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Meet The May Board Member Of The Month

Megan Belflower is a Supply/Demand Planner at Dell.

Why did you initially join YWA?

I had just been promoted into leadership and wanted to network and seek insight from other like-minded professional young women.

You are the VP of Finance. What made you want to lead this committee?

I wanted to help and give back to YWA. Finance was the best use of my skill set while also providing me a learning opportunity.

What are you most excited to accomplish in the 2014 - 2015 year?

Selling my first home and moving closer into Austin!

What is something that you have learned about yourself through your involvement with YWA?

I originally joined YWA because I needed help as a new leader and was struggling with the challenges leadership brings. All of my focus was on those weaknesses and I forgot about my strengths. Networking in YWA reminded me of those strengths, as I’ve been able to help and mentor others.

Tell us something you are most proud of.

My ability to persevere. Oh, and teaching my dog to open the refrigerator when my hands are full.

Do you have a bucket list? If so what's on it?

I don’t have a written list, but it would include mostly traveling around the world.

How did you end up in Austin?

I graduated from Texas State University and decided to make Austin my home.

#igniteYWA #youngwomensalliance #boardmemberofthemonth #may

Meet The April Board Member Of The Month

Vanessa Fuentes is the Senior Director of Grassroots Advocacy at the American Heart Association.

Why did you choose to lead the Austin Under 40 Awards committee?

I've been a member of the AU40 planning committee for four years and I have loved the experience of working with talented members of the Young Women's Alliance and Young Men's Business League. Sarah Harrington, Felicia Pena, Mysha Lubke, Britni Rachal, Jordan Hefton, Sandra Rivera, Ali Bills, Phoebe Chen, Hannah Meyer, and Ashley Flores were instrumental to the event success. I am amazed and inspired by their hard work and dedication in planning Austin Under 40, a signature event in the community hosted by YWA. We are able to recognize individuals who are not only excelling in their careers but are also making an impact on the community. Since 1998, YWA and YMBL have hosted a sold-out fundraising gala in support of the YWA Foundation and Austin Sunshine Camps.

Why did you join YWA?

I joined YWA in 2009 to meet like-minded women and to have the opportunity to develop leadership and professional skills.

Tell us something you are most proud of.

I am most proud of the incredible work of the 2015 AU40 planning committee. Truly. Our committee members dedicated over 400 volunteer hours to put on this event, which raised over $150,000 for our charities.

What stands out to you about Austin and its community?

I love how Austinites prefer to support local businesses. Also, the food scene is the BEST. Almost every week we have another delicious eatery opening and offering scrumptious cuisine.

Do you have a bucket list? If so what is on it?

I do not have a bucket list but I'm currently working on a 2015 Summer of Fun list! Feel free to email me with suggestions and local favorites.

#ywa #igniteywa #boardmemberofthemonth #vanessafuentes #AU40

Meet The March Board Member Of The Month

An attorney with the Texas Legislative Council, Erin Smith has been in Austin for eight years.

Why did you choose to lead your committee?

Thanks to my predecessors, I had a really positive experience and learned a lot serving on the Giving Committee as a chair. I was excited to have the opportunity to continue to build on all of the success that the committee had achieved in the previous years and to have the chance to get to know many of the city's outstanding nonprofits and top students through our foundation's grant and scholarship programs.

Why did you join YWA?

For leadership, social, and community service opportunities, and for an introduction to the many, many opportunities to engage in and give back to the Austin community throughout my career.

Tell us something you are most proud of.

Co-founding and co-chairing the city's first leadership program for Catholic young professionals! We just launched the Diocese of Austin's Emerging Leaders Program last week.

What stands out to you about Austin and its community?

The overall generosity of the community and the widespread desire to effect positive change in the world.

Do you have a bucket list? If so, what is on it?

No bucket list, but my immediate goal is to work really hard to have a successful legislative session then enjoy a beach vacation this summer.

#igniteYWA #youngwomensalliance #giving #boardmemberofthemonth #march

Meet The March Board Member of the Month

An Operations Manager for Keller Williams Realty, Inc., Tara Wilkinson heads YWA’s Development Committee.

Why did you choose to lead your committee?

I had been on the Development committee the year before and was able to see first hand how much of an impact we can make as an organization. Also, it can be challenging to fundraise and I really wanted to gain that kind of experience while working with a great team.

Why did you join YWA?

I was looking for an organization that focused on growth and leadership, but still had an emphasis on serving the community and developing relationships. There are many great organizations in Austin to be a part of, but joining YWA is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Tell us something you are most proud of.

My husband and I just bought our first rental property! We've been saving money and searching for properties for years (years!), and it is very rewarding to have reached that goal.

What stands out to you about Austin and its community?

I love that Austin is always evolving and still keeps community service at its core. Central Texas is full of passionate people who dedicate countless hours to making our community a better place.

Do you have a bucket list? If so what is on it?

I have a bucket list of sorts. Most things on it relate to travel – go to all of the national parks, see the great whites in South Africa. Other things include seeing a US soccer team game (coming soon in April!), own my own business, have the opportunity to be a mentor.

#igniteYWA #youngwomensalliance #boardmemberofthemonth #march #development

Meet The February Board Member Of The Month: Mary Parsamyan

A VP of the Events And Programs Committees, Mary Parsamyan has been in Austin for more than a decade.

Why did you initially join YWA?

To give back to the community and meet people.

You are the VP of the Events & Programs Committees. What made you want to lead these committees?

I get to work with so many amazing people in the Austin community and within YWA while bringing the best to our members and beyond.

What are you most excited to accomplish in 2015?

I have lots of family and friends out of state that I want to see, so I’d love to travel this year.

Tell something about yourself that most other members might not know.

I love cooking for myself and for the people around me. I think food brings people together and I write a story with every new dish that I cook.

Do you have a bucket list? What is on it?

I’m constantly evolving, growing and changing so my vision for what I want to do and what I want is too.

#igniteYWA #YWA #youngwomensalliance #boardmemberofthemonth #february #programscommittee #events

Meet The February Board Member Of The Month: Lauren Adams

A Manager of Events & Vendor Partnerships for The Contemporary Austin, Lauren Adams leads YWA’s Events Committee.

Why did you initially join YWA?

For the professional development opportunities. You are the VP of the Events Committee. What made you want to lead this group?

To help increase the awareness of and support for YWA events.

What are you most excited to accomplish in 2015?

I’m looking forward to completing my first year as a YWA Board Member and to engaging and meeting even more of our members.

Tell something about yourself that most other members might not know.

Before moving to Austin I lived in London where I completed my Master’s Degree in Art History.

Do you have a bucket list? What is on it?

I do and most of the items are travel related. On the top of the list is scuba diving!

#igniteYWA #youngwomensalliance #boardmemberofthemonth #february #eventscommittee

Meet The January Board Member Of The Month: Rebekah Grmela

A Marketing and Tourism Coordinator for the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau, Rebekah Grmela helps lead YWA Alumnae and Membership. Why did you initially join YWA? Austin is an incredible community of individuals looking to help others. I loved living in the city, and wanted to find a way to give back and volunteer, empower other women, and make new friends! As soon as I attended my first general meeting, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the organization. Now, I can't imagine where I would be in Austin today if it weren't for the remarkable women I've met in YWA. You are one of the VPs of the Membership Committee & Alumnae Committee, what made you want to lead these committees? I wanted to encourage other young women in Austin to step out of their comfort zone and join an organization committed to pushing boundaries and growing ideas. Helping with membership and connecting them with former members of the organization seemed like a natural place to be. What are you most excited to accomplish in 2015? In YWA, I'm excited for all of the big changes and community and partner growth happening in 2015! Personally, I'm also really looking forward to a fresh reset on the year and beginning new writing projects, outdoor adventures, and some special boundary-pushing activities that are in the works. Tell something about yourself that most other members might not know.

I have a special talent for interesting interactions with strangers. In 2014, I managed to accidentally hang out with Hillary Clinton, Wendy Davis, and Bill White, separately, on the same day. What is on your nightstand? Yes Please by Amy Poehler and East of Eden by John Steinbeck.

#igniteYWA #youngwomensalliance #boardmemberofthemonth #january #rebekahgrmela

Meet The January Board Member Of The Month: Jessica Pino

A Digital Marketing Manager for Ballet Austin, Jessica Pino has spent six years in Austin and helps lead YWA Membership. Why did you initially join YWA? One day I woke up and realized that I wasn't an active community member. I was just living here in this beautiful town but wasn't contributing back to it. So I decided to join YWA to become more involved. You are one of the VPs of the Membership Committee & Alumnae Committee, what made you want to lead these committees? I wanted to share with other young women my story about why I joined and encourage them to give back to the community as well through organizations such as YWA. Being able to guide others at the start of their journey in Austin was important to me. What are you most excited to accomplish in 2015? I'm really looking forward to 2015. I think it's going to be a great year for reading, learning and teaching. I also hope to write more and possibly start writing some short stories. Tell something about yourself that most other members might not know. I was once on "House Hunters." What is on your nightstand? The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer.

#igniteYWA #youngwomensalliance #boardmemberofthemonth #january #membership #jessicapino

Meet The February Board Member Of The Month: Lauren Adams

A Manager of Events & Vendor Partnerships for The Contemporary Austin, Lauren Adams leads YWA’s Events Committee.

Why did you initially join YWA?

For the professional development opportunities. You are the VP of the Events Committee. What made you want to lead this group?

To help increase the awareness of and support for YWA events.

What are you most excited to accomplish in 2015?

I’m looking forward to completing my first year as a YWA Board Member and to engaging and meeting even more of our members.

Tell something about yourself that most other members might not know.

Before moving to Austin I lived in London where I completed my Master’s Degree in Art History.

Do you have a bucket list? What is on it?

I do and most of the items are travel related. On the top of the list is scuba diving!

#igniteYWA #youngwomensalliance #boardmemberofthemonth #february #eventscommittee

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