While many of us may take the education of our children for granted, for some Texas families, success in the classroom is often challenged by a lack of resources at home and at school. Organizations like Communities in Schools (CIS) of Texas help remove those barriers by providing critical student support services, academic resources and one-on-one guidance that empower students to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

In this episode of the Changing Austin Podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, Sharon Vigil, CEO of Communities in Schools of Texas, discusses how the organization helps students overcome challenges through trauma-informed support, mental health resources, basic needs assistance and strong partnerships with educators and families. By placing site coordinators directly on school campuses, Communities in Schools helps ensure students have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Throughout the conversation, Vigil shares the research behind the Communities in Schools model, including studies from Harvard University that demonstrate improved graduation rates and long-term outcomes for students. She also explores the connection between childhood trauma and learning, explaining how Communities in Schools helps students build new pathways for success through safe, supportive relationships and positive experiences.

Follow Sharon Vigil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-vigil-60667012b/

Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:

https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijo https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo

About Changing Austin:

Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.

VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com

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Changing Austin is powered by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking. #austin #austintexas

For those experiencing homelessness in Austin, support can come from a variety of nonprofits and community programs. One such organization is Mobile Loaves & Fishes, the nonprofit founded by Alan Graham that has earned national recognition for Community First! Village, a master-planned community providing affordable, permanent housing for people coming out of chronic homelessness.

In this episode of the Changing Austin Podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, Graham discusses how Community First! Village grew from a single R/V to a thriving community in East Austin. Now home to more than 420 residents, Community First! Village has become a national model for permanent supportive housing, with plans to ultimately serve 1,900 residents.

The conversation explores the enduring challenge of homelessness in Austin, addressing common misconceptions about the people served by Mobile Loaves & Fishes and other nonprofits. Graham also explains why homelessness is a solvable issue for cities like Austin and why communities should invest in long-term housing solutions that restore dignity, stability and connection.

Follow Alan Graham on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlfnow

Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:

https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijo https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo

About Changing Austin:

Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.

VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com

• Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
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Changing Austin is powered by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking. #austin #austintexas

Dr. Kristi Kirk believes higher education should be accessible to everyone. As a first-generation college graduate, she has dedicated her career to helping students succeed, a mission that led her to become President and CEO of Concordia University Texas.

In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, Dr. Kirk discusses how Concordia University Texas has evolved to meet the needs of Central Texas students and employers. A leader in adult education and online learning, the university continues to expand flexible programs that serve working professionals, part-time learners and traditional students.

The conversation explores Concordia's student-centered approach to supporting first-generation college students and learners from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Kirk also shares how the university's Northwest Austin campus, home to a 250-acre nature preserve, creates a unique environment that helps students learn, grow and thrive.

Follow Dr. Kristi Kirk on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristikirk1

Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:

https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijo https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo

About Changing Austin:

Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.

VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com

• Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
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• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=89088bb99af24177

Changing Austin is powered by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking. #austin #austintexas

For Tamara Atkinson, every successful career starts with purpose.

Her philosophy of "connecting for purpose" has guided more than three decades of work in workforce development across Central Texas. From helping individuals identify career pathways to creating opportunities for economic mobility, Atkinson has dedicated her career to connecting people with the tools they need to succeed.

In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, Atkinson shares how a lifelong appreciation for community impact and a career spent in workforce development ultimately led her to Goodwill Central Texas, where she now serves as President of Workforce Advancement Strategy.

The conversation explores how Goodwill Central Texas transforms donated goods into workforce training, adult education and career opportunities while preparing people for success in an economy increasingly shaped by technology and evolving workforce needs. Atkinson also discusses the importance of investing in people, strengthening communities and building a workforce prepared for the future of Central Texas.

Follow Tamara Atkinson on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-atkinson-6456345/

Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:

https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijo https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo

About Changing Austin:

Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.

VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com

• Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
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Changing Austin is powered by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking. #austin #austintexas

What does it look like when an Austin restaurant prioritizes employee well-being just as much as profit? For L’Oca d’Oro, it looks like becoming one of Austin’s most respected restaurants and a leading voice for change in the local hospitality industry.

In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, L’Oca d’Oro cofounder Adam Orman shares how the award-winning Austin restaurant built a sustainable business model rooted in fair wages, paid sick leave and community impact. Drawing from years of experience in restaurants across the country, Orman and business partner Fiore Tedesco created L’Oca d’Oro with a mission to support both staff and customers while helping shape the future of Austin’s restaurant scene.

Throughout the conversation, Orman reflects on the evolution of Austin restaurants over the last decade, the growing challenges of affordability in Central Texas and how independent restaurants continue to adapt amid rising costs and rapid growth. He also discusses the restaurant industry’s role in local policy conversations, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses and why restaurants are increasingly expanding into Austin’s surrounding communities.

Listeners will gain insight into sustainable restaurant practices, the future of Austin small businesses and how community-driven restaurants like L’Oca d’Oro are helping create a more affordable and connected Austin.

Follow Adam Orman on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-orman-6344a3254/

Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:

https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijo https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo

About Changing Austin:

Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.

VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com

• Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
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• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=89088bb99af24177

Changing Austin is powered by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking. #austin #austintexas

How do you find common ground in Texas politics and business when collaboration feels impossible? Denise Davis has spent more than 20 years doing exactly that. As Board Chair of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, former Chief of Staff for the Texas House of Representatives and partner at Davis Kaufman PLLC, Davis has built a reputation for helping business leaders, policymakers and entrepreneurs move Austin forward through strategic collaboration and bipartisan leadership.

In this episode of the Changing Austin Podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, Denise Davis shares insights on Texas politics, Austin economic growth, leadership, entrepreneurship and the future of business in Central Texas. From navigating high-stakes policy conversations to mentoring the next generation of Austin innovators, Davis explains why finding common ground is essential to shaping Austin’s future.

Listeners will hear how Davis’ experience in public policy, government relations and business advocacy continues to influence her leadership at the Austin Chamber of Commerce and across the Texas business community.

Follow Denise Davis on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-davis-55444917/

Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:

https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijo https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo

About Changing Austin:

Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.

VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com

• Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
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• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=89088bb99af24177

Changing Austin is powered by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking. #austin #austintexas

Few people have shaped Austin’s rise quite like Hugh Forrest.

As the first paid employee of South by Southwest, Forrest joined in 1989 when Austin was still a college town and SXSW was a scrappy music festival fueled by creativity, risk-taking and a handful of local venues. Over the next three decades, he helped transform SXSW into a global powerhouse spanning music, film, technology and culture, helping put Austin on the world stage.

In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, Chief Experience Officer Stacy Armijo sits down with Forrest to unpack SXSW’s evolution, Austin’s creative identity and what’s next for one of America’s fastest-growing cities.

From the city’s signature approachability to the urgent need to preserve space for artists, entrepreneurs and innovators, Forrest shares a clear perspective on what made Austin special and what must be protected as it continues to grow.

Follow Hugh Forrest on Instagram and LinkedIn:

https://www.instagram.com/hughwforrest https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughforrest

Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:

https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijo https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo

About Changing Austin:

Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.

VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com

• Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
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• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=89088bb99af24177

Changing Austin is powered by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking. #austin #austintexas

What would it take for Austin to become the best city in America for kids? That question is driving Generation ATX, an initiative launched by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and the City of Austin in 2025. The goal is simple but ambitious: unite the community around improving outcomes for more than 176,000 students across Central Texas.

In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, Chief Experience Officer Stacy Armijo sits down with Mayor Watson to explore the vision behind Generation ATX and what it will take to make Austin the best place to grow up. Drawing on his first term as mayor beginning in 1997 and his return to office, Watson reflects on how Austin’s biggest challenges are tied to its rapid growth and success, and how the city can address affordability to ensure that Austin works for its next generation.

Follow Mayor Kirk Watson on Instagram and LinkedIn:

https://www.instagram.com/kirkpwatson/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-watson-045ab81b

Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:

https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijo https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo

About Changing Austin:

Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.

VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com

• Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
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• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=89088bb99af24177

Changing Austin is powered by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking. #austin #austintexas