Why I Give: Iris Estrada

Giving back has always been part of Iris Estrada’s DNA. Whether supporting arts nonprofits or helping creatives thrive, her work is grounded in a desire to uplift others. Now, as the new Director of Marketing and Communications at I Live Here I Give Here, she’s excited to carry that spirit forward and help build a more generous Central Texas.

Q: Why is giving back important to you?

Growing up, I was raised to believe that community is everything. Whether it was sharing a meal with neighbors, volunteering with my mom, or watching my dad show up for people during hard times, my parents always gave what they could and led by example. For them, giving wasn’t something you did once a year, it was part of their daily life. That mindset stuck with me, and I learned that giving back isn’t just about money or time. It’s about creating a world where we all feel seen and supported.

Q: It sounds like your upbringing helped shape your values around generosity?

Definitely. My parents were my first teachers when it came to giving. My mom has always been involved in giving back through her church and local nonprofits. She’s helped run food banks, community closets where those in need could find clothing and furnishings, and she’s the first to help out with a fundraiser. And my dad? He’s one of the most generous people I know. He once gave a homeless man the shoes off his feet because that’s just the kind of person he is. He literally wouldn’t think twice about giving you the shirt off his back if you needed it. My parents’ actions weren’t performative. They just lived with compassion and led by example. That kind of quiet generosity shaped how I see the world and how I try to show up for others.

Q: Tell us about a cause that’s close to your heart.

Arts and culture are deeply important to me, so I love supporting creatives and organizations doing incredible work with limited resources. Groups like MAS Cultura and DAWA inspire me. Seeing how they use art to build pride, foster identity, and give voice to underrepresented communities really fuels me.

It’s why I believe so strongly in local giving. The people doing the most impactful work often aren’t the ones with the biggest platforms.

I’m also the proud daughter of immigrants, so I care deeply about supporting organizations that fight for immigrant rights and help create a sense of belonging for families like mine. That work hits close to home.

Q: Have you always been involved in community work?

Yes, in one way or another. Before moving to Austin, I served as Vice President of the Board for the Lindsay School of the Arts in Fort Pierce, Florida. It’s an incredible organization that gives young people in underserved communities access to dance, music, and theater. I also sat on the board of the Bluebird Educational Foundation, which helps get instruments and music education into local schools. Supporting the arts, especially for young people, has always been close to my heart.

Q: We love that you are a transplant to Austin! What brought you to Texas, and what keeps you here?

I moved to Texas because I wanted to be closer to my family on the West Coast, but also because I was craving a deeper connection to my culture. I’m a first-generation Chicana, and after spending parts of my life in the Dominican Republic, Canada, and Florida, I realized I hadn’t lived in a community with a strong Mexican presence in a long time and I really, really missed that.

I moved to Austin in 2022, and it felt like home right away. There’s a creative energy here that I really connect with, but I’m also aware of how fast the city is changing. I want to make sure I’m contributing to the culture, not just experiencing it.

How does the saying go? “It takes a village.” But I think you can’t have a village if you’re not willing to show up as a villager. Every time I land somewhere new, I ask myself, “How can I contribute here?” because for me, giving is how you become part of a community. You can’t just take in the music, the food, the energy, and not try to give back. If you really love a city and its culture, you have to love its people too. That means supporting them, listening to them, and helping build something together.

Q: You recently joined I Live Here I Give Here as the new Marketing Director. What inspired the career shift?

Most of my professional background is in marketing and storytelling. I’ve built campaigns for brands in the spirits, lifestyle, and consumer goods space. But over time, I found myself wanting more purpose in the work. I wanted to tell stories that moved people to act, not just to buy.

I Live Here I Give Here felt like the perfect place to do that. It’s about helping build a more generous Austin by connecting people to causes that matter, and I love that I get to use my skills to support that mission.

Q: What kind of Central Texas do you want to help build?

One that holds on to its soul. As the city grows, we have to be intentional about who gets to thrive here. I want to help build a Central Texas that invests in local voices, supports grassroots creativity, and makes space for everyone. That’s only possible if we each take responsibility for shaping it.

Q: What do you love to do outside of work?

I’m big on vintage. Clothes, furniture, all of it. I love digging for hidden treasures and finding statement pieces with a story. I’m also a total animal person. My dog Truffles and my cat Oats basically run the house.

Outside of that, I’m usually baking something sweet, planning a trip, or trying a new bar or restaurant. I’m a big foodie and love a good cocktail, so I’m always on the lookout for a new spot. I also love live music so I’m always down for a good concert or festival.

Finally, finish this sentence: I live here, I give here because…

I believe in the power of community to change everything.