Three Impact Austin members have been recognized as “Central Texas Women of Influence” by Austin Business Journal (ABJ). From the ABJ website:
“The coronavirus pandemic has placed a premium on leadership and professionalism delivered with honesty and compassion. That's why, despite the craziness of the past few months, Austin Business Journal is proud to present the 102 nominees for this year's Profiles in Power awards. They embody those traits and more, and they are often at the forefront of efforts to help the economy and the community regain its footing during these trying times.
Now in its 26th year, Profiles in Power honors the women shaping the future of Central Texas, both in the business world and through nonprofit work, through the private and public sectors.
Five winners will be named, plus one Rising Star age 30 or younger will be honored, on Aug. 28 online and in the weekly print edition. Because of the pandemic, there will be no event this year.”
Let’s take an Impact Austin moment to introduce and applaud our three members among the nominees! We asked these members to share the value in working and volunteering alongside other dynamic women. We also asked them to comment on ways that their business models and ethics complement Impact Austin’s mission and impact. Finally, we asked why being involved now is so important. We love what they had to say.
Carol Dochen, Broker/REALTOR®
Dochen Realtors
“Philanthropy – making this a better world – is paramount to me and my business. Being a female business owner, I love working alongside other women to bring healing and stability to those in need.
Since housing is my business, much of my philanthropic time and money are directed to housing nonprofits. I appreciate Impact Austin, as the organization introduces me to the vast other needs in Austin and bundles our funds to do the most good.”
*Note: For more than 20 years, Carol has donated a portion of every sale to Austin’s Habitat for Humanity. Learn more about Carol on her company website.
Kendel Martin, Vice President, Accounting
Luminex Corp.
“When I completed college and started working back in 1992, I feel that the working world was very different from today. While many improvements have been made, I believe that mentoring women and volunteering with women is extremely important to continue the progress women have made over the past 30 years. My company, Luminex Corporation, has a wonderful Women@Luminex group that includes a mentoring program. I have benefited from that group and program significantly over my 12+ year tenure at Luminex.
I love that Impact Austin is able to pool local women’s money and collectively make a big impact on local not-for-profits. I volunteer on two boards in addition to the Impact Austin Finance Committee. I believe that volunteering and donating through Impact Austin keeps me educated on local needs and organizations, along with making a more powerful impact than I would be able to alone.
As we have transitioned to working more remotely and virtually, leadership and participation are even more important than ever, as I feel businesses, not-for-profits and even individuals are feeling the distance keenly. We do not want lose any of the organizations or teams that we have fought so hard to build.”
Read more about Kendel on the Luminex website.
Chelle Neff, Founder
Urban Betty
“I had the realization one day that I have a great platform to help other people and support organizations in Austin with my salon company. I have grown up in an industry surrounded by women, and 99% of my employees are women, so it just made sense to join an organization that supports women.
Urban Betty is contacted for donation requests from organizations and businesses as frequently as every week, and we never turn down an opportunity to help out. Whether it’s donating gift cards or a portion of our sales from our products, we do as much as we can to support our community. I wanted to do even more and was so happy when I found Impact Austin, which takes it to the next level. We can all collectively come together and grow future female entrepreneurs as a whole, and it is so empowering!
All of this philanthropic work has continued to help our salon grow through constant involvement with our community. Our brand is consistently recognized with every event and donation. All of this, in turn, not only rewards our souls, but it also brings new life and business into our salon company.”
Get to know Chelle on her website.
Congratulations to these nominees and members of Impact Austin. Thank you for supporting other women, our Central Texas community, and Impact Austin.
