


DISCOVERY DAY
Discovery Day is one of Impact Austin’s Signature Events. This winter educational event is full of engaging presentations and panel discussions that inform members and guests about pressing community needs in Central Texas as well as exciting new trends in philanthropy.

"Thriving Together Through Change"
January 21 | February 4 | February 18
12:00 - 1:30 PM CT
Online Event
Welcome to Discovery Days 2022! Three robust conversations will explore changes affecting Central Texas. Speakers will cover shifting demographics and how housing, health, and education are impacted. We’ll consider how trust-based philanthropy could help meet Central Texas’ needs and identify funding priorities across the four counties that Impact Austin serves.
See below for links to a recap from each session
and the full video recording.
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Real People, Real Experiences | FRI, JAN 21 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | [Read Recap] [Watch Now]
Central Texas demographics are changing rapidly. These shifts are more than just numbers – real lives and communities are affected every day. What are the human stories of critical and urgent needs we all need to hear? Learn more about this session and speakers here!
Moderator: Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, Austin City Council - District 2
Panelists:
- Adriana Kohler, Policy Director, Texans Care for Children [Download Slides]
- Dr. Lloyd Potter, State of Texas Demographer and Director of the Institute for Demographic and Socioeconomic Research at University of Texas-San Antonio [Download Slides]
- Christina Rosales, Board Member, Austin Tenants Council
- Dr. Annette Tielle, Superintendent, Del Valle ISD
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Building Trusted Partnerships | FRI, FEB 4 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | [Read Recap] [Watch Now]
Session sponsored by: Baird Private Wealth Management
Impact Austin’s community partnerships are expanding and thriving. As we increasingly embrace trust-based practices into grantmaking, we also endeavor to learn from our grantees and strategic advisors to advance equity together. Learn more about this session and speakers here!
Moderator: Lorene Phillips, Strategic Advisory Council Co-Chair, Impact Austin
Panelists:
- Shaady Salehi, Director, Trust-Based Philanthropy Project
- Tyeshia Wilson, Director of Engagement, Philanthropy Together
Suggested reading material:
- Trust-Based Philanthropy in 4D
- The 6 Grantmaking Practices of Trust-Based Philanthropy
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Funding Landscape in Central Texas | FRI, FEB 18 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | [Read Recap] [Watch Now]
A panel of Central Texas funders will discuss funding priorities in the four counties that Impact Austin serves – Bastrop, Hays, Travis, and Williamson. How might we learn from our peers in philanthropy and collaborate to support our region? Learn more about this session and speakers here!
Overview of Central Texas Issues: Courtney Bailey, Director of Issues & Engagement, Leadership Austin
Moderator: Ami Kane, MPA, CRFE, Chief Development Officer, Girls Empowerment Network
Panelists:
- Abena Asante, MHA, Senior Program Officer, St. David's Foundation
- Felicia Peña, Public Affairs Manager, H-E-B Central Texas Region
- Suzy Pukys, VP of Strategic Philanthropy, Georgetown Health Foundation
Thank you to our wonderful Discovery Days Sponsors!
We invite you to support these community-minded organizations and individuals. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please view the 2022 Discovery Days Sponsorship Brochure.
TITLE SPONSOR
($5,000+)
PREMIUM SPONSORS
($2,500+)
PHILANTHROPY SPONSORS
($500+)
Kuper Sotheby's International Realty
Chelle Neff
White Lilacs Fund
CURIOSITY, GENEROSITY, GROWTH
Past Discovery Day presentations from area experts included: innovation and trends in Central Texas education and health; the job skills gap; domestic violence as it affects families; protecting immigrant families in Central Texas; the lifecycle of giving; impacting equity; and using data to drive grantmaking.
Discovery Days 2021 took our signature event to a whole new level delivering 9 sessions over 6 weeks and across 3 tracks (DEIB, Discovering Central Texas Issues, and Philanthropy Education) – plus Impact Austin topics! Full session recaps and recordings from 2021 can be found on our blog post: Inspirational Takeaways from Discovery Days 2021
Signature Events require the support of a diverse group of member-volunteers, sponsors, and guests, making these programs a shining example of the commitment and collaboration fostered by Impact Austin.
Showcase your support of Impact Austin's mission today!