A Note From Our President
Our next step as an organization in realizing our big, bold dreams to unlock the full philanthropic potential of women in Central Texas is finding the best woman to lead the charge as Executive Director. I am thrilled to announce Christina Gorczynski joined Impact Austin on August 28 as our full-time Executive Director. Christina holds a BA in Women's Studies from Beloit College in Wisconsin, a JD/MBA from the University of Houston and a Nonprofit Finance Certificate from Rice University. Most recently, Christina served as a Program Officer at the Simmons Foundation. Previously, she was the Principal Consultant at First Person LLC, a Texas-based consulting firm specializing in advocacy and capacity building for nonprofits, private foundations and social enterprises. Christina started her career serving as the Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of the Houston Area. For her work empowering women and girls to seek equity through education, advocacy, and civic engagement, Christina was named an "Inspiring Latina" by Latina Magazine, honored for youth and online engagement by the League of Women Voters of the United States, received the Young Alumni Award from her alma mater Beloit College, and selected for an Equal Justice Works public interest law fellowship.
The Board of Directors was impressed with Christina's energy, passion for our mission and thoughtful strategies for implementing our strategic plan. She demonstrated that she's not afraid of a challenge and understands the importance of honoring the foundation upon which Impact Austin has been built while propelling us forward to achieve our vision. If you haven't already, please register for the September 17, Town Hall Meeting where our membership will have the opportunity to meet and hear from Christina. Below is a letter to our members from Christina, introducing herself and sharing her excitement about meeting our future potential!
Lauren Paver, President of Impact Austin
A Letter From Our New Executive Director
When I sent Impact Austin's Executive Director job description to my best friend, she gasped- and promptly said "This position is a perfect fit", followed firmly by "And you better go for it, Christina." I am so glad I listened to her.
For me, this job is as unimaginable and unlikely as a unicorn. Only in my dreams, could I find an opportunity to leverage my professional experience in nonprofit management and philanthropy, while simultaneously pursuing my lifelong mission of working with women to make the world a better place. You, our members, took a dream and made it come to life. I am proud to be associated with such dedicated, strong and generous women.
Serving as your Executive Director during this exciting moment of transformation and growth is an honor. During a rigorous interview process, the Board of Directors made it clear that I shall stoke the flame that Impact Austin's founders lit and expertly steward your financial resources. I will collaborate with you to build on Impact Austin's momentum. Working together is how we will unlock the full philanthropic potential of women in Central Texas and strengthen our community.
At the upcoming Town Hall Meeting on September 17th, I will meet you as a collective. I also hope to interact with you personally over coffee or lunch in the coming months. Every single one of you brings a unique perspective and value to Impact Austin. I am counting on you to brainstorm with me, to advise, support, and yes, challenge me to leverage your expertise, energy, connections and dollars.
For a philanthropically-minded woman who just relocated here from Houston, there is no better way to discover my new city than to join Impact Austin. Each day, I can surround myself with women who are committed, informed and endlessly generous. I hope I can model this for other women who are moving to Austin from all over the world.
Thank you for taking a moment to learn more about me, and now, I look forward to getting to know you. You are the reason Impact Austin is a powerful organization- and I am ready to work shoulder to shoulder with you starting right now!
Christina Canales Gorczynski,
Executive Director Impact Austin
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