By Mae Mendoza
Impact Austin member & g3 Co-Chair
Impact Austin is member-powered! Girls Giving Grants (g3) is a fabulous example of this ethic, with numerous volunteer teen leaders and adult advisors and co-chairs. Meet some of g3's 2024-2025 leadership.
Karen Davenport is an enthusiastic Co-Chair for Girls Giving Grants since 2022. She is a retired engineer who has a passion for math, science, and reading, particularly mysteries. Initially drawn to g3 after attending a presentation by its members at the Impact Austin Annual Meeting, she recognized the value of supporting such a unique and impactful organization. Eight years later, her appreciation for the girl-led, collective giving initiative has only grown. In her role as Co-chair, she serves as a guide when needed and a reflector of the members' brilliance, which motivates her to continue her involvement.
A fun fact about Karen is that the Pennybacker (360) bridge is named after one of her relatives, Percy V. Pennybacker Jr., a pioneer in welded structures technology and designer of the award-winning bridge. Additionally, Percy was raised by the remarkable Anna J Hardwicke Pennybacker, a prominent women's suffrage advocate, author, lecturer, and friend to Eleanor Roosevelt, serving as a strong and positive role model for her son.
Rebecca Birch currently serves as a Co-Chair for Girls Giving Grants for 2024. She is the Director of State Policy & Advocacy for one of the world’s leading breast cancer organizations, overseeing the introduction and passage of legisaltion across the country. Rebecca became involved with Impact Austin in 2021 and found the work of g3 when she served as a speaker for their Community Needs panel. With a passion for empowering young women in leadership, Rebecca is grateful for
the opportunity to work alongside side these amazing young ladies.
A fun fact about Rebecca is she had the opportunity to speak with Elon Musk when the was making the decision on where to build the new Gigafactory, which was ultimately located in Del Valle ISD, where Rebeca served as the elected School Board President.
Mae Mendoza currently serves as a Co-Chair for Girls Giving Grants in 2024. She holds a leadership position at one of the world's top recruitment companies, overseeing the Austin business operations. Mae became involved with Impact Austin in 2023 at the encouragement of Claudia Barlow. After attending meetings and being introduced to g3, she was invited to join as a Co-chair. Despite her busy schedule, Mae embraced the opportunity to support g3 girls this year, driven by her belief in making a positive impact wherever she goes.
A fun fact about Mae is her passion for martial arts, particularly boxing for 10 years and recently starting Brazilian Jiujitsu and Muay Thai. She enjoys traveling and immersing herself in local cultures to fully experience the places she visits.
Meredith McMahan, President of g3, is a Westlake High School senior who is passionate about leadership and community service. She is a cheerleader at school and the founder of Provide a Ride, a volunteer organization offering free transportation to local nonprofits. Meredith has been involved with g3 since 8th grade, starting out as an ARC Co-Chair and working her way up to Vice President before becoming President this year. She values g3 for the opportunities it has provided her to grow as a leader, collaborate effectively in a team, and connect with inspiring individuals. As President, Meredith aims to support and uplift all members while expanding g3's reach to more girls in the Austin area.
A fun fact about Meredith is that she serves as the Student Body Vice President alongside her best friend, who is the Student Body President, making them the first female duo to hold these positions in their school's history.
Girls Giving Grants (g3) is Impact Austin's youth initiative, a giving circle comprised of young women in grades 8-12. Since forming in 2006, g3 has granted $124,100 to Austin-area nonprofits that serve youth. Through Sep 15, g3 is recruiting new members. Find all the details and registration form here: https://www.impactaustin.org/girls-giving-grants
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