JEANNETTE PETEN
PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER OF BIGAUSTIN
Jeannette Peten is the founder of the first training and lending non-profit organization in Austin, TX . Under her leadership and direction, BIGAUSTIN, in its ten year history has become the single-source solution for businesses to obtain quality entrepreneurial education, training and capital. Ms. Peten, a champion of the underserved, is devoted to developing and supporting the economic independence of women, minorities and low-income individuals through her organization.
Betty Dunkerley
AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL MEMBER AND EVENT CHAIR
Betty Dunkerley's election to the Austin City Council is a continuation of her service to this city. Often called a "financial guru," Ms. Dunkerley has served the City for more than 12 years as an Assistant City Manager, Financial Services Director and Finance Director Emeritus. During that time, Ms. Dunkerley has worked on issues related to health care, public safety, housing, taxes, water and the environment. Prior to working with the City of Austin, Ms. Dunkerley's 40-year career has included high-ranking financial management positions with the City of Beaumont and the City of Dallas , in addition to significant private-sector positions. Ms. Dunkerley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University and is a Certified Public Accountant. She was sworn in for her first term on June 15, 2002.
SYLVIA ACEVEDO
BUSINESS WOMAN AND FOUNDER OF COMMUNICARDS
Sylvia Acevedo, creator and operator of CommuniCard, an English-to-Spanish flash cards product that helps to break the communication barrier between employers and their employees and places Sylvia on the path to entrepreneurial success. Named National Business Woman of the Year from the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and 2005 BiGIDEA Award winner in the creative business category, CommuniCard is her third successful business endeavor. Ms Acevedo earned her Master’s degree in engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State where she graduated with honors.
QUITA CULPEPPER
KVUE WEEKEND NEWS ANCHOR AND REPORTER
Quita anchors the Weekend Daybreak news and reports three days a week. She joined the KVUE news team in November of 1998. She has covered education issues and general assignments. Quita is also the Does it Work Wednesday reporter, a consumer segment. A native New Yorker, Quita moved to Austin at the age of 13 and hasn't left since. When not working, she enjoys reading, listening to live music, traveling and spending time with her family.
JEWELL PARKER
OWNER, THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GROUP
Parker has been an entrepreneur for well over twenty years. After working for ten years in the staffing services industry, she purchased Norrell Staffing in 1993. She then opened The Meeting Place, a conference and executive suite facility. Currently Ms. Parker is a principal in The Business Development Group, a firm that coaches entrepreneurs on all aspects of sales, marketing and business promotion. Active in the community, Ms Parker is a graduate of Leadership Austin and has served on the Board of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Austin Quality Council Board of Directors.
