Meet Bethany Thomason, Vice President of Alumnae Relations

My involvement in YWA has truly sparked my involvement in the Austin community and with other area organizations. I also feel that my leadership position within YWA has driven me to seek out opportunities to lead in my profession, as well as given me an opportunity to meet and learn from so many driven and accomplished young women in Austin.

What has been your proudest YWA accomplishment?

My proudest YWA accomplishment is that I had the opportunity to really jump in as soon as I joined the organization. I sought out the Austin Under 40 Awards committee, and found that they were still looking for an events chair, and applied for it straight away. Being on a committee gave me a fast opportunity to meet new people, and the opportunity to leverage my experience managing events in order to contribute to the mission of YWA and YWAF.

What has been your proudest professional accomplishment?

My proudest professional accomplishment is that I have been able to experience a wide range of professions and work environments – from working in a restaurant, to public relations for a major retailer, to leading marketing initiatives and events for UT Austin. My experience has truly shaped who I am and where I hope to go with my career.

What are your future career or personal aspirations?

I’m at a bit of a crossroads right now. I’d love to obtain my MBA and apply that to a position with an organization in recruiting, and/or leadership and development, or even stay in higher education and assist students in discovering their career aspirations. I also hope to continue to grow as a community leader through my work with organizations such as YWA and Leadership Austin.

If you could give one piece of advice to young women entering the work force now, what would it be? Do you have any advice for teenage girls?

Take advantage of all opportunities available to you as much as possible.  Seek the opportunities out – don’t wait for them to find you.

If you could solve one of the world’s problems, what would it be? 

I would love if people could be more open-minded and receptive to a variety of points of view. Each individuals’ upbringing, personal background, and professional experience contribute to the wonderful diversity of our community, and it’s important to keep all these factors in mind when communicating with others.

Do you have any hobbies? Favorite restaurants? Favorite “Austin” activity? 

I love to sing, read, do yoga, listen to live music, eat out, and get out on the water as much as possible. I love Austin and all it has to offer.

If you could visit one place in the world, where would you go?

Just one place? I’m not sure I can limit it. Tuscany, South Africa, Australia, Thailand, Egypt, Argentina, Brazil.

What’s something interesting most people don’t know about you?

I have an operatic singing voice that goes unused – I love to sing.