The Top 50 Austin Women Leaders of 2026
Austin’s brand is creativity-but its backbone is leadership. In the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro, women are scaling tech platforms, steering some of the region’s largest employers, modernizing mobility and infrastructure, and pushing philanthropic dollars toward measurable outcomes in housing, education, and health.
What makes Austin’s women leaders especially compelling is the “build and belong” mindset: the best-known executives and founders here don’t just grow companies; they shape the ecosystem that makes growth possible-talent pipelines, public trust, community partnerships, and more inclusive paths to opportunity.
Below is an editorially ranked list of 50 influential women in the greater Austin metro. It’s designed to be cross-industry (tech, consumer, healthcare, law, finance, civic infrastructure, and nonprofit leadership.
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#1 Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott helped define a distinctly Austin-style playbook: build a brand with national reach while keeping community impact close to home. Beyond growing an Austin-born retail and jewelry powerhouse, she’s invested in creating more women founders through the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at UT-an engine for mentorship, education, and access to networks that can change a career trajectory. And when she stepped back into the company’s top leadership as interim CEO, it reinforced something many women leaders recognize: sometimes influence is the willingness to return to the arena when the moment calls.
#2 Whitney Wolfe Herd
Few leaders have reshaped modern dating-and the broader conversation about women’s agency in digital spaces-like Whitney Wolfe Herd. With Bumble headquartered in Austin, her return as CEO signaled both strategic continuity and a renewed push to compete in a fast-shifting consumer-tech landscape. Locally, Bumble’s presence matters beyond jobs: it’s a visible symbol of a major, women-founded tech company choosing Austin as its home base, influencing how the next generation of founders imagines what’s possible here.
#3 Susan Dell
Susan Dell’s influence in Austin is felt in the “big levers” that change a region over time-education outcomes, health innovation, and long-horizon investments that strengthen communities. As co-founder and board chair of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, she helps direct one of the most consequential philanthropic forces connected to Central Texas. In a city navigating rapid growth (and the inequities that can come with it), that kind of patient, strategic capital can be transformational-especially when it’s aligned with measurable impact.
#4 Safra Catz
Even for leaders who operate on a global scale, the ripple effects in a headquarters city are real. Safra Catz led Oracle through major strategic chapters and transitioned from CEO to executive vice chair as Oracle named new co-CEOs-keeping her at the center of the company’s long-term direction. With Oracle’s headquarters in Austin, that governance and strategy influence the region’s tech gravity, talent flows, and the broader perception of Austin as a corporate decision-making hub-not just a satellite office town.
#5 Robyn Denholm
As board chair, Robyn Denholm occupies one of the most consequential governance seats in modern industry. With Tesla headquartered in the Austin area, the company’s footprint touches manufacturing, infrastructure, and the supply chain economy that grows around major plants. Denholm’s influence is less about day-to-day operations and more about oversight and long-term accountability-an increasingly visible lever in how iconic companies balance speed, innovation, and responsibility.
#6 Neha Sampat
Neha Sampat represents a defining Austin archetype: the product-focused founder building enterprise-grade technology while keeping culture and talent development front and center. As founder and CEO of Contentstack, she’s part of the leadership cohort proving that Austin can produce and sustain high-impact software companies led by women-creating role-model momentum for founders who want to scale without leaving the region.
#7 Cathy Harm
Austin runs on H‑E‑B-economically and culturally. Cathy Harm’s leadership in Central Texas extends across operations, people, growth, and the community-facing presence of a retailer that behaves like civic infrastructure during both ordinary weeks and emergencies. Managing a workforce at that scale while keeping service levels high is operational leadership at its most demanding. And for many Austinites, H‑E‑B’s brand trust is personal-which makes the leadership behind it unusually influential.
#8 Vanice Hayes
In a region where talent is the competitive advantage, the leaders shaping people strategy carry outsized influence. Vanice Hayes helps steer culture, inclusion, and workforce strategy at Dell Technologies-one of the Austin-area’s defining employers. The impact is both internal and external: when a flagship company sets higher expectations for leadership development, belonging, and talent practices, the standards tend to spread across the market.
#9 Allison Ellsworth
Allison Ellsworth embodies the “Austin launchpad” effect: a brand that starts with local energy and ends up on the national stage. Poppi’s trajectory-from grassroots beginnings to becoming a breakout consumer brand-has elevated Austin’s reputation in modern CPG, not just software. For professional women watching the market, it’s a reminder that Austin can scale brands that are equal parts product, community, and culture-and that marketing innovation can be as decisive as the product itself.
#10 Lillian Mills
Austin’s growth story depends on a steady pipeline of leaders-and few roles shape that pipeline like the dean of McCombs. Lillian Mills has helped steer one of the nation’s most influential public business schools, affecting not only education but also research partnerships, executive training, and the talent ecosystem feeding Austin employers and startups. In a market where “who you know” can matter, institutions that expand access to networks become a form of economic infrastructure.
#11 Claudia Lucchinetti, MD
Academic medicine is one of the hardest “systems” to lead because it intersects education, research, clinical care, and regional health outcomes. As dean of Dell Medical School, Claudia Lucchinetti influences how Austin trains physicians, builds clinical partnerships, and pursues health innovation. Over time, that kind of leadership can reshape what “healthcare in Austin” means-moving the city from fast growth to smarter, more coordinated care and research.
#12 Nuha Elkhiamy
Nuha Elkhiamy’s role is a signal: Austin isn’t just a place where tech companies hire; it’s a place where they put serious leadership. As Google’s Austin site lead, she sits at the intersection of corporate growth and local community presence-helping translate big-tech scale into an Austin footprint that includes partnerships, talent, and culture. For women in tech, visible leadership at this level matters because it widens the mental map of what senior roles can look like in Austin.
#13 Ghizlane Badawi
An airport is a city’s handshake with the world-and AUS is a major economic engine for the region. As CEO, Ghizlane Badawi influences everything from operational performance to passenger experience to the pace at which Austin can sustain its growth as a business destination. In practical terms: when the airport works better, the whole metro becomes more competitive for talent, conferences, corporate relocations, and tourism.
#14 Dottie Watkins
Mobility is one of Austin’s defining constraints-and therefore one of its biggest leadership opportunities. Dottie Watkins leads CapMetro at a moment when transit performance, reliability, and long-term investment are central to affordability and access across the metro. Transit leadership isn’t just transportation; it’s workforce access, climate strategy, and economic competitiveness-especially for communities whose opportunities are shaped by commute time and connectivity.
#15 LaFawn Davis
Indeed is one of the most recognizable Austin-headquartered tech companies-and the leader guiding people strategy and sustainability has a direct hand in how that brand shows up internally and externally. LaFawn Davis operates at the crossroads of talent, culture, and social impact-areas that increasingly determine whether high-performing teams stay, grow, and innovate. In Austin’s tight talent market, leaders who make workplaces healthier and more equitable shape the broader professional norms of the city.
#16 Michelle Suzuki
In B2B software, marketing isn’t decoration-it’s differentiation. Michelle Suzuki’s role at BigCommerce highlights Austin’s strength in building durable SaaS companies that compete globally. Her influence extends into how Austin tells its product stories, recruits go-to-market talent, and grows leaders who can operate on a world stage while remaining rooted in the local ecosystem.
#17 Regan Gruber Moffitt
In Central Texas, philanthropic strategy can be a form of regional planning-especially when it targets health equity and community capacity. Regan Gruber Moffitt helps direct community investment through St. David’s Foundation, influencing which programs scale, which partnerships get sustained support, and how health-focused dollars translate into real-life outcomes. For women leaders across sectors, her work is a reminder that “impact” often looks like disciplined funding decisions and long-term ecosystem building.
#18 Michele Anderson
Housing is a defining issue for Austin professionals at every career stage. Michele Anderson leads Austin Habitat for Humanity at a time when the affordability conversation is urgent-and deeply personal for the workforce. Her influence shows up in the tangible (homes built, families supported) and in the strategic (coalitions, funding, and the narrative around what solutions are possible). In a city where housing stability can dictate career stability, that leadership matters.
#19 Sari Vatske
Food insecurity isn’t a side issue-it’s a workforce issue, a child development issue, and a public health issue. Sari Vatske leads the Central Texas Food Bank, coordinating supply chains, partnerships, and distribution at a scale that directly affects families across the metro. In a high-growth region, the leaders who keep basic needs within reach are shaping the resilience of the entire community-including the ability of people to learn, work, and thrive.
#20 Debra Lehrmann
Leadership in law shapes the rules of the game for business, families, and institutions across Texas-and that influence is headquartered in Austin. As a senior justice on the Supreme Court of Texas, Debra Lehrmann represents both legal authority and a visible model of long-term leadership for women in the profession. Her work impacts jurisprudence that organizations and communities build upon, year after year.
#21 Elaine Garza
As founder and CEO of Giant Noise, Elaine Garza has built a standout communications firm that helps brands earn attention through authentic, strategic storytelling. Her work amplifies Austin’s creative economy by translating local culture into campaigns that drive trust, loyalty, and measurable business growth.
#22 Paige Velasquez Budde
Paige Velasquez Budde has co-founded and scaled Zilker Media into a brand-building partner for leaders who want to communicate with clarity and credibility. By pairing sharp strategy with a people-first approach, she helps clients and teams grow in ways that strengthen Austin’s reputation for modern, values-driven business.
#23 Maggie Hulce
As Chief Revenue Officer at Indeed, Maggie Hulce guides growth at one of the world’s most influential hiring platforms by aligning go-to-market execution with customer needs. Her leadership expands economic opportunity by helping employers and jobseekers connect more efficiently, shaping how work gets found and filled at scale.
#24 Kristina MacIntosh
Kristina MacIntosh elevates Poppi’s presence by leading marketing that blends cultural relevance with disciplined brand strategy in a highly competitive consumer space. Her ability to turn insight into standout campaigns has helped accelerate growth and spotlight Austin as a home for category-defining innovation.
#25 Denise Grodé
Denise Grodé drives organizational strength by leading people strategy, culture, and communications for a global technology company with deep Austin roots. Her leadership builds resilient teams and talent pipelines that fuel innovation and long-term performance in a fast-moving market.
#26 Helen Haman
Helen Haman strengthens Austin’s business landscape by expanding Accenture’s local impact through partnership, civic engagement, and employee experience. She is known for connecting corporate capability with community needs, creating momentum that benefits clients, colleagues, and the city alike.
#27 Dr. Carrie Angell
Carrie Angell helps make commerce safer and stronger by leading the Better Business Bureau’s work to protect consumers and champion ethical businesses. By elevating trust, transparency, and accountability, she supports a healthier marketplace where reputable companies can thrive.
#28 Paula Bookidis
Paula Bookidis leads Girl Scouts of Central Texas with a focus on building confident, capable young leaders through real-world programs in entrepreneurship, STEM, and community service. Her impact reaches far beyond today’s participants by strengthening the future workforce and civic leadership pipeline for the Austin region.
#29 Denise Bradley
Denise Bradley amplifies the reach of St David’s HealthCare by guiding marketing and corporate affairs that connect healthcare priorities with community needs. Her leadership strengthens trust and engagement across Central Texas, advancing initiatives that improve both public health and regional vitality.
#30 Upasna Gautam
Upasna Gautam brings product-minded innovation to mission-driven journalism, helping The Texas Tribune expand and better serve communities across Texas. By building scalable strategies that deepen audience connection, she supports an informed public—an essential foundation for a strong economy and resilient business environment.
#31 Jaleh Daie, PhD
Jaleh Daie applies a rare blend of scientific expertise and entrepreneurial vision to support innovators solving meaningful problems in high-impact fields. As an investor and mentor, she helps translate breakthrough ideas into viable companies that strengthen Austin’s innovation economy.
#32 Sara Brand
Sara Brand expands what venture capital can do by backing women-led companies that improve environmental and human health. Her leadership directs funding toward scalable solutions, helping founders grow stronger businesses while generating impact that matters.
#33 Kerry Rupp
Kerry Rupp brings builder-level guidance to early-stage investing, helping women-led companies refine strategy, prove traction, and scale responsibly. Her steady support of founders strengthens the region’s startup ecosystem and widens pathways to innovation-driven opportunity.
#34 Ashley Dickinson, FACHE
Ashley Dickinson leads complex healthcare operations with a focus on excellence, efficiency, and patient-centered outcomes across Ascension Texas. Her operational leadership strengthens systems and teams that millions rely on, delivering lasting community value alongside business discipline.
#35 Raquel Garcia
Raquel Garcia advances UFCU’s mission by shaping marketing that turns a community-focused vision into clear, compelling outreach. Her leadership helps more members access financial tools and guidance, strengthening long-term stability for families and the broader Austin economy.
#36 Fang Fang
Fang Fang empowers organizations to grow beyond borders by combining strategic insight with cross-cultural fluency and strong relationship-building. Her work helps Austin companies compete globally, expanding the city’s economic reach and business connectivity.
#37 Beth Goff-McMillan
Beth Goff-McMillan has built a powerful woman-led enterprise in commercial furnishings and workplace strategy, shaping environments where people and organizations perform at their best. Her leadership influences how major institutions across Texas work, learn, and heal, translating design excellence into measurable organizational impact.
#38 Cristina Garcia-Chappell
Cristina Garcia-Chappell has earned trust as a fierce advocate and business leader who centers clients with empathy, clarity, and strong legal strategy. By building a mission-driven practice, she raises the standard for service and integrity while strengthening Austin’s small-business and professional community.
#39 Melinda Garvey
Melinda Garvey has created influential platforms that elevate women through media, events, and peer communities designed for real business growth. Her work builds stronger networks and more confident leaders, strengthening Austin’s entrepreneurial fabric and culture of inclusive success.
#40 Terri Broussard
Terri Broussard brings a rare blend of policy savvy and community perspective, advocating for issues that shape the region’s business and civic future. Through her public voice and storytelling platform, she builds coalitions and sparks meaningful dialogue that helps Austin lead with influence and purpose.
#41 Lee Caldwell
Lee Caldwell has built a client-centered financial services company focused on helping people strengthen credit and improve long-term financial health. By turning complex financial challenges into practical, actionable plans, she creates upward momentum for individuals and families that benefits the wider economy.
#42 Hannah Hembree Bell
Hannah Hembree Bell has grown Hembree Bell Law by pairing strong business leadership with compassionate, high-touch support for clients navigating life transitions. Her commitment to clarity and advocacy empowers people to make confident decisions, reinforcing Austin’s standard for ethical, people-first professional services.
#43 Yael Lawson
Yael Lawson leads workforce development with a practical, outcomes-driven focus, connecting jobseekers to training and employers to the talent they need. By aligning programs with real industry demand, she strengthens Austin’s competitiveness while expanding access to stable, higher-wage careers.
#44 Zenae Campbell
Zenae Campbell advances youth development at scale by ensuring young people have safe spaces, mentoring, and skills that translate into future success. Her leadership mobilizes community support and expands opportunity, strengthening the long-term talent pipeline and resilience of the Austin region.
#45 Heather Wagner Reed
Heather Wagner Reed has built Juice Consulting into a trusted partner for brands that want to turn creative vision into real market traction. Her leadership amplifies Austin’s innovation and arts economy by connecting compelling stories to the audiences and partnerships that drive growth.
#46 Ashley Wainscott
Ashley Wainscott has modernized home renovation by building Simply Home around transparency, accountability, and a customer-first experience in a complex industry. By raising standards for quality and process, she delivers lasting value for homeowners while strengthening Austin’s housing and construction ecosystem.
#47 Usha Boddapu
Usha Boddapu leads Esolvit, Inc with an innovation mindset that helps organizations solve complex challenges through technology services and modern digital capabilities. Her entrepreneurial leadership creates jobs, expands client outcomes, and reinforces Austin’s global reputation for forward-looking tech excellence.
#48 Dr. Lynn Stevens
Lynn Stevens brings technical rigor to materials engineering that supports ICON’s ambition to transform how buildings are designed and delivered. By advancing performance and scalability in next-generation construction materials, she helps turn breakthrough technology into real-world community impact.
#49 Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel
Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel has helped shape Birdie’s into one of Austin’s most admired dining experiences by pairing exceptional cooking with a thoughtful, values-driven business model. Her leadership elevates the city’s national culinary profile while proving hospitality can be both creatively ambitious and built for long-term sustainability.
#50 Tiffany Garcia
Tiffany Garcia brings strategic advisory leadership to organizations navigating complex financial, regulatory, and operational demands through her work at CBIZ. By turning uncertainty into clear plans for progress, she helps clients make better decisions at scale and strengthens the broader Austin business community.
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