Introducing the FY 2018 Directors of Impact Austin’s Board

Each year, an amazing group of Impact Austin members works behind the scenes for the benefit of the entire membership. We are proud to introduce these talented women to you and hope that you will get to get to know them better.  You met the Officers of the Impact Austin Board in our last article. 

Now, meet the Directors of the Impact Austin Board!

Betsy BlairPresident, Cielo Azul Foundation, Community Volunteer

I am a true Texas girl - born and raised in Dallas and an Austinite since 1974.  

I have been an Impact Austin member for fourteen years and am a passionate supporter of the organization. I have served in many different capacities within the organization, including Grants Chair, Volunteer Management Co-Chair, and Grants Innovation Chair.

Impact Austin has given me the opportunity to use my time and talents, as well as introducing me to some of the most amazing women in Austin. 

Happily, retired since 2009 from a career in the high-tech industry, I now focus on volunteering, traveling, knitting, reading, and tennis, tennis, tennis!

Sarah Elliott, Founder of the Ellivate Alliance, Co-founder & Principal of Intend2Lead

I love partnering with women entrepreneurs through coaching and masterminding to inspire them to reach their potential. In March 2017, I created an alliance of trusted, like-minded women business owners (the Ellivate Alliance) to make it easier to intentionally support women entrepreneurship and elevate our collective, positive impact in the world.

I also run a leadership development business called Intend2Lead, a company that empowers emerging leaders to create new possibilities in their lives, organizations, and communities. Using an innovative combination of leadership development tools, including one-on-one and group coaching, consulting and training, we co-create unique solutions with our clients to translate their vision into reality.

I’ve always loved connecting with other women and supporting their growth, so I feel privileged and excited to be part of this extraordinary group of women at Impact Austin!

Melissa Gray, Community Volunteer

I was on Impact Austin’s founding board and am honored to serve on the board again during the celebration of our 15th anniversary.

I retired from practicing law in January 2003 and joined Impact Austin six months later. My experience with Impact Austin has transformed my life here in Austin. Not only do I have a deeper connection to our community because of what I have learned through my Impact Austin membership, but I have formed relationships with members that I will treasure forever. While I believe that Impact Austin is a true gift to Central Texas, I also know that our members’ lives are enriched by their involvement the organization.

In addition to board membership with Impact Austin, I serve on the board of Jeremiah Program and spend most of my time trying to keep track of my four teenagers!

Val Kirk, Community Volunteer

During my twelve years with Impact Austin, I've been co-chair of the Grant Finance Committee for five years, Financial Administrator for five, and on the Board of Directors for eight, with five as Treasurer. I credit Impact Austin with giving me the impetus to finally retire from practicing law, as now I can work with fabulous women, learn new things, and contribute in a meaningful way through volunteering.

Besides Impact Austin, my passions are hanging out with my family and traveling to unusual places (Egypt, the Galapagos Islands, Iceland, Australia, Antarctica). Since my son, daughter-in-law, and three precious grandsons moved to Oxford, UK, I visit them often and use that location as a jumping-off place for more travel.