2022 Selection Committee
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Rachel is an Austin native who is passionate about helping women understand and embrace their intrinsic worth. She inspires women through her blog and has had the opportunity to create content for national brands like Neutrogena, Diamonds Direct, Waterless Haircare, Nordstrom, Listerine, and many more. She has also held the titles of Miss Austin Teen USA, Miss Waco USA, National American Miss Texas, Miss Texas High School America, and Miss Texas Collegiate America. She is a newly wed and loves going on hikes in the hill country with her husband, Cameron, and their two Pomeranians, Gizmo and Bowser.
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Nick Gray was raised in Dallas, Texas. He moved to New York City with very few friends and less-than-stellar social skills, but Nick craved new relationships and exciting opportunities. He started hosting non-traditional parties—a move that opened doors he never could have imagined. Today, after hosting hundreds of 2-hour parties, he counts business owners, artists, and inspiring teachers among a circle of friends that helped him launch a multi-million dollar company, Museum Hack. Featured in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, Nick has been called a host of “culturally significant parties” by New York Magazine. He was named “The Best” by his mother in 2018, 2019, and 2021 (runner-up). Nick Gray lives in Austin next to Zilker Park and runs a small family office called Tri Peak Holdings that invests in technology stocks. His book "The 2-Hour Cocktail Party" can be found at www.party.pro and you should definitely add him on Instagram at @nickgraynews to see his stories.
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Ryan Coaxum, an Austin native, is known for his striking energy and enthusiasm for life that drives him to give back to his community in various capacities. With over a decade of banking experience, he is part of the original team that brought Guaranty Bank & Trust to Central Texas. There, he works with a diverse group of clients across a broad range of industries focusing on their loan, deposit, and private banking needs. He serves on the boards of directors of a number of non-profit organizations including Ballet Austin, I Live Here I Give Here and The Trail Foundation. Ryan focuses on issues in arts education, financial literacy, economic development and expanding opportunities for underserved communities. Ryan has been recognized for his tireless work by both the banking industry and his peers. His career has been marked by recognition in Independent Bankers Magazine’s 40 Under 40 and Austin Black Business Journal’s Readers’ Choice Award. He is a graduate of Huston-Tillotson University, a historically black college and university in Austin, receiving his bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in business administration.
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Jennifer Thompson Jarvis is the owner and founder of BarlowandBrowning.com, an elegant women’s online clothing boutique. Her business is committed to charitable giving and embodies the ethos, “Continuing the legacy of courageous women.” Jennifer is a University of Texas graduate and Delta Delta Delta sorority alumni. She is also the proud mother of two daughters ages 22 & 17. She is kind, loving, bold and determined. Her commitment to her family, business, and community make Jennifer a great example to women of all ages.
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Cathy Sunu is a commercial and portrait photographer of 15 years, who started her career off shooting a hundred pairs of shoes a day. She once was a producer in the fashion photography world, and there, she got a sneak peek into all the work that goes into a commercial shoot and all the beautiful images that come out of it. She went back to school for photography and has been hooked ever since! In addition to her personal studio, she co-founded a new photography company, Tanjabul. Their mission is to shake up the school and sports photography industry with modern, authentic portraits. When she’s not taking photos or editing away on her computer, Cathy enjoys spending time with her husband and two sweet boys, jamming to 90s music, and playing Wordle with her friends.