Inside The Austin Under 40 Awards With This Year's Honorary Hosts
Before the 2015 Austin Under 40 Awards are held March 7, two former winners, and this year’s honorary hosts, Lemuel Williams and Terri Broussard Williams, share some words of wisdom about what the awards really mean.
Lemuel, you won an Austin Under 40 award in 2010 in the Technology category, can you describe a little about how you felt on the evening of the awards?
Lemuel Williams: Being nominated for a technology award at that particular time in Austin's technology scene was an amazing honor. I was honored to be a finalist but more importantly to be in the same discussion with Michael Dell, Corey Bell, etc., whom have won previously. When all the names were called, I learned over to my, at the time fiancée and told her, "I am going to win.” She said, "Are you sure?” No doubt! And, the rest was history.
What sort of impact did winning an Au40 award have for you?
LW: Winning the award was good for the first couple of months then I realized, not too many people will win this award and I should take this and go make something of it. I knew I could be an ambassador to other up and coming young professionals within the Austin community. The award placed me within a special group of alumni, but more importantly it allowed me to raise the profile for the tech industry.
Terri, you won in 2014 in the Government and Public Affairs category, how did you feel the evening of the awards?
Terri Broussard Williams: The crowd was energetic, so many servant leaders were in the room, and everyone was there to support the Austin community. That was the best part of the night. It was all about where we lived and those who serve with compassion.
What sort of impact has winning an Au40 award had for you?
TBW: It was truly a humbling experience. I received many congratulatory notes from individuals I'd never met. I took the time to have coffee or schedule a conference call with those that reached out to me. It was a great opportunity to share my journey, the mission of the American Heart Association, and love for The Junior League of Austin.
What can people expect from this year’s event that might be different from previous events?
LW: People can expect more categories, more finalists and new people to Austin. This is the time to put yourself out there and meet amazing people that you would not elsewhere.
TBW: This year's event will be spectacular. Not only will it be in the new JW Marriott, but there will be a new format. You can expect some new partnerships with some of Austin's most giving companies like Tiffany & Co. I won't spill all the beans and save some surprises for the big day.
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s event?
TBW: Austin Under 40 brings so many people to one venue. I am looking forward to seeing my contemporaries. It always feels like a big family reunion. I am also looking forward to hearing about YMBL's Sunshine Camps and the scholarships recently given out by YWA.
Any advice for this year’s nominees?
TBW: Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, "Life's most urgent question is 'What are you doing for others?'” Don't forget the night is not just about awards. It's a time to recognize those who have lead their industry, but most importantly have exhibited a solid commitment to serving the Austin community. While some will walk out with hardware, everyone who is nominated is truly the reason Austin is a phenomenal place to live.
Anything else that you’d like to mention?
LW: I want individuals to know whether you are a finalist, past, or current winner, Austin Under 40 is group you will always be associated with, but this should not be your final stop. You are being recognized because you care about causes that are keeping you awake all hours of the night and sacrificing important events in your life. Be humble and stay humble. Generations after generations will thank you for it!
Find out more about the 2015 Austin Under 40 Awards.
Expect nominees to be announced and tickets to go on sale Friday, January 30.
