BPE Honorees

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It’s a can’t miss if you are truly serious about civic leadership and being a connected community partner.
Essential Class Alum

I always thought you needed a long track record professionally to make a difference. I now know all of us have much to offer.
Essential Class Alum

I’m excited and engaged and ready to have a say
about the issues in my community.
Essential Class Alum

Leadership Austin provides a unique and important role in educating and connecting the community.
Mark Williams, President, AISD Board of Trustees

Thanks to the Essential Class, I’m able to leverage resources to keep students learning at their highest potential.
Suki Steinhauser, Executive Director, Communities In Schools

Leadership Austin motivated me to put my skills
to work in community service.
Gena VanOsselaer, Executive Director, Austin Children's Shelter

Leadership Austin should be required for every
Central Texas citizen!
Julie Shannan, Deputy Director, Girlstart

Sponsors | Honorees | Photos | Committee

Read the full press release on this year's honorees

Polly Scallorn Community Trustee

Patsy Woods Martin

Essential Class of 1996

Awarded to an alumnus of the Leadership Austin Essential Class who has exemplified the core values of Leadership Austin - community trusteeship, inclusiveness, collaborative decision-making, and personal responsibility - over a lifetime of achievement.

See Patsy's tribute video from the awards ceremony

Honorary Essential Class Alumnus

Neal Spelce

Past GACC Chair, Leadership Austin Class Chair, and
instrumental in the formation of Leadership Austin

Awarded to non-alumni individual for lifetime achievement of statesmanship and community service - epitomizing the highest standards of integrity and servant leadership - and a sustained commitment to the core values of Leadership Austin.

Ascendant Award New!

Priscilla Guajardo and John-Michael Cortez

Priscilla - Emerge 2007, Essential 2009
John-Michael - Essential Class of 2008

Awarded to a recent graduate (five years or less) of Emerge, Essential, Experience Austin, or the Leadership Academy for Public Service who – since their graduation – has demonstrated community leadership in a manner that exhibits the honoree's commitment to the core values of Leadership Austin.

See Priscilla and John-Michael's tribute video from the awards ceremony

View past award recipients