Education: BA in Women's Studies, Creative Writing, Literary Studies, Beloit College, Beloit, WI; Master of Science in Social Work, University of Texas at Austin

Experience: Before GENaustin, Julia worked for nine years at the Girl Scouts - Lone Star Council running various outreach programs that served high-risk girls, such as girls in shelters, teen parents, girls on probation, girls whose mothers were incarcerated, girls with emotional disorders and more. She also worked in Chicago at various grassroots women's agencies on equal employment opportunities, international women's issues fundraising, inner city high school mentor program, rape victim counseling, and a women's art gallery.

Education: BA in Urban Studies, Haverford College, Haverford, PA; Master of Science in Social Work, University of Texas at Austin

Experience: Rachel Ladov, LCSW is GENaustin's program director. Rachel grew up in NJ and moved to Austin after graduating from college. Shortly after moving to Austin, she began working for 2-1-1 Texas, United Way Capital Area's information and referral helpline. After working in social services for several years, she decided to pursue a master's degree in social work at UT. Before coming to GENaustin, Rachel worked at People's Community Clinic where she provided services to young adolescents and youth with developmental and/or behavioral issues. She enjoyed working with wonderful youth and families at the clinic and became increasingly aware of the community's need for creative, engaging programs to support the healthy development of teens. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys dancing, traveling, cycling, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Education:
B.A., Business Administration, Austin College, Sherman, TX
M.B.A., Finance, University of North Texas, Denton, TX

Experience: Jana's most recent experience was as Back Office Manager for Greenlights for Non Profit Success. She has also worked as the accountant for a small consulting firm, and as a financial analyst for Travis County. Jana began her career in Dallas as a banker.

Jana has been a PTA volunteer for 15 years. She has served in almost every capacity including President, Treasurer, and Fundraising Chair. She is currently the Volleyball Booster Club treasurer at Austin High School. Jana has been married to her husband Clay for almost 24 years, and they have three children. Outside of work, Jana enjoys walking, spending time with family, travelling, gardening, and reading.

Education: Bachelor of Fine Art, Magna Cum Laude, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; Texas Teachers Certification; Austin, TX.

Experience: Lora Alaniz, is a Mexican-American native of South Texas is a first generation college graduate. Before coming to GENaustin, she taught in Tucson, Arizona for over seven years and came to Austin to serve as an AmeriCorps Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) with College Forward. Her teaching experience is focused within Latino communities, where she helped develop socially and politically relevant curriculum to meet the needs of at-risk youth. Her curriculum has been published in a variety of venues and managed the South Tucson oral history book project entitled Cuentos de la Alma: Stories of the Soul (2005). Outside of GENaustin, she is a passionate artist. Her artwork has been exhibited at PlaySpace in San Francisco, Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater in New York, Prenelle Gallery in London, and Arroyo Arts Collective in Los Angeles. Lora is a founding member of the all women International Plugged Video Art Collective.

Education: B.A. in Political Science, Psychology, and Gender Studies from Butler University, Indianapolis, IN; M.P.A. in Nonprofit Management from Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN.

Experience: Ami is from the Indianapolis area which is where her passion for girl services began. This interest was initially sparked through her studies and was further inspired by her work with Girls Incorporated of Greater Indianapolis. After arriving in Austin, Ami worked with Foundation Communities before coming on staff with GENaustin as the Conference and Workshop Manager. In her free time Ami loves to watch movies, read, and explore her new home city.

Education: B.A., Political Science, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX
Master of Art in Sociology, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX

Experience:Jasmine started her career in youth development and education during college as an after school Site Director for the YMCA of Greater Houston. “I love to share my story because I originally wanted to go to law school and got the job with the YMCA to support my shopping habit! I fell in love with the kids and found out serving youth came so easy for me. I’ve been working with kids ever since.” After graduation she took a position with La Petite Preschool Academy and quickly moved up the ranks to become Assistant Director. From there, she accepted a position with the Austin Independent School District as a Program Director and now, GENaustin. Jasmine is a founding member of Trendsetters, a youth group dedicated to mentoring young women in the East Austin community, and serves on the Executive Committee for the Young Professionals Council of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. She also writes curriculum for the AISD Office of HS Redesign’s College is Possible Campaign and tutors 4th graders in writing.

Education: B.A., Communications, Spanish, Fordham University, New York, NY.

Experience: Christy hails from the world of advertising in New York City, but decided to change career paths when she moved to Austin in July 2008. Throughout her time at Fordham University, she worked as a tutor for elementary students in an after school program in the Bronx. Upon graduating, she was faced with the decision to pursue a career in teaching or in advertising. After over three years of working in the advertising industry, she decided to pick up and start over in a new city. Working at GENaustin provides her the perfect balance between her interests working in business, working with the community, and helping young people.

Education: Bachelors of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin

Experience: Tiffany began her career with GENaustin as an intern during her final semester at UT. Her internship experience was so fulfilling that she applied to join the GENaustin staff after graduating. She is a development assistant and also works as a campus coordinator with clubGEN. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends, practicing yoga, and listening to live music.

Education: BBA in Management Information Systems, College of Business, University of Texas at Austin

Experience: Prior to becoming GENaustin’s webmaster, Veronica Barrio worked extensively on Oracle applications and was a web customer relationship lead for National Instruments where she managed teams of programmers and web designers. She now runs her own web business, www.veronicabarrio.com, where she helps develop web sites for several national and international clients.