40 Stories in 40 Days: Day 24

40 Stories in 40 Days: Day 24

Rubén Cantú (Essential 35 – 2014), Executive Director of the Office of Inclusive Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Texas at Austin Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, has issued a direct challenge to every company in Texas: create leadership and job opportunities for diverse candidates.

Rubén cites his Leadership Austin experience with introducing him to the issues that are impacting our region and teaching him how to think at a systems level so that he could understand how to address those issues. He also credits Essential with allowing him to recognize the power he had to influence change in the community and the capacity he had to become a leader in that work. Finally, Rubén acknowledges the unique relationships he created within his cohort and other Leadership Austin alumni to amplify his impact.

At a recent visit to the Leadership Austin offices, Rubén shared a few words about what Leadership Austin means to him and how it has impacted his work.

We love this, Rubén! We can’t wait to celebrate your success!

The holidays can be a great time to get a jump on essays and letters of recommendation if you’re planning to apply for Essential. Applications for Essential open on April 1, but don’t wait – review the application and get started now! Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to learn about cohort information sessions, application writing workshops and application review sessions.

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