Build, ensures the company has the systems, team, & vision for growth, financial strength, and operational efficiency. A UT Austin graduate in Accounting and Finance, he brings years of construction experience to the industry. Outside work, he enjoys family time, golfing, traveling, & discovering Austin’s hidden gems.

Austin’s professional background is in creative digital marketing but his passion will always be woodworking. He started the Austin School of Furniture and the Texas Woodworking Festival as a way to educate and grow the woodworking community in Austin while combining his love of business and woodworking.

Hunter Regian is an Austin-based theatre producer bringing the “y’all of it all” to Broadway and West End stages. At Regian Entertainment, he pairs entrepreneurial ingenuity with collaboration to produce hits like Sunset Blvd. and GYPSY—championing an array of voices and creating opportunities for creatives, supporters, and communities.

Keith Ruckus gained national recognition as a poet on NPR’s On Point Program and at the National Poetry Slam. He opened Cafe Ruckus in 2014 to support local performers. Keith brought innovative programming to Alamo Drafthouse for years as an Entertainment Director. Now owner of Ruckus Karaoke, Keith loves running events all over town.

Kelly Gray is an entrepreneur, music venue owner, festival & event producer, creative & entertainment director, clothing & costume designer, performer, and passionate eco advocate focused on the growth of the electronic dance music scene, specifically for the particularly special tho evolving community in Austin, Texas.

Salwa Yordi, a Venezuelan immigrant of Middle Eastern descent, has made a lasting impact in Austin, Texas, as a journalist, advocate, and cultural leader. She is best known for her dynamic contributions to Farandula Texas, Telemundo Austin, Latinitas, and Glimmer Austin.

Hard work has been a cornerstone of my journey, but my faith in God has been the foundation. He has blessed me beyond measure and placed me in positions to work alongside incredible people. My wife, Callie, and our two kids, Lily and Jett, share in my gratitude for the path that has brought us to Austin.

Melissa has consistently climbed the ranks throughout her ~12-year professional career in the intense, male-dominated buy-side investment industry. She is currently a Director at AB Private Credit Investors (ABPCI), a $19Bn+ middle market direct lending fund, and is on the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement Central Texas.

I’m a Jamaican-born, Brooklyn-raised leader, proud Austinite for a decade, and father of three. As AVP of NFP’s PMO, I grew our team from 8 to 45, earning a 2024 mention in Insurance Business America. I’m passionate about community service, mentoring youth, and creating meaningful impact.

Ryan Coaxum is SVP of Community Development and External Affairs at Guaranty Bank & Trust. In this role, he leads the organization’s corporate strategy to drive community-focused initiatives, including economic development, affordable housing, and financial literacy. He graduated, magna cum laude, from Huston-Tillotson University.

Yvette E. Ruiz, Region Executive of Community Engagement at JPMorgan Chase, partners with community leaders to advance policies and programs that drive inclusive economic growth. Focused on supporting low-income communities, she also serves on local boards and enjoys exploring Austin with her husband and two children.

Brittany Sharkey is the executive director of the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. She has served as a past president of both YWA and Austin Symphony Orchestra BATS. She additionally serves as a Commissioner on the Ethics Review Commission, board member of AYC, member of Impact Austin and a member of the Ballet Austin Guild.

Diana Melendez, a proud El Paso native, has called Austin home since 2003. She is a first-gen graduate of UT Austin and UHLC. She is Sr. Counsel for Communications and Community Engagement for the Travis County Attorney’s Office, a City of Austin’s Commission for Women member, and co-founder of the Women of Color Collective.

Geoffrey Tahuahua is President of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Texas, representing the merit shop construction industry at the Texas Capitol. A graduate of St. Mary’s University, Geoffrey lives in Dripping Springs with his wife and three sons, where he also serves on City Council.

I am an attorney & lobbyist with over five years of experience working in and around the Texas Capitol. After serving as Assistant Parliamentarian for the Texas House, I moved to the private sector and recently started my law firm, Okoro Law. I have successfully passed legislation and defeated harmful policies for clients.

I am an attorney, best-selling author, and policy expert with experience at all levels of government. Raised in the Rio Grande Valley near the border, I’ve written on innovating campaigns, won a Texas Supreme Court case, served as Chief of Staff in the Texas Senate, Deputy Chief in Congress, and now work on public policy at Airbnb.

As Traffic Design Practice Area Leader for engineering firm Garver, Claire McKinney, PE, has led significant transportation projects across the U.S., including the Austin area. Claire is committed to serving the next generation of engineers through outlets including STEM Girl Day at UT Austin and Garver’s Engineers Week initiative.

Graham serves as CFO of VTX Energy Partners, where he’s involved in finance and BD initiatives for one of the largest private oil & gas companies in the Permian Basin. Graham graduated from UT and is involved with UT’s KBH Energy Center and the Muny Conservancy. He enjoys spending time with his wife Sunny and sons Roman and Stellan.

Jacob Calhoun is CapMetro’s Director of Transit System Enablement working to bring long range projects into reality. Jacob has been with Capital Metro for 9 years and in the planning profession for 14 years. He combines his international perspective with local expertise to deliver big plans that prepare Austin for the future.

A Texas native, Micalah Spenrath works at the nexus of science and policy, fostering relationships with decisionmakers to advance the policies needed to decarbonize our energy system and achieve a sustainable future. Her experience includes energy policy and advocacy, environmental science and engineering and project management.

RJ Endsley, PE, CNU-A, is a dynamic leader passionate about improving lives and communities. Since joining Halff in 2013, he has risen from graduate engineer to the youngest operations manager in firm history. An expert in active transportation, RJ excels at solving complex problems and delivering impactful solutions.

Christina Ayer is the Chief Financial Officer for Kerbey Lane All Day Cafe, the largest family-owned and operated restaurant group in Central Texas. As part of the executive leadership team, she advises senior leadership on key business and management initiatives. Ayer, a native Austinite, also serves on various non-profit boards.

Hal Williams owns Austin Daily Press and is a community leader shaping Austin’s food scene. As past President of YMBL and ASC, he raised $2.5M for underserved youth. A Community Builder Award recipient, Hal enriches lives through food, service, and leadership, striving to make Austin a global culinary destination.

My goal is to continue helping people and businesses both professionally and personally, emphasizing on culture rooted in mental health awareness and positivity.

With over a decade in advocacy and leadership, Madison Gessner drives meaningful change for businesses and communities. As TRA Executive Director, she shapes policy, builds partnerships, and develops lasting programs. She led a water conservation initiative with Ecolab and Austin Water, reducing costs and advancing sustainability.

Saine Wong is a Michelin recognized chef in Austin. In 2022, Chef Saine co-founded Toshokan, an intimate 14-course omakase sushi speakeasy. Chef Saine and Toshokan has received multiple noteworthy achievements. Those including Michelin Guide, three magazine covers, Austin Monthly’s best new restaurant, and Eater Austin’s best Omakase.

Jennifer Sanders is an Emmy-award winning and an Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist, who is passionate about empowering others through visual storytelling. She is currently the evening anchor at KXAN News and an avid volunteer for various organizations in Central Texas as well as a mentor for young journalists around the world.

John-Carlos Estrada anchors CBS Austin This Morning and brings 15 years of experience from Texas, Florida, Washington, D.C., and New York City. An award-winning filmmaker, he debuted his documentary Barbette + Fontaine last year and is working on new projects. A proud Texan, he’s a community advocate inspiring others with Sí, se puede!

Leslie Rangel, a daughter of immigrants, is senior editor of The Barbed Wire. Her award-winning journalism on health and social justice has earned Emmy nods and UN recognition. Founder of The News Yogi Coaching, she helps marginalized folks live sustainably and serves on the Con Mi Madre board, helping Latinas in their journey to college.

Madeline Hollern is the editor-in-chief at Austin Monthly, which won the coveted CRMA General Excellence Award in 2024. An editor for 18 years, she's moderated panels for SXSW and Texas Book Festival and volunteers with TRAPRS, Goodwill, and Muny Conservancy Advisory Board. Last season, she played Mother Ginger in Ballet Austin’s "The Nutcracker."

Natalie Choate is a growth and operations strategist, most recently serving as COO of The Texas Tribune. She’s scaled revenue and audience growth, and launched newsrooms all across Texas. With a background in policy, fundraising, and entrepreneurship, she co-owns Plateau Brewing Co. and is earning her MBA at SMU Cox School of Business.

Bianca Garcia, Austin native, has dedicated her career to justice and community service. She worked as an Assistant District Attorney mostly with special victims units and diversion programs. She is a mentor, mock trial judge, and volunteer. As Judge for County Court 3, Bianca continues to work toward a safer, more equitable Austin.

Board Certified Family Law Attorney transforms challenges into community impact. My practice extends beyond the courtroom—raising scholarships for young women, supporting foster care adoptions, and mentoring new lawyers. Recognized among Austin’s top legal talents, I’m dedicated to being the problem-solver I once envisioned for others.

Justin is a 7th-generation Texan, but 1st-generation college graduate & attorney. He counsels government entities in obtaining financing to build infrastructure that leads to community development. Justin also serves several local non-profits that help build and sustain support systems for others. Justin is married and has 3 young sons.

Lindsay started as a prosecutor in 2014. In 2017 she started at the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. Working in the family violence unit and eventually the adult sex crimes unit. In 2021, she helped build a sex crimes unit in Williamson County. In 2023, she started Lindsay Richards Law. Currently a partner at Cofer and Connelly

Sarah Xiyi Chen is the Senior Supervising Attorney of the Voting Rights Program at the Texas Civil Rights Project, where she leads Texas’s response to election threats, litigates voting rights cases, and advocates for pro-voter reform. She is also the Board President of Asian Texans for Justice, a statewide civic engagement nonprofit.

Aysha Sabri, MD is a Double Board Certified Psychiatrist at Austin State Hospital, a psychiatric hospital that provides mental health services to adults, child and adolescents, specialty services, and forensic restorations. By providing essential healthcare and supporting mental health initiatives, she hopes to reduce the mental health stigma, and make a lasting impact and drive positive change in the Austin Community.

Greg Wallingford, MD, MBA serves as inaugural assistant dean for professional fulfillment & well-being at Dell Medical School. He is passionate about equipping others with leadership and well-being skills to promote high performance and joy in clinical work. He has presented and taught on these topics locally, regionally, and nationally.

Kimberly is a vibrant speaker, advocate, and therapist. A decade ago, Kimberly was one of Texas’s first experts in adolescent transgender mental health. Her fearlessness and quick grasp of cutting-edge research led her to quickly also become become one of the first experts in Long Covid care.

As a pediatric hospitalist, Lauren sees the barriers that kids face. She uses that perspective to align policy with the needs of our community. Lauren holds leadership positions for several child health advocacy organizations and programs. As a professor, she trains the next generation of pediatricians in both medicine and advocacy.

As a native Texan, I am excited to have called Austin home for the past several years. When I’m not taking care of patients in my psychiatry private practice, my wife and I enjoy paddleboarding on Town Lake, watching an Austin FC game, or grabbing a marg at Taco Flats. We also enjoy spending time with our newborn daughter, Heidi.

I am a Principal at Deloitte with 30 years in IT, consulting, and client support. I lead 2,200 professionals across Consulting, Attest, Risk Advisory, and Tax in Austin and San Antonio. My global work spans financial services, consumer, and life sciences. I’ve also led transformations that help clients achieve truly lasting improvements.

Dr. Jay L. McCullar is a professor, community leader, and Founder/CEO of J-4 Education Consulting. He’s led initiatives like My Brother’s Keeper Scholars and created Louise’s Kids to honor his grandmother’s legacy. A 2024 African-American Leadership Institute Fellow, Dr. Jay inspires through mentorship, equity advocacy, and “heart work.”

Lourdes is a global humanitarian and a Presidential Leadership Scholar. As a UNICEF ambassador Lourdes advocates for Economic Justice and fights the criminalization of poverty. A journalist from Peru, she moved to the US with no English and worked as a prep cook. Her journey to becoming an influential community leader has been remarkable.

Matt is a former Deputy to two Austin mayors, a former Austin Under 40 Austinite of the Year, and a dedicated community servant who focuses on providing mentorship opportunities while helping local governments work best with community needs.

Trennis Jones serves as Vice President - Community Impact for Austin FC, the first major sports team in Austin, TX, a city he was born and raised in. With his experiences as an athlete at CU-Boulder and through 25+ years as a Sports Executive, he is passionate about using the power of sport to empower people who enrich our community.

Brandice Nelson is a passionate cultural heritage professional making a significant impact on the Austin nonprofit community. A Baylor University alumna (BA ’14, MA ’16) and recent graduate of the UT LBJ School of Public Affairs (MPL ’24), Brandice focuses her work on advancing statewide history education and advocating for child welfare.

Brittany Yelverton joyfully serves as the Chief Community Officer at Girls Empowerment Network. Previously, Brittany worked as Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas’ Community Outreach Specialist where she helped organize the 2013 People’s Filibuster. Brittany is also a two-time cancer survivor and a romance novel aficionado.

Brittney Rodriguez proudly serves as both, COO at the GAHCC, and CEO for Grit + Pearl Public Relations. Brittney is a seasoned executive leader driven by an innate passion for nonprofit service, community engagement, legislative strategy & advocacy initiatives on behalf of Central Texas’ growing, impactful and invaluable Latino community.

A sixth-generation Texan and nonprofit executive, Rikki brings 15 years of experience serving Austin's vibrant nonprofit community. After dedicating 10 years to HAAM, she is joining The Trail Conservancy, continuing her commitment to Austin's vital institutions. As a strategic leader, Rikki creates lasting impact through concrete action.

Shea is dedicated to inspiring the community to live generously through their work and life. With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit and social services, they excel in developing sustainable programs that effectively address critical societal gaps. Shea hopes to inspire others to create a lasting ripple of compassion and generosity.

Adam LeBlanc, MBA-HCM is a healthcare leader and founder of LeBlanc Advisors, a firm driving operational excellence for clinics, hospitals, and health systems. With nearly a decade of experience, he blends executive strategy and clinical insight to expand access, improve outcomes, and lead lasting, equitable transformation across Texas.

Claire Kurio Ruwwe is the founder of Austin Concierge Company, Austin’s premier lifestyle management service for busy professionals and families. A proud Austinite and University of Texas at Austin graduate, Claire has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to fostering meaningful relationships and giving back to her community.

At age 26 with $16K to my name I became a bootstrapping solo entrepreneur. It’s been quite the journey to one of the fastest growing companies in the US. Today, as Founder and CEO of Norwood, what I’m most proud of is the team we’ve built. I am filled with gratitude to be able to work with such amazing people on a daily basis.

Lauren Goldstein, founder of award-winning Golden Key Partnership, is lovingly called “The Biz Doctor.” She helps business owners escape the trenches; creating more freedom, happier teams, and thriving businesses without burnout. Featured in HuffPost and Thrive Global, she also hosts The Biz Doctor Podcast, a top ranked business podcast.

Mary Margaret Kennedy is an arts and cultural operations professional with degrees in Art History, Corporate Communications, and Architectural Historic Preservation. She is committed to resource efficiency and community impact, leveraging her skills to support the community access to cultural resources.

Corbin Graham is a change agent in real estate, dedicated to integrating quality design with community enhancement. His approach reflects a philosophy where development serves dual purposes: economic profitability and societal benefit, resonating with institutions who prioritize both financial returns and positive community impact.

Chelsea Timmons is the VP of Community Experience at Tri Pointe Homes, bringing new homes to multiple Austin-area communities. She also serves as President of Platinum Top 50 and President of the Luxury League Advisory Board, empowering top Austin real estate agents.

Drew Bouffard started his Real Estate career in 2013, going full-time by 2015. His strategic vision and commitment to excellence led him acquiring Pure Realty in 2023. He now leads Pure Realty, the largest brokerage in Cedar Park, with more than 160 Agents. Focusing on his mission to help people succeed in life and in business.

Lawrence Pritchett, Managing Broker and Owner of MODUS Real Estate, blends real estate expertise with community leadership. A Leadership Austin alum and Creative Action executive board member, he’s passionate about empowering others and solving problems. Off duty, he enjoys family time, live music, and Austin’s best tacos.

Putting her heart and soul into every aspect of life, Lexie is the portraiture of a true professional in commercial real estate. Lexie has been President of the Commercial Brokers Association, sits on the board of ILHIGH and Girls Empowerment Network and was recognized as Austin Business Journal’s 2023 Top Producer.

Bryce is a tech entrepreneur, leader, and investor based right here in Austin. Originally from the PNW, he has co-founded multiple companies in the Austin area - Noble Joe, a community-focused coffee shop with two Austin locations, and Importal, a customs brokerage and SAAS platform. He loves to mentor others and serve whenever he can.

Known for her determination, Cat is driven by excellence and is always striving to improve operations. Cat truly believes in the spirit of giving and has helped numerous people find their passion through volunteerism. A lover of music, food and selfies, Cat is arguably the best in the selfies biz.

Rhys, Founder & CEO of Method MFG, elevates modern machining. Born in Montana, he welded in his dad’s shop before studying design and fighting wildfires. His team produces components launched into orbit and supplies NASA for Artemis III. He’s an ultrarunner, father, and relentless maker.

Sammy Lam, founder of Wanderlust Wine Co., leads the world’s largest wine-on-tap winery with a focus on sustainability. A 2024 Austin Under 40 finalist, he has driven eco-friendly wholesale growth, saving over 500,000 bottles annually, and continues to inspire innovation in retail, manufacturing, and supply chain.

Shayda Torabi is the Co-Founder of RESTART, a hemp-derived cannabis retail brand founded in 2018 in Austin alongside her sisters. Torabi has been a recognized voice in the industry trailblazing and advocating for Texas consumers’ access to these products and actively participates in advocacy efforts through the Texas Hemp Coalition.

Brad Stuver (he/him) is a professional soccer player who plays for Austin FC in MLS. Off the field, he is a 2022 and 2023 ESPY nominated humanitarian working with organizations like the Laundry Project, Equality Texas, and Athlete Ally. He also co-founded The Brad and Ashley Stuver Foundation in 2024 with his wife, Ashley.

Dr. Brooke Weinstein is a world-renowned expert in neuroscience-based sensory and emotional regulation. She specializes in brain function, trauma, and the nervous system. With over one million social media followers and a reach of over 80 million, she guides individuals through mental health complexities, supporting clients worldwide.

Kevin Overton-Hadnot, a Licensed Professional Counselor - Associate in Austin, Texas, founded Counseling For Us to reduce mental health stigma and provide culturally responsive care. He specializes in supporting individuals, families, and couples. He enjoys working out, reading, and time with his dog, Kobe.

Lee is an Ironman athlete, 44-time marathoner, and founder of Swift Fit Events, modernizing workplaces with wellness-focused events for the past five years. A writer for Austin Monthly and Austin Chronicle, he also enjoys live music, volunteering for the Down Syndrom Association, and exploring running trails.

Dr. Syd Young (they/them) is a fellowship-trained physical therapist and owner of OutWellness. They create safe, affirming spaces for queer communities through sliding-scale care, group workouts, and community programs. Named 2024 LGBTQ Business of the Year, Syd is dedicated to advancing health equity and connection in Austin.

Cassie is President of two Austin-based companies, Motiv and Content Lion, leading innovative solutions in IT consulting and content management. With 16+ years of Oracle expertise, she fosters excellence within her teams. A proud Austinite, Cassie supports animal rescue, explores local coffee spots, and enjoys family LEGO projects.

Ramiro Diaz is Software Engineer with a passion for helping others in the Community, and building lasting foundations. With strong experience in the Hispanic and Tech community you can often find him lending a hand or enjoying the arts across Austin.

Ricki Wax is an award-winning changemaker and equity strategist . As Global Strategy & Operations Manager for Google, she champions responsible AI & inclusion across organizations, driving operational excellence, influencing strategic outcomes, and achieving tangible results.

Since graduating from UT Austin, Tarun Thummala has grown into one of the leading voices in the AI world. In 2019 he founded an AI startup, Gathr, and led the company as CTO to its acquisition in 2022. He has since combined forces with two other UT alums to found PressW, a top Generative AI consulting firm, in 2023, where he leads as CEO.

Vikas Choudhry is Vice President of Infrastructure at Target, leading platforms that power a $100B business. He has led major digital transformations at Target & Walmart, optimizing infrastructure at scale. A mentor & judge for Technovation, the American Business Awards, & Timmy Awards, he is passionate about tech leadership & mentorship.

Andrew Gonzales, Austin ISD Trustee and third-generation educator, is a champion for public education. A life-long Austinite and University of Texas alum, Andrew empowers youth, uplifts working families, and honors local history through his work on the Palm School Steering Committee and the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor.

Bryan Ashton is a champion for postsecondary education and serves as the Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at Trellis. In this role he serves as the head of Trellis Strategies a non-profit research firm that helps institutions evolve to meet the needs of modern learners pursuing higher education in Austin and beyond.

Dr. Ashley Glover, LCSW, LCDC is the Social Service Manager. A Board Member AVANCE, Cary4kids. She is the State NLIC Chair, NASW. Mentor for Seedling. Volunteers for Coats for Kids, Food In Tummies, and Carrying Hope. Member of the Kids Giving Back Committee. Dr.Glover is the Practicuum Instructor.She supervises students in Summer Youth.

Ricky is a College and Career Readiness Counselor who has helped over 1,000 low-income, first-generation students, primarily from Black and Latino backgrounds, achieve their college dreams. His work has led to students being accepted into top universities like Harvard, Stanford, and UChicago, advancing equity in education.

Sawyer Tedder is a Senior Academic Coordinator in the Department of Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies at UT-Austin. They moved to Austin in 2016 to pursue their M.Ed. in Education Leadership & Policy. Sawyer serves LGBTQ+ youth in the city through innovative programming at UT-Austin and through their work as Chair of GLSEN-Austin.