History
The Young Women's Alliance was established in 1993, when 20 young professional women gathered in the home of Carol Thompson, a leading Austin businesswoman, to network and trade business tactics and information. The group called itself Win2 for “Win/Win” situation and began meeting regularly to discuss business, politics, city relations and future plans. By 1995, membership grew to 50 women, and the group wrote its first bylaws, incorporated with the state of Texas as a non-profit corporation, formed a board of directors, and gained support from a community advisory group. The group continued to grow and gain support, and by 1996 the members and the first board of directors decided to change the name from Win2 to the Young Women’s Alliance.
The YWA Advisory Council is a select group of Austin's business and community leaders who serve as advisors and mentors for the YWA Board of Directors and guest speakers at meetings. Council members serve YWA for a term of three years and meet regularly with the YWA Board of Directors. Most recently, YWA Advisory Council members have given their time and expertise to such events such as the annual YWA Advisory Council Panel Meeting, service on the Austin Under 40 selection committee, and assistance with organizational improvements and strategic planning.
Advisory Council members are available to the YWA Board of Directors in a general mentor capacity as well as to answer more specific questions regarding their respective committee, organizations they serve or leadership roles they hold within the Austin community.
Advisory Council members are available to the YWA Board of Directors in a general mentor capacity as well as to answer more specific questions regarding their respective committee, organizations they serve or leadership roles they hold within the Austin community.
Current Advisory Council:
- Julie Shannan, Deputy Director, GIRLSTART
- Martha Smiley, Of Counsel, Winstead
- Mary Dean, Founder/CCO, Kickskirt
- Tracey McCoy, Regional Sales Manager, Johnson Controls, Inc.
- Kerri Qunell, Director of Marketing, St. Edwards University
- Dave Shaw, President, Russell Shaw
- Heather McKissick, President/CEO, Leadership Austin
- Kelsey August, CEO, Lone Star Direct
- Libby Malone, Director of Community Relations, Grande Communications
- Cookie Gregory Ruiz, Executive Director, Ballet Austin
- Carol Thompson, The Thompson Group
YWA’s Immediate Past President, Bronwyn Blake, serves as the liaison to the Advisory Council.
The Young Women's Alliance was established in 1993, when 20 young professional women gathered in the home of Carol Thompson, a leading Austin businesswoman, to network and trade business tactics and information. The group called itself Win2 for “Win/Win” situation and began meeting regularly to discuss business, politics, city relations and future plans. By 1995, membership grew to 50 women, and the group wrote its first bylaws, incorporated with the state of Texas as a nonprofit corporation, formed a board of directors, and gained support from a community advisory group. The group continued to grow and gain support, and by 1996 the members and the first board of directors decided to change the name from Win2 to the Young Women’s Alliance.
Founding Board of Directors
- President - Patty Sanchez
- President-Elect - Nina Seely
- Secretary - Kristin Richard
- Treasurer - Laura Avery
- Community Services Chair - Penny Greene
- Marketing Chair - Marny Lochhead Lifshen
- Membership Chair - Merrell Anne Shearer
- Meetings Chair - Karen Brown
- Publications Chair - Kerri Wynn Qunell
First Appointed Advisory Board
- Carol Thompson, The Thompson Group
- Joan Gillett, Life Savings Bank
- Sharon Lastrapes, Dell Computer
- Jon Levy, Frost National Bank
- Steve Moore, Small Craig & Werkenthin
- Kerry Tate, Tate Austin
- Bill McLellan, 3M Corporation
The founders of YWA envisioned an organization that would facilitate networking opportunities and support for Austin's next generation of women leaders. Their vision has been realized, and we are proud to count many of Austin's most prominent business and community leaders among our alumnae.
In particular, we would like to recognize our past presidents, each of whom has made a lasting impact on our organization and on the thousands of women who have benefited from the professional connections, confidence, skills and friendships they gained through YWA.
YWA President 2009-10
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Patty Sanchez - Independent Contract Paralegal Services
YWA President 1993-95 -
Nina Seely - General Manager, Ralph Lauren
YWA President 1995-97 -
Merrell Anne Shearer - Broker, Merrell Anne Shearer
YWA President 1997-99 -
Tanya Downing - Director of Corporate and Community Giving, Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation
YWA President 1999-2001 -
Kerri Wynn Qunell - Director of Marketing Services, St. Edward's University
YWA President 2001-02 -
Shannon Phillips Meroney - Director of State Government Relations, Aetna
YWA President 2002-03 -
Tiffany Schoening Stillwell - Director of Business Development, Patten Law Firm
YWA President 2003-04 -
J. R. Ruiz - Manager, Deloitte Consulting
YWA President 2004 -
Linda Ginac - Founder/CEO, The Ginac Group
YWA President 2004-05 -
Susan Armstrong - Executive Director, Texas Land Trust Council
YWA President 2005-06 -
Heather Summers Parsons, CFRE - Development Director, Texas CASA
YWA President 2006-07 -
Deanna Rankin - Senior Associate, Merrill Lynch
YWA President 2007-08 -
Candace Ortega Bridges - Operations Specialist, @hand Corporation
YWA President 2008-09 -
Lori Hodge - Leadership Development Coordinator, Texas Classroom Teachers Association
YWA President 2009-10 - Bronwyn Blake - Founder and Senior Attorney, Texas Advocacy Project YWA President 2010-11
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Young Women's Alliance
P.O. Box 684612
Austin, TX 78701
