COMMISSION FOR WOMEN WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025, AT 12:00 P.M. CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 301 WEST 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission for Women may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by remotely, contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2792. telephone. To to speak register CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Becky Bullard, Chair Alexandria Anderson Vanessa Bissereth Angela Harris Diana Melendez AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Katrina Scheihing Rabia Shaik Fernanda Veloz Salas Shaimaa Zayan The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on October 1, 2025. 2. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on November 5, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of the Texas Legislature’s Bathroom Bill and Abortion Pill Ban. 4. Update on an SBA Grant through the Better Business Bureau for Women’s Entrepreneurship DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the Office of Community Liaison. 6. Formation of a working group to focus on maternal health in the Austin area. 7. Approve changes to the Commission for Women 2026 regular meeting schedule. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 8. Update from the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Working Group regarding their November 2025 meeting. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Christi Vitela at the Austin City Clerk’s Office, at 512-974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov, to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Commission for Women, please contact Christi Vitela at 512-974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov.
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 5, 2025 Commission for Women Regular Meeting Minutes Wednesday, November 5, 2025 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, November 5th, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, TX. Commissioner Melendez called the Commission for Women regular meeting to order at 12:12 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Alexandria Anderson Diana Melendez Katrina Scheihing Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Becky Bullard, Chair Angela Harris Rabia Shaik Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Shaimaa Zayan PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on October 1, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on October 1, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Anderson’s motion, Commissioner Scheihing’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Harris was off the dais. Commissioners Bissereth and Veloz Salas were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on the Quality of Life Study on Austin’s Women and Girls. Presentation by Dr. Jessica Calderon-Mora, Assistant Professor, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin. The presentation was made by Dr. Jessica Calderon-Mora, Assistant Professor, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin. 1 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 5, 2025 3. Discussion of the Texas Legislature’s Bathroom Bill and Abortion Pill Ban. Withdrawn. 4. Update on an SBA Grant through the Better Business Bureau for Women’s Entrepreneurship. Withdrawn. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the Office of Community Liaison. Withdrawn. 6. Formation of a working group to focus on maternal health in the Austin area. Discussed. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 7. Update from the Recognition Working Group on the most recent meetings and progress towards the 2026 event. Commissioner Melendez provided an update. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Update from CSCRM Working Group Change to the Regular Meeting Schedule ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Melendez adjourned the meeting at 12:51 p.m. without objection. 2
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2025, AT 12:00 P.M. CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 301 WEST 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission for Women may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by remotely, contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2792. telephone. To to speak register CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Becky Bullard, Chair Alexandria Anderson Vanessa Bissereth Angela Harris Diana Melendez AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Katrina Scheihing Rabia Shaik Fernanda Veloz Salas Shaimaa Zayan The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on October 1, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on the Quality of Life Study on Austin’s Women and Girls. Presentation by Dr. Jessica Calderon-Mora, Assistant Professor, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin. 3. Discussion of the Texas Legislature’s Bathroom Bill and Abortion Pill Ban. 4. Update on an SBA Grant through the Better Business Bureau for Women’s Entrepreneurship DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the Office of Community Liaison. 6. Formation of a working group to focus on maternal health in the Austin area. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 7. Update from the Recognition Working Group on the most recent meetings and progress towards the 2026 event. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Christi Vitela at the Austin City Clerk’s Office, at 512-974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov, to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Commission for Women, please contact Christi Vitela at 512-974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov.
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 1, 2025 Commission for Women Regular Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 1, 2025 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, TX. Chair Bullard called the Commission for Women regular meeting to order at 12:21 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Becky Bullard, Chair Katrina Scheihing Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Angela Harris Diana Melendez Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Fernanda Veloz-Salas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on September 3, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of September 3, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Scheihing’s motion, Commissioner Veloz Salas’ second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Anderson, Bissereth, Shaik, and Zayan were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding an introduction and an overview of Austin Equity and Inclusion by the Commission’s new Executive Liaison Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Austin Equity and Inclusion, and Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. 1 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 1, 2025 The presentation was made by Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Austin Equity and Inclusion, and Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation by Michael Ward Jr., President and CEO, Universal Tech Movement, regarding an updated mission, digital inclusion efforts and ways in which the commission can support UTM's pathways into technology. The presentation was made by Michael Ward Jr., President and CEO, Universal Tech Movement. 4. Update on an SBA Grant through the Better Business Bureau for Women’s Entrepreneurship. Withdrawn. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the formation of a Working Group to focus on Maternal Health in the Austin area. The motion to postpone was approved on Commissioner Scheihing’s motion, Commissioner Melendez’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Anderson, Bissereth, Shaik, and Zayan were absent. 6. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the Office of Community Liaison. Discussed. 7. Approve the Commission for Women 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule. The motion to approve the regular meeting schedule as amended below was approved on Commissioner Veloz Salas’ motion, Commissioner Scheihing’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Anderson, Bissereth, Shaik, and Zayan were absent. The amendment was to replace July 1, 2026, with July 8, 2026. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Update from the Quality of Life Study researchers Update from the Recognition Working Group Formation of a …
N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 5 U P D A T E Quality of Life Study Women and Girls Presented by: Jessica Calderón-Mora, DrPH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | POPULATION HEALTH DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS | CANCER CONTROL AND PREVENTION PROGRAMS | UT AUSTIN CANCER CENTER Gratitude to… Commission for Women Community Members UT Austin Undergrad Students Community Organizations UT Austin Dell Med Staff Overview of Quality of Life Study November 2024 – May 2025 Environmental Scan: Community Organization Interviews Community Organization Purpose AFSSA Latinitas SAFE Provides culturally specific support and advocacy for Asian and immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking in Central Texas Empowers girls through culturally tailored STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education, digital literacy, and career exploration and mentoring programs. Works to stop and prevent abuse through shelter, counseling, advocacy, and prevention programs for survivors of violence. Foundation Communities Offers affordable housing and on-site support services to help low-income families and individuals achieve stability and success. Equidad ATX Focuses on equitable, sustainable neighborhood revitalization and breaking the cycle of generational poverty in Austin’s Eastern Crescent. Texas Advocacy Project Provides free legal services and advocacy to end domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. GirlForward Mama Sana Supports refugee girls through mentoring, education, and safe spaces to help them thrive in their new communities. Provides free and holistic pregnancy, birth, and postpartum support, resourced, and education to communities of color in Central Texas. Key Findings: Four Core Domains of Service Medical and Mental Health Services Safety and Legal Services Education and Family Engagement Housing Availability and Stability Overarching Themes Emphasis on Holistic Support and Interorganizational Collaboration Impact Measurement of Services Service Needs Identification, Prioritization, and Outreach City Coordination December 2024 – June 2025 Surveys Measures Sociodemographics Transportation Access to and quality of health care Quality of Life and Well-being Neighborhood and Housing Life satisfaction and Stress Distribution by Events Date Location Counts 1/18/2025 Del Valle Equidad ATX 2/7/2025 Turner Roberts 2/12/2025 Northeast Middle School 2/12/2025 Con Mi Madre 2/14/2025 Webber Middle School 2/15/2025 2/18/2025 2/20/2025 2/24/2025 2/25/2025 2/25/2025 2/27/2025 Del Valle Equidad ATX Creedmoor Equidad ATX Dobie Middle School Zilker Studios Foundation Communities Crocket High School Garden Terrace Foundation Communities Turner Roberts LWVB 3/30/2025 I Slay 5/6/2025 iAct 5/30/2025 Burmese Total 47 22 13 39 13 47 31 11 30 4 15 56 43 24 40 435 Distribution by …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 12:00 PM Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, #1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Commission for Women may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely or in person, call or email Christi Vitela, 512-974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Becky Bullard, Chair Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Vanessa Bissereth Angela Harris Diana Melendez Katrina Scheihing Rabia Shaik Fernanda Veloz Salas Shaimaa Zayan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on September 3, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding an introduction and an overview of Austin Equity and Inclusion by the Commission’s new Executive Liaison Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Austin Equity and Inclusion, and Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation by Michael Ward Jr., President and CEO, Universal Tech Movement, regarding an updated mission, digital inclusion efforts and ways in which the commission can support UTM's pathways into technology. 4. Update on an SBA Grant through the Better Business Bureau for Women’s Entrepreneurship. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the formation of a Working Group to focus on Maternal Health in the Austin area. 6. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the Office of Community Liaison. 7. Approve the Commission for Women 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792, or email christi.vitela@austintexas.gov, for additional information; …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 3, 2025 Commission for Women Regular Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 3, 2025 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, TX. Chair Bullard called the Commission for Women regular meeting to order at 12:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Becky Bullard, Chair Alexandria Anderson Katrina Scheihing Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Vanessa Bissereth Angela Harris Rabia Shaik Jocelyn Tau Shaimaa Zayan Fernanda Veloz-Salas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on August 6, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of August 6, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Scheihing’s motion, Commissioner Veloz Salas’ second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Tau and Commissioner Anderson were off the dais. Commissioner Melendez was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding Divine Mama Strength by Maxine Eiland. The presentation was made by Maxine Eiland, Owner, Divine Mama Strength. 1 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 3, 2025 3. Discussion regarding the draft Joint Inclusion Committee’s Recommendation to Council regarding the Office of Community Liaison. Discussed. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Recognition Working Group regarding meetings held and discussions about changing the event to a biannual event. Withdrawn. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve changes to the scope of work and membership of the Recognition Working Group. The motion to approve changing the Recognition Event from an annual to biennial, occurring every two years, event was approved on Commissioner Anderson’s motion, Commissioner Scheihing’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Melendez was absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion and action regarding forming a Working Group on Maternal Health Update on SBA Grant for the BBB – Women’s Entrepreneurship Discussion regarding the Texas Legislature’s Bathroom Bill and Abortion Pill Ban Discussion and action regarding the Office of Community Liaison Recommendation Chair Bullard adjourned the meeting at 12:50 p.m. without objection. 2
Introduction & Overview: Austin Equity and Inclusion Commission for Women Briefing Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 12:00 PM Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer Agenda Introductions • Who We Are Office Overview • Vision & Mission • Current Structure • Core Services Current Projects Connecting with Our Office 9/24/2025 2 OUR VISION Austin Equity and Inclusion helps shape a community and city government where every individual feels welcomed and has the resources and services they need to thrive. We’re dedicated to transforming systems to increase access, remove barriers to opportunity, address discrimination, and foster a community where all identities are respected. 9/24/2025 3 Austin Equity and Inclusion (AEI) AEI Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director Civil Rights Division Equity Division Human Rights Division Enrique Serrano, Civil Rights Officer Vacant, Equity Officer Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer 9/24/2025 4 Introductions Shafina Khaki Human Rights Officer Dr. Lindsey Wilson Director Enrique Serrano Civil Rights Officer 5 CORE SERVICES Promote Human Rights: Provide advocacy and direct services that help residents access benefits, understand their rights, and connect to resources that uphold safety, dignity, and well-being. Carry Out the City’s Strategic Goals: Increase access, remove barriers to opportunities, and create inclusive spaces where all identities feel respected, seen, and valued. Provide Anti-Discrimination Protections: Investigate discrimination complaints related to Housing, Employment, Public Accommodations, and Fair Chance Hiring. City Ordinance Enforcement: Uphold the CROWN Act, Tenant’s Rights to Organize and other Key City Ordinances. Equity: Work to reduce racial and socioeconomic disparities by collaborating with all City departments to help identify and remove barriers in services. Community Engagement and Outreach: Build collaborative community relationships to advance Equity and improve the quality of life for Austinites. 9/24/2025 The items listed above represent key examples, though the list is not exhaustive. 6 Current Projects EQUITY CIVIL RIGHTS HUMAN RIGHTS • Quality of Life Studies • Mini-Grants • Equity Action Team & Equity Network Meetings • Normalize, Organize and Operationalize... 9/24/20 25 • Enforcing Civil Rights Laws Across • Know Your Rights/Benefits Multiple Sectors, leveraging technology to advance rights. • Collaborates with Community Members, Businesses, and Stakeholders: • Partnering with other agencies to promote civil rights initiatives (Immigrants, Veterans, ADA) • Advances the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Austinites • Anti-Hate/We All Belong • Community Meetings/Foster Belonging The items listed above represent key examples, though the list is not exhaustive. 7 Ways …
Commission for Women 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule 1st Wednesday of each month at 12:00 pm 1. January 7, 2026 2. February 4, 2026 3. March 4, 2026 4. April 1, 2026 5. May 6, 2026 6. June 3, 2026 7. July 1, 2026 8. August 5, 2026 9. September 2, 2026 10. October 7, 2026 11. November 4, 2026 12. December 2, 2026
BRING UNIVERSAL TECH MOVEMNT TO A COMMUNITY NEAR YOU Transforming Tech, One Career at a Time About Us Universal Tech Movement (UTM) is a community-driven EdTech 501(c)(3) nonprofit that connects communities to the tech industry through workforce readiness, innovation, and economic advancement. Through employer, governmental, institutional, and organizational partnerships, UTM opens career pathways, supports business creation, and equips individuals to enter the tech industry, advance across it, and become engaged techies who strengthen the ecosystem. The Purpose Expanding Universal Tech Movement’s workforce readiness, innovation, and economic advancement services statewide will unlock transformative opportunities. Our efforts strengthen communities, create jobs, and fuel lasting economic growth. With our proven Universal Tech Pathways program, UTM is driving career advancement, business support, and innovation across the state. Beyond Training Barriers to opportunity are deep-rooted and complex. To fully succeed, participants need more than training — they need holistic support for stability and well-being. No single organization can do this alone. Universal Tech Movement serves as the gateway for communities to access digital equity, career opportunities, workforce readiness, innovation, and economic advancement — building a thriving tech ecosystem for all. Quality of Life Service Providers Digital Equity & Workforce Collaborators Lead Partner Universal Tech Movement Digital Equity Skills Training Job Placement Business Creation Innovation Tech Ecosystem for All Driving Innovation With Our Partners 1.Launch programs in key zip codes to build lasting and inclusive local tech ecosystems. 2.Collaborate with funders, employers, and community organizations to implement our proven model and grow the tech talent pool. 3.Expand opportunity in the tech ecosystem while addressing workforce needs and community challenges. 4.Investments change career trajectories and ensure long-term workforce readiness, innovation, and economic growth. Our Impact Participants • 1000+ served across Texas, • 49% female, 48% male, and 3% other Participant Ages • 5% under 18 • 25% ages 18-25 • 38% ages 26-35 • 30% ages 36-59 • 2% over 60 Race & Ethnicity • 55% Black • 24% Hispanic • 9% Multiracial • 9% White • 2% Asian • 1% Other Level of Income • Poverty line for a family of 5: $37,650 • 60% below poverty line • 60% earn < $13,000/year • 80% earn < $50,000/year Universal Tech Movement is headquartered in Austin, TX with participants in 111 unique zip codes across Texas. Most frequent counties are Travis, Williamson, Bell, Tarrant, Harris, & Hays. Engaged in approximately 8 major Texas metropolitan communities: Austin, Dallas, …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 12:00 PM Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, #1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Commission for Women may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely or in person, call or email Christi Vitela, 512-974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Becky Bullard, Chair Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Vanessa Bissereth Angela Harris Diana Melendez Katrina Scheihing Rabia Shaik Fernanda Veloz Salas Shaimaa Zayan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on August 6, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding Divine Mama Strength by Maxine Eiland. 3. Discussion regarding the draft Joint Inclusion Committee’s Recommendation to Council regarding the Office of Community Liaison. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Recognition Working Group regarding meetings held and discussions about changing the event to a biannual event. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve changes to the scope of work and membership of the Recognition Working Group. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792, or email christi.vitela@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission for Women, please contact Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792, or email christi.vitela@austintexas.gov.
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 6, 2025 Commission for Women Regular Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 6, 2025 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 6th, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, TX. Chair Bullard called the Commission for Women regular meeting to order at 12:07 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Becky Bullard, Chair Rabia Shaik Shaimaa Zayan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Alexandria Anderson Diana Melendez Fernanda Veloz-Salas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on July 9, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on July 9, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Veloz Salas’ motion, Commissioner Melendez’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Tau, Commissioners Bissereth, Harris, and Scheihing were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative regarding the JIC meetings held in June and July 2025. Discussed. 3. Discussion of the Get to Know Your Commission events. Discussed. 1 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 6, 2025 WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group on the progress towards the completion of the Quality of Life Study. Commissioner Melendez provided an update. 5. Update from the Recognition Working Group regarding progress toward nominations, evaluation, and the 2025 event. Commissioner Melendez provided an update. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve updates to the membership of the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Working Group. The motion to approve the addition of Commissioners Shaik and Zayan to the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Working Group was approved on Chair Bullard’s motion, Commissioner Melendez’s second on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Tau, Commissioners Bissereth, Harris, and Scheihing were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Divine Mama Strength Approve the change in scope of work of the Recognition Working Group to have an event biannually instead of annually Discussion of a draft Recommendation to Council regarding the Office of Community Liaison Program Discussion of Welcoming Week (September) Presentation by the Office of Equity and Inclusion (October) Chair Bullard adjourned the meeting at 12:34 p.m. without objection. 2
Strong Mamas Create Stronger Communities Reimagining Postpartum & Women’s Wellness in Austin Presented by: Maxine Eiland Owner, Divine Mama Strength The Postpartum Gap 44% of women who had a baby say providers did not help them understand what is & isn’t normal in terms of symptoms Origin, 2024 Research Study We guide people to birth—but once the baby arrives, support stops. Their bodies have shifted, hormones spiraling, identity transforming— yet we expect them to ‘bounce back’ like nothing changed. Neglected Postpartum Care ● 96% of women with symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction have not been diagnosed** ● 85% of new mothers experience postpartum incontinence, but only 15% receive treatment* ● 67% of those who had a baby within five years have bladder leaks** ● 86% of those who had a baby say they didn’t receive any guidance on healing their pelvic floor after childbirth** ● 71% of women who gave birth within the past 5 years report receiving no guidance on exercising safely before or after childbirth** ● 83% of women who gave birth within the past 5 years report receiving no guidance on healing their abdominals after pregnancy & childbirth** *Urology Times **Origin, 2024 Research Study The Real-World Impact of Neglected Postpartum Care ● 24% of women exit the workforce during their first year of motherhood* ● Highest-achieving, highest-earning women are often the most likely to leave their jobs after maternity leave** ● Women who have given birth in the past 5 years report dissatisfaction with medical care related to returning to work*** ● 1 in 5 women experience a mental health issue during the perinatal period**** ● 1 in 6 Women (17%) who had a baby within 5 years say interactions with the healthcare system related to their most recent birth made them less likely to have another child*** *PubMed Central **Parentaly, Time ***Origin, 2024 Research Study ****Postpartum Support International Top Barriers to Postpartum Care *Origin, 2024 Research Study Divine Mama Strength Mission & Values Our mission at Divine Mama Strength is to empower women through every stage of life. From fertility to pregnancy, postpartum, & menopause, we provide personalized fitness, breathwork, & wellness programs that honor each woman’s unique journey. Guided by our core values of strength, confidence, & community, we ensure every woman feels supported, capable, & at home in her body. Who We Partner With Creating a Community of Care At Divine Mama Strength, we …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 3, 2025 Commission for Women Regular Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 3, 2025 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, TX. Chair Bullard called the Commission for Women regular meeting to order at 12:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Becky Bullard, Chair Alexandria Anderson Katrina Scheihing Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Vanessa Bissereth Angela Harris Rabia Shaik Jocelyn Tau Shaimaa Zayan Fernanda Veloz-Salas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on August 6, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of August 6, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Scheihing’s motion, Commissioner Veloz Salas’ second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Tau and Commissioner Anderson were off the dais. Commissioner Melendez was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding Divine Mama Strength by Maxine Eiland. The presentation was made by Maxine Eiland, Owner, Divine Mama Strength. 1 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 3, 2025 3. Discussion regarding the draft Joint Inclusion Committee’s Recommendation to Council regarding the Office of Community Liaison. Discussed. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Recognition Working Group regarding meetings held and discussions about changing the event to a biannual event. Withdrawn. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve changes to the scope of work and membership of the Recognition Working Group. The motion to approve changing the Recognition Event from an annual to biennial, occurring every two years, event was approved on Commissioner Anderson’s motion, Commissioner Scheihing’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Melendez was absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion and action regarding forming a Working Group on Maternal Health Update on SBA Grant for the BBB – Women’s Entrepreneurship Discussion regarding the Texas Legislature’s Bathroom Bill and Abortion Pill Ban Discussion and action regarding the Office of Community Liaison Recommendation Chair Bullard adjourned the meeting at 12:50 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the October 1, 2025, meeting on Commissioner Scheihing’s motion, Commissioner Veloz Salas’ second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Anderson, Bissereth, Shaik, and Zayan were absent. 2
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 12:00 PM Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, #1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Commission for Women may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely or in person, call or email Christi Vitela, 512-974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Becky Bullard, Chair Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Vanessa Bissereth Angela Harris Diana Melendez Katrina Scheihing Rabia Shaik Fernanda Veloz Salas Shaimaa Zayan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on July 9, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative regarding the JIC meetings held in June and July 2025. 3. Discussion of the Get to Know Your Commission events. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group on the progress towards the completion of the Quality of Life Study. 5. Update from the Recognition Working Group regarding progress toward nominations, evaluation, and the 2025 event. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve updates to the membership of the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Working Group. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792, or email christi.vitela@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission for Women, please contact Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792, or email christi.vitela@austintexas.gov.
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 9, 2025 Commission for Women Regular Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 9, 2025 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, at The Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, Texas, Room 1401/1402. Chair Bullard called the Commission for Women regular meeting to order at 12:20 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Becky Bullard, Chair Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Alexandria Anderson Angela Harris Diana Melendez Katrina Scheihing Fernanda Veloz-Salas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on May 7, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on May 7, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Melendez’s motion, Commissioner Scheihing’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Tau, Commissioners Bissereth, Shaik, and Zayan were absent. 2. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on June 4, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on June 4, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Melendez’s motion, Commissioner Scheihing’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Tau, Commissioners Bissereth, Shaik, and Zayan were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 3. Staff briefing regarding maternal health by Laura G. LaFuente, Assistant Director, Austin Public Health, Donna Sundstrom, Assistant Director, Austin Public Health, Fernanda Santos, 1 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 9, 2025 Epidemiologist, Austin Public Health, and Dr. Desmar Walkes, Health Authority and Medical Director, Austin Public Health. The presentation was made by Laura G. LaFuente, Assistant Director, Austin Public Health, Donna Sundstrom, Assistant Director, Austin Public Health, Fernanda Santos, Epidemiologist, Austin Public Health, and Dr. Desmar Walkes, Health Authority and Medical Director, Austin Public Health. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation regarding women’s mental health programs by Wendy Salazar, Practice Manager for Children and Family Services, Integral Care. The presentation was made by Wendy Amozurrutia-Salazar, Practice Manager, Integral Care. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. Approve the Commission for Women 2024-2025 Annual Internal Report. The motion to approve the Commission for Women 2024-2025 Annual Internal Report as approved on Commissioner Melendez’s motion, Commissioner Scheihing’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Tau, Commissioners Bissereth, Shaik, and Zayan were absent. 10. Approve changes to the scope of work and membership of the Recognition Working Group. Discussed. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative regarding the JIC regular called meeting held in June 2025. Withdrawn. 6. Discussion of the Get to Know Your Commission …
