Welcome to a series we are beginning that introduces you to some of our new members who have joined for FY2018. If you are interested in being highlighted, please contact us and your Impact Austin blog editor will respond to you with the details. Send your email to contact@impactaustin.org and be sure to indicate that it is a New Member Highlight Inquiry.
We are kicking this year off right with some amazing women that we know you will want to get to know better as the grantmaking year progresses. We asked them three basic questions – How did you find out about Impact Austin and what inspired you to join, what is your short and sweet biography, and what do you think might surprise or interest your new friends about you? Here are their answers:
Meet Patricia Cruz, and say “Hi!” the next time you see her!
“My dear friend, Elizabeth Frisch, invited me to attend an Impact Austin event. I had been searching for a place where I would be able to connect with other women looking to contribute and make a difference.”
“I love coffee! It might be because I am from Colombia and have very sweet friendships and family memories around a good cup of coffee. My husband and I moved to the US to go to graduate school always thinking one day we would return to South America. Three kids, two dogs, a career as a management consultant and twenty years later, we are still here! Oh, and I go by Patty!”
“My fellow members might find it interesting that I love to travel and have lived in eight countries in South America. I find meeting new people and learning about different cultures fascinating!”
Meet Lucy MacQueen and say hello the next time you see her!
“I had heard of Impact a few years ago, but was active in the National Charity League (NCL) with my daughters and didn’t have time for both organizations. Two friends of mine were already active in Impact Austin, so as soon as my youngest graduated from NCL this May, I joined up. I really love the concept and am very excited to see it put into practice.”
“I could describe myself as a Tall-ish, slim-ish, blond-ish and English woman, but I can give you guys a little more information than that. I have lived here for 25 years, am an artist and have three wonderful daughters, the last of which is leaving for college in September. So then, I will be a tall-ish, slim-ish, blond-ish, English empty nester!”
“My new friends may find it interesting that I foster for Austin Pets Alive and over the past 4-5 years have probably fostered 200+ pups, ranging from motherless newborns that need bottle feeding, (I have 5 as we speak) to shut down adult dogs that need to learn to trust humans again.”
Meet Judi McCarthy and say, “Hi!” the next time you see her!
“I was introduced to Impact Austin in a roundabout way. A mutual acquaintance in Kansas City introduced me to a lovely San Antonio woman who’d joined an Impact group there. She cited it as “the way she formed friendships and began meaningful volunteer work in her new community.” I went to the Internet, found Impact Austin, and contacted the organization online. Now I am working with the Marketing Committee and having a marvelous time!”
“I’m a Marine Corps brat, who moved 16 times before heading to college. After 32 years in Bakersfield, California, I didn’t imagine moving again, but here I am in Austin! I’m a career volunteer and mother of two thirty-somethings; a son here in Austin and daughter near Portland. My husband Rob and I have been happily married for 36 years.”
“I helped to start a collective giving women’s fund in Central California, as a part of our community foundation. Its model is different from Impact Austin’s, but both have mutual strengths and challenges. I’m passionate about women’s philanthropy, and I love learning about all its aspects."
