Introducing Our 2020 Board: The Leaders Behind Our Wildest Year Yet
This year, amid the continued COVID-19 madness, we nominated and elected a new Board President, as well as two new board members.
After an intense year, it’s time you met this formidable team.
MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS.
Photographed by Amelia Fleming.
Xochi Solis, Board President
Xochi Solis (she/her) is a mixed media artist born and raised in Austin, Texas. Her works include multilayered, collaged paintings constructed from paint, hand-dyed paper, vinyl, plastics, and images from found books and magazines. As an accomplished artist and leader in her community with over 15 years of experience, Solis is enthusiastic about continuing to transform her practice as a cultural producer into a vehicle for active citizenship and civic responsibility. In addition to her studio practice, she manages and spins records with the Austin chapter of Chulita Vinyl Club with a focus on the preservation and performance of Tejanx culture.
We’d love to know a little bit about you, what you do, and your role within bbatx.
My name is Xochi Solis and I am a visual artist born and raised in Austin, Texas. In addition to my studio practice, I am also a vinyl DJ with Chulita Vinyl Club ATX. I have worked with and within the bbatx organization in a variety of roles: a craftHER visual artist in residence project, a performing artist as Mira Mira (my DJ persona), a 2019 BABES FEST producer, a 2018 and 2019 programming committee member and now currently as the Board President. That means I work closely with our Executive Director to enhance our goals and mission in a sustainable way and provide leadership to our volunteer board so we can best support our staff and community in Central Texas.
Tell us about your beginnings with bbatx. How did you first hear about the organization? How did you first become involved? How long have you been involved with us?
In Fall 2015, I took notice of the org with their #BOSSBABESATX x FELIZ: A CONVERSATION ON CREATIVE CAREER PATHS event. All the power houses on that panel were good friends, and I remember thinking, well this is interesting. In all honesty, I also remember asking myself why the panel didn’t include any of the incredible Women of Color (WOC) entrepreneurs and creatives I knew were working in Austin. At that time, I was heavily exploring my own Mexican/Tejano heritage and how this informed my professional and studio practice. I often felt bifurcated when seeking out local organizations and initiatives that supported gender, class, and race equality in the visual arts industry. Through my own exploration came a greater awareness of an absence of WOC creative leaders in professional forums. It was for this particular reason that I wanted to stay invested in tracking how a woman like me could get involved with bbatx, if for no other reason than to show that there were creative Women of Color out here working hard to interject our experiences into a broader conversation. Since that panel, I am very proud of bbatx's growth and our ever-expanding inclusion of a diverse roster of makers and underrepresented movers and shakers who present unique and culturally rich perspectives. I am honored to have participated in that much needed change and am encouraged that the organization refuses to be static or complacent in its vision. We are continually learning and striving to be better.
My first official partnership with bbatx was in the summer of 2016, when they reached out to our DJ collective, Chulita Vinyl Club, for an interview and then we spun for one of their meetups. From there (which is quite typical of the organization), we were part of the bbatx family, picking up gigs here and there and getting tuned into how the org was growing and changing with performing artists like us in mind. It’s been 4 years of involvement, wearing a variety of hats all showcasing and building upon a variety of skills in my creative toolbox. I always tell folks that I live a much fuller life as a creative being because of my civic involvement through bbatx.
Is there a favorite bbatx memory or milestone you have?
Hmmm, that is a tough question because there are many. I feel like on the celebratory side it would have to be the first ever State of the Uterus* event that the organization hosts at Cheer Up Charlies. For those of y’all that don’t know what that event is, the State of the Uterus *uterus not required* fundraiser began as a response to the 45th Presidential inauguration in 2017. It has since become the organization’s annual party for progress where we raise money for nonprofits invested in reproductive health, menstrual health and community health, while dancing our butts off and learning about local politics from esteemed leaders in TX. The first annual event included a raucous and much needed stress release with Chulita Vinyl Club on the turntables and a T-Rex tearing up the dance floor! Another milestone, for me personally, was being nominated as Board President this summer amidst the initial COVID-19 chaos. Having led other non-profit art orgs in Austin, I was proud to be able to offer my expertise to an organization that has given me a platform to explore community organizing beyond the realm of the visual arts world. In bbatx, I am given respect and kindness in a space where listening and learning takes precedent. I have been given the opportunity to grow, to fail and to shine, and my volunteer service is a meaningful way for me to give back, but to also continue learning.
Outside of the org, what does your creative, professional and/or entrepreneurial work look like?
My art-making process is unstressed and organic. It is the one place I feel absolutely confident and trust each step my body and mind make together in unison towards an artwork's completion. Since I work in collage primarily, I spend a lot of time thinking about layers, both physically, culturally, and emotionally. I think about all the layers of my personality, the layers of my personal history and heritage, and then, of course, in my artwork, I think about color, shape, and texture coming together in visual harmony with one another. Professionally, I try to work each day with the idea that I get to choose to be the kind of artist I want to be—that my path to success and fulfillment is mine alone to decide and lay out in front of me. Currently, that means that I have put studio work on pause while I spend time taking care of my family’s and my own wellbeing. I am moving slow and making careful plans and investments for 2021 that include a West Texas artist residency and building a new art studio in Austin.
What’s been inspiring you lately? Any sights, sounds, good reads?
READS:
Sounding Like a No-No: Queer Sounds and Eccentric Acts in the Post-Soul Era by Francesca T. Royster
The “Native America” issue of Aperture magazine edited by Wendy Red Star
SOUNDS:
Dublab’s Mixcloud channel, especially The Ashram Tapes of Alice Coltrane: a reflection and mix
Podcasts like:
Latinos Who Lunch with my art history amigos Dr. Emmanuel Ortega and visual artist Justin Favela
NPR's Latino USA with Maria Hinojosa, produced by the Futuro Media Group, is the longest running Latino-focused program on U.S. public media.
You’re Wrong About, a cultural-history show hosted by the journalists Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall that debunks the stories of the past. Its real subject isn’t so much facts, but the process by which we absorb them. Every week, they reconsider a person or event that's been miscast in the public imagination.
CYNTHIA MUÑOZ, BOARD TREASURER
Cynthia Muñoz (she/her) was born and raised in Austin, Texas. Under the name Cindy Popp, she creates visual art inspired by fashion editorials, makeup artists on Instagram, B movies, clowns, and comedy. She has a professional and personal passion for community engagement, gender equality, and diversity and inclusion. She lives on the East side with her husband and cat (pictured here) where they collect clocks, VHS, and novelty drinkware. She listens to Rihanna nearly every day.
We’d love to know a little bit about you, what you do, and your role within bbatx.
In my day job, I work as a Legal Analyst at a tech company, supporting employee's HR/Immigration needs. On the board, I serve as treasurer where I work with Jane to strategically plan for the financial future of BBATX, as well as envision the future of the org in general. In my personal life, I like to dress up and take photos, try to watch a movie every day, and am always looking for french fries.
Tell us about your beginnings with bbatx. How did you first hear about the organization? How did you first become involved? How long have you been involved with us?
I don't remember how I first heard about the organization, but I think I was at the first or second meetup ever! The energy in the room was small but mighty and I could tell that Jane was onto something that was needed in the community. I continued going to events, mostly watching from the sidelines but eventually grew bolder and inserted myself into them. I was a resident artist in 2018 and a programming committee member in 2019 before joining the board in 2020.
Is there a favorite bbatx memory or milestone you have?
Having my very first solo show as part of the Meet Her Hands series at Elisabet Ney is a treasured memory! I will be forever grateful to BBATX for believing in me and my work enough to give me that opportunity.
Outside of the org, what does your creative, professional and/or entrepreneurial work look like?
My creative work is usually self-portraiture (though I am trying to move away from that because I'm tired of my face lol) through photography. I haven't been trained in photography at all so it's all an experimental learning process, which I enjoy. I recently got an airbrush machine for my birthday so I've been playing around with that a lot in my studio and it's been super fun. Keep an eye out for me doing sick custom airbrush tees one day!
What’s been inspiring you lately? Any sights, sounds, good reads?
I always get a lot of inspiration from movies. Each month of quarantine, I've had a movie theme which has been a good way to explore within a specific confine—a favorite hobby of mine. Musically, I mostly just listen to "Fetch the Bolt Cutters" by Fiona Apple on repeat. I'm currently alternating between reading The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk and Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino.
JASMINE BROOKS, BOARD SECRETARY
Jasmine Brooks (Jas) (she/her) is a Graphic Designer and Visual Artist based in Denver, Colorado, by way of Oakland, California, and Austin, Texas. She specializes in branding, illustration, and photography that she enjoys fusing together whenever she can. As an artist that is still growing and learning, Jasmine is constantly thinking of ways to improve her practices, better her skills and continue to be creatively engaged while exploring new art forms that help her best express herself and/or execute a project. Jasmine is currently working as a freelance graphic and web designer for various clients, including her long-time role as branding and design contractor for LifeWorks Austin, a nonprofit that helps youth and families experiencing homelessness on a pathway to self-sufficiency. Jasmine is also on the board of AUL Denver, an alternative learning school for marginalized youth and youth experiencing homelessness. Her side hustle is creating posters and branding for musicians, start-ups, nonprofits, and social good organizations.
We’d love to know a little bit about you, what you do, and your role within bbatx.
I was born in Oakland, California and moved to Austin when I was in 7th grade. I feel really connected to both places and like they’ve both equally shaped me into who I am as an adult today.
I run my own business working as a freelance graphic and web designer primarily focusing on social good, nonprofit, and grassroots organizations with missions and values that I believe in. My two main clients are LifeWorks Austin (where I’ve been employed for five years) and Modern Classrooms Project based out of DC. My focus with each of these organizations is primarily branding, external communication strategy, and website creation and management.
On the side, I love collaborating with musicians, creating graphics and poster art and just illustrating and creating art for myself. Ultimately, I’d really love to have visual art take more of a full time role in my life (specifically illustration and film photography). I’m also really interested in taking complex social issues and visually breaking them down for the general public to understand... Basically, I feel like I’ve worked really hard to carve out a niche field for myself. It’s been a really interesting process and I’m so happy to be able to do what I do.
My current role at bbatx is Board Secretary. I look at our language and internal communication strategies among our small, but mighty team.
Tell us about your beginnings with bbatx. How did you first hear about the organization? How did you first become involved? How long have you been involved with us?
I was the first bbatx intern ever recorded in history! Seriously, I was the first intern at the organization before we even knew where it was going. I saw a social media post seeking an intern on Instagram and I immediately sent along my resume. I heard back from Jane shortly after and that’s how it all started.
It is wild to think about, but I’ve been a part of bbatx for five years. I’ve seen it transform and really evolve into the nonprofit it is today. I went from intern, to staffer, to volunteer staffer, to board member. I think growing with the organization like I have really helps me provide a unique lens to the work that we are doing. There are also exciting things I’m internally working on coming that I’m looking forward to sharing with the rest of the world!
Is there a favorite bbatx memory or milestone you have?
The first ever State of the Uterus! It was a really tense time with the previous election and the camaraderie surrounding the event was just so magical. It was hard work, but it almost fell into place perfectly. It was like everyone needed this at the same exact time. We all came together, everyone had the same energy, and everyone danced the night away while raising money for organizations we care about and spreading awareness. It was a really lovely memory.
I think bbatx provides an opportunity for a lot of folks to find community where they couldn’t previously. I think this event truly showed that. It was fueled by so much passion from so many different people. It felt very authentically, bbatx.
Outside of the org, what does your creative, professional and/or entrepreneurial work look like?
Professionally: Like I mentioned above, it’s really focused on branding and communication strategy. I think it’s necessary to think about everything with an equity lens, so that’s what I try to do. I absolutely love creating a full brand too. Getting to strategically think about every single element that goes into telling an organizations story.
Creatively: It’s a mess, but in a good way! I’m still trying to figure out my illustration and visual art style. It’s constantly trying knew things.
Entrepreneurial: It looks like me just trying different things until I get it right and occasionally failing, but learning and growing from it.
What’s been inspiring you lately? Any sights, sounds, good reads?
Honestly, it’s been a bit hard to be inspired lately, but I think my forced isolation has allowed me to really reflect on where I am now and where I want to be. Music is my love language so that’s a constant inspiration. Album art and poster art always inspires me as well. It’s also fall here in Colorado so seeing the leaves change has been magical.
SYDNEY GREENE, Board Culture and Operations Officer
Sydney Greene (she/her) is a writer, digital organizer, and creative consultant based in Austin, Texas. From dance and theatre to creative writing and visual storytelling, Sydney’s foundation in the arts at an early age has helped influence her work today as a creative. Sydney's background is in journalism and political communications, with a focus on creative strategy and digital campaigns. Sydney currently works for Advocates for Youth, where she helps manage the organization's digital platforms and creative campaigns, along with working with domestic and global partners to collaborate on projects that engage young leaders. Since becoming a writer, Sydney has written for publications like USA Today, The Arizona Republic, Texas Monthly, Teen Vogue, and more. Outside of the global pandemic, you’d typically find Sydney rummaging around at local thrift stores and vintage shops or trying to find the best gin cocktail in Austin.
We’d love to know a little bit about you, what you do, and your role within bbatx.
Hi! I'm Sydney, and I'm a writer, digital organizer and creative brand consultant. I dabble in a lot of areas, but my background is in journalism and communications which has provided me a lot of opportunities to engage in creative work. At bbatx, I'm on the board and serve as one of the two Culture and Operations Officers, alongside Alex Perez-Puelles. In this role, I help assist in the overall capacity building of the board, committee, and staff and explore ways to refine the organization's processes and culture.
Tell us about your beginnings with bbatx. How did you first hear about the organization? How did you first become involved? How long have you been involved with us?
Before I moved to Austin in early 2018, I was doing a lot of research on the city and activities I could engage in in order to connect with folks. Somehow I stumbled across bbatx's Instagram page and I gave them a follow after scrolling through their website. My first bbatx event was as a volunteer for their 2018 anniversary party, and I remember sitting at The Refinery that night, listening to Jane speak so passionately about the bbatx community and the growth that its community had seen, and more importantly, where they were going. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to not only be a part of this community, but also put in the work of amplifying the voices and experiences of women and non-binary creatives, entrepreneurs, and leaders. So, officially, I've been a part of this community for about 2.5 years, first as a volunteer, then a 2019 committee member, and now a board member.
Is there a favorite bbatx memory or milestone you have?
Oh—so many memories with this organization! Honestly, helping this organization through COVID was (and still is) a challenge, but seeing bbatx continue to do its impactful work during a freaking global pandemic has shown me how much our community will support one another, no matter what the circumstances are. The fact that we were still able to serve and engage our community via virtual events alone while continuing to carry out the mission of our work showed me just how strong—and necessary—this community is. We have some amazing people standing with us, and there's no doubt we'll come out on the other side, stronger than before.
Outside of the org, what does your creative, professional and/or entrepreneurial work look like?
I like to say that I have a 9-to-5 and a 5-to-9—my creative folks know this all too well. During my 9-to-5, I work at Advocates for Youth, a non-profit that works with youth activists around the U.S. and abroad to fight for reproductive and sexual health and rights. At the organization, I help manage their digital platforms and creative campaigns, along with working with our domestic and global partners to collaborate on projects that engage our young leaders. During my 5-to-9, I'm a freelance writer covering politics and culture, with the occasional dabble in food and wellness. I also work with various clients on branding, digital content, fundraising, and more.
What’s been inspiring you lately? Any sights, sounds, good reads?
Tapping into my half Gen Z side here—I've been loving TikTok. I know it sounds stupid and a waste of time, but as someone who spends 8+ hours a day on social media for my job, TikTok has been making me laugh, helping with my creative streak, teaching me recipes—you name it. I feel like it's not as toxic as the other apps I spend my time on, and I love it. Off-screen, I've been doing a lot of cooking and baking and moving my body. Oh, and I can't forget my soul-cleansing weekly ritual of listening to my favorite podcast, The Read, which is Black queer excellence at its finest.
ALEX PEREZ-PUELLES, Board Culture and Operations Officer
Alex Perez-Puelles (she/her) is a Reproductive Justice advocate who has been in Austin for the past 3 years. When Alex isn't working, she likes to spend her free time serving as a board member to bbatx, as well as organizing events for organizations such as SXSW, Techstars, etc. She has over 5+ years of event-planning experience, with a focus on concerts, festivals and conferences.
We’d love to know a little bit about you, what you do, and your role within bbatx.
My name is Alex Perez-Puelles and I’m one of the Culture and Operations Officers on the bbatx board. My role with bbatx focuses around building and configuring capacity of the staff and committee. It also involves coming up with public responses to current events that are aligned with our values. We are also helping to optimize the user experience for our new membership that is launching soon! The board helps with the staff hiring process and making decisions around the org’s budget.
Tell us about your beginnings with bbatx. How did you first hear about the organization? How did you first become involved? How long have you been involved with us?
I found out about bbatx shortly after moving to Austin from South Florida. I saw a Facebook event for their second meet up ever, and ended up missing it, but kept following them and their events until eventually I was able to attend one of them.
After attending a few events, I started volunteering at events as a way to get to know people and to help out. Eventually, I became a committee member and then served on the committee for two years. I joined the board after my first year of serving on the committee. bbatx is really how I found my people in Austin, and I’m so happy and honored to still be a part of the team.
Is there a favorite bbatx memory or milestone you have?
Oh man, one of them would definitely be Oshun’s performance at BABES FEST a few years ago. They were so awesome live and so full of energy, they perfectly matched our vibe.
There is always something so special about State of the Uterus, the camaraderie and sense of community that I always feel at the event is truly so special.
Outside of the org, what does your creative, professional and/or entrepreneurial work look like?
I am the Member Associate for Abortion Care Network (ACN), a national non-profit that is made up of independent clinics and reproductive allies. We provide our clinics with a community to collaborate in, trainings and more. Outside of that, I looooove to cook and feel like one of my love languages is making you a bomb French Onion soup.
What’s been inspiring you lately? Any sights, sounds, good reads?
Ahh so many things! Right now, I have been really into Rina Sawayama’s recent album. It's so many different genres put into one album, also the visuals are bananas!! I also really like listening to Raveena when I want some chill ~dreamy~ vibes.
Reading-wise, I just finished Big Friendship for the bbatx bookclub *shameless plug for our book club that I host*, and it has me thinking about friendship in so many new ways.
I recently got into making things out of polymer clay and resin and have really been enjoying creating things with my hands. It has been helpful for staying away from my screens. I am opening up a shop soon, too! The etsy is groovykiwi.
LOOKING FOR MORE?
You can meet the rest of our team and committee here. Check out everything we’re doing virtually for women and nonbinary creatives and leaders (plus the people who support them) here.