Board of Directors

PRESIDENT

Sarah Gutierrez
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Sarah grew up in Colleyville, Texas, and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Texas Christian University. Professionally, Sarah has spent nearly 2 decades working in political and nonprofit operations, with experience ranging from campaign finance compliance to organizational strategy and fiscal management. She currently serves as a consultant, providing operational and compliance support to political campaigns, committees, and nonprofits.

She joined The Junior League of Austin in 2012, holding a number of leadership roles, including Membership Development Vice President, Admissions Chair, and Placement Chair. When not spending time with her husband and three kids, Sarah enjoys running and reality dating shows.

PRESIDENT‑ELECT

Jolie Cypert
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Jolie grew up in Lubbock, Texas, where her introduction to the Junior League came early. Her mother served as President of The Junior League of Lubbock, sparking a lifelong belief in what women can build when they organize around a shared mission. Jolie earned her Bachelor of Science in Economics from Texas A&M University, her MBA from Pepperdine University, and her JD from Baylor Law School. She and her family have called Austin home since 2009. Jolie began her career practicing business law but soon realized she wanted to be on the other side of the table — running a business rather than advising one. In 2015, she and her husband purchased three FASTSIGNS locations. Today Jolie serves as CEO of FASTSIGNS Greater Austin. The move from counsel to operator gave her hands-on experience building teams, leading through growth, and developing leaders at every level.

A member of The Junior League of Austin since 2010, Jolie has served on every council and held a range of leadership roles, including Communications Vice President, Advisory/Strategic Planning Chair, and Assistant to the President. As Community Impact Center External Events Chair in 2021–2022, she led the program’s first full year coming out of the pandemic. She is especially passionate about empowering women to grow and develop as leaders while creating meaningful, lasting impact in the Austin community. Jolie and her family live in Austin with their three children, Emerson, Genevieve, and Grayson, and their two dogs, Chuy and Chloe. You can usually find her on the soccer pitch cheering on her kids or Austin FC, and she loves showing her children the world through travel whenever she can.

SUSTAINING PRESIDENT

Tania Leskovar-Owens
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Originally from Argentina, Tania spent her high school years in Uvalde, Texas, before earning her Bachelor of Science in Advertising from The University of Texas at Austin. Professionally, Tania has spent over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, making an impact in the lives of countless individuals. She has a strong proficiency in operational management, financial oversight, successful fundraising strategies, event management, effective communication, and volunteer management. Tania serves as the CEO of Helping Hand Home for Children, a nonprofit whose mission focuses on bringing hope and healing to children and families through a continuum of trauma-informed, therapeutic care, including residential, foster, adoption, and support services.

Her journey in the nonprofit sector is deeply rooted in the leadership development and training she received through the Junior League. A member since 2011, Tania has served in various roles including A Christmas Affair, Coats for Kids, Capital Campaign, Board Member-at-Large, Fund Development, and Past President. Tania enjoys spending time with her husband, three boys, and their goldendoodle. When she is not working or volunteering, you can find Tania traveling, at the lake, cooking, or cheering on her favorite sports teams!

ADMINISTRATIVE VP

Marcella Viktorin
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A native of Houston, Texas, Marcella moved to Massachusetts to attend prep school at Phillips Academy Andover and earn her Bachelor’s from Smith College. After a few years on a Wall Street corporate credit trading floor, Marcella returned to Houston to join the Junior League of Houston as a community volunteer and work in corporate finance at NRG and later, private wealth management at Goldman Sachs. Upon moving to Austin to earn her MBA at UT McCombs School of Business, Marcella transferred to The Junior League of Austin, where she has served in the community at Women’s Storybook Project, on the Coats for Kids and Community Connections Committees, and as Treasurer on the Board of Directors. Marcella volunteers with several nonprofit organizations, serves as Treasurer of Women’s Storybook Project, and is a proud member of Impact Austin and Social Venture Partners Austin. In her free time, Marcella enjoys traveling the world, reading, and exploring the outdoor wonders of Central and West Texas.

COMMUNICATIONS VP

Rebecca Teibloom
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As a Marine Corps brat, Rebecca lived in five states and even Japan before graduating from high school in Niceville, Florida. A third-generation Aggie, she graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and English—but considers her work at the college daily newspaper to be an unofficial minor. Rebecca has 15 years of professional editorial and writing experience, including 8 years at Apple, where she is currently a Senior Editor of sales enablement content and training.

She joined The Junior League of Austin in 2018 and has served in various leadership roles, including as PR & Marketing Chair and Capitalines Editor. She previously was on the board of the Young Women’s Alliance. When not juggling the needs of her toddler son, rescue dog, and two cats, she enjoys reading library books, baking, cross-stitch and needlepoint, yoga, and watching movies over a glass of wine with her husband.

COMMUNITY VP

Jenna Courtney
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A native Austinite, Jenna studied English and Government at The University of Texas at Austin. She is the CEO of the Texas Partnership for Out of School Time (TXPOST), a statewide organization that champions afterschool and summer programs for Texas youth, and brings more than 15 years of policy making and advocacy experience to the role. Under her leadership, TXPOST has expanded its suite of services and supports, grown its staff, and developed deeper and more extensive relationships across Texas.

Jenna has been an active member of The Junior League of Austin since 2015 and has served previously as the Strategic Planning Chair, Grants Committee Chair, and the organization’s first Centennial Campaign Lead. She is especially passionate about the community impact the League has in her hometown and has taken on numerous placements and leadership roles with that focus over the last 10 years. Jenna loves spending time adventuring with her husband, two young daughters, and golden retriever.

FUND DEVELOPMENT VP

Danielle Bornowski
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Danielle grew up in Marble Falls, Texas, and earned her degree in Public Relations from Texas Tech University. She is the founder of DQB Strategies, where she works as a fractional marketing strategist and growth consultant, helping businesses build audience-first marketing strategy and clear, compelling messaging.

In her tenth year as a member of The Junior League of Austin, Danielle has served in the community at the Sustainable Food Center’s Farmer’s Market and Ballet Austin, and has held leadership roles that include Communications Vice President, PR Chair, Social Media Coordinator, and Grants Writer.

In her spare time, Danielle enjoys running, spending time outdoors, and finding adventure with her husband and two boys.

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT VP

Courtney Spencer
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Courtney grew up in Pasadena, Texas, and earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin with a concentration in Corporate Finance and Investment Banking. She has worked in the FinTech industry for more than 14 years, with experience spanning consulting, management, and operations, including hiring and onboarding, strategic project management, budgeting, executive reporting, and performance analytics.

Since joining The Junior League of Austin in 2015, Courtney has served in numerous leadership roles, including Recording Secretary, Placement Chair, and Data Analyst, as well as on the Technology, A Christmas Affair, Coats for Kids, Researchers, and Nominating Committees. She has also supported community partners such as Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Courtney enjoys spending free time with her husband, two young daughters, and the family she is grateful to have nearby.

OPERATIONS VP

Jamie Zerwas Mills
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Jamie Zerwas Mills grew up in Burleson, Texas, and is a graduate of Texas State University, where she earned degrees in Political Science and Communication Studies. Jamie is a Director of Program Management at Visa, where she is responsible for global program execution and operational governance for Visa Acceptance Solutions products. Her work ensures that strategy translates into delivered, commercialized, and scalable outcomes.

A dedicated member of The Junior League of Austin since 2014, Jamie has developed a comprehensive understanding of League governance through numerous leadership roles, including Board Member-at-Large, FIT Chair, DEI Chair, Provisional Lead, and serving on the Nominating Committee. She has also sat on the Fund Development, Membership, Prospecting, Finance, Operations, and Communications Councils.

In addition to her time in JLA, Jamie is an active member of the Women’s Symphony League. She enjoys reading, traveling, playing mahjong, supporting Austin FC, and catching a good play or musical. She resides in Northwest Austin with her husband, Kenneth, and their daughter, Evelyn.

PARLIAMENTARIAN

Danielle Trevino
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Danielle grew up in Brownsville, Texas, and is a graduate of the Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, where she earned concurrent degrees: a bachelor’s in journalism and a Master of Mass Communication. She currently serves as Senior Director of Public Affairs at yes. every kid. Previously, she served as Vice President of Marketing & Communications for the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and has served on multiple nonprofit boards, including the Austin Young Chamber and Communities in Schools of Central Texas. In 2022, Danielle was recognized as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society South Central Texas Woman of the Year.

Within The Junior League of Austin, Danielle is in her 10th year of membership. Some of her previous roles include Board Member-at-Large, Strategic Planning Chair, PR Chair, and Admissions Chair. She resides in North Austin with her husband, daughter, and Yorkie, Clover.

RECORDING SECRETARY

Emily Rice
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Emily grew up in Livingston, Texas, before attending Texas A&M University for her undergraduate studies and later earning her graduate degree from St. Edward’s University in Austin. Professionally, Emily works in marketing and business development at Independence Title, focusing on social media strategy, branding, and more.

Emily is in her 12th year as a member of The Junior League of Austin and has enjoyed serving in a variety of roles and placements throughout her time in the organization. She has especially loved being involved with A Christmas Affair, along with several other community and fundraising initiatives that support the League’s mission and impact throughout Austin.

Outside of work and volunteering, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband, Aaron, their two sons, Reid and Jacob, and family and friends, as well as traveling, celebrating holidays and themed events, and making lasting memories together.

TREASURER

Laura Cesaro
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Laura grew up in Plano, Texas, and is a proud alumna of the University of Notre Dame, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. Laura moved to Austin upon graduating, where she worked in the Private Bank at J.P. Morgan and then as a high school math teacher before embarking upon her most rewarding job of stay-at-home mom. In her 12th year as a member of the Junior League, Laura has been honored to previously serve on the Board of Directors as the Treasurer-Elect, Administrative Vice President, and Bylaws Chair/Parliamentarian, as well as on the Finance, A Christmas Affair, Coats for Kids, Researchers, Technology, Headquarters, and Nominating Committees. She deeply appreciates the skills she has learned, the community impact she has made, and the relationships she has formed through her time in the League. In her free time, Laura enjoys traveling, watching sports, and listening to podcasts. She lives in Tarrytown with her husband and two young children.

TREASURER‑ELECT

Briana Novian
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Briana grew up in Victoria, Texas, and attended Texas State University, where she was a member of the women’s golf team and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. She graduated with her Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Professionally, Briana has spent over a decade working in and around the Texas Legislature, focusing her career on healthcare budget and policy. Currently, she works as Director of Healthcare Policy and Government Relations for the UT Southwestern Medical Center. In her 12th year as a member of the Junior League, Briana is grateful for the experience gained serving on A Christmas Affair, Austin Entertains, Community Impact Center, and Fund Development Council. Outside of her League work, Briana’s volunteer service includes CASA of Travis County and Partnerships for Children. In her free time, Briana enjoys cooking, watching sports, and traveling to her family’s ranch.

BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE

Jennifer Holt
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Jennifer has been an Active member of the Junior League since 2010, serving in both Oklahoma City and Austin. A native of Abilene, Texas, she graduated from Abilene Christian University with concurrent degrees in English and Integrated Marketing Communications. After starting her career as a book editor, Jennifer found her way into the financial services industry and has spent the past 18 years with UBS Financial Services, where she currently serves as a Senior Wealth Strategy Associate in private wealth management.

Throughout her time with JLA, Jennifer has held a variety of leadership roles across the Fund Development, Communications, Administrative, and Membership Councils. Most recently, she chaired the 50th anniversary of A Christmas Affair in 2025, an experience that strengthened her appreciation for teamwork, thoughtful leadership, and the impact of mission-driven service. She is passionate about understanding the “why” behind the League’s work and believes meaningful engagement and shared experiences are key to creating lasting community impact.

Jennifer and her husband live in North Austin with their two children and dog. Outside of work and JLA, she enjoys playing tennis, reading, tap dancing, attending Broadway in Austin performances, and keeping up her favorite tradition of learning three new skills each year.

BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE

Valerie Gallegos
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Valerie grew up in Amarillo, Texas, before heading south to attend Texas A&M university. After moving to Austin, she spent several years in Hospitatity and Hotel Management before joining Container Management Inc., where she has spent the past 11 years as Accounting Manager, helping grow the company into a major player in commercial construction.

Since joining the The Junior League of Austin in 2018, Valerie has served in a variety of roles, including leadership positions on Kids In Cools Shoes (KICS), Coats for Kids, and A Christmas Afftair — most recently as A Christmas Affair Co-Treasurer and Community Council Member-at-Large. The emphasis on serving the children of the community through JLA’s signature programs was her driving force for joining the League. She is also an active volunteer with her church and the Hutto Friends of Library.

In her free time, she can be found with a book in her hand or planning new adventures with her nephews. Travel several times a year is a must, and the spring is fully devoted to Texas Aggie baseball.

ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT

Emily Hermans
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Emily grew up in Temple, Texas, before earning her undergraduate degree in art history from Emory University and her master’s in museum education from The George Washington University. Emily serves as Chief Educator for the Texas Historical Commission, where she leads education initiatives across the agency’s 42 state historic sites, focusing on how they can offer unique, impactful opportunities for learning and connection. With over 20 years of museum experience, Emily has also worked for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the High Museum of Art, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Emily transferred to The Junior League of Austin in 2019, and her roles have included Grants Writer, Stewardship Coordinator, Kids Giving Back Chair, and Enrichment Chair. When she’s not working or volunteering, Emily enjoys reading nonfiction, decorating for Halloween, watching old movies with her husband, and sharing her love of museums with her two young sons.