REGISTER For Women, By Women: Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs
Melinda Garvey is a serial entrepreneur, founding her first company, Austin Woman, 22 years ago and then just recently executing a successful and unprecedented organizational restructure to bring on nine additional diverse female owners as partners. As Garvey winds down from her day-to-day operations role at Austin Woman, she is focused on her new company, InHer Circle, Peer Advisory for Women where she will facilitate and advise a small group of female business owners who are scaling to and beyond the $1M mark.
Tara Godby, COO and Co-founder, Teakeasy Tea
Tara Godby is the COO and Co-Founder of Teakeasy Tea, a luxury, music-inspired tea brand transforming the tea experience through culture, innovation, and community. With over 25 years of experience in corporate leadership, Tara brings strategic insight and operational excellence to building a standout brand in the premium beverage space. She is also a dedicated coach and mentor, committed to empowering women entrepreneurs and professionals to grow with confidence and clarity. In addition to her business leadership, Tara proudly serves on the board of SAFE Austin, advocating for survivors and supporting initiatives that promote safety, healing, and equity.
Andrea Hernandez, Co-founder and CEO, Airstrike HV
Andrea Hernandez Peraza is the co-founder and CEO of Airstrike HVAC, a woman- and veteran-owned HVAC company based in Austin, Texas. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Texas State University in just 2.5 years, graduating magna cum laude and as a member of the honors college—all while working full-time. Under her leadership, Airstrike HVAC has become the first woman-owned HVAC company in Austin, offering residential and commercial heating and cooling solutions. The company emphasizes eco-conscious choices, aiming to provide energy-efficient solutions and sustainable practices. Named the 2025 Rising Star by Austin Woman Magazine's Woman's Way Business Awards, Andrea is passionate about empowering women in trades and leading with purpose, faith, and community impact.
Rae Wilson, owner, Wine For The People
One of few female winemakers in Texas, Rae Wilson is a food & wine industry veteran based in Austin, Texas. Her journey from sommelier to winemaker took her from Napa Valley to Portugal and many cellars in between. Rae founded Wine For the People in 2010, released her flagship vintage of Dandy Rosé in 2014, and expanded with La Valentía wines in 2019. The newest production line launched in 2025 is a retail brand bearing the company name, Wine For the People.
For Women, By Women: Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs 2025 - this isn’t just any breakfast — it’s a gathering rooted in purpose, powered by connection, and driven by impact.
Join the Economic Development Department for a morning dedicated to honoring the voices and vision of women entrepreneurs building businesses with heart, resilience, and responsibility. Together, we’ll explore how inclusive leadership, sustainable practices, and community stewardship are shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
☕Breakfast: Starts at 8:00 a.m.
🎯The program starts promptly at 9:00 a.m.
Moderated by Melinda Garvey, founder of Austin Woman Magazine, the panel will feature powerful stories and insights from:
- Tara Godby, founder of Teakeasy Tea, who blends purpose and community in every product
- Andrea Hernandez, owner of Airstrike HVAC, a champion for equity in the skilled trades
- Rae Wilson, owner of Wine For The People, producing traditional wines in a new frontier from grape to glass.
Our speakers will share their journeys, challenges, and the values that drive them — from environmental responsibility to inclusive hiring and community reinvestment.
This is more than a conversation — it’s a call to action for those who believe business can be a force for good.
Come for the insights. Stay for the shared mission. Leave ready to lead with intention. Register today and save your seat!
Because when women come together, incredible things happen!
👉 Parking: The entrance to the library’s underground parking garage is on West Avenue. Space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your parking ticket for validation.
Alternate Parking - Parking at these locations will not be validated:
- City Hall Parking Garage, 301 W. 2nd Street.
- Premier Parking Seaholm Garage, 211 Walter Seaholm Drive.
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 - including translation and interpretation services. For assistance, please contact the Economic Development Department at 512-974-7819. The City receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing through Relay Texas 7-1-1.
Central Library Special Events Center
710 West Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX 78701
United States