Photo Credit: Jerrell Trulove

DivInc, the premier startup accelerator for BIPOC and women entrepreneurs, announced the nominees for its 5th Annual Champions of Change Awards held in Austin, Texas. The organization hosts its signature fundraising event to celebrate individuals who champion inclusion and lead efforts in advancing an equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Champions of Change will take place on March 2, 2023 at Distribution Hall. This year’s theme is ‘Rise,’ a reflection of the champions who embody the organization’s mission and power initiatives that spark sincere change.

“Champions of Change is not the traditional awards recognition event. It is a celebration of the best of Austin,” explained Preston James, Co-founder and CEO of DivInc. “The community comes together in unity to recognize awe-inspiring, unsung leaders who are creating positive change. Everyone walks away with pride knowing that we’re truly moving forward together to create a world where social and economic disparities no longer exist.”

Tickets to the event are $50 per person and are available on Eventbrite here. Light bites and drinks will be provided. Proceeds from the event will go directly to support DivInc’s efforts in bridging the gap between underrepresented entrepreneurs and the resources they need to build profitable high-growth, high-impact startups.

Photo Credit: Jerrell Trulove

“Over the years, I’ve had the honor to witness Champions of Change grow with more and more individuals at the helm of meaningful action and impact. Our future is reliant on their leadership to provide a safe and supportive space for underrepresented communities,” said James, “These nominations recognize the trailblazers who demonstrate exceptional dedication towards advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in Austin and beyond.”

All nominees were carefully reviewed by a Selection Committee, comprised of diverse and distinguished leaders and advocates in Austin. This year’s categories include: Executive of the Year, DEI Leader of the Year, Young Leader of the Year, Champion of the Year, Investor of the Year, Startup Leader of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Spacemaker of the Year and Non-Profit Leader of the Year.

The public is invited to vote for the People’s Choice Award, here. This category recognizes individuals that have demonstrated community engagement and DEI work in a meaningful way. Voting is open from January 13 through February 9, and the winner will be announced at the event. Tickets to the event can be purchased, here.

Photo Credit: Jerrell Trulove

2023 Nominees

Executive of the Year
Kana Livolsi, CEO and Co-Founder of Dos Mundos Creative
Ricardo Martinez, CEO of Equality Texas
Shaleiah Fox, Chief Advancement Officer at The Thinkery
Shuronda Robinson, CEO of Adisa Communications and Austin Woman Magazine
Wendy Howell, Co-Founder and CEO of Executive Council Network

DEI Leader of the Year
Amy Maldonado, Global Inclusion Programs Coordinator at Indeed
Brion Oaks, Vice President of DEI and Operations at Charles Butt Foundation
Dr. Elizabeth Medina, Inclusion & Accountability Director at Everly Health
Rachel Lauren Pierce, Vice President of People and Culture at Dream.Org; Founding Partner at Diversified Consulting Firm
River Holley, Global Diversity, Belonging and Inclusion Specialist at AMD

Young Leader of the Year
Alyse Gamble, Public Affairs D&I Content Specialist at HEB
Ash Hall, Founder & CEO of Justice Strategies, LLC
Azteca Sirias, Founder & Executive Director at Aztech Kidz Code
Chastiny Brown, Programs Manager of 3 Day Startup
Corey Alan, Program Associate at 3 Day Startup; Community and Youth Engagement Consultant at OutYouth

Champion of the Year
Dr. Angela Valenzuela, Professor in Educational Leadership and Policy at The University of Texas at Austin
Hailey Easley, Executive Director at Austin Asian Community Health Initiative
Maria Brown-Spence, Founder of Hearts2Heal; Director of Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) at SThree
Judge Maya Guerra Gamble, Judge of 459th District Court
Ryn Gonzales, Director of Operations and Programs at Out Youth

Investor of the Year
Andy Ambrose, Partner at TheFund Austin
Betty Wu Adams, Managing Director of Equity Investments at The Disability Opportunity Fund
Cat Dizon, Co-founder of Active Capital
Juan Thurman, Co-founder and Managing General Partner of SWAN Impact Fund
Sanika Bhave, VC at Capital Factory

Rising Star of the Year
Alyse Gamble, Public Affairs D&I Content Specialist at HEB
Daniela Silva, Consultant at Farmshare Austin
Dante Clemons, Co-Founder Origin Studio House
Jazz Mills, Founder and Director of Operations at Free Lunch
Nicole Cardoza, CEO & Founder at Reclamation Ventures

Nonprofit Leader of the Year
Diana Anzaldua, Founder & CEO of Contigo Wellness
Kelenne Blake-Fallon, Executive Director at Black Mamas ATX
Phyllis Everette, Founder & CEO of Saffron Trust Women’s Foundation
Rockie Gonzalez, Deputy Director at Austin Justice Coalition
Timeka Walker, CEO of United Against Human Trafficking

Startup Leader of the Year
Carley Deardorff, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Capital Factory
Luis Gramajo and Hans Scheri, CMO and CEO of Wunderkeks LLC
Katrina Tolentino, Executive Director at Naturally Network
Sierra Pena, CEO & Co-founder of Shelfleet
Sugar Tennon, Founder and CEO of Pink Sugar Treats & Eats

Spacemaker of the Year
Diana Melendez, Esq., Co-Founder of Women of Color Collective; Attorney at Diana Melendez Law, PLLC
Dominique McLeggan Brown, Founder of The Sisters in Law LLC
Katrina and Eric Brooks, Owners of Black Pearl Books
Marissa Rivera, Founder & Community Curator, Ola Wellness _OFCOLOR
Natalie Sanders, Founder of House of LEPORE & the ORISHA mere project

People’s Choice (vote here, voting closes February 9)
Lily Trieu, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Asian Texans for Justice Javier Wallace, Owner & Guide at Black Austin Tours
Kai Morley, Trans Advocate & Youth Worker
Paulina Artieda, Executive Director of The New Philanthropists
Nicole K. Bell, Founder and Principal Consultant at Full Humanity Consulting
Carl Settles, Founder and Executive Director at E4 Youth