Why We Give: Shea Wylen
Shea Wylen (they/them) would describe themself as a “community connector.” When they are not working part time on strategy at Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center, Shea is actively introducing people to causes they can be passionate about. In fact, giving and volunteer advocacy is such a large part of Shea’s life, they recently won the Austin Under 40 Award for the Nonprofit Category. And if you ask Shea why they spend so much time giving back, they will say, “If in this lifetime, I get to be a friend or mentor for someone else who is struggling, it will be the greatest accomplishment I could hope to achieve.”
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Why We Give: Noel Landuyt and Gary Schumann
Noel Landuyt & Gary Schumann are a married gay couple who have leveraged their professional and social circles to promote a number of projects within the Austin community. Particularly relating to LGBTQ legal and health issues, causes they are both passionate about. As they like to say, “Give together and you stay together.”
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Why I Give: Maxine LaQueene
Maxine LaQueene (she/her) is an Austin icon in the LGBTQIA+ community. Having worked 12 years as a full time Drag performer, she uses her talent to not only entertain, but to advocate. Standing tall at 6 '4'’ (without the heels and wig), she knows her super power is confidence - confidence in being trans, being queer, and being a voice for those who may not be heard. She regularly gives back to the local community by performing at nonprofit events and taking action at the Texas Capital.
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Why I Give: Michelle Arishita
Michelle is a successful lawyer having represented clients at the federal and state level in cases involving commercial contract disputes, antitrust, oil and gas, construction, and trade secret law. But it’s her pro bono work alongside Asian Family Support Services of Austin (AFSSA) that allows her to do what she loves while giving back locally.
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