Rebecca Contreras Joins Hispanic Austin Leadership at the Texas State Capitol: Turning Service Into Impact
On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, AvantGarde President and CEO Rebecca Contreras joined the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Hispanic Austin Leadership (HAL) program at the Texas State Capitol. The occasion was HAL’s Civic Engagement session, the first full program day for this year’s cohort.
About the session
HAL brings together 25 emerging and established leaders from corporations, nonprofits, small businesses and a range of industries across the Austin region. The Civic Engagement day centered on learning, reflection, connection and civic leadership. Participants looked at three things: what civic engagement means in practice, where they have room to become more engaged and influential, and how business and community leaders can build relationships across sectors to create meaningful change.
The conversation
Rebecca joined Ricardo Zavala, Founder and President of Dove Springs Proud, for From Community to Civic Leadership: Turning Service Into Impact. It was a candid conversation about their personal journeys, the lessons they learned along the way, and what civic leadership and belonging look like in practice.
The discussion focused on a challenge many Latino professionals know well. Many are taught to work hard, contribute and serve. Far fewer are taught to navigate systems of power or to see themselves as decision-makers.
Key takeaways for emerging leaders
Credibility is built on results. A seat at the table is earned through consistent, measurable results, not handed out.
A voice at the table is meant to be used. The Hispanic community has a voice in Austin’s future. Leaders who have built credibility have a responsibility to speak up.
Build relationships across differences. Real influence grows in rooms where not everyone thinks the same way. Strong leaders step into those circles while staying grounded in their values and their community.
Why Rebecca
Rebecca’s own leadership began in public service. She moved from a welfare-to-work GED program into Texas state government, serving under Governor Ann Richards and later as Director of Human Resources for Governor George W. Bush. She went on to serve in the White House and as Deputy Assistant Secretary and Chief Human Capital Officer at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. In 2011 she founded AvantGarde, a people-centered consulting firm. Today she also serves as a Senate-confirmed Commissioner on the Texas Racing Commission.
AvantGarde thanks Monica and the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for the invitation, Ricardo Zavala for a powerful conversation, and the HAL cohort for their energy and commitment to their communities.
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