Throughout March, Austin FC honored Women's History Month by amplifying the voices of women leaders in our community and acknowledging the work they are doing to strengthen our Club, our community, and our city.
2023 She Leads Honorees - Raasin McIntosh, Jane Hervey, Gabriela "Gabby" Bucio, and Gretel Perera standing in front of the iconic Elisabet Ney Museum.
In honor of International Women's Day, alongside Michelob Ultra, Austin FC hosted a discussion on Women's Empowerment featuring Raasin McIntosh, Jane Hervey, and Gabriela Bucio!
Gabriela Bucio
Entrepreneur and Independent Business Owner / Co-Founder and Owner, Gabriela's Group / DJ Gabby Got It
Why Austin?
Although I’m not a native of Austin, I have spent the majority of my life in this wonderful town. As a huge music lover and frequent concertgoer, these are the things that attracted me to the city. Fast forward to today, I love being able to not only participate in the music scene as a fan but also create similar experiences for others as a business owner, talent buyer, and DJ.
How do we continue to create and protect communities that are founded in diversity, representation, and belonging?
Showcasing our true authentic selves is what gives others the space and motivation to express themselves freely. Representation in all forms is so important, especially for overlooked communities like with my fellow Latinas across Austin.
Connecting culture and your personal path to your entrepreneurial approach seems intentional, why has that approach been so powerful?
People can sense when something is authentic or not. The reason we've had so much success is that we offer a true and honest representation of ourselves as well as modern-day Hispanic culture. As business owners, we want to create programming that not only serves our personal interests of course, but we also want to help fill an important void we see in the Austin scene. Our ultimate goal is to create an environment that is welcoming to people like me that might otherwise feel left out of the conversation.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
As one of the few Latina business owners in downtown Austin, I always try to put the women on my team in positions to find their own success by empowering them to make decisions that not only impact themselves but our business, our staff, our programming and all of the other elements that make us so unique. Our business is but a representation of our staff and since day one, supporting females has been a huge point of emphasis for our team. I’m proud of our impact, although continuing to find and give a platform to new female talent will continue to be a big goal for me.
What is the legacy that you want to leave? Are you working on any new projects?
At the end of the day, I’m most proud of creating safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces for all people but particularly my fellow Latinos and Latinas in Austin which historically have been underserved and underrepresented. If I'm able to serve as a role model to aspiring youths while making a positive impact in their lives, what else could you ask for? As for new projects, we are expanding outside of Central Texas with Gabrielas Midtown opening, a new bakery, a quick-service to-go concept, and lots more on the way.
What advice do you have for women looking to grow either their own business or their impact within their communities?
Don't be afraid to follow your vision regardless of what outside voices may say or think. It can be a long and difficult road when bringing a new and original idea to life, but I highly suggest you surround yourself with friends, family, and a strong support system. This for me made all the difference as I look to continue to grow my family business here in Austin and beyond.
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Raasin McIntosh
Founder & CEO Raasin in the Sun // Director of Downtown Austin Alliance
How do we continue to create and protect communities that are founded in diversity, representation, and belonging?
We can continue to create and protect communities that are founded in diversity, representation, and belonging by taking proactive steps to promote inclusion and equity in our policies, programming, and practices. This includes making sure that everyone has access to the same resources, opportunities, and support systems, and that all voices are heard and respected. It is important to create an open and safe environment by actively discouraging discrimination and other forms of exclusion. We must foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration among community members to ensure that all individuals can contribute to the community in meaningful ways.
Why are places (restaurants, community organizations, workplaces) and activities (sports, community events) that encourage diversity so essential to our collective success in Austin?
Places and activities that encourage diversity are essential to our collective success in Austin because they create an inclusive, welcoming environment where everyone can feel comfortable and safe. They also promote understanding and collaboration between people of different backgrounds and cultures, which leads to more creative and innovative ideas. Diversity enriches our community and helps us to become a stronger, more prosperous and vibrant city.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
In order to empower others and women in particular, you must journey the path of self reflection that cultivates an unbreakable belief in your own potential as well as that of the women around you. Strive to create an environment of support and open communication, and work to build a sense of community and solidarity among women. Most people may think it’s a competition, but it isn’t. It really is about elevating others to do this great work while at the same time striving to better yourself. Happiness, success, and love are all abundant and accessible. Hone in on developing skills and abilities, as well as supporting and mentoring other women to do the same. Last but not least, you must actively advocate for gender equality in all aspects of life and encourage others to do the same.
How does the service of others continually tie-in to your personal success?
Serving others is an important part of personal success because it helps to create a community of people who are mutually supportive and invested in each other's success. When we help others, we create social connections and networks that can benefit us in the long run. Furthermore, by serving others, we can learn new skills, gain valuable experience, and develop our knowledge and understanding of different areas. This can all contribute to personal success and growth.
What can organizations do to support and encourage more women to take on leadership roles?
Organizations can support and encourage more women in leadership roles by implementing a variety of initiatives. These can include mentorship programs, internal and external networking opportunities, flexible work schedules, and targeted recruitment, hiring and promotion practices. Additionally, organizations should strive to create a positive and inclusive work environment that is free of gender bias and provides equal opportunities for career advancement for all employees, regardless of gender.
What is the legacy that you want to leave? Are you working on any new projects?
I want to leave a legacy of compassion, collaboration, and innovation. My life’s purpose is to bring people together, to empower and inspire others to create meaningful and lasting change in their communities and the world. Leaving behind a lasting impact that will benefit future generations is paramount.
New projects in the works:
- Huston Tillotson Environmental Justice Mural installation and unveiling (March - April 2023 in partnership with Mural Arts (Philadelphia), Huston Tillotson University, Green is the New Black, PODER, ATX Mosaic Workshop, East Austin Environmental Initiative, Six Square, and Austin Creative Alliance.
- Blue House Project Artist Residency (January - December 2023) in partnership with EM Franklin Commons, Big Medium, St. James Missionary Baptist Church, JJ Seabrook NA, MLK NA, Jump On it, and Austin Film School.
- Seabrook Square Mosaic Mural and Community Engagement Initiative (beginning April 2023) in Partnership with Capital A Housing, Origin Studio House, Austin Area Urban League, and Six Square.
How can Austin FC follow in your footsteps in being a place that makes our community stronger?
“We are better together.” There are no shortcuts to community buy in and investment. Real community connection looks like impactful partnerships, collaborative opportunities, solution based program initiatives, elevating and supporting frontline organizations (already connected) doing the work and making the impact everyday. Bigger corporations have to Dig deeper, go further, and care more about the communities that need you the most.
Furthermore, follow in the footsteps of community advocates, organizers and leaders by engaging in outreach programs and initiatives that benefit the local community. This could include hosting youth sports clinics, engaging in fundraisers and donations to local charities, and providing mentorship and leadership opportunities for local youth. Initiate campaigns to promote social and economic justice issues, and use your platforms to raise awareness and highlight community-focused organizations and events.
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Gretel Perera
Director of Expedia Brands PR, Americas, Expedia Group / Co-Founder, Latinas in Tech / Co-Owner, Austin Woman Magazine
Why Austin?
Austin is a great city with a unique sense of community. I’m a proud graduate of the University of Texas (Hook ‘em!) and I’ve lived on and off in Austin for the past 20 years. This city is like to magnet to me. I leave, but then I always come back. This city offers so much for everyone, from college students, to young professionals, to executives and families. There’s something for everyone here, including live music, the best breakfast tacos, unique dive bars, great swimming holes, award-winning restaurants, burnt-orange college football tailgates, great school districts and of course - the best fútbol club in the U.S.: Austin FC!
Why are places (restaurants, community organizations, workplaces) and activities (sports, community events) that encourage diversity so essential to our collective success in Austin?
Austin has changed a lot over the past few years, but at the core, the city remains the same. Austin is a place where different communities and people from different backgrounds are welcome. You can be yourself in Austin. It’s important that businesses continue to embrace diversity and create a sense of belonging so that the city can continue to flourish.
* How do you empower yourself and the women around you?*
I’ve always made a point of surrounding myself with talented women who inspire me every day. By surrounding myself with other like-minded women, I’ve learnt so much and grown in my career. I’ve always made a conscious effort to create authentic connections and build bridges to ensure that our voices are heard and that our stories are told.
Years ago, when I was living in the Bay Area, I co-founded an organization called Latinas in Tech, a community that is all about connecting and empowering Latinas working in tech. This community started with a small group of women with similar backgrounds and experiences. Since then, the community has flourished to an impressive network of 25,000 Latinas in the tech ecosystem.
Most recently, I became one of the proud owners of Austin Woman magazine, a wonderful publication that serves as the heartbeat for celebrating women doing incredible things in the Austin community. The stories of resilience from the women in Austin inspire me every day.
I’m also helping empower young women by serving on the Advisory Board for the Center for Global Business at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas. Through the Center, we are connecting students with global companies so they can experience international career opportunities.
What can organizations do to support and encourage more women to take on leadership roles?
There are several ways that companies can support and encourage women to take on leadership roles:
- Provide training and professional growth opportunities for women within the company
- Partner with external organizations or non-profit organizations that empower women
- Develop and incorporate inclusive hiring practices to ensure you are building a pipeline of diverse candidates
I see it first-hand at Expedia Group, where the company is focused on attracting diverse talent and creating an inclusive environment. We have active Internal Business Groups (or Employee Resource Groups) where employees can have a direct impact on creating programs and activities that help connect and elevate women at the company.
I’m especially proud that last year, Expedia Group hosted the first Latina Leadership Summit, which featured more than 16 amazing Latina executive speakers representing more than 10 tech companies. During this Summit, we hosted various panel discussions to showcase Latinas' impact within the tech industry and provide a platform for Latina leaders to share their professional experiences.
What is the legacy that you want to leave? Are you working on any new projects?
Together we are stronger. That is my motto and that is the legacy I want to leave behind. You are never alone, so seek others with a similar background, experience and opportunities to create your own network of strength. My full-time job is amazing at Expedia Group, but my full-time passion is to serve as an advocate for Latinas in the community.
Currently, I’m focused on empowering and elevating Latinas into executive roles through a new non-profit organization that I founded last year called L500. We have an amazing Board of Directors comprised of Latina executives and an incredible network of executive women with the goal of getting more Latinas in the C-Suite.
What advice do you have for women looking to grow either their own business or their impact within their communities?
Build a network of women who share similar values, ambitions, passions and talents as you. But also seek others who can push you in a new direction, to think differently and challenge you to get out of your comfort zone. Create a community of women who can serve as your peers, advisors, mentors and sponsors. Together we can create connections, build bridges and build opportunities for each other. Together we are stronger.
How can Austin FC follow in your footsteps in being a place that makes our community stronger?
I’m a huge Austin FC fan and of the main reasons why is the amazing vibe and close-knit community the club has able to foster. Since Day 1, Austin FC has embraced the diverse Austin community and especially the Latino fans, like myself. As a life-long fan of fútbol, my heart fills with pride to hear all the fans chanting in Spanish: “Dale, Dale ATX! Listos! Verde!” How amazing is it that for a few minutes at every match, everyone is chanting these phrases together in Spanish? Austin FC is making fútbol welcoming to everyone and you are guaranteed to have a great time the minute you enter the Q2 Stadium. Verdes, Listos!
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Jane Hervey
Founder of Future Front Texas / Creative Producer / Recording Artist
Why Austin?
Austin is my second home, my strange little Texas experiment, my grab bag of growth and change and drag shows and green belts and Red River and community markets. It’s more than tacos and the outdoors, too. It’s meeting the band you love for the first time. It’s wandering downtown and driving down North Lamar and exploring historic East Austin and marveling at South Congress. It’s good murals and bad murals and weird murals and sad murals. It’s protests and farmer’s markets and Baptist churches. It’s food trucks and contemporary art and unforgettable icons, from Leslie to Linklater to Black Pumas to Barbara Jordan. It’s the legacy of people who have felt love for this place and dared to claim it as home. You can feel it everywhere you go.
How do we continue to create and protect communities that are founded in diversity, representation, and belonging?
I think we just show up for it. As individuals. Everyday. Whenever and wherever we can.
Connecting culture and your personal path to your entrepreneurial approach seems intentional, why has that approach been so powerful?
I think we often forget that culture is contextual. It’s shared experiences. It’s understanding without words. It’s a time and a place. It’s where you live and who you talk to and the movies you watch and the places your parents come from and the dances you dance and how your mom cooked when you were little. You can’t fake it. You can’t manufacture it, and you certainly can’t sell it. Because it’s something intangible that we create together. So, within my journey as a creative and a curator, I’ve developed a deep respect for culture as a framework for understanding the ephemeral connections that bond us beyond our understanding. This has looked like thinking about where things come from, honoring the environment I’m in and doing my best to consider the human experience and human history in everything I do. It’s one of the reasons I love Austin FC, too. The culture of soccer is so special. So many rituals and so many memories to bring people together.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
I like to start most of my events with a simple phrase — “You are the expert of your experience.” I think that’s important for women and for anyone really who may find themselves at the odd end of a power dynamic. Within my work, it’s been crucial to create resources that don’t exist, too. Like micro-grants and commissions and real opportunities with real budgets. To hell with lip service.
What is the legacy that you want to leave? Are you working on any new projects?
Right now, I’m working to open a new, 2,000 square foot space for Future Front—where we can bring shows and markets and performances to life.
Where people can drop in to garden and host workshops and daydream. Beyond that, I’m keeping the lights on. I think that’s my legacy, too. I hope I’m remembered for showing up and staying humble and keeping the lights on.
How can Austin FC follow in your footsteps in being a place that makes our community stronger?
Ecosystem care! Within every action Austin FC takes, you can design space for connection, opportunities, community involvement, financial impact, shared belonging and understanding. Start an annual community play day! Invite an emerging artist to paint the sidewalks! Tell big stories about identity and love and soccer and failure and trying hard not to give up! Turn stadium seats into sites for storytelling! The world’s your oyster.
