August Networking Highlights in Austin
August was packed with opportunities to reconnect, learn, and expand my network across sustainability, marketing, and innovation communities in Austin. Each event brought something unique to the table, here’s a look at the highlights.
USGBC Texas Green Coffee Hour
After bouncing back from my fifth round of COVID, it felt incredible to return to the USGBC Texas Green Coffee Hour at Easy Tiger. Conversations ranged from fire prevention strategies to career journeys and even how solar can be more seamlessly integrated into design. More than anything, I realized how much I’d missed being surrounded by green-minded peers. This morning left me recharged and ready to rebuild momentum in my networking efforts.
FIESTA
FIESTA (Founders, Investors, Entrepreneurs, Startups, Techies, and Austin Newcomers) delivered its usual mix of big ideas and fresh connections. From ten one-minute founder pitches—including innovations like turning methane into jet fuel and an RV-sharing platform—to sponsor companies like FreeWater and SoberWater leading with purpose, there was no shortage of inspiration. I walked away with fresh perspectives, valuable conversations, and a renewed sense of just how dynamic Austin’s startup ecosystem has become.
- Published in General, Professional, Texas
Tackling Texas’ Water Crisis at Austin Climate Innovation Meetup
As Texas continues to face mounting water challenges, from drought-prone climates to water-intensive industries, the conversation around innovative solutions has never been more urgent. I had the opportunity to attend the latest Austin Climate Innovation meetup, where the spotlight was on water access, quality, and sustainability—with a strong focus on Central Texas and its unique regional and growth hurdles.
The event featured two standout companies, Eden Tech and Aquaria, who are developing breakthrough technologies that address water from two very different, but equally important methods. It was a hopeful and thought-provoking night centered around one essential resource: water.
- Published in General, Nature, Professional, Texas
Fueling the Future of Space in Texas: Ecosystem Space
Growing Roots in the Austin Space Community
The August Ecosystem Space meetup felt like another step in my networking journey into the aerospace sector. Hosted at Capital Factory and organized by the Space Workforce Incubator for Texas (SWIFT) in collaboration with the Space Force Association, this monthly event continues to excel with its focus on industry connections and forward-thinking dialogue. It’s not your typical networking mixer either, there are no standardized panels or elevator pitches. Instead, it’s a space for real conversations and ideas that fuel innovation in Texas’ booming space ecosystem.
With every event, I’ve started to recognize more familiar faces and feel more plugged into a growing community of thinkers, doers, and dreamers. From technologists and entrepreneurs to students and institutional leaders, everyone brings something unique to the conversation. And as someone coming from a sustainability and communications background, I find this multidisciplinary approach both welcoming and essential to our future.
- Published in General, Professional, Space
Back at F.I.E.S.T.A.: A Night of Startup Energy at Capital Factory
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.
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- Published in General, Professional, Texas
Taylor’s Professional Career Track
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:
(more…)- Published in General, Professional, Rotator, Texas
Celebrating Community and Canopies at the TreeFolks Summer Solstice Party
There’s something magical about celebrating the Summer Solstice — the longest day of the year — with a community that cares deeply about the environment. That’s exactly what I experienced once again at the 7th Annual TreeFolks Summer Solstice Party, hosted by TreeFolks and TF Young Professionals in the heart of downtown Austin.
Held at Hold Out Brewing & Better Half Coffee & Cocktails, this year’s event felt like a true celebration of trees, togetherness, and the power of joyful activism. I’ve attended this event several years in a row now, and it’s become one of my favorite annual traditions. Beyond the games and music, what keeps me coming back is the sense of community — a reminder that environmentalism can (and should) be fun, welcoming, and rooted in celebration.
