Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone in your lives! As you prepare to receive your diplomas and move on to the next chapter of your careers, take a moment to reflect on all that you have accomplished and learned during your time at Texas McCombs.
You have worked tirelessly to develop your skills, expand your knowledge, and build relationships that will last a lifetime. You have faced challenges and overcome obstacles, demonstrating your resilience, perseverance, and dedication to your goals. And finally, you have made an indelible mark on the Texas McCombs community, leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations of MBA students.
As you step out into the world as an alumnus, know that you carry the values and traditions that make Texas McCombs so special. You are part of a proud and accomplished network of leaders and innovators who are making a difference in every industry and city around the globe.
American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and businessman John Paul DeJoria, will address Class of 2023 graduates at the McCombs School of Business MBA Convocation, on May 5, 3:00–5:00 p.m. at Gregory Gym on the University of Texas at Austin campus.
John Paul DeJoria is widely recognized for co-founding two iconic global multi-billion-dollar-valued brands: John Paul Mitchell Systems and Patron Spirits International.
Born in Los Angeles in 1944, DeJoria grew up in a low-income household and faced numerous challenges throughout his childhood and adolescence. He is admired for his innovative and socially responsible approach to business and has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and the environment.
In 2011, Mr. DeJoria signed the “Giving Pledge” created in 2010 by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffet. John Paul’s main philanthropic investments through JP’s Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation are focused on homelessness, food insecurity, and entrepreneurship. Mr. DeJoria endowed a chair at the University of Texas at Austin’s Dell Medical School to improve the health of people experiencing homelessness. In addition, he has made investments in housing through Mobile Loves & Fishes and the Salvation Army. He funded and created Grow Appalachia, the largest organization of its kind that helps people grow their own food and contribute to resilient food systems.
John Paul was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2021 for his transformational impact on the state’s economy and communities and received the Texas Medal of Arts in 2017 from the Texas Cultural Trust as Corporate Arts Patron. John Paul DeJoria’s life and career are a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and the entrepreneurial spirit that Texas McCombs hopes to ignite in each of our students.
If you or your family can’t make it to Gregory Gym, tune into the MBA Commencement live stream, or join us at Rowling Hall to celebrate.
Once again, congratulations on your graduation from the Texas McCombs MBA program. May this achievement be just the beginning of a long and fulfilling journey, filled with success, happiness, and endless possibilities.
Looking for things to do this summer in Austin, Texas? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 activities to keep you entertained during the sunny season. From swimming holes, to favorite drinking spots, to great film spots, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Get ready to experience the best of Austin this summer – here are 10 must-do activities to add to your Austin summer bucket list.
Discover Austin’s vibrant film scene at The Paramount Theatre or Austin Film Society. Movie-buffs and letterbox fanatics can enjoy new movie screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and classic film series in the summer and throughout the year.
Paramount Theatre’s annual Summer Classic Film Series screened over 85 films last summer, like Goodfellas, Bonnie and Clyde, My Cousin Vinny, and more! Film rosters are released at the top of every month, beginning in May. Don’t miss out on the ultimate summer film experience in Austin.
Get sneak peeks of new TV shows, attend Q&A sessions with your favorite actors and writers, and participate in interactive events that showcase the latest trends in TV at the Austin Television Festival. The agenda includes the premiere of season three of the HBO comedy show, The Righteous Gemstones, an appearance by Seth Meyers, and a conversation with the showrunner and cast of Grown-ish.
With more series and panelists to be revealed within the coming months, be sure to mark June 1st – 4th on your summer schedule. Visit the ATX TV Festival website for more information on badges and tickets.
Newly opened on North University, Tweedy’s Bar has replaced the old campus staple, Spider House Café. The new spot has taken its name from a former employee of Spider House and has chosen to honor the original design and ambiance of the previous bar. In addition to drinks, customers can purchase baked goods from Zucchini Kill and sandwiches and burgers from Golden Tiger. Open daily from 12 PM – 2 AM, visit Tweedy’s Bar for cozy summer evenings.
7. Grab Goodies at the Mueller Texas Farmers’ Market
Featuring over 120 vendors with agricultural producers within a 150-mile radius, the Mueller Texas Farmers’ Market has been hailed as Austin Chronicle‘s Best of Austin Farmers’ Market for 9 years in a row. Open every Sunday between 10 AM – 2 PM, whether it is sunny or rainy, you can incorporate the farmers market into your summer routine.
Visit the Texas Farmers’ Market website or Instagram for more information regarding upcoming events, in-season produce, and additional locations.
6. Take a stroll at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Photo Courtesy of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
With over 900 native Texas plant species, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is the perfect peaceful outdoor activity. Located in South Austin, the center is open daily from 9 AM – 5 PM, with free admission for all UT students, faculty, and staff (with ID). During your visit, be sure to stop by the Wildflower Café, Observation Tower, and Wetland Pond.
Visit the center’s website for more information regarding hours, events, and itineraries.
In the mood for shopping? Spend the day at The Domain in North Austin, an outdoor shopping mall with over 100 restaurants, bars, retail, and luxury stores to choose from. In the mood for food and an immersive mini-golf course? Check out The Dirdie Birdie.
Open 10 AM – 8 PM Monday through Thursday, 10 AM – 9 PM. Friday and Saturday, and 12 PM – 6 PM. on Sunday, make The Domain a repeated destination this summer.
Featuring both local vendors and mainstream stores, South Congress is the perfect blend of Austin’s local culture and city life. With stores scattered along either side of SoCo, the walkable destination features Reformation, Lululemon, and Madewell, alongside local favorites SoCo Makers Market with Vintage, Maya Star, and Allens Boots. The street also includes popular coffee shops and restaurants, including Home Slice Pizza, Amy’s Ice Creams, and Bennu Coffee. Skim over A Taste of Koko’s comprehensive guide on SoCo for more information.
3. Wander into one of Downtown Austin’s Speakeasies
Austin’s best not-so-kept secret is the hidden bars and speakeasies! Located in unconventional spaces like a parking garage, firehouse, and behind what looks like a run-down floppy disk repair company, Austin speakeasies are perfect for those who want to explore the low-key city bar scene.
Pictured above is Garage, a speakeasy available by reservation only via Resy. Additionally, hidden behind a bookshelf, Firehouse Lounge is open on a first-come, first-served seating. Read more about how you can gain access to Austin’s many speakeasies on Thrillist.
2. Sit back and Relax at the Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in Rooftop
Boasting a 360-degree rooftop view of Downtown Austin, the Blue Starlite Mini Urban-Drive-in has been “keeping Austin funky and making memories under the stars” since 2009. Blue Starlite provides viewers with a multi-screen experience in both its Mueller and Downtown locations, making the drive-in a great evening venture with friends or a special someone. Catch a public screening Friday through Sunday, or schedule a private event on any day of the week.
Visit Blue Starlite’s website for more information on movie rosters, private rentals, and more.
From the famous Barton Springs Pool to Blue Hole, Austin has its fair share of swimming holes and paddleboarding spots within the city and on its outskirts. Open 5 – 8 AM (Swim at Your Own Risk) and 8 AM – 10 PM (Guarded Swim) Monday through Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, Barton Springs Pool in Downtown Austin is convenient for those looking for a small commute.
If you don’t mind the additional travel time, visit Blue Hole Regional Park, Barton Creek Greenbelt, Jacob’s Well Natural Area, Krause Springs, and Hamilton Pool Reserve for the complete, all-natural experience. Be sure to check each swimming hole’s website for updated information on hours, events, fees, and more before scheduling your visit.
Chris Stafford, MBA at Houston Class of 2024, is reigniting the Weekend MBA program’s eQual chapter, an organization aimed at fostering community and solidarity among LGBTQ+ MBA students.
“When I started the Fall semester in Houston, I learned that eQual Houston had fizzled away during COVID-19 and needed fresh blood to give it a restart,” Chris says. “I know how important it is for community engagement and representation both internally and externally. I think it’s really important to have LGBTQ+ representation in the program and also for students to get involved in the local LGBTQ+ community.”
Alongside completing his MBA, Chris is employed at ExxonMobil. Prior to his MBA journey, he graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in 2010 and served as an Officer in the Navy Reserves.
Chris during his time in the Navy Reserve in 2011.
“The ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ policy (DADT) was still in place while I was a Midshipman at USMMA and for the beginning part of my time as an Officer in the Reserves, this policy required that I keep my identity as a gay man a secret and live my life ‘in the closet,’” Chris says. “I actually wrote my admissions essay to McCombs about the repeal of DADT and how it shaped my career. Serving under the DADT policy was not easy and surely presented lots of obstacles, but I am a stronger person for it.”
Chris and his husband, Tyler, kiss during their wedding.
Chris says his background in maritime operations and trading influenced his decision to apply to the Weekend MBA at Houston program.
“I really want to grow my business acumen and enhance my understanding of different aspects of business that I have yet to be exposed to. My employer is very supportive of me getting my MBA and I am really hoping to bring back to the office what I am learning at McCombs,” he says. “When trying to decide on where to go for my MBA, there were a few options locally here in Houston I was considering. I wanted a strong academic program with a large network, great reputation and prestige and a big school atmosphere.”
After settling in at the program, Chris and his classmates got in contact with the Dallas and Austin chapters of eQual, who were instrumental in helping reboot the organization for the Houston program.
“We plan to link up with both Austin and Dallas eQual groups more in the future and try to host some joint events,” Chris says. “We announced to our classmates on National Coming Out Day that eQual was back and that started the buzz. We had significant interest and were super excited to get it going.”
For the future of Houston’s eQual endeavors, Chris and other organizers in the group plan to engage with the local community and increase awareness about topics of diversity and inclusion.
Chris and Tyler pose with a rainbow Pride flag at Cross Fit.
“We plan to get involved in local philanthropic and volunteer endeavors, for example the Houston Pride Parade and Montrose Center,” he says. “We plan to bring in guest speakers to speak to eQual about inclusion and diversity in the workplace, and hopefully get local executives that identify as LGBTQ+ to speak to our cohorts about their experiences in the corporate world.”
Ultimately, Chris’ goal is to uplift and support the McCombs — and extended — LGBTQ+ community in both the corporate world and their academic ventures.
“Our main goal is to be a voice for the students in the Houston MBA program, especially those of us that identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. We strive to protect and promote an inclusive and safe environment and celebrate diversity in all forms within the program. We want to leverage LGBTQ+ alumni to help mentor and recruit students that are a part of the eQual group, as well as act as a recruiting tool for the admission team to continue to admit diverse classes in the future.”
This year Texas McCombs celebrated the 5th year of the Elevate: Diversity Equity and Inclusion Conference, at Rowling Hall on February 10. The annual Elevate Conference is one of the most significant channels for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) across the Texas McCombs MBA program. Founded by 2019 alumnae Ashley Fox and DeAndrea Staes, the conference has grown to be a full community-wide event. This year’s Elevate co-chairs, Azzy Francis, Fernando Galindo, Lauren Vague, and Oshane Mcrae hoped to evoke a different perspective to DEI with the new theme, “Let’s Dance.”
Azzy Francis Full-Time MBA ’24
Fernando Galindo Full-Time MBA ’23
Lauren Vague Full-Time MBA ’24
Oshane Mcrae Full-Time MBA ’23
“I recalled the quote from one of my classes: ‘Diversity is being asked to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance,’” Fernando Galindo says. “It stood out to me and felt like a great way to encourage people to come and join us in this dance.”
The team wanted to communicate a joyful, fun, expressive environment where people are unafraid to participate and share.
“‘Let’s Dance’ to me means celebrating diversity, breaking down barriers, and embracing discomfort,” says Azzy Francis. “DEI work can be awkward, much like middle school dances. You might feel unsure of yourself, out of your comfort zone, or like you don’t know the steps. But just like at those dances, the key is to embrace the awkwardness, find your own rhythm, and engage with one another in kindness & respect. The more you participate and engage, the more confident and comfortable you will become. And before you know it, you’ll be moving to the beat of inclusivity and creating meaningful change.”
“We hope that this brings us to a place where we are engaging respectfully, rather than not engaging due to fear or discomfort,” Lauren says. “Asking attendees to dance means that we are encouraging all of us to end up in a place where we can all be a little more ourselves, and be seen for who we are.”
The conference featured keynote speakers Iris Diaz, Chief Marketing Officer of the Dallas Mavericks, and Tynesia Boyea-Robinson, President and CEO of CapEQ. Alongside their speeches, there were also student-led panels and various discussion-led sessions throughout the day. Oshane Mcrae, Elevate co-chair and Full-Time MBA student, says the Elevate chairs chose the keynote speakers for their humanness, their charisma, their talents of storytelling, and the bravery of their approach to their careers and changing the world.
“No one person can improve DE&I outcomes on their own, it takes a community, it takes institutional buy-in, it takes outspoken leaders, it takes quiet ones as well,” Oshane says. “It takes sustained effort over time to change processes, to change norms, and to shift core practices.”
“We wanted to make the sessions very interactive,” says Lauren. “We chose Aurora Archer, Meme Styles, and our very own Zerina Hamulic as facilitators. Most of the sessions were discussion based, with our hope being that we could leverage the expertise of our attendees and also make sure that they got to ask the questions and have the discussions they wanted.” They also hosted student-led sessions with current Texas McCombs MBA students to provide their classmates a platform to share their stories and educate their community and peers.
The Elevate team also introduced the Inaugural Ashley Fox and DeAndrea Staes Excellence in DEI award to celebrate students that are making a difference in their leadership at McCombs.
“It was an award intended to honor student leadership & innovation in DE&I, in the spirit of Ashley Fox and DeAndrea Staes who were the original founders of Elevate,” says Oshane. “We opened it up to the students to nominate their peers and make the case for each nominee.”
Yessica Bravo Full-Time MBA ’23
Yessica Bravo, Consortium member, and Full-Time MBA student was presented the first Excellence in DEI award by the conference’s founders, Ashley Fox, and DeAndrea Staes. Yessica says it was an honor to win this award, and that while it can be easy to be hard on herself, she ultimately trusts herself and her ability to bring brilliant people together.
“Good work is never done alone. I’m incredibly fortunate to have sat alongside peers deeply passionate about ensuring more students from diverse backgrounds experience McCombs,” Yessica says. “Alexis Allen, Muna Rehma, Getaneh Mekonen, Craig Perry, Matt Wong, Amanda Garcia, Usjid Hameed, and the next gen of leaders- yall are the vessels. We did great work together. I’m so proud of what we accomplished in our short time here.”
Yessica says one of the best ways to practice improving DEI circumstances is to show up. “For a long time, I didn’t participate in DEI discussions because I was afraid of what I didn’t know, I was worried I didn’t hold the correct language or I didn’t know everything about what I perceived to be sensitive topics. My fear was keeping me away from learning,” Yessica says. “The opportunity is all around us. Whether it’s at a conference like Elevate, Consortium’s monthly storytelling sessions, GWiB’s allyship roundtable, or the Food and Beverage Club’s dinners. The opportunity to connect and learn from people different than us exists. Show up.”
As Black History Month comes to an end, we reflect, honor, and celebrate the history, achievements, and contributions of the Black community here at McCombs and in the greater city of Austin. Learn about 7 Black-owned businesses around Austin that you can support throughout the year and check out how our Black Graduate Business Association celebrated Black History Month.
Founders, Friends, and Owners Brian Batch and Ryan McElroy. Photo courtesy of Bird Bird Biscuit.
Co-founded in 2018 by Brian Batch and Ryan McElroy, Bird Bird Biscuit is a chicken and biscuit restaurant that has spent years crafting the most delectable recipes for its menu. Located on 2701 Manor Rd in Austin, Texas, Bird Bird Biscuit has gained its reputation for providing customers with great service, flavorful food, and allergy-friendly food items.
Margarita from Austin Daiquiri Factory. Photo courtesy of Austin Daiquiri Factory Instagram.
Austin Daiquiri Factory is woman-owned and family-operated. Iesha Griffin opened Austin Daiquiri Factory in 2021 as an East Austin to-go Daiquiri shop offering 7 base flavors, 16 signature drinks, and the option to build your own frozen drink. All daiquiris are made with real fruit and real cane sugar. They are also 100% gluten, sulfite, GMO, and preservative-free! Located at 2000 E. 12th street.
Owners, Kim Scott and Tony Scott. Photo courtesy of Tony’s Jamaican Food.
Located north of Austin in Pflugerville, Texas, Tony’s Jamaican Food offers its customers a comforting slice of Caribbean cuisine. Founded in 2018 by Tony Scott and his wife Kim, Tony’s Jamaican Food prides itself on its customer service and authentic dishes like jerk chicken and oxtail.
Owner Sianni Dean (right) and Granny (left), Sianni’s grandmother and inspiration.
Founded, owned, and operated by Sianni Dean as a tribute to her grandmother, Cranky Granny’s opened its doors in 2021 as a Black-woman-owned business sweet rolls shop. Located in Round Rock, Texas, Cranky Granny’s offers delicious pastries, from cookies and cream to peach cobbler.
Imani Tatum, owner. Photo courtesy of Mikala Compton/American-Statesman.
Founded in July 2021, Imani Tatum opened Nana’s Prayers Tattoo Studio with a dream of exploring tattoo art. Located at 715 W Powell Ln in Austin, Texas, her studio features tattoo artists Imani (@twiggytattoos), Patricio (@victimofbirth), B (@b_infante_), and Xóchítl (@chiflada.tatts). Imani describes tattoos as a way of connecting with her ancestors and named her business after her grandmother.
Owner Katrina Brooks (middle), poses with her family and husband/co-owner, Eric Brooks. Photo courtesy of Black Pearl Books.
Founded in 2019, Black Pearl Books began its business as an online store that participated in markets and pop-ups. Currently located at 7112 Burnet Rd in Austin, Texas, Black Pearl Books is a fully family-run black-woman-owned business that aspires to utilize literature to promote inclusivity and diversity.
Founder and native Austinite, Javier Wallace. Photo courtesy of Black Austin Tours.
Founded in 2019 by Javier Wallace, Black Austin Tours aims to spotlight Black voices within Austin’s city history. The tour company informs people about Black community leaders and trailblazers that are not currently celebrated in conventional history books. Black Austin Tours currently offers in-person walking and virtual tours.
Celebrating Black History Month with Black Graduate Business Association
The Black Graduate Business Association Leadership team.
Black Graduate Business Association (BGBA) is a student organization founded in 1985. BGBA members represent a variety of academic concentrations and political, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Members’ business interests range from the public to the private sector, entrepreneurship, and national and international markets in various areas of the business world. As a professional organization of predominantly Black students pursuing an MBA, the BGBA’s purpose is to provide a nexus through fellowship to broaden, enhance and promote the successful futures of its members.
Check out how BGBA celebrated Black history and the Black community this past month. ⬇️
Azzy Francis, VP of Communications, hosted a McCombs Instagram Takeover during the march to the capitol on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
BGBA also hosted a Black History Bike Tour focused on exploring the black history of Austin, an Art Galleries at Black Studies Tour, and a Storytelling session with other student leaders at McCombs.
John Paul DeJoria is widely recognized for co-founding two iconic global multi-billion-dollar-valued brands: John Paul Mitchell Systems and Patron Spirits International.
