December 2007: Emerging Leaders
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Lemuel WilliamsDirector of Business Development, Uptime Devices, Inc.Leadership Austin Affiliation: Emerge Council Development, 2007 |
Boys and Girls Club of the Capital Area
Commissioner, City of Austin Technology & Telecommunications Board
Member, City of Austin Grant Technology Opportunities Board (2006-2007)
Who is a leader you have learned from, and how?
Ben Bentzin was the first person to introduce me to leadership roles and positions during his campaign efforts for The State of Texas House & Senate positions. This is where I was exposed to the Boys and Girls Club and became involved with the organization. Also, he has instructed me how a leader should represent him/herself within their community as a public servant.
In your opinion, what is the most important issue facing Austin over the next 10 years?
The Austin community should be concerned with the overflow of traffic patterns occurring. With the rapid expansion of jobs into this area comes the need for more people getting onto our roadways for travel to and from their destination. We need to continuously work and educate our city and state leaders about this matter and be proactive with decisions made about our city's roads.
What is your greatest achievement?
Surrounding myself with people who are positive and driven to assist me with my goals and accomplishments.
What is your favorite thing about Austin?
I can travel to specific areas and it still has the country atmosphere, other parts have that fast moving large city feel, and if I decide to take a detour to the lake, the scenery going there is the best hands down.
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Traci FishProject Manager, Seton Healthcare NetworkLeadership Austin Affiliation: Emerge Selection Committee Chair, 2007 Horizons participant, 2006 Engage Speaker Series participant |
Board Member, Young Women’s Alliance (2006-08)
Event Co-Chair, 10th Annual Austin Under 40 Gala
Austin Sunshine Camps; SafePlace; The Miracle Foundation
Why is Leadership Austin important to the community?
Leadership Austin enables people to explore their leadership potential and connect with the community through collaborative sessions, intriguing dialogue, and a shared passion for improving local issues.
Why is civic leadership important?
Civic leadership reminds us of the local issues that shape our community and quality of life, and allows citizens to have a say in the future of Austin. When asked by others how to get more involved in the community, I usually give the same reply: “Find something that excites you, commit to the cause, and show up.” True leaders never miss an opportunity to make an impact.
What was your most significant leadership experience under the age of 15?
For me it was the culmination of many Saturday mornings on the soccer field. Whether I was leading a team to a win or setting an example for how to accept defeat graciously, somehow I was perceived as a leader. The experiences I had leading teams enabled me to achieve my goal of playing Division I soccer at Duke University.
Where in Austin can you find the best (hamburger, pizza, margarita, etc)?
Some of my Austin favorites: a cheeseburger from Billy’s on Burnet, Pizza from Conan’s, the “Heather” taco at Taco Deli, Mexican Chocolate ice cream from Amy’s, and margaritas at Manuel’s.
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Matt SeguraCivil Environmental Engineer, URS CorporationLeadership Austin Affiliation: Emerge Graduate, 2007 Engage Speaker Series Participant |
United Way Foundation
Blue Santa
Hill Country Conservancy
If you had $1M to spend on a local Austin issue, what would it be?
I would use the money to help fund non-profit organizations committed to protecting ecologically important land, aquifer recharge zones, and water resources throughout Central Texas. I am extremely concerned with how these important resources will thrive as Austin continues to grow. If we as citizens do not protect these resources, Austin will cease to be the beautiful, healthy, clean city it is today.
Give an example of a leadership challenge where you weren’t successful.
While in college, I was a lab instructor for physics. My goal was to make the class fun but educational. I thought the class was going great until I realized that the students began to view me more as a friend than an instructor. The class began to fall apart, students were skipping, and not doing as well as I had hoped. Towards the end I managed to regain control of the class and learned a very valuable lesson: In order for a leader to succeed, a mutual respect must be developed between the leader and group.
Has your Leadership Austin experience inspired you in any way?
The Emerge program has inspired me through realizing the great need for young leaders. I met people who are as passionate about my city as I am. I learned how effective we can be as a group by focusing on the true issues of our community. I also learned how I can actively volunteer and personally become a better leader not only for my community, but at work, home, and social gatherings. These have all inspired me to work hard to achieve my dream of becoming an influential leader in Austin.
What is your ideal Sunday afternoon in Austin?
An ideal Sunday afternoon would be to head to Circle C for a round of golf with my close friends. I would then grab a bite to eat at Thundercloud Subs before heading to my absolute favorite place around Austin - Lake Travis. My friends and I would pile onto the boat and spend the evening skiing. Once thoroughly sun burnt, we would stop at Carlos and Charlie’s for dinner and late night drinks.
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