We All Have Austin in Common
Last night, I had the privilege of serving on the host committee for the second annual Austin in Common event, presented by the Austin Community Foundation (ACF). Honestly, when I first volunteered, I anticipated a standard fundraiser—a familiar mix of networking, polite applause, and donation pitches.
But instead, I experienced something far more meaningful: a heartfelt, energizing, and powerful tribute to the city we love. Austin in Common wasn't just an event; it was a living testament to what happens when a community commits to making a difference.
A Night to Remember
At IGC Institute, our mission is rooted in everyday civic leadership—those intentional, daily choices we make to show up for one another and our communities. Last night reinforced the truth that philanthropy itself is a civic act. It’s not charity; it’s investing in our collective future.
The evening began with joyful energy, “Y’all ready to be inspired?” And inspired we were.
Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette moved us profoundly, sharing how her journey—from humble lessons scribbled on butcher paper in her grandmother’s kitchen to becoming a transformative leader—was driven by one truth: education opens doors. Her challenge still resonates: “If she could accomplish so much with so little, imagine what we can achieve with the resources in this room.”
Chris Hyams, CEO of Indeed, provided a candid call to action about the potential and pitfalls of technology. His message was clear: innovation is powerful, but unless we intentionally include those often left behind, we risk widening gaps rather than closing them. As leaders, our responsibility is to ensure that opportunity reaches everyone.
Kendall Antonelli reminded us with refreshing honesty that philanthropy is accessible to all—born not of wealth but willingness. Whether driven by personal loss, joy, or legacy, giving back is a deeply personal choice with profound implications.
And Austin artist Carrie Rodriguez underscored our collective responsibility beautifully: this is our city, our home, and we all have work to do.
Why This Matters Now
For executives and business leaders in Central Texas, the stakes couldn’t be clearer. Austin is experiencing explosive growth, but not equitably. We have a decision to make: watch the gap between prosperity and access widen, or actively invest in bridging that gap.
Philanthropy is a crucial tool—not just charitable giving, but strategic investment. It strengthens civic infrastructure, develops workforce talent, expands educational opportunities, and fosters regional resilience.
Simply put, investing in Austin’s future is smart business.
How You Can Take Action
You don’t have to be a billionaire to make a meaningful impact. You don’t need the perfect plan to act. You just need to care and commit.
Here's how you can start:
Attend next year’s event: Witness firsthand the power of collective community action.
Sponsor Austin in Common 2026: Align your organization’s values with high-impact local investment.
Connect with ACF: Their team makes strategic giving straightforward and impactful.
As Kendall Antonelli perfectly put it, “Philanthropy isn’t about wealth—it’s about willingness.”
Let’s continue to show up for the city we all proudly call home. Because no matter how we arrived here, why we chose to stay, or the paths we’ve taken, we all have Austin in Common.