Thank you for your generous support of United Way for Greater Austin's mission to break the cycle of poverty here in our community! Your gift is an investment in proven, local, long-term solutions that address the root causes of poverty.
For more information about United Way and Women United, visit our website.
Join, Donate, and Purchase Raffle Tickets
Gathering for Good
Women United members along with co-chairs
Allison Dwyer and Tracy Fielder
invite you to come together, break bread, and be inspired at a luncheon for Women United
Thursday, May 4, 2023
11 am - 1 pm
All proceeds will go toward helping local children and families in United Way for Greater Austin's continued fight for equity.
Location and Parking
Branch Park Pavilion
2201 Aldrich St.
Austin, TX 78723
We recommend all guests park in the Robert Browning Garage. Parking is also available on adjacent streets. (Make sure to check nearby signs for parking meter instructions.)
Program
11 am – Guest registration & raffle
11:30 am – Lunch & program
1 pm – Farewells
Women United Executive Committee
Leshia Hoot, Women United Co-Chair
Erika Laughlin, Women United Co-Chair
Maria Aguiluz
Tracy Fielder
Lauren Fincher
Amy Green-Hinojosa
Laura Hernandez Holmes
Cherry Mendoza
Abbi Miller
Malini Rajput
Michele Scott
Allyson Seger
Ashley Unbehagen
Rina vonFrisch
Paige Woolery
Jennifer Wu
Meet Our Keynote Speakers
Andromeda is a single mother committed to providing the best life for her four-year-old daughter, Athena. Andromeda first became involved with United Way for Greater Austin through the Parenting Students Project, as a nursing student at ACC. She is passionate about advocating for parents who are also students, single mothers, and first-generation college students.
Cristina Guajardo
Cristina became involved with United Way for Greater Austin in 2018 as a resident and ambassador for the Jeremiah Program, a United Way funded partner and member organization of the Austin/Travis County 2-Gen Coalition – powered by United Way. She has advocated for student parents and affordable child care by sharing her story at various local and national events, including with the Aspen Institute and as a Zero to Three Parent Representative in Washington D.C.
Meet Our Artists
Did you know Gathering for Good will feature two women artists and their work? Meet Texas painters Sarah Murrin and Umbreen Ahmad, whose work–inspired by Women United–will be displayed at the event.
Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support!
Presenting Sponsor:
Empower Sponsors:
Jeanmarie & Scott Rust 
Partner Sponsors:
Liz & Duff Stewart
Friend Sponsors:
Allison Dwyer
Tracy Fielder
Paige Alam & Thresa Nasi
Kristin Marcum 
Thank you to these women-owned businesses for their generous support!
Blenders and Bowls
About: Blenders & Bowls is a female owned company by two best friends: Erin and Kara. The dynamic duo opened the Blenders & Bowls food truck and scaled the business to a multi-unit café chain and CPG company. Blenders & Bowls mission is to empower individuals to live their best lives through the power of nutrient-dense food and a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere.
www.blendersandbowls.com
www.blendersandbowlscafe.com
Instagram: @blendersandbowls
Facebook: /BlendersandBowlsCafes
Bola Pizza
About: Bola Pizza is on a mission to bring you deliciously different pizzas that are handmade with superior ingredients and zero compromises. We’ve been doing it every day since 2012, and we’re going to keep on doing it. We love what we do and you can taste it!
Instagram: @bolapizza
Consuela
About: In 2005, Conni Reed followed her passion for creativity and left a 16-year corporate career to launch her company, Consuela. In the wake of what she describes as “an early mid-life crisis,” Conni felt called to live an authentic, meaningful life and build a business that would make a difference in the lives of women and Mexican artisans. In the years since, she has poured her passion and creativity into Consuela, a handbag and accessories company based in Texas that vibrantly reflects the joy and beauty–her “magic”– she wants to contribute to the world.
Instagram: @consuelastyle
Facebook: /consuelastyle
TikTok: @consuelastyle
DPET Hotel
Instagram: @Dpetaustin
Ester Gamez Jewelry
About: Ester Gamez is an Austin based designer with a curated collection of new, vintage, and one of a kind pieces. Her jewelry is a reflection of her own personal style which is unconventional, edgy, and timeless. Each of her pieces can be worn alone as a statement piece or as a part of your "neckmess."
Instagram: @estergamezjewelry
Gossamer
About: As a single mom with three kids, Keira knows the importance of something that makes life easier and makes her feel good. Enter the Gossamer Cashmere sweater wrap: a go-to for easy, cozy, flexible style. Made from the most luxurious 100% cashmere, the Gossamer wrap can be worn as a wrap, sweater, or scarf. Three pieces in one!
Instagram: @gossamercashmere
Joann's Esthetics
About: Celebrating over 23 years in esthetics, Joann is proud to be serving the skincare needs of the Austin community at The Collective ATX. Calling Austin home for the majority of her life, her Esthetics path has included Jackson Ruiz Salon (now known as Ruiz Salon) and Sabia Apothecary, before joining The Collective ATX in 2021 to help expand their offerings to enable people to look and feel their best.
thecollectiveatx.com/skin-by-the-collective-atx
Instagram: @joannsesthetics
Instagram: @thecollectiveatx_
Kendra Scott
About: Kendra Scott combined her love for fashion, fashion and philanthropy to create jewelry that has become a household fashion staple. She started her company in 2002, just three months after her first son was born, with only $500. Known for her dynamic use of color and genuine materials, Kendra’s commitment to innovation, quality and detail has brought her from a small start-up to a billion-dollar brand that has won over loyal fans, media and celebrities alike.
Instagram: @kendrascott
Modern Beauty
About: With over 30 years of medical experience and a dream, Dr. Bridget Brady MD, Austin Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgeons, Leslie Laverty RN, BSN, and Melissa Patterson RN, LE created a more MODERN way to treat patients. Modern Beauty & Wellness has the goal to offer MORE! More education, more treatment options and more lifelong healthy and happy patients.
Instagram: @modernbeautyatx
Instagram: @modernwellness.atx
Instagram: @austinthyroidparathyroid
Pink Cactus Productions
About: Maria has 16+ years experience in organizing, managing and executing activations & large-scale events to drive client initiatives and create unique customer experiences. She founded Pink Cactus, an event production that creates incredible live and virtual experience and offers full-service event capabilities.
Instagram: @pinkcactusproductions
Robin Hancock Jewelry
About: Robin launched RSK Jewelry in 1999 to bring concierge-level service and fine jewelry expertise to Central Texas. Since that time, she’s developed a thriving business and developed a loyal base of clients across the country. Robin attributes her success to unmatched personal service, dedication to finding exquisite pieces and ability to bring joy to her clients.
Instagram: @rhfine_jewelry
Rowing Dock
About: Founded in 1999, and originally developed for sculling, Rowing Dock has since evolved into Austin’s hidden treasure for launching watercraft rentals on Lady Bird Lake. Our local, women-owned and operated business is now a cherished resource for kayakers, stand up paddle boarders, and canoers. Owner, Susan Goldberg, has led the dramatic expansion of the company from a small member-focused rowing club to an accessible, community-first watercraft rental operation for all.
Instagram: @rowingdock
Facebook: /rockingdock
SCW Interiors
About: SCW Interiors is a full service design company built on the guiding principle that our surroundings are a direct reflection of our wellbeing. Headed by Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey, a native Texan, Shazalynn spent 25 years culling her craft on projects across the country and now happily calls Austin her home base. After graduating from UT in Austin, she attended the Culinary Institute of America and Parsons before committing to her lifelong passion of design. Spaces that combine a sense of personalization, curiosity, whimsy, and nurture are the hallmark of their designs.
Instagram: @SCW_interiors
Succulent Native
About: It all started when Shannon followed her art dreams to college where she majored in sculpture and fine art. She struggled to a find a medium she truly connected with, and found a job as a florist to flex her creative eye for design and beautifying plants. From her humble beginning of succulent street-peddler to full-service plant shop, Shannon not only offers unique and beautiful succulent arrangements and gifts, but workshops and planting parties, a plant club subscription box, house call services, and a program called “Austin Native & Creative” to support local artists and businesses.
Instagram: @succulentnative
Susto Mezcal
About: Three long-times friends Liz Stewart, Ingrid Taylor, and Titi Rodriguez launched Gropo Compadres in 2017. Grupo Compadres produces its own mezcal. The company co-owns an artisanal, family-owned mezcal distillery with maestro mezcalero Crispin Perez. The founders also work with the Oaxaca Community Foundation to provide scholarships to local students.
Instagram: @sustomezcal
Tiny Grocer
About: Steph has been a grocer for as long as she can remember, having held every position imaginable at Whole Foods Market during her 24 year tenure there, from running the flagship store to directing the opening of another prominent Austin location. She later served as the Operations Director for Bunkhouse and a Project Director for MML before realizing her vision for a scrappy successful small business of her own, TINYGrocer.
Instagram: @tinygroceratx
Yoga Pod
About: Locally and female-owned by Austin-ite, Jennifer Haley. Her studio offers an inclusive, welcoming warm vibe to everyone who walks in the door. When she isn’t at the studio, Jennifer likes getting outdoors to hike and bike on Lady Bird Lake trail and spending time with her two grown sons. As a long-time Austin resident, Jennifer has worked in various sectors over the years from politics to non-profits but after raising her kids and making some life changes, she decided to pursue her true passion of health and fitness and create an accessible space for all!
Instagram: @yogapodaustin
Facebook: /yogapodaustin