An Important Message about LifeWorks Leadership
We want to share a significant and bittersweet transition within our organization. Our esteemed CEO, Susan McDowell, has decided to retire, effective July 1st, after 29 years of exceptional leadership and dedication to LifeWorks and the youth of Austin.
Susan’s visionary leadership has been a guiding light, helping to shape LifeWorks into the impactful, compassionate, and innovative organization it is today. As she embarks on this new chapter, we are filled with immense gratitude for her tireless dedication and profound impact.
“It has been an honor beyond all imagination to work side by side with our youth, staff, Board and incredible community partners. I’m as excited about LifeWorks as I was in 1995, and I look forward to remaining involved and playing a role in our next chapter.”
Looking forward, we are excited about the future of LifeWorks. Building on the solid foundation Susan has laid, we are poised to continue our mission with renewed vigor and commitment. The Board of Governors at LifeWorks, under the strong leadership of our Chair, Kyle Ali, will be working closely to ensure a smooth transition and to find a leader who can carry forward the incredible legacy that Susan has created.
Please join us in celebrating Susan’s remarkable journey at LifeWorks and in supporting the next phase of our organization’s growth. Here’s to new beginnings and continued success in making a difference in the lives of Austin’s youth.
Thank you, Susan, for your inspiring leadership and unwavering commitment to our cause.
New Year, New Logo
As we ring in the new year, LifeWorks is thrilled to announce the launch of our new logo, marking a significant milestone in our journey of growth and evolution alongside the vibrant city of Austin. As we completed the celebration of our 25th anniversary in 2023, we felt 2024 was the perfect time to refresh our visual identity to represent the strength and resilience of our clients and the unwavering advocacy of our staff.
Our new logo maintains the essence of our original design, now revitalized with modern elements. The logo is presented in bold, all-caps typography, symbolizing confidence and determination. The sunswirl, a central element, is more vivid, signifying the bright future we envision for our clients. The words "Life" and "Works" are prominently featured, embodying our mission to support youth in finding a fulfilling life and meaningful work. The sun at the logo's heart represents our clients, the core of our mission, and the dawn of new beginnings.
This redesign was a collaborative effort, incorporating feedback from staff, board members, marketing experts, and most importantly, our clients. Their input was invaluable in ensuring the new logo stays true to our brand, mission, and values. We believe this new logo will re-energize our supporters and resonate with new audiences, reflecting our commitment to adapt and grow in a modern landscape.
We invite our community to join us in embracing this new symbol of LifeWorks Austin. Show your support by engaging with our social media, looking out for our new merchandise, and sharing your thoughts on this exciting change. Let's continue to work together towards a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
LifeWorks Launches New Podcast: Lives We Love
There’s exciting news for friends of LifeWorks! We have recently launched a new podcast called LifeWorks: Lives We Love. This will be a monthly podcast where LifeWorks CEO, Susan McDowell, sits down for a genuine conversation with some of the most impactful people in our world, including clients, staff, and board members.
Conversations will cover what brings us joy, the challenges facing youth experiencing homelessness in Austin, and what led us to find LifeWorks for our careers or services.
To check out the first episode, look for “LifeWorks: Lives We Love” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, or go here:
Be sure and like and subscribe so you’ll get a notification of future episodes and share the podcast with friends and family. Thanks!