Joining YWA in February 2026 and jumping straight into a chair role was the best decision I could have made. Finding a genuine community in my late twenties felt like a challenge, but YWA completely changed the game and has become such a warm, impactful addition to my life. Beyond the incredible connections, the community service aspect means the world to me, particularly our work with the Future Women+ Leaders Fund and the LENS Mentorship program. As a first-generation college graduate myself, being able to give back and support young women on their educational journeys has been a truly powerful and rewarding experience.

Barb Cantu

Three years ago, I joined YWA hoping to meet more women and get involved in the city, and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made! I’ve made wonderful, lasting friendships, discovered so much of what our city has to offer—from inspiring organizations and philanthropic missions to delicious restaurants, fun venues, and outdoor activities—and grown in meaningful ways both personally and professionally. I’m especially grateful for the opportunities YWA has given me to learn, challenge myself, and grow as a leader. YWA holds a special place in my heart, and I’m so thankful to be part of an organization that continues to inspire me, challenge me, and bring such fantastic women into my life.

Elizabeth Bartels

It’s wild that it’s only been a year since I joined YWA because it’s become such a huge part of my life! Making incredible friends is really just the tip of the iceberg – getting to step up as a leader and fundraise for the Future Women Leaders Fund has been so rewarding. It’s just such an amazing community, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have found it.

Kristina Jingling

I wanted to meet like minded, career-driven women. As a black woman I did not find a lot of like-minded organizations that looked to be very inviting to black women – they didn’t have any or only had the one token and I really didn’t want to be a second one. I went on a whim and joined YWA and was able to meet so many amazing women. I joined the army right after high school so am still struggling with the whole womanhood thing and that has been a focal point of my platform for my pageants. YWA has really helped me to connect with my pageants sisters and has helped me get so many amazing opportunities with so many other organizations across Texas. It was literally just from collaborating with women in this organization.

Najah Clay

I joined YWA when I was new to Austin and looking for community, and wow did I find it! Joining the membership committee my first year really helped me understand the org, work towards something bigger than myself, and make life long friends within the short time I’ve lived here. It feels amazing to develop new skills while being fully supported by the women around you. I owe so much to YWA!

Jessica Waites

I can honestly say that 65% of the opportunities/ doors that opened up for me in Austin are because of YWA. The fellowship I’m in, the conversations and initiatives I get to spearhead around D&I and the connections I get to facilitate to help advance others: YWA.

Tatyana Mann

I started a side biz doing social media management which I wouldn’t have been able to achieve without being the social media chair for YWA and marketing chair for AU40–which gave me a portfolio to use and the confidence to pitch myself! Thanks to the side gig, I’m buying my first house!

Sarah Simmons

I joined YWA to be a part of a community of like-minded women who want to make an impact on the community but also support and uplift each other. As a chair, I feel like I have already gained new skills. Skills that I could take with me when I decide to make a career change. I’ve been able to get out of my comfort zone and try something completely different from my day job.

Lynda Ma

I struggle with mental health. I am very open about it – it’s part of my platform. Being isolated for COVID and struggling with that, I rejoined YWA. I needed that connection, I needed that support, and I needed those women in my life. I could not have found a better group! Not only did I meet some of my best friends in this organization but also my amazing mentor, Heather Emerson. She encouraged me to start my business, launch locally in Austin and to get involved with her own connections. I wouldn’t have the platform, connections and friends I have now without YWA. If you are looking for support, friends and growth as well as a place where you not only feel empowered, but where you can empower others – this is it!

Heather Stout

I joined YWA because I’ve been craving that next step in my personal development journey, that one life changing group or experience to help catapult me towards my deepest goals and desires. I seek to deepen my experience here and to develop my professional skills, expand my circle of influence, and become an overall more well-rounded individual. I’ve made so many new friends in such a brief timeframe. Even found my new workout buddy!

Jasmine Alvey

I was talking to one of our YWA members about speaking for a YWA professional development workshop. Within 10 minutes, she was asking me if I was applying for jobs, because she thought I would be great for a role at her company! Now she is my boss!

Molly Alsobrook

I joined YWA when I moved back to Austin. I had been living in Washington, DC for years. It’s because of YWA that I was able to meet people and form new friendships and get plugged into community events. I even found a job, thanks to a YWA colleague and friend. I’m grateful for the many personal and professional benefits that the organization offered me over the years.

Lesley Guthrie