Sharlym is a recent graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations. She is excited to join Girlstart and support their mission to empower young girls.

Ange Atkinson received a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Trinity University.  She has worked and volunteered in various educational settings including summer camp and outdoor education.  Ange brings her background in hands-on educational programming and passion for empowering girls to head up Girlstart’s After School programs.

A Seattle native, Jessica Cook holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Whitman College in Washington State. Before moving to Austin and coming to work at Girlstart in 2002, Jessica served as the Program Administrator for the Associated Kyoto Program, sending American undergraduates to study in Kyoto, Japan. Jessica is dedicated to helping people improve their lives through education and she is thrilled to use her grant writing and fundraising experience to help young women embrace a bright, empowered future.

Lindsey graduated with a B.A in Political Science and Gender Studies from Boise State University in 2007. Since graduating, Lindsey has served in several capacities in a variety of non profits, from a volunteer serving Iraqi refugee woman at the International Rescue Committee in Boise, Idaho, to event planning and volunteer coordinating at the Boise State University Women’s Center. Most recently Lindsey served as an AmeriCorps VISTA for College Forward in Austin and a Training and Advocate Intern at the National Dating Abuse Helpline. Lindsey is so proud to be working for such an amazing organization whose mission is to empower and educate young girls!

Julie Shannan has created, launched and managed some of the most innovative and effective informal education programs for girls, parents and teachers. Ms. Shannan is a recipient of the prestigious “Austin Under 40” Award for leadership in Youth and Education. She currently serves on the Texas Girls Collaborative Project Leadership Council, serves on the Women Shaping Texas Advisory Committee for the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, a member of NASA Human Health and Performance Center, and is an advisory board member for SciGirls, a PBS show for girls and science.

Katelyn Wamsted received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Texas A&M University. For the past 7 years, Katelyn has worked and volunteered to promote teamwork and self esteem among others. Her background in marketing and passion for empowering girls brings a unique and fun perspective to Girlstart programs. Katelyn is excited to bring her logistic skills to the Girlstart team.

Elida Madrigal holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, an Elementary Teaching Certificate, and her Master's of Education from Texas Christian University.She brings her experience as a Certified Bilingual Teacher as well as the Program Administrator for the Austin Capital Area Community Leadership Council. Elida has been recruiting Hispanic high school students for the Austin Capital Area Community Leadership Council for many years and was awarded the Outstanding Hispanic Woman Service Award from the Mexican American Business and Professional Women's Association.