February is the month to celebrate love and we love our new members! Help us welcome these dynamic women who are joining us in our mission of collective giving. We asked them three basic questions – “How did you find out about Impact Austin and what inspired you to join, What is your short and sweet biography, and optionally, What do you think might surprise or interest your new friends about you?” Here are their answers!
Meet Angie Cole, and say hello the next time you see her!
“A close friend brought me to her New Member Orientation. Not a traditional way to join Impact Austin, but just as effective. The grant review discussion really intrigued me and made it clear this wouldn’t be the typical philanthropic endeavor. It was clear that I would gain much in the process; a real differentiator for Impact Austin.”
“I have a precocious 5-year-old daughter and currently work in power (the oldest tech industry). My work fosters an intensity in my personality that hides my softer side and constant desire to create. I love ideas and can’t wait to engage with organizations that have taken theirs into the community to create positive outcomes in so many incredible ways.”
“I’m currently fascinated with British history, especially around WWII, (Am I the only one binging on The Crown?). This is likely inspired by the once in a lifetime opportunity I had in college to meet and speak to Margaret Thatcher!”
Meet Ann Flemings, and say, “Hi!” the next time you see her.
“A few years ago, Donna Benson-Chan invited St. David’s Episcopal Grant committee members to attend an Impact Austin Discovery Day. I was entranced! Since that time, many good friends have joined Impact Austin. Julie Fritz, a current member, was instrumental in getting me to finally "on board" this year.”
“Artist, nonprofit professional and lover of all that is Austin, I hail from Pennsylvania but got to Texas as soon as I could. I was recruited to UT Austin in 2007 where I raised funds to build the current Jackson School of Geosciences Student Center. I am proud mom of a 13-year-old son and devoted partner to my rock-hound geosciences professor husband.”
“My professional focus has been fundraising in academia and with nonprofits. I have a BFA in art and five years ago I began to bring art-making back to the center of my life. Now, I blend both of my passions - helping the nonprofit sector through part-time work and volunteer activities like Impact Austin, while creating beautiful art in my studio/gallery in the Northcross Mall. You can learn more about me at FlemingsArt.com.”
Meet Laura Wood, and say hello the next time you see her!
“I have known about Impact Austin for many years through my nonprofit, Kids In A New Groove (KING). I knew I wanted to be a part of this wonderful group, knowing the significance it has in changing the course of a nonprofit. I am extremely excited to have had the opportunity to be involved present itself this year.”
"My passion in life is working with youth in foster care and ensuring they age out of care successfully. I have been involved with Kids In A New Groove for the past five years, acting as Executive Director for two years. Prior to that, I was a director at a local foster care agency, verifying and training foster homes as well as placing children into the foster homes.”
“I am extremely involved in the Austin music scene and can often be found at music venues supporting my favorite local artists. Recently, I helped orchestrate a compilation CD of local artists inspired by the book, Ready Player One by Austin author Ernest Cline.”
New Member Highlights are a series of posts that introduce you to some of our new members who have joined for FY2018. If you are interested in being highlighted, please contact us and your Impact Austin blog editor will respond to you with the details!
Send your email to contact@impactaustin.org and be sure to indicate that it is a New Member Highlight Inquiry.
