The Iris Leadership Fund

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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

The Iris Leadership Fund

The Iris Leadership Fund honors 2003 Essential Class alumna Melda Benavides. Contributions to this fund provide scholarships to hispanic leaders participating in Leadership Austin programs.

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About Melda

A graduate of the Leadership Austin Essential Class of 2003, Irismelda “Melda” R. Benavides earned her B.A. in Physical Education and a Master of Arts in Government and Public Administration from The University of Texas at Austin. Lifetime student that she was, she went on to earn an MBA from St. Edward’s University in 2007. Melda worked for Avance Austin as Director of Operations and was the Interim Executive Director of Avance Waco. During her 18 year career in state government, she worked for Governor Ann Richards in the criminal justice division and for several other Texas Governors. In 1993 her consulting firm - Benavides and Associates - was awarded the "Wings Award" by BiGAUSTIN. Her passion for community service benefited several local organizations and the communities they serve.

Melda was a Board Member of Austin Groups for the Elderly and Believe in Me. She was Treasurer and Board Member of the Austin Women's Political Caucus and Executive Board Member of the Children's Advocacy Center of Texas.

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The Iris Leadership Fund

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About Melda