Bigger Brighter Together

Five priorities. A stronger Austin for every child. GenATX is turning a shared vision into action by focusing on the areas that will make the greatest difference in the lives of Austin’s children.

Our Five Priorities

These priorities guide our work and bring together community leoders, organizations and residents to create real change for Austin's children.

1

Invest in the years that matter most.

Help every child get a strong start by supporting families and high-quality early childhood experiences.

Priority 1: Strengthen the Earliest Years
Chair: Aaron DelaO, Early Matters Greater Austin (EMGA), United Way for Greater Austin (UWATX)
- Melody Alcazar, Austin Parks & Recreation
- Jeremiah Bentley, Texas Mutual
- Christina Collazo, Todos Juntos
- Veronda Durden, Any Baby Can
- Brooke Freeland, Couch Family Foundation
- Barbara Grant Boneta, SX6, United Way for Greater Austin
- Sara Harwood, Greater Austin YMCA
- Maggie Jaime, AVANCE Austin
- Yael Lawson, Workforce Solutions Capital Area
- Kim McPherson, St. David’s Foundation
- Regan Gruber Moffitt, St. David’s Foundation
- Adrienne Sturrup, Austin Public Health

2

Connect every eligible child to health care, food, and shelter.

Make sure every child has what they need to be healthy, stable and ready to thrive.

Priority 2: Enroll Every Eligible Child
Co-chair: Sarah Churchill Llamas, Austin Healthcare Council
Co-chair: Sari Vatske, Central Texas Food Bank
- Beth Corbett, Central Texas Food Bank
- Bella Kirchner, Central Texas Food Bank
- Kim McPherson, St. David’s Foundation
- Heidi Post, H-E-B
- Amy Price, UWATX
- Nicholas Yagoda, CommUnityCare Health Centers

3

Build a brain health system around our kids.

Support every child’s mental, emotional and cognitive well-being so they can reach their full potential.

Priority 3: Build a Brain Health System around our kids
Co-chair: Andy Miller, Austin Child Guidance Center
Co-chair: Jeff Richardson, Integral Care
Chair:
- Alexis Basso, Wonders & Worries
- Mary Dodd, Integral Care
- Michael Douglas, Ph.D., Texas Longevity Science and Medicine Foundation
- Barbara Grant Boneta, SX6, United Way for Greater Austin
- Veronica Martinex, Texas Mutual
- Kristin Ruff, Greater Austin YMCA
- Sharon Vigil, Communities In Schools
- Nicholas Yagoda, CommUnityCare Health Centers

4

Activate the spaces our kids already have.

Make the most of schools, parks, libraries and other community spaces where kids learn, play and belong.

Priority 4: Activate Third Spaces
Co-chair: Jaime Garcia, Andy Roddick Foundation
Co-chair: Kathy Kuras, YMCA of Austin
- Melody Alcazar, Austin Parks & Recreation
- Paula Bookidis, Girl Scouts of Central Texas
- Veronica Martinez, Texas Mutual
- Dennis McFall, Austin ISD Third Base Program
- Joe McIlwain, Creative Action
- Arelis Palacios, Breakthrough Central Texas
- Sarah Rinner, Creative Action
- Hannah Terrell, Austin Public Library
- Paul-Anthony Turner, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area
- Colin Wallis, Austin Parks Foundation
- Jon C. Yates, Scouting America Capitol Area Council

5

Clear the path from classroom to career.

Create more opportunities for every young person to learn, build skills and succeed in the future.

Priority 5: Classroom to Career
Co-chair: Monica Munoz Andry, Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Co-chair: Michael Griffith, Breakthrough Central Texas
- Marvelia Barrera, Boys and Girls Clubs Austin Area
- Becca Bice, UWATX
- Sean Doles, Greater Austin YMCA
- Yael Lawson, Workforce Solutions Capital Area
- Laura Lucas, Austin Community College
- Jeremy Martin, Austin Chamber of Commerce
- Kim McPherson, St. David's Foundation
- Marisela Montoya, Foudation Communities
- Richard Tagle, E3 Alliance
- Jon C. Yates, Scouting America Capitol Area Council