Welcoming new board member series: Meet Jorge
Continuing our series of introductions to our newest Board 
Members and leaders of our community, please welcome Jorge Padilla who has lived in Austin for twenty years. He moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas in 2000, with the exception of a few summers and has lived here ever since! Jorge enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and loves trail running. In the past year, he has completed three ultramarathons, including a 100-mile ultramarathon! Jorge works at Jackson Waler LLP as a Partner in the trial section.
We asked Jorge a few questions about his involvement with AVANCE-Austin and here´s what he had to say:
How did you first learn about AVANCE-Austin and why do you want to get involved?
Over the past ten years during my professional career in Austin, I had heard of the great work performed by AVANCE-Austin, and have recently learned more through a few of its board members. I want to help with AVANCE-Austin because I believe in its mission to train and educate both parents and children, and that parents are the primary educators for their children.
What is your favorite thing about AVANCE-Austin?
The AVANCE-Austin mission resonates with me because my family faced some of the same issues as the families served by our organization. Both my parents are from Mexico, and my mother learned English as an adult when she moved to the United States. I know the AVANCE-Austin programs would have helped them navigate the obstacles they encountered, and I’m hopeful we can provide those benefits for our AVANCE families.
How does being a board member at AVANCE-Austin make you feel?
I am both honored and excited to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on my community.
What was your favorite toy growing up?
This one is simple – it was my baseball glove.
What is your favorite childhood book?
Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen.
What do you hope to accomplish as an AVANCE-Austin board member?
As an AVANCE-Austin board member, I’m hopeful that I can help the organization continue to grow to reach more Austin families in need of our services. In doing so, I hope to connect with and learn more about the communities that we assist in order to best serve them.
AVANCE-Austin’s Board of Directors blends a diverse group of distinguished leaders. The Board oversees the organization’s business strategy, ensures accountability, enhances its public reputation, and serves as a thought partner to the leadership team. Each of the members of our board comes from different walks of life but they are all committed to empowering AVANCE-Austin families reach their highest potential. AVANCE-Austin is so thankful and grateful for everything that the Board does to help this underserved and under-resourced population.