Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top Women Leaders of Austin for 2024. Some of the most well-known companies on the planet are headquartered in Austin, the state capital of Texas. A few examples include Whole Foods, Dell Technologies, AMD, Vrbo, and RetailMeNot.
Together, these companies and many others employ tens of thousands of highly skilled workers in the city and beyond, and much of this workforce is led by dynamic, talented women leaders who are dedicated to serving their clients, companies, and communities. Today, we honor their many accomplishments and contributions.
Recognizing an industry leader at one of the top companies headquartered in Austin, we honor the career of Jennifer Manning, a high-level executive at AMD. In her time with this leading technology manufacturing company, Manning boosted the brand value to $8.8 billion in just two years.
Next, we acknowledge the accomplishments of Jocelyn Getson, a change agent in the customer service industry and Vice President at AIG, a leading global insurance organization. Getson is a respected thought leader, frequent speaker, and valued advisor within multiple industry verticals.
Lastly, we extend our honors to Chastity Davenport, the Vice President of Brokerage Development for United Real Estate. As a leader for the sixth largest brokerage in the US, ranking among the fastest-growing brokerages, Davenport was recruited onto the United Real Estate team to be a catalyst for driving national network growth.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top Women Leaders of Austin for 2024.
Allison Dew
CMO & EVP, Dell Technologies
Allison Dew is the Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President for Dell Technologies. In this role, Dew is directly responsible for the global marketing organization, strategy, and all aspects of Dell Technologies marketing efforts, including brand and creative, product marketing, communications, digital, and field and channel marketing. Dell Technologies helps organizations and individuals build their digital future and transform how they work, live, and play. The company provides customers with the industry’s broadest and most innovative technology and services portfolio for the data era.
Since joining Dell Technologies in 2008, Dew has been instrumental in Dell Technologies' marketing transformation, leading an emphasis on data-driven marketing, customer understanding, and integrated planning. Most recently, she led marketing for Dell Technologies Client Solutions Group. She is the proud executive sponsor for Dell’s PRIDE and Women in Action employee resource groups.
Previously, Dew held marketing leadership roles at Microsoft. She also worked agency side in both a regional advertising shop in Tokyo, Japan and an independent multi-cultural agency in New York. Dew holds an MBA from the Wharton School, an MA in International Studies with a concentration in Japanese, and a BA in French and Japanese, both from the University of Pennsylvania.
Michelle Odajima
Head of Data, Analytics & Tools for Global Performance Services, Google Data Centers
Michelle Odajima has over 20 years of experience as a results-driven data and analytics leader of extraordinary teams that drive digital transformations with measurable value. She currently serves as Head of Data, Analytics, and Tools for Global Performance Services for Google. Her leadership philosophy is focused on delivering success with passion, purpose, and soul. At all times, she strives to create collaboration, synergies, and data-driven decisions.
In her two decades of experience, Odajima has led teams acting as a force multiplier delivering data projects in high-velocity environments that drive business growth. She is known for transforming the negative into positives, problem-solving efficiently, and achieving operational excellence across industries and specializations.
In addition to her leadership role at Google, Odajima is grateful to have held four patents, as well as leadership and research awards from the National Science Foundation and former employers, such as BASF and Xcel Energy. She earned her Master’s degree in Science and Technology from the University of Utah, an undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University, a certificate in business leadership from Stanford Graduate School, and multiple certificates in computer and data science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Allison Ellsworth
Co-Founder & Chief Brand Officer, Poppi
Allison Ellsworth is the Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Poppi, a mouthwatering soda for the next generation made with clean ingredients and prebiotics. As a lifelong soda lover, Ellsworth started experimenting in her home kitchen with fruit juices and apple cider vinegar to create a new version of soda that tastes amazing without artificial ingredients or excess sugar. From a Dallas farmers’ market to a Shark Tank deal and now in every major retailer nationwide, Poppi quickly became one of the fastest-growing non-alcoholic beverages in the US and is now expanding internationally. With ten flavors – and a new flavor, Wild Berry coming soon – Poppi’s on a mission to redefine how people experience soda.
Ellsworth leads the Austin-based beverage company’s overall brand strategy and innovation. She pioneered the brand’s cultural cache and digital-first approach, attracting a loyal community of over 650,000 followers and celebrity brand fans, including Paris Hilton, Noah Beck, Billie Eilish, and Jennifer Lopez. Within 24 months, Poppi was awarded BevNet’s “campaign of the year” and became the internet’s favorite soda, going viral on TikTok with over one billion page views. It also ranks number one in an Amazon search for “soda.”
Ellsworth is a public speaker, social strategist, and creative disruptor. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Texas.
Alice Paik
Partner, Chief Strategic Advisory Officer, Brown Advisory
Alice Paik is a Partner and Chief Strategic Advisory Officer for Brown Advisory, an independent investment management and strategic advisory firm committed to delivering a combination of first-class performance, strategic advice, and the highest level of client service.
As a member of the executive team, Paik provides strategic advice to private clients, families, family offices, and institutions, including the coordination of the delivery of the firm’s services with clients and their team of outside advisors. She also plays a leadership role in research, publications, and market development.
Before joining the firm, Paik worked as an advisor in the Wealth Management Group at Bernstein Global Wealth Management in Washington and in the private bank of J.P. Morgan. Paik graduated from St. John's University School of Law with a JD and from Dartmouth College with an undergraduate degree.
Kimberly Lasseter
Global Director, Partner Advantage Program Design & Strategy, Google Cloud
Kim Lasseter is the Global Director for the Partner Advantage Program Design and Strategy for Google Cloud. She leads a team focused on accelerating the adoption of Google Cloud by delivering global programs and communications that create value for partners and extend the value of Google for customers.
Lasseter is an accomplished sales and marketing executive with a record of building and leading top-producing partnerships within technology-based selling environments. She is known as an enthusiastic and collaborative leader, who is a six-time honoree of CRN’s Women of The Channel awards (2016-2021). Lasseter was awarded the prestigious CRN Most Powerful Women of the Channel (Power 100) in 2023. The annual Power 100 honors some of the most influential women in technology based on their remarkable contributions, expertise, and channel advocacy. She has also been recognized as one of the CRN Top 25 Channel Sales Leaders.
Lasseter joined Google from Dell, where she led a global team to enable partners in their marketing efforts. Before Dell, she was with Oracle, where she led the Worldwide Alliances and Channels team responsible for program and portal strategy. Lasseter has also served as a director of global sales and services marketing at Sun Microsystems and held various sales and marketing strategic roles during her tenure. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Houston and an MBA from Baylor University.
Julie Shields
Director, Government & Community Strategy, Charter Communications
Julie Shields is the Director of Government and Community Strategy at Charter Communications for Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Mississippi. Shields leads a regional effort integrating government affairs, business development, media, and brand reputation. She has more than 25 years of communications and government affairs experience with a particular emphasis on executing innovative strategies to achieve policy goals and advance legislative and regulatory objectives. While at Charter, she has led the development, messaging, and tactical execution of regional events with elected officials and economic development leaders on the company’s billion-dollar investment in Texas infrastructure, jobs, and broadband expansion.
Throughout her career, Shields worked, lobbied, and sold data-driven solutions to state and local governments. She served as a senior education policy advisor in Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s administration. While working at the highest level of state government, Shields advised and developed programs for high-quality pre-K instruction, teacher professional development, education-to-workforce initiatives, and classroom connectivity. Before that, she lobbied for one of the state’s largest associations on early education – workforce policy issues, built coalitions, and deployed grassroots advocacy campaigns. She also worked for SAS, a leader in analytics and data management, where she collaborated with industry IT consultants to solve government challenges in fraud, healthcare, finance, and public education.
The foundation for Shields’ government affairs career was built upon years of covering state and local news for television viewers across the state of Texas. Over 10 years, Shields worked as an award-winning television news anchor and reporter in Austin, Midland-Odessa, and Lubbock. Shields holds a Bachelor of Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin.
Patty Roze
VP, Public Sector Sales, State, Local, and Education, Verizon
Patty Roze serves as Vice President of Sales for the Public Sector and focuses on state, local, and education markets for Verizon Business Group, part of Verizon Communications. In this role, she leads a nationwide team responsible for developing solutions to address the complex requirements of state and local government agencies and education clients. Roze and her team oversee the seamless delivery of integrated solutions across Verizon's industry-leading portfolio, including mobility services, cloud and information technology, security, strategic networking, advanced communications, and professional consulting offerings to meet the needs of the public sector and the citizens they serve.
Roze is a technology and business sales executive bringing 24 years of hands-on leadership experience to enterprise business strategy, new business creation, and strategic alliances focused on Verizon's technology portfolio. She has built a strong foundation of strategic thinking, operational excellence, and people and culture development. She previously served as director of global enterprise sales for the Transportation, Distribution, and Construction vertical practice for the Verizon Business Group. She and her team served the top, most influential multinational corporations to identify, create, and deliver solutions to meet the industry's unique traditional and emerging business needs.
Roze began her career as a business account executive in Houston at Verizon Wireless in 2000, and she has held roles of increasing responsibility ever since. Over the years, she has been a performance leader in every position held, leading teams across the United States responsible for selling intelligent global IP networks, dynamic cloud, security solutions, mobility, and IoT solutions. She is passionate about winning and driving the business forward by attracting and developing the best talent, delivering results, and creating value for her employees and customers.
View the complete list of awardees
April Downing
Operating Advisor, Elsewhere Partners
April Downing is an Operating Advisor for Elsewhere Partners, a growth-stage private equity firm that backs early-stage scale-up software companies, providing a unique mix of thoughtful capital, subject matter expertise, and an incredible network of seasoned operators. Downing provides guidance on balanced investment in growth and scale for early-stage software companies ready to accelerate their success.
Downing is a seasoned financial and operational executive with over 25 years of experience for publicly and privately held technology, services, and consumer companies. Having raised over $0.5 billion in capital, completed more than 20 acquisitions, and opened offices in over a dozen countries, she appreciates the complexity that comes from growing companies. After spending a year of sabbatical and executive consulting for a K1 company, Downing decided that it was time to get back to the start-up world and accepted the advisory role for Elsewhere Partners.
Before her sabbatical, Downing was CFO of Khoros (a Vista Equity Partners company) where she was responsible for leading the global finance, IT, BI, and business systems organizations. Before joining Khoros, Downing co-founded Supply Drop in July 2019 with the mission to change the way that consumers get their everyday essentials, leveraging the power of AI via predictive analytics and conversational interfaces. Previously, she has served as CFO/COO for several high-growth companies, including WP Engine, Civitas Learning, Dachis Group, and Motive. Downing holds a Master's degree in Professional Accounting from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. She serves on the Foundation Board for Helping Hand Home for Children.
Jolene Weinstein
President, PorchLight Real Estate Group
Jolene Weinstein serves as the President of PorchLight Real Estate Group, leading a dynamic team of professionals committed to excellence. Joining PorchLight in February 2024, Weinstein brings with her 12 years of experience as a prominent leader at Realty Austin, culminating in her role as COO. Her leadership is characterized by innovation, empathetic communication, and a profound dedication to the real estate industry.
Weinstein consistently pushes the boundaries of traditional real estate practices and inspires her team to do the same. PorchLight has earned a stellar reputation among top professionals who are drawn not only to its esteemed name but also to its commitment to exceptional customer service, industry-leading training, and streamlined marketing solutions that enhance agents' lives and promote work-life balance. Agents who align with PorchLight embrace its core values and uphold high standards of client care, focusing on quality rather than quantity. Weinstein serves as a mentor and collaborator, working closely with managers to enhance their leadership skills and foster team growth. In her coaching sessions, she emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, maintaining a positive mindset, leveraging tools for insights, and continuous self-improvement.
Weinstein’s dedication to understanding and bridging diverse communication and working styles contributes to the success of those around her, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Kim Eckert
VP, Global Security & Resiliency Practice, Distinguished Engineer, Kyndryl
As Vice President of Security and Resiliency, Kim Eckert is one of Kyndryl’s senior technical female leaders reaching the penultimate designation as Distinguished Engineer.
With 17 years of prior professional experience, Eckert joined IBM in 2001 and Kyndryl in 2021, bringing a portfolio of expertise in software development, mainframe systems programming, data center operations, Cloud, and management. Eckert’s practical experiences span several technical domains, including Enterprise Architecture, midrange virtualization, and software licensing optimization. Eckert is an acknowledged leader who is responsible for setting the technical vision and strategy while generating important innovations and standards for delivery.
Eckert is passionate about developing technologies to empower people and businesses. Having served as past President and Vice President of the Society of Women Engineers Austin Section, she volunteers to foster STEM skills and professional development in students. She is active within Kyndryl to promote innovation and career development by serving as principal Board Chair, the Security and Resiliency Patent Board Chair, and the Distinguished Engineer Board member and by mentoring many people to IT Architect Open Group Certification. Additionally, she is a Master Inventor, Founding Member of the Kyndryl Services Excellence Academy, Open Group Master Certified, and Kyndryl Architect Certified.
Lisa Hendrickson
Head of North American Corporates, S&P Global
Lisa Hendrickson is an award-winning innovative strategist working at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and technology. Currently, she is the Head of North American Corporates for S&P Global, partnering with some of the world’s largest and most consequential multinationals to empower sustainable business transformation, programmatic enhancements, and regulatory reporting while providing decision-useful data and analytics that have companies manage risks and seize opportunities while transitioning to the low carbon economy.
Prior, Hendrickson was the COO of HCC, an award-winning pioneering values-driven sustainable design and manufacturing company. Under her leadership, the company grew to become one of the fastest-growing inner-city companies in America and a luxury market leader garnering numerous awards, including an ICIC 100 award (a Michael E. Porter organization). Notably, she was a director of strategy at Scient, the iconic San Francisco dotcom consultancy. At Scient, she was one of eight to launch its organizational adaptation practice designed to help companies strategize and implement internet-enabled products and services.
A TEDx and Inc 500 speaker, Hendrickson is an often-requested expert at leading industry events, where she is recognized for her unique insights and axiomatic storytelling. Most often, she presents simple elegant solutions to address complex business problems. She is the co-author of “Boom! Deciphering Innovation: How Disruption Drives Companies to Transform or Die.” Hendrickson is an Adjunct Professor at FIT, where she teaches coursework focused on sustainability and brand, customer, pricing, and product. She has appeared on BBC World Business Report, The New York Times, CBS’s The Early Show, ABC’s World News Tonight, Crain’s NY, WWD, Inc. Magazine, and many other fine news outlets.
Lynna Bartosh
Partner | Executive Creative Director & AI Creative, Hunt Gather
Inspired by the Austin community’s unwavering passion for cutting-edge technology, Lynna Bartosh has embarked on a transformative journey as the driving force behind the rebirth of Hunt Gather. Today, it stands as one of the trailblazing creative AI agencies, firmly positioned at the forefront of the AI revolution.
Bartosh’s visionary leadership has propelled the agency to craft ingenious tools and streamlined processes, unearthing a staggering 30% increase in untapped productivity. This has not only elevated collaborations and co-creations with artificial intelligence but has also revolutionized the creative process, all while optimizing their clients' investments.
Among the groundbreaking AI-powered projects stands "Ask Soundly," an exceptional AI-powered concierge that has graced the pages of Forbes and The New York Times.
Bartosh’s relentless creative spirit has left an indelible mark on renowned brands, such as Chipotle Mexican Grill, Yahoo Inc., Hopdoddy, Whole Foods, Lone Star Beer, and Restore Hyper Wellness. She is not only a trailblazer in the industry but also a dedicated advocate for closing the gender gap in the tech and creative sectors. Her initiatives have been a driving force behind projects benefiting Girls Who Code and Girls Empowerment Network. As a proud member of Women Who Code, an esteemed Addy's awards judge, a mentor for student portfolios from Texas State University’s advertising program, a respected judge for The Futur, and a recently named 2024 Austin Changemaker by Austin Woman, Bartosh embodies the essence of innovation and empowerment in Austin's vibrant tech and creative community.
Katie Kriete
VP of Sales, Emerging, NetSuite
Katie Kriete is the Vice President of Sales for emerging businesses at NetSuite, the world’s first cloud company. She started with the company in 2015 as an account executive, and she worked her way up to regional sales director in 2016 and then regional VP in 2018. She was promoted to her current position in 2022, where she runs all of emerging sales and exclusively works with startups and small businesses ranging from all industries.
Kriete has more than 10 years of experience in enterprise applications companies. She has grown successful sales organizations and executed sales enablement programs. She is a team player who works hard to collaborate with other business partners to ensure the teams are successful. Kriete is a sales leader who understands the sales process, leadership, and building winning cultures.
Kriete grew up in St. Louis and attended the University of Missouri. Upon completing her undergraduate degree in early childhood education, she went to work for a small woman-owned business that ran NetSuite. After gaining NetSuite knowledge, Kriete moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where she implemented NetSuite for a family-owned software company. Upon going live, she moved into sales supporting the NetSuite sellers. Kriete then decided to join NetSuite and relocated to Austin, Texas, where she still resides.
Tammy Gorman
Area VP of Customer Experience, Teradata
Tammy Gorman is the Area Vice President of Customer Experience at Teradata, Offering the most complete cloud analytics and data platform, including for AI, Teradata delivers harmonized data and trusted AI/ML to enable more confident decision-making, unlock faster innovation, and drive impactful business results organizations need most.
As a proven executive leader in customer support and services and customer success, Gorman has over 20 years of broad and deep cross-functional experience in the analytics industry. Valued for fostering a culture of excellence and productivity through efficiency, standardization, simplification, and outcome-focused development, she is an achiever of exceptional rather than expected results. She has a history of building teams that deliver results through collaboration and teamwork. Through her leadership, she has been successful in recruiting, mentoring, and leading teams to achieve exceptional results in record time.
Previously, Gorman was a global alliances manager at MicroStrategy. Before that, she was an account executive at Continental Resources. Gorman earned an undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of North Texas.
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Chantel Seymore
Director of Learning & Development/Change/Knowledge/Quality - Customer Service, SunPower Corporation
Chantel Seymore is the Director of Learning and Development, Change, Knowledge, and Quality at the SunPower Corporation, a leading entity in the solar renewable energy sector, renowned for its commitment to transforming the global energy landscape. With over two decades of rich experience in leadership development, adult learning, and talent acquisition, Seymore’s team is instrumental in nurturing staff development, optimizing the customer and employee front-line experience, and elevating the standard of customer service interactions, all while propelling SunPower's vision to revolutionize the planet's energy sources.
Throughout her career, Seymore has been at the forefront of forging impactful partnerships and crafting cutting-edge learning and leadership development programs. These initiatives are designed to not only boost business performance but also ensure that individuals are perfectly aligned with their respective roles and responsibilities. Her accreditation as a Global Diversity Equity and Inclusion Facilitator and Leader, a 360- Executive Coach, a DDI (Development Dimensions Incorporated) Master Trainer, and a DISC Trainer further attest to her expertise and commitment to excellence in professional development and organizational growth.
Seymore actively participates in various outreach endeavors, including serving on the Presidents Advisory Board at Arizona's Gateway Community College, co-leading EmPowher, a Women's Employee Resource Group, and acting as a lead advisor for The McMillion Group. This organization is focused on amplifying leaders' capabilities and fostering employee empowerment. Furthermore, her community involvement includes collaborating with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to promote breast cancer education and awareness, as well as supporting Moja Tu, an initiative that provides educational scholarships to underprivileged children in developing countries. Seymore has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Southeastern Louisiana University. In her personal life, Seymore cherishes spending quality time and exploring new horizons with her husband and daughter.
Katrina Powers
Regional Director of Special Programs, IDEA Public Schools
Katrina Powers is the Regional Director of Special Programs at IDEA Public Schools. With a belief that every child can go to college, IDEA Public Schools has grown from a small school with 150 students to a national network of tuition-free, K-12 public charter schools in the United States. Powers started at IDEA Public Schools in 2021 as a special programs coach. She was promoted to her current position in 2022.
With nearly fifteen years of experience in education, Powers has a varied background from tutor and teaching assistant, to paraprofessional, special education teacher, case manager, educational consultant, instructional coach, and now regional director.
Powers has an undergraduate degree in English literature and creative writing from Bethel University. Her teaching license is in Special Education. She is currently pursuing a degree in education law. Her specialty is creating innovative special programming within all learning environments, believing deeply that every child can feel the thrill of academic and behavioral success, while still mastering the productive struggle that leads to the life-changing power of higher education.
Toya Cirica Bell
Global Director of DEI, Bazaarvoice
Toya Cirica Bell is the Global Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) at Bazaarvoice. An attorney and experienced DE&I leader, Bell joined Bazaarvoice in 2021 to lead the development and implementation of the company’s global DE&I strategy. She collaborates with people and business partners across the company to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion principles are embedded in all aspects of the employee experience and operationalized throughout the business. Bell provides executive counsel on emerging issues and leads the company’s internal DE&I Council. She also manages and mentors a portfolio of eight highly engaged employee resource groups.
Before joining Bazaarvoice, Bell practiced law in the public and private sectors, including serving as the Associate General Counsel for Employment for the Sam’s Club Division of Walmart Stores, Inc., an organization of over 80,000 employees. As a private DE&I consultant, she has advised executive leadership, provided DE&I assessments, developed strategic plans, and delivered engaging training programs and presentations. Bell has been recognized by the Austin Bar Association and the Travis County Women Lawyer’s Association for her efforts on behalf of diversity in the profession and the greater Austin community. She is also the recipient of the Austin 40 Under 40, Mentor of the Year Award, the Mission Capital, Community Leader of the Year Award, and the Junior League of Austin, Volunteer Extraordinaire Award.
Bell is a Rice University graduate and past President of the Association of Rice Alumni. She received her JD from the College of William & Mary and holds certifications in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University, Inclusive Leadership from DiversityFirst, and Courageous Conversations About Race from the Pacific Education Group. She is also a professionally trained mediator. Bell is a world traveler who enjoys the arts and engaging with other cultures. She speaks conversational French and resides in Austin, Texas, with her husband.
Shawndra Tobias
SVP of Operational Excellence, Etech Global Services
Shawndra Tobias has been with Etech Global Services since 2000 and has served in various roles, including OSS reporting specialist, account leader, project manager, senior director of operations, assistant VP, and VP. She currently serves as Senior Vice President of Operational Excellence.
In her current role, Tobias develops and leads the Etech Insights division and determines call center operational strategies. She maintains and improves call center operations by monitoring performance; identifying and resolving problems; preparing and completing action plans; completing system audits and analysis; managing system and process improvement and quality assurance programs; and installing upgrades.
Shawndra has over 25 years of contact center experience, of which a third of that has been spent in reporting and analytics. She received her professional certification in data science from Johns Hopkins University and is a 3-star IBM Recognized Data Expert. She also has extensive project management experience applying the PMI philosophy. Tobias enjoys volunteering with Keep Lago Vista Beautiful, Wee Rescue, Austin PRIDE, United Way, and Nacogdoches Boys and Girls Club. She spends most of her spare time outdoors on beautiful Lake Travis, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and trail running.
Brenda Contreras
VP, Engineering, Self Financial
Elevating Austin's tech landscape, Brenda Contreras stands as a beacon of innovation and leadership in the tech community. A trailblazer in every sense, Contreras has not only elevated her organization but has become an inspiring force shaping the technological landscape of Austin. As a visionary technology executive, Contreras has spearheaded groundbreaking engineering initiatives, steering her teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions that redefine industry standards. Her strategic mindset and technical prowess have not only propelled organizational success but have also positioned her as a driving force in Austin's dynamic tech ecosystem.
Beyond the boardroom, Contreras is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, fostering a workplace culture that champions equality and empowers individuals to thrive. Her commitment to community impact extends beyond the confines of technology, contributing to the social fabric of Austin through mentorship programs and initiatives that uplift the next generation of women in STEM.
In her role as Vice President of Engineering at Self Financial, Contreras has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to excellence, driving digital transformation and technical innovation. Her leadership style is characterized by collaboration, creativity, and a keen ability to navigate the complexities of the ever-evolving tech landscape. As the Head of Architecture, Innovation, and AI/ML Solutions, she is responsible for the technical vision and strategy of the enterprise’s platform. Self Financial is a venture-backed fintech mature startup with a mission to help people build credit and savings. Her journey is not only one of professional success but also of inspiring positive change and shaping the future of Austin's tech community.
Lisa Larson
VP, Payments & Operations, Amplify Credit Union
Lisa Larson has more than 30 years of experience in the financial industry with extensive experience in payments. In her current role as Vice President of Payments and Operations at Amplify Credit Union, she oversees strategy, implementation, and risk management related to all money movement in and out of the credit union. That means every month, she ensures 500,000 debit card swipes work for Amplify’s members; wire transfers totaling more than $250 million arrive where they should for things like home purchases and business expenses; and 20,000 checks are successfully and safely deposited into members’ accounts.
Her accomplishments over 25 years with the credit union include helping convert the institution’s core banking system in 2019 (something the organization hadn’t done in almost 30 years) and transforming the business into the first (and still only) traditional financial institution in the country to eliminate all banking fees. In a world where power follows money, and money follows payments, Larson is playing an instrumental role in bringing more accessible, equitable payment options to the residents of Austin and throughout Texas.
Larson has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Texas A&M University. She also holds the Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) designation from NACHA – The Electronic Payments Association.
Felicia Morales
Director of Marketing, Amplify Credit Union
Currently the Director of Marketing at Amplify Credit Union, Felicia Morales develops, manages, and executes marketing strategies that drive production and engagement for the credit union and member-facing teams. Using a mix of digital and traditional marketing channels, her team supports efforts credit-union-wide, partnering with other departments within Amplify to help drive production, efficiency, and growth.
In 2022, Felicia Morales led her team in the marketing launch of an innovative product, changing the banking space with Amplify Credit Union’s fee-free banking initiative. This campaign enabled her team to win the 2022 American Marketing Association Austin Chapter Marketing Collateral Award. She currently serves as the Board Chair for Financial Health Pathways, on the board of directors and Marketing Committee for the Austin Young Chamber, and as an Ambassador for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Previously, she served as the Ambassador Chair of the Austin Young Chamber, and a board member for the Austin Chapter of Credit Unions. She is a graduate of HAL in 2023 and Leadership Austin's Emerge class of 2020.
She balances her work by spending time with her family and volunteering for causes important to her. She’s passionate about empowering the Latina community, building bridges to home affordability, and bringing financial equity to all within the Central Texas community.
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Erin Reilly
Founding Director of Texas Immersive Institute | Professor of Practice, Moody College of Communication
Erin Reilly is the Founding Director of the Texas Immersive Institute and a Professor of Practice for the Moody College of Communication, a higher education institute that believes in diverse, talented people and their collective power to change the world through communication.
Reilly is a creator, educator, and strategist. Her career spans more than 20 years, during which she has invented new approaches, products, services, and experiences for storytelling and audience engagement through immersive technology.
Reilly is the co-founder of ReillyWorks, LLC helping others to understand and strategize about storytelling, engagement, play, and learning through emergent technology, and the Chief Strategy Officer for the INFINITY F.I.L.M (Formats, Interactive, Limitless, Media) FESTIVAL in Beverly Hills, a new opportunity for participants to “Experience Limitless Media” in the entertainment capital of the world.
Reilly is a frequent lecturer at universities and industry conferences throughout the world, including TedX and South by Southwest. She is an executive committee board member of the Infinity Festival and a member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Interactive Media Peer Group. She previously served as the Board President of the National Association for Media Literacy Education, and she serves on multiple advisory boards, such as SXSW Pitch and PBS children's shows “Hero Elementary” and Emmy-award winning, “Sci Girls.”
Jamie Smith
VP of Homeowner Experience & Brand Marketing, Modernize
Jamie Smith is the Vice President of Brand Marketing and Experience at Modernize Home Services, part of QuinStreet. In this role, she is responsible for guiding the marketing and growth strategies, supporting thousands of home services professionals from inquiry to installation. Her journey in marketing has always been driven by a passion for CRM, lifecycle marketing, and a commitment to leading teams with a customer-centric approach.
Her professional path has been marked by significant experiences with notable sports and entertainment brands like NASCAR, Powerball, NFL Alumni, and the American Outdoorsman. She has also consulted for major organizations in various sectors, including Johnson & Johnson (Lifescan) and Texas Instruments, enriching her expertise in digital marketing and SaaS product marketing. In her role as VP of marketing services for Shoutz, she led the launch of LotteryHUB, the official app of Powerball and Mega Millions, reaching over 120 million monthly lottery players nationwide. This achievement earned accolades for Best Mobile Marketing at the American Gaming Voice Awards and a finalist position at the Shorty Awards for Best Mobile Brand in 2014.
As a lifelong marketer, Smith is constantly driven to understand customer experience and integrate marketing into their life cycle within brands. Her journey is a testament to strategic foresight, dedication, and a deep understanding of customer-centric marketing. Outside of work, she is a dedicated Philadelphia Eagles fan and an avid runner.
Swati Nigam
Executive Director, American Friends of HelpAge India
Swati Nigam serves as the Executive Director of American Friends of HelpAge India, bringing to the organization nearly a decade of experience in the international nonprofit industry, with a particular focus on business development, program management, operations, and fundraising.
Nigam has held pivotal roles within renowned organizations, such as Pratham USA, Ronald McDonald House Charities, CARE USA, and CARE India. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to foster partnerships, lead diverse teams with a wide range of talents, drive substantial growth, and enhance the impact of various India-focused and global organizations.
Swati’s distinction lies in her exceptional background as a certified Dental Surgeon, her Master’s degree in Public Health, and her professional certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP). This unique skill set enables her to approach the organisation’s mission from both a medical and public health perspective, delivering invaluable insights and innovative solutions with a high level of professionalism.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Swati is an aficionado of Broadway performances, and live music concerts, and an avid reader. When she’s not immersed in her work, you can often find her exploring the local coffee shops in her hometown of Austin, TX, and embarking on journeys to discover new cultures across the globe.
Jocelyn Getson
VP, Global Business Development & Account Management, Warranty & Service, AIG
Jocelyn Getson is the Vice President of Global Business Development and Account Management, Warranty, and Service for AIG, a leading global insurance organization. Getson is an executive known as a change agent in the customer service industry. She is a respected thought leader who is a frequent speaker, valued advisor, and writer, whose vision enables her to identify, develop, and implement new programs for her organization and partners within multiple industry verticals. Her career has been inspired by her ability to identify, build, and implement new products, revenue channels, and customer solutions for risk-based programs.
She was previously the chief growth officer for Bindable, an InsurTech and digital brokerage firm, and the VP of enterprise for Corvus Insurance. Before that, she was the head of small business programs at Slice Labs, where she led the company’s first-ever digital subscription cyber insurance product with AXA XL. Earlier in her career, she served as VP of partnership strategy at Centricity, a leading provider of insured extended warranty service contracts and administration. There, she developed and oversaw top-tier partnerships, innovation, and go-to-market strategy growing the brand to become a leader in the space.
Getson thoroughly enjoys drawing from her extensive experience and participating in speaking engagements at industry events, including the NAIC Insurance Summit and Intelligent InsurTECH Europe, and adding her thought leadership to various publications. Getson earned an undergraduate degree in business administration and marketing from the University of Arizona.
Kristina Kennedy
COO & Co-Founder, Kickstand Communications
Kristina Kennedy is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Kickstand Communications. Founded the company in 2014, Kickstand Communications is a full-service agency that's rethinking digital communications for high-growth technology brands. With offices in Austin, Boston, San Francisco, Denver, and New York, they help today's most innovative companies scale and successfully exit. From brand messaging and PR to research and digital marketing, Kickstand supports the market leaders of today and the visionaries of tomorrow.
As COO, Kennedy is responsible for client growth and success, financial planning, the launch and expansion of additional product lines, and geographic expansion. Kennedy and her co-founder are also recognized leaders in employee-first culture, continuously acknowledged for generous benefits, work culture, and innovative programming for working parents. Under her year tenure, Kickstand has achieved exponential growth, including two times total revenue and headcount growth in 2021.
Before launching Kickstand, Kennedy held management and executive-level marketing roles in some of the fastest-growing consumer-tech start-ups of the past decade, including Philo, Abine, Bigcommerce, Gazelle.com, and Zipcar. She is very active in the Austin technology and start-up community. Currently, she is a mentor for Techstars Austin and serves on the advisory board of Foster Village, a local nonprofit supporting foster families in the metro Austin area. Kennedy earned an MBA from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an undergraduate degree in English from the University of Notre Dame.
Chastity Davenport
VP, Brokerage Development, United Real Estate
Chastity Davenport is the Vice President of Brokerage Development for United Real Estate, the sixth-largest brokerage in the US and ranking among the fastest-growing brokerages. With over 15 years of real estate and brokerage development expertise, Davenport joined United Real Estate in 2024 as the catalyst for driving national network growth.
Davenport’s experience as a brokerage owner/operator fuels her dynamic approach to advancing recruiting, retention, and agent productivity. She utilizes her strategic acuity and leadership to optimize United's toolkit, including Learning Academy and Marketing Hub, for accelerated growth amidst the evolving real estate market. Thrilled to contribute to United's renowned team, Davenport scales brokerages and enhances productivity by leveraging industry-leading services and tools.
Davenport has a diverse background, which includes founding startups, growing businesses, and providing consulting within the real estate and technology spaces. Her passion for industry-disrupting technologies and challenging the status quo can be seen in everything she does. She lives for innovation and implements new ideas to fine-tune all aspects of an organization.
Natasha Zike
Consultant, Speaker, Coach, Trainer, Soul Purpose LLC
Natasha Zike is a passionate LGBTQ+ global leader, two-time best-selling author, speaker, board member, and nonprofit advisor whose whole-person, inclusive approach to business creates environments where individuals thrive and business succeeds. She has spent the last 20 years in the corporate technology space in the US and London and was most recently a global leader at a Fortune 50 software company.
A sought-after speaker and workshop leader, Zike’s empowering messages guide others to live purposefully and joyfully in the face of adversity, making the most of this short life, no matter where we started. She is passionate about inclusion and belonging, and she works to create safe spaces for employees to feel empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. In her leadership, she focuses on building a culture of inclusiveness and psychological safety to learn, contribute, and challenge, which allows employees to think critically about innovation. She has built high-performing and loyal teams around the globe of over 100 employees.
Zike was previously a global director for VMware, a leading provider of multi-cloud services for all apps. Currently, she serves on two boards for women-focused nonprofits – as the DEIB Chair for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Austin chapter and as an advisory board member for Texas Women in Business. In 2023 she took 8th place in the Top 50 Women Leaders in Austin 2023 award from Women We Admire, and she won the prestigious global OUTstanding LGBTQ+ Executive Role Model award by Involve. Zike has completed programs at Harvard University, Stanford University, IADT, and Baylor University. She resides in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two active young children.
Rebecca Temple
Area VP of Sales, Salesforce
Rebecca Temple has enjoyed a remarkable nearly three-decade-long career in technology. She joined Salesforce in 2013 and is currently the Area Vice President of Sales. In addition to her technical expertise, Temple prides herself on being a compassionate and mindful leader who advocates for her team, customers, and colleagues. She brings this high-touch approach to her work every day, which has helped her amass extensive experience working with CEOs and senior leaders in the private and nonprofit sectors’ most complex and dynamic organizations. Temple enjoys an excellent record of exceeding financial goals and is skilled at change management, creating information flows, and gaining access to key decision-makers.
Temple’s passion for her family, her community, and her work is matched only by her resilience. While her resume and accomplishments are impressive, she is also a 10-year cancer survivor and dedicates a portion of her volunteer time as a passionate Survivor Speaker for the American Cancer Society.
Temple holds an undergraduate degree from Stephen F. Austin University and an MBA from the University of Houston. She also holds multiple certifications in change management, consultative sales methodology, and facilitation. Temple is originally from Houston and now resides in the Austin hill country with her husband and children. She is very active in her community and currently serves as secretary of the Vandegrift Vipers Football Booster Club and is on the Mom’s Meeting Committee of the Young Men's Service League Viper Chapter.
View the complete list of awardees