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Christmas morning, 2003. And Rebecca Powers was weeping. But these tears were of gratitude and joy. Thirteen-year-old Claire Powers had just presented her mother with $100 in crumpled bills and coins, earned doing household chores. Claire was following the lead of her older brother Brad, who she’d seen write a check for $100 out of his first bank account, and the teens’ donations were destined for Powers’ newly formed grassroots philanthropy group, Impact Austin. So, why weep? Well, for one thing, the bubbly and sunny Powers is also a notorious – and self-confessed – weeper, in good times and bad. And these were the best of times, as Powers had just realized. Her children’s generosity was a direct reaction to the positive role model she had unwittingly become. By the way, both Claire and Brad have gone on to do community service, which, for Claire, included helping start Girls Giving Grants, the youth initiative of Impact Austin.
Let’s rewind to another day of tears. But tears of sorrow. On the plane back from California, Powers wanted nothing more than to be left alone with her grief. Eyes puffy with crying, heart heavy at the realization she’d just left her oldest brother for the last time, she happened on a magazine article about a philanthropy group in Ohio. Thus, Impact Austin was born. And thus began a new journey, a journey which would allow her to bring some meaning to her brother’s death. Three weeks later, in February 2003, Peter died of colon cancer. With that, Rebecca Powers stepped off her own personal cliff on the journey that changed not only her own life but the lives of countless others. “I realized that if some people could be served in the community where I lived, then Peter would not have died in vain. And – selfishly – it would help heal the hole in my heart,” explains the piercingly honest Powers. Showing her trademark never-ending optimism, she adds, “It never occurred to me that it wouldn’t happen.” The goal? Simple: 500 women donate $1000 each every year, combine those donations, then vote on which five local charities will receive five annual $100,000 grants. The challenge? Neither Powers, nor the handful of women she recruited at the outset, had any nonprofit experience. What they did have was business chops, an unquenchable desire to succeed, and Rebecca Powers as their founder and leader. Impact Austin has now put over $2 million to work in the local community. In 2009 alone, 510 women voted on five $102,000 grants.
And Phil Powers’ reaction to his wife’s plans? “That she must be crazy … And my advice was simple: do not underestimate the time commitment, and don't be afraid to ask for help.” It’s unclear whether Powers initially realized the time commitment, however today she recognizes that one of the things setting Impact Austin’s success apart from similar grassroots philanthropic organizations (including her original inspiration, Impact 100 in Cincinnati) is the reality of her 50-60 hour work weeks as a full-time Impact Austin volunteer. (There is no paid staff in Impact Austin.) As for Phil’s second piece of sage advice: Powers has not only asked for help creating, funding and running Impact Austin, but also continues to have the courage to seek advice, counsel and help to round out her own personal skills. “She soaks up the ideas around her like a sponge and is always hungry for more. She is a person who is continually learning, and Impact Austin reflects that,” says Susan McDowell, executive director of Austin’s LifeWorks, which became Impact Austin’s first grant recipient. Bottom line? “Don't ever tell Reb that she can't do something, especially when her entire heart and soul is behind it,” advises Phil Powers.
Now, here’s the rub. While Rebecca Powers has put her entire heart and soul into Impact Austin, the building years are now over. It’s time to consolidate, to grow slowly and steadily, and to turn Impact Austin into what Powers calls “a well-oiled machine.” All laudable and necessary tasks, as Powers recognizes. But not the best fit for her soul, her personality and her talents. “I love to build,” she says. “I like to stir the pot.” So what of the future, say five or 10 years hence? “There’s something else out there, I just don’t know what it is,” says the 55-year-old. Whatever it is, she will do what she’s done throughout her life and follow her instincts. Yet this time, there’s a new twist, a newfound confidence. “I’m in a whole different frame of mind now. I know that I can still grow. And, shallow or not, that was a new concept to me in 2003. This experience has taught me there is something else next. That’s exciting, because I pretty much thought at 40 or 45 there wouldn’t be a lot of learning.”
Yes, it’s a brutally honest and authentic conversation with Rebecca Powers. She answers every question – her mind clearly working a-mile-a-minute – and pulls no punches on herself, taking introspection and self-knowledge to the point that few dare to go (or dare to admit about themselves).
Phil and Rebecca Powers met in 1981 when they both worked at IBM, where Rebecca was destined to become an award-winning sales rep before leaving to have the couple’s two children, Brad (now 22 and a senior at TCU majoring in accounting) and Claire (now 19, and a sophomore at George Washington University in D.C., majoring in engineering).
When the young family moved to Austin in 1994, Powers began dabbling with Pampered Chef, a kitchen wares product line sold primarily through parties held in the home. What began as a way to earn a few extra dollars to pay for a maid service soon boomed, and Powers was again a top salesperson, winning fancy trips – and run ragged organizing evening babysitters for the kids because Phil was travelling pretty much nonstop on business. In 1998, the couple decided to call it a day for Powers’ Pampered Chef business. Yet, the experience was invaluable, and a home-selling business model the shrewd Powers and the board continue to use at Impact Austin. “Everything I’ve done has prepared me for this,” says Powers, her cornflower blue eyes twinkling.
Fate or destiny, call it what you will, resources to build Impact Austin have regularly appeared at the most opportune moments. Everything from the soccer mom who turned out to be an attorney and offered, pro bono, to file the papers for Impact Austin’s nonprofit status, to the support Powers received at home. Unlike her Pampered Chef days when he was often away on business, with Impact Austin, Powers has been able to lean on her husband Phil. In another fate-like move, Phil Powers had already decided to take early retirement when Rebecca launched Impact Austin. “I got my chance to fly, because he took the ground,” says Powers. “He has never let me down, he has never let the kids down.” And she recognizes her own commitment to Impact Austin has been a major one. Her honesty again on display, she admits, “There were times that I probably made the decision for Impact Austin instead of my family … But I had never been so excited.”
Today, Powers gets calls from women all over the country, and is always ready to jump on a plane or in a car to help a group starting out. She prides herself on being warm and accessible. She also sees her role as “encourager.” In a move she describes as “full circle,” she recently returned from a mentoring trip to Impact Giving in California, which now has 70 members.
Now the Powers are empty-nesters, they get the chance to travel together, to be “girlfriend and boyfriend again,” as Powers says, her voice softening. However, the family foursome still comes together for sports. During pro football season, their team colors are green and gold. “Brad and Phil are trading phone calls or texts during the game. And Claire called last night when Green Bay won. Yes, we’re Cheeseheads,” says Powers after a recent game. While it may seem a far cry from her endless round of coffee dates for Impact Austin, Powers’ home life exemplifies what she does with all her life: having fun and being passionate about whatever she’s doing.
Powers’ achievements are even more dramatic when she points out there was no plan for her to jump so fully into a nonprofit world. But she trusted her gut. And many people are grateful, including Impact Austin members, grant recipients and other nascent philanthropists looking for guidance. However, it’s the impact close to home that moves Powers most. “I’ve learned that I matter, that my life matters,” she explains. “But I also have two kids and a husband who have learned that they matter too.” Peter would be proud.
Impact Austin:
Why + How it Works
“Impact Austin is the proverbial learning organization. As a member, you are continually part of building something new, exciting and ultimately, greater than anything you could have done on your own,” says Susan McDowell, executive director of LifeWorks, an Austin-based nonprofit. “The funding raised and grants distributed through Impact Austin tell only half the story. Most members do not stop at the financial contribution. The entire grants process is conducted in a way that trains women about the philanthropic process (including how to choose an effective organization) and additionally about what the critical needs are in the community. More often than not, members discover that they connect well with one of the applicant organizations or that they have a passion for a particular issue. Their involvement deepens and goes well beyond the process. The community benefits tremendously and the members return year after year.”
MORE INFO • impact-austin.org
Reb
on
Reb
HOMETOWN
Born in Louisville, KY, but spent my formative years in Morton, IL, the self-proclaimed Pumpkin- Canning Capital of the World.
GUILTY PLEASURE
Reading a fluffy romance novel from start to finish in one sitting, by the pool, on vacation.
FAVORITE VACATION
Taking our kids to a Green Bay Packer game when Brett Favre was at his peak. We’re diehard fans, and Wisconsin has the best bratwursts, bar none!
I WISH I DID MORE…
Living in and enjoying the moment, instead of always wondering what I could be doing better.
BIGGEST FAULT
I really fight being judgmental.
Reb by Phil
One-on-one with Phil Powers
Q. What first drew you to Rebecca?
A. She was a smart, funny, engaging person and very enjoyable to be around. Not pretentious in the least, yet willing to stand up to anyone for what was right … Reb can tell you the exact date of our first get-together, what we both ordered for food, and exactly what I was wearing that night. You think I'm kidding ...
Q. How has she changed?
A. The majority of Reb’s changes are simply intensification of her principles and passions. She has always done things to help others. She has worked on committees at her Church (St. David's). She was on the PTA when the kids were younger. She was on the board at Trinity Center to spearhead projects for the Austin homeless. She has been a Bible Study leader. She is on the alumni board of her college. I could go on and on. Impact Austin is simply the largest manifestation of everything Reb stands for.
Q. most important things about Rebecca?
A. Don't ever underestimate Reb. She may come across all nice and sweet – which she is; and cute – which she is; and very unassuming. But she can be a dynamo that can't be stopped when her goals and passions are on the line. Reb possesses the perfect combination of values: the highest integrity, deep caring for those less fortunate than herself, passion for what's right, an amazing can-do attitude, and a boundless desire to do whatever she can or whatever she needs to do to improve herself for whatever task is at hand.
In Other Words
My Big Sister
by Michael Hancock
In February 2000, my then 18-year-old son passed away. Rebecca was an immediate and continuing source of comfort. While she has the good sense to not give unsolicited advice, Rebecca has a talent for sharing her thoughts and beliefs inoffensively. Her support through my grieving process has influenced my spiritual beliefs, and I credit her with much of my personal growth that resulted from this event.
The beautiful thing about Rebecca is that she isn't much different than most people, her success notwithstanding. It would be a mistake to think her success is the result of some rare set of God-given talents. Rather, she has marshaled what she was given in a unique way for the benefit of others, including family and strangers, alike.
My Friend for 43 Years
by Shelley Weaver
Reb has always had a great heart and is a good friend, but Reb is also a friend to everyone. Even in the early years it was a notable part of her character. She was an excellent and gifted student. (Reb loved Latin. Who loves Latin?)
Reb had a way of making good impressions at a young age: her ability to communicate well, an exuberant and winning personality and impeccable Southern manners. Reb was a natural leader and a good listener, rare and mature qualities in a young person.
My College Classmate
by Wendy Eastman
Rebecca and I were classmates at the University of Richmond in the ‘70s; 35+ years later we're still close friends. She's someone you want on your team because she will just flat-out get things done. And she'll do it all with a smile and that little glimmer in her eye.
My Colleague
By Susan McDowell, Executive Director, LifeWorks
I first met Rebecca in 2003 at a meeting where she announced she was starting a group that would ultimately raise $500,000 for area nonprofits. The room was skeptical. Several months later, she came back and announced in the same matter-of-fact tone that they had exceeded their first year goal, raising $126,000. To say that she made an impression is a dramatic understatement.
Her true strength as a leader is how she inspires others. The power she has built through Impact Austin is through the fire she has helped light in 500+ women a year to engage in the community. Everything about Rebecca comes straight from the center of her heart. She is one of the most genuine people I have met.