Professional Archives - Taylor Scott Nelson

Back at F.I.E.S.T.A.: A Night of Startup Energy at Capital Factory

August 12, 2025 No Comments

After over a year or two away, I attended F.I.E.S.T.A. again and was reminded why it’s such a valuable part of Austin’s startup scene.

F.I.E.S.T.A. stands for Founders, Investors, Entrepreneurs, Startups, Techies, and Austin Newcomers. It’s a monthly meetup designed to help early-stage founders connect with peers, potential investors, and other members of the entrepreneurial community. While it’s open to all, the focus is on providing resources, networking opportunities, and visibility for those building and growing startups.

The event is usually held on the third Tuesday of every month at Capital Factory, a well-known hub for Texas entrepreneurs. The format is simple: share your elevator pitch, highlight any wins or needs, and be open to helping others in the room.

General, Professional, Space, Texas

Where Space Meets Sustainability: Reflections from Ecosystem Space in Austin

July 11, 2025 No Comments

Last night I attended Ecosystem Space, a monthly happy hour hosted by the Space Workforce Incubator for Texas (SWIFT) and the Space Force Association, held at Capital Factory in downtown Austin. Part networking mixer, part brain trust, the event brought together technologists, government representatives, entrepreneurs, academics, and curious thinkers—each playing a role in shaping Texas’ place in the growing space industry.

At first glance, you might not expect a communications professional with a background in sustainability to show up at a space-sector event. But in reality, the overlap between space and sustainability is significant and growing.

Whether it’s using satellite data to monitor geographic data, designing closed-loop life support systems for long-term missions (i.e. water recycling and regenerative agriculture), or exploring how space design innovation can inform sustainable development here on Earth, the space sector is inherently about resourcefulness. It’s about doing more with less, often in environments where every ounce of energy and every drop of water must be carefully managed.

That’s why I was drawn to attend.

Selfie with a poster for an upcoming conference

General, Professional, Rotator, Texas

Taylor’s Professional Career Track

June 30, 2025 No Comments

I’ve had a very interesting roller-coaster of a career track, and wouldn’t want it any other way. I began my marketing career at a boutique automotive firm and then worked my way up to larger communications agencies. While I learned and my skills grew, I felt like there was still something missing. Passion. So I took a step back from a traditional path to find it. Through environmental education and adventures in sustainability, I found a career track I’m passionate about using my seasoned marketing skills.

The list below starts with my most recent job and goes back in sequence below:

General, Professional, Texas

E-Bikes, Trailblazers, and Transit Gaps: What I Learned at the Micromobility Meetup

June 18, 2025 No Comments

This month’s Austin Climate Innovation meetup focused on a rapidly growing and essential topic for modern cities: micromobility. Held at Palm Venture Studios, the event brought together sustainability advocates, transportation professionals, and community members interested in building a better, more connected Austin. With drinks, networking, and passionate speakers, the evening served as both a knowledge exchange and a call to action.

The presentations highlighted how smaller-scale transportation options can have a massive impact on our quality of life, climate footprint, and city infrastructure. As our city grows, so does the urgency to reimagine how we move within it—and micromobility is a clear part of the answer.

General, Professional, Texas

Speaking with Soul: What Theater, Breathwork, and Breakfast Taught Me About Communication

June 10, 2025 No Comments

Last night, I found myself talking about breakfast on stage—not to entertain or inform, but to experiment. At first, it felt a little silly. But very quickly, I realized: this was public speaking in its most liberating form.

I attended the monthly Public Speaking Playground (TM) meetup at Capital Factory in downtown Austin, hosted by the vibrant and deeply knowledgeable Sammi Sadicario (The Voice Experts). With a rich background in theater, acting, and vocal performance, Sammi brought a refreshing blend of artistic flair and neuroscience-backed insights to what can often feel like a dry topic or nerve-wracking skill: Public Speaking.

Selfie in front of the Capital Factory Stage

*This is the recording from our class session; My speaking session starts at 1:20:38

General, Professional, Texas

Powering the Future: What I Learned at the Intersection of AI and Clean Energy

June 10, 2025 No Comments

As someone deeply passionate about sustainability and conservation, I often think about the water we use, the trees we plant, the waste we manage—but rarely have I taken a deep dive into the complex world of energy infrastructure.

That changed yesterday at MCJ Live – Where AI Meets Energy, hosted at The Sunset Room in downtown Austin. Curated by MCJ Collective and sponsored by J.P. Morgan and Gunderson Dettmer, the event brought together climate tech innovators and energy leaders for an afternoon of bold ideas at the intersection of AI, energy resilience, and climate innovation.

And honestly? It was an eye-opener in the best possible way.