Event Speaker

Biographies

MASON AYER
KERBEY LANE CAFE
Chief Executive Officer
Education:
BDFS from the Georgetown
University School of Foreign
Service (2003)
JD from the University of
Virginia School of Law (2007)
Past Work Experience:
Associate, Andrews Kurth, LLP,
Corporate and Securities Group,
Austin, TX

Biography:
I was born and raised in Austin, Texas, graduating from Austin High School
in 1999. I attended college and law school on the east coast with the
intention of one day returning to Austin. In 2007, I did exactly that and
began practicing law at Andrews Kurth. In 2010, I made a major career
change and entered the restaurant business. Today, I characterize myself as
a recovering attorney and I consider the change in careers one of the very
best decisions of my life.

Q&A:
What are the different ways to break into the current career/industry you are in, and
what got you interested in that line of work?
My parents started Kerbey Lane Cafe in 1980 and I was in and around restaurants all
through my childhood. I always expected I might end up in the family business, but I
never quite knew when or how the transition would occur. Making the change was a
bit like ripping off a bandaid (unfamiliar environment, no knowledge of how to run a
business, major pay cut at first), and my first few years in the business were pretty
challenging. But there's something to be said about having a job where it feels like
what I do matters and having the ability to chart my own path and the path of the
organization.
If you could give one piece of advice to a current student, in light of your personal
experiences, what would it be?
Don't allow money or the perception of prestige drive your decision making. In my
experience, no amount of money is worth working 80 hours per week and having the
course of your life decided for you by your boss. I reached the decision to exit Big Law
a bit earlier than others, but as we approach the 10 year reunion for our law school
class, a very small minority of my friends are still practicing at big firms while most
made the decision somewhere along the way to go do something else that is fulfilling
and meaningful to them.

CHRIS CHILEK
VICTORY CTO
Founder
Education:
Computer Engineering at Texas
A&M University
Past Work Experience:
MyEdu/Pick-A-Prof
ImageIndxr

Biography:
Chris Chilek is a veteran businessman with three successful startups under his belt
specializing in building teams and businesses around large-scale, data rich
applications. In his previous experience, Chris has founded multiple companies,
including Pick-A-Prof and MyEdu, where he pioneered the worlds first socioacademic platform for education planning and managed the team that architected
applications and decision support systems to leverage the world's largest academic
data warehouse.

Q&A:
What are the different ways to break into the current career/industry you are in, and
what got you interested in that line of work?
If my industry can be described as "building businesses", then the keys to breaking in
are communication and an insatiable desire to learn (and lots of hard work) (and a
reliable business partner). I graduated with a degree in computer engineering but
over the course of years and starting companies my interests moved from engineering
to business and later to marketing. Learning and communication go hand in hand: the
more you learn, the more you are able to effectively communicate with business
people in various disciplines.
If you could give one piece of advice to a current student, in light of your personal
experiences, what would it be?
Never stop learning.

JOHN CUNNINGHAM
VICTORY CTO
Co-Founder
Education:
Marketing at Texas A&M
University
Past Work Experience:
Founder of Pick-A-Prof and
MyEdu
Chief Technology Officer
and CISO of W2O Group
CTO of NextWorks

Biography:
John Cunningham is a veteran entrepreneur with two successful startups under his belt specializing
in operations while building and delivering large-scale, highly availability consumer facing
applications. Currently John serves as the Chief Technology Officer at W2O Group and is based out of
Austin, TX. In this role John leads the software and solutions arms of WCG, Twist and Brewlife as well
as the development of Nextworks and a number of developing opportunities for W2O while working
with some of the most interesting companies in the Fortune 100.
In his previous experience, John has co-founded two Education Technology companies, MyEdu.com
and Pick-A-Prof.com, where he architected the infrastructure behind the world's largest academic
data warehouse, designed and built the cloud-based automated data collection platform which
served both companies, and co-designed their products.
Specialties include consumer product development, real-time SaaS infrastructures, enterprise-class
database design and implementation, high availability cloud computing environments, data collection
and storage, robust web search methods and indexing approaches, and large-scale system
deployment. John is proficient in numerous programming languages, system administration
technologies, and server architectures.
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Q&A:
What are the different ways to break into the current career/industry you are in, and
what got you interested in that line of work?
These days people with technical chops are in high demand, so the real question is
how do you excel in tech? The ability to excel in tech really comes back to your ability
to communicate and interact with everyone else in the company. If you have tech skills
and you can follow the principles in How to Win Friends and Influence People then you
will do well.
If you could give one piece of advice to a current student, in light of your personal
experiences, what would it be?
If you could give one piece of advice to a current student, in light of your personal
experiences, what would it be? It sounds hokey, but it amazes me how many people
miss this: Put people first and never make a promise you can't keep.

REBECCA FEFERMAN
SXSW
Head of SXsports & Convergence
Education:
University of Michigan, BA
Psychology
Past Work Experience:
SXSW Film, Head of Media
Relations & Programmer
ID Public Relations, Personal
Publicist
Warner Bros. Pictures,
National Publicity Assistant

Biography:
Rebecca Feferman is the Head of SXsports, the three-day sports-focused track of
SXSW Interactive & Film that features panels, screenings & events, and explores the
future of sport from a cultural and technological perspective. In her role at SXSW, she
also oversees the broader Convergence footprint and team. Prior to spearheading the
launch of SXsports in 2014, she served as the Head of Media Relations as well as a
Programmer for SXSW Film since arriving in Austin in 2008. She began her career in
National Publicity at Warner Bros. Pictures, followed by five years representing actors
as a Personal Publicist at IDPR in Los Angeles. An avid softball player and Captain of
the SXSW Swingin' Narwhals, Rebecca originally hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico
and bleeds Maize and Blue.

Q&A:
What are the different ways to break into the current career you're in, and
what got you interested in that line of work?
Interning is always the one of the best ways to break into any line of work. There's
truly no better opportunity to immerse yourself in a business and soak in everything
taking place around you, as well as make a lasting impression - if you have a positive
attitude and work hard even when you're doing something menial. Seems simple but
fewer people succeed at it than you might expect.
If you could give one piece of advice to a current student, in light of your personal
experiences, what would it be?
No matter your role or level of success and stature, your fundamental job is to make
your boss's job easier, and to add to the greater good of your organization.

JILL HUSAK
ESPN/LONGHORN NETWORK
Director, Marketing
Education:
Bachelor of Business
Administration from The
University of Texas at Austin
(Marketing)
Past Work Experience:

Biography:

Verizon
Avenue A | Razofish
Atmosphere BBDO
ESPN
ESPN/Longhorn Network

Jill Husak is the Director of Marketing at Longhorn Network/ESPN in Austin, TX.

She started her career at Verizon, then transitioned into the agency world working for
Avenue A | Razorfish and Atmosphere BBDO in NYC.
As a sports lover and former UT athlete, working in the sports world was always Jills
aspiration. She joined ESPN in 2006 and worked in Consumer Marketing supporting
multiple sports properties. Given Jills passion for the Longhorns and her ESPN
marketing expertise, she was tapped to relocate to her hometown of Austin to help
launch Longhorn Network in 2011. Jill led the brand development and marketing launch
of LHN and continues to oversee marketing strategy and promotional plans for the
network.
Jill earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas.
When not working on or watching Texas sports, she enjoys exercising, the outdoors,
and teaching her toddler The Eyes of Texas.
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Q&A:
What are the different ways to break into the current career/industry you are in, and
what got you interested in that line of work?
It's important to get relevant internships, work experience, and to network.
My personal background and interests, desire to move from agency to client side, my
professional work experience, along with some good fortune, positioned me for the
ESPN opportunity.
If you could give one piece of advice to a current student, in light of your personal
experiences, what would it be?
Keep an open mind about your career journey.

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ANNIE LIN
A LITTLE BUNDLE
Founder and CEO

Education:
Parsons, The New School of
Design
Past Work Experience:
Event Planning and Project
Manager STOLL
Owned her own fashion line
with my sister named AIRA
NYC for 3 years.
Opened, managed operated
Yogurtland in Honolulu,
Hawaii

Biography:

Born in Texas, I left my southern roots to attend high school in Northern California. My passion for arts and
creativity drew me to Parsons, The New School in NYC, where I studied Illustration and Graphic Design. Within
the seven years in the City, I've created my own women's contemporary clothing line, AIRA, with my sister,
Karen and worked continuously in the fashion industry during the entire time. I worked with big and small
designers to create their runway collection and soon got tired of the cold, cold winters. In the midst of living in
the Big Apple, I also lived in Oahu, Hawai'i for 8 months starting a small franchise business, Yogurtland. In
September 2013, my husband, Kyle, and I found our way back to my Southern roots in good 'ol Austin, Texas
(He's a New Yorker). I've always had a nomadic soul and will never turn down an opportunity to explore!
My passion for design and creating a fulfilling job inspired me to create my second Small Business, A Little
Bundle. A Little Bundle is a monthly curated subscription bundle service especially for the mom and the baby.
We specialize in creating exclusive design products just for our customers and offer a unique collection in our
online shop: A Little Shop. Recently, we've opened our doors locally in Austin, Texas with a small retail
showroom and a place to host events. If you're in town, be sure to pop in and say, "Hi!".
I grew my small business solely on Instagram and Pinterest. I never invested much in marketing and utilize my
skills, creativity and hours and hours of every day navigating through all the social media platforms. Some may
say I'm lucky, but I believe there's a tactic to it. Over time, I've learned more and more each day. I'm excited to
share what I've discovered as well as helping other small businesses grow and put their best foot forward.
You can often find me snuggling my furry babies, Maddie & Macaron, hiking and spending park time all over
town, catching yoga + pilates classes, trying the newest eateries and browsing my latest fashion obsession,
sharing a bit about my experience in running A Little Bundle and a glimpse into my journey into motherhood
over at Hello Annie.

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Q&A:
What are the different ways to break into the current career/industry you are in, and
what got you interested in that line of work?
I held positions in the fashion world for about 8 years in New York City before starting
my own business - A Little Bundle. I wanted to find something that married my skill set
and passion for design with an industry I was passionate about: kids.
If you could give one piece of advice to a current student, in light of your personal
experiences, what would it be?
You have to simply start and believe in yourself. If you can do those two things
passionately and consistently, your journey into your professional career will be an
amazing experience.

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HOWARD LIPSON
ALIGNMENT ARTIST CAPITAL
Co-Founder
Education:
Wharton School of the University
of Pennsylvania (With Honors)
Past Work Experience:
Managing Director in Pilot
Group, Partner and member of
the Investment Committee at
The Blackstone Group

Biography:
Howard Lipson has a 25 year-track record as a successful private equity investor
with a focus on the media and entertainment industries. As an entrepreneur, Mr.
Lipson combined his lifelong passion for music and experience driving
sophisticated financial transactions to help conceive of and found Alignment
Artist Capital. He was essential in structuring and launching Octone Records and
was a principal financial backer of the company. Prior to Alignment, Mr. Lipson
was a Managing Director in Pilot Group, a media-oriented private equity firm
started by Robert W. Pittman. Before Pilot Group, Mr. Lipson was a Partner and
member of the Investment Committee at The Blackstone Group, which he joined
in 1988. Mr. Lipson graduated with honors from the Wharton School of the
University of Pennsylvania.

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Q&A:
What are the different ways to break into the current career/industry you are in, and
what got you interested in that line of work?
Breaking into my current career (specialty finance start up) is a long road... at least for
me. I continue to believe that for any kind of finance work, it's best to start at a major
firm where there is tremendous deal flow and infrastructure to train. Gradually
specialize (in terms of industry and area of finance) from there.
In terms of music business/entrepreneurial endeavors, I followed my passion and it
worked out. The record label was a side project that turned into a real business.
Eventually, merging your formal training (in my case finance) with your passion project
to start something that incorporates both is a good plan.
If you could give one piece of advice to a current student, in light of your personal
experiences, what would it be?
One piece of advice - be confident, focused, and aggressive but don't be in such a
hurry. Though it may not seem this way at the time, being in your mid 20's with a few
years work experience and little money saved isn't the ideal time to strike out on your
own. Despite the successes that get all the press, they are exceptions to the rule. Most
can benefit from some structure, scale and learning opportunities that an established
place can give before going the entrepreneurial route.

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CHELSEA MCCULLOUGH
INTERCAMBIO / WAKE UP
Principal / Co-Founder
Education:

UT BS Communications/Advertising
Dec 97
UT MA Communications/Advertising
08

Past Work Experience:

Biography:

Executive Director at Texans for

Economic Progress (TEP)
Marketing Director at MPOWER Labs,
Inc.
Program Director at RISE Global
Creative Manager at Texas Lottery
Commission
Marketing Specialist at the Office of the
Governor, State of Texas
Co-Founder of VENTO Marketing

Chelsea has founded several companies focused on creating connections and positive social and civic
impact. She is founder of Intercambio, a consulting firm focused on uniting people around ideas, policy
and economic opportunity. She is Co-Founder and Director at Wake Up, an Austin based company that
hosts personal and professional development workshops. She is also Co-Founder of Impact Hub Austin, a
local effort to connect the global community of purpose-driven enterprises. Previously, Chelsea served as
Executive Director of Texans for Economic Progress, where she worked with the statewide technology
community and elected officials to advocate for greater access to tech education, entrepreneurship and
infrastructure.
Chelsea is active in several organizations that encourage economic solutions to global challenges
including the World Economic Forum Global Shapers, UnltdUSA (social entrepreneur accelerator),
LeadershipAustin and The Seton 50. She previously served as a City of Austin Tech & Telecomm
Commissioner and a Founding Member of ImpactTexas, a conference on impact investing. She was
founding Director for RISE (an annual entrepreneurs conference), Marketing Director at MPOWER Labs
(financial services for the underserved) and served in the Governors Office in Economic Development. She
received the Austin Under 50 Award in Science & Technology (2015), BPE Ascendant Award (2013), was an
ABJ Profiles in Power Finalist (2013). She is a Leadership Austin graduate (2010). In her spare time, she is
launching Mable, which will provide modular, eco-friendly furniture that is manufactured in the USA.
Chelsea has masters and bachelor degrees in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin.
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Q&A:
What are the different ways to break into the current career you're in, and
what got you interested in that line of work?
Being curious and open for adventure. Showing up and asking how you can help.
Listening.
My line of work is constantly evolving and each day is different. It can be scary to jump
into the unknown and follow your inspiration but the rewards are incredible.
If you could give one piece of advice to a current student, in light of your personal
experiences, what would it be?
Be open. Hang around people who have values that align with your values. Do not
accept mediocrity from yourself or anyone else but also be compassionate with
yourself and with others. Everything in life is a fine line and you get to decide if you are
going to be honest, kind, real.

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JAYSON RAPAPORT
BIRDS BARBERSHOP
Co-Founder
Education:
BSBA American University
Past Work Experience:
AVP Merrill Lynch Global
Markets & Investment Banking

Biography:
American University graduate Jayson Rapaport moved to New York In 1999
to work in sales and trading at Herzog, Heine & Geduld, a firm that then
dealt in more share volume than any other in the nation. HHG was acquired
by Merrill Lynch in 2000. In 2003, Jayson moved to Austin, opened two
underperforming restaurant franchises, and turned both around. Itching for
his own thing, he partnered with Michael Portman in 2006 and created
Birds Barbershop to fill a mid-priced niche they felt was under served in
Austin. There are currently 7 Birds locations with plans for further growth.

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Q&A:
What are the different ways to break into the current career you're in,
and what got you interested in that line of work?
With regards to being an entrepreneur, the barriers to entry have been lowered
to a level that makes bringing an idea to fruition closer than many may realize,
however there is no replacement for hard work, hustle, and the ability to raise
funds. My interest in Hair Products/Services was that the market was extremely
large and extremely fragmented.
If you could give one piece of advice to a current student, in light of your
personal experiences, what would it be?
My advice would be not to skip any steps. The first few years out of school is in
many ways like a an advanced degree. Youre learning all sorts of new skill sets.
Most importantly youre learning what you like and dont like. This knowledge is
often the fuel you need to start your own business.

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HENRY SHI
INDY COFFEE CO. + TEXAS PANIC ROOM
CEO (Indy) + COO (TPR)
Education:
Business Honors Program and
Masters in Public Accounting at The
University of Texas at Austin
Past Work Experience:

Accenture
PwC
Mackinac Partners
Abbott Pharmaceuticals
512 Realty
ALM Financial Services
BMT Group Ltd.

Biography:
Henry is a founder of several businesses in the Texas area and has a passion for
investing in brick & mortar businesses as well as building quality brands. He currently
serves as a Co-Founder for Indy Coffee Co. (www.indycoffeeco.com), the Austin Panic
Room (www.austinpanicroom.com), the San Antonio Panic Room
(www.sapanicroom.com), and the Dallas Panic Room (www.dallaspanicroom.com).
In his spare time, Henry also serves as the VP of Student Affairs for the Houston chapter
of Ascend, a non-profit Pan-Asian organization for business professionals in North
America, and is passionate about giving back and mentoring students.

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Q&A:
What are the different ways to break into the current career you're in,
and what got you interested in that line of work?
Bootstrap or Raise funding (equity or debt)
I've always been interested in running my own business and after working at
several different companies in various industries, I 1) crossed them off the list as
places I wanted to work at and, 2) gathered experience for a variety of situations.
If you could give one piece of advice to a current student, in light of your
personal experiences, what would it be?
Expand your scope beyond your class walls. The amount of resources at a
university like UT is incredible and yet most students seem content just going to
class.

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