August 2026 Newsletter Issue 313 
Monthly Awareness
Register for our August Luncheon by 3PM on Friday!
Join us for a practical and engaging conversation about how AI is changing the way we work.
Discover how professionals are using AI to save time, spark creativity, and uncover new opportunities.
Whether you are AI curious or already putting AI to work, you'll leave with fresh ideas and practical insights you can use right away.
Moderator
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Laura Laughead - Host & Producer, Austin InSight, Austin PBS (KLRU-TV)
Speakers
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Mugdha Tasgaonkar - Founder, AI by Her ATX Inc. | Austin Ambassador, Claude
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Monica Talan - Partner, CommsCollectiv | Founder, CryptoConexión
Your favorite event of the year is finally here!
This year’s Battle of the Media Stars theme is… Broadway! Start practicing your jazz squares and singing riffs, we can’t wait to see you all on stage on October 29, 2026.
Battle of the Media Stars is an annual event put on by AWM Austin, bringing together the biggest media companies in Austin to compete in fun field day challenges. More details to come soon!
Connect with Austin's Small Business Community at the 2026 DECA Small Business Summit
The Alliance for Women in Media Austin is proud to share an exclusive opportunity for members to attend the 2026 DECA Small Business Summit, presented by DECA (The Diversity Equity Chamber Alliance) in partnership with the City of Austin Economic Development Department and presented by Charles Schwab Bank.
Whether you work in radio, television, digital, print, marketing, advertising, or public relations, this Summit is an excellent opportunity to connect with more than 200 local entrepreneurs and business leaders, gain valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Austin's small business community, and build new relationships with organizations driving economic development across Central Texas.
Your registration includes an inspiring keynote by Jayzen Patria (Lead With Your Brand!™), discussions on today's economy, procurement opportunities, practical AI applications from Grow with Google, and networking with business and civic leaders.
AWM members can save $20 with promo code AWM2026, making registration just $30.
CLICK HERE to secure your seat now!
Represent AWM Austin at this year’s Texas Conference for Women!
We will hold a drawing for 10 individuals to represent AWM Austin at this year’s event. To be entered into the drawing, you must:
· Be a current AWM Austin member
· Register and complete the survey
· Be able to attend the full day
· Share your experience on your social media, tagging #awmaustin
Important Dates:
· Entry Deadline: Friday, August 28 @ 3PM
· Selection Notification: Wednesday, September 2
· Confirmation of Acceptance: Tuesday, September 8
Corporate Spotlight

iHeartMedia Austin is proud to welcome one of the most beloved duos in Austin radio history, The JB & Sandy Show, to 98.1 KVET. For decades, JB Hager and Sandy McIlree have entertained Central Texas listeners with their unique blend of humor, authenticity, and community involvement. Now, they're bringing that same energy back to Austin mornings on 98.1 KVET!
As a longtime staple of the Austin media landscape, JB & Sandy continue to connect with listeners through engaging conversations, local stories, and plenty of laughs. Their return to morning radio reinforces iHeartMedia's commitment to delivering the personalities and local content Austin audiences love most.
Catch JB & Sandy weekday mornings from 6–10 a.m. on 98.1 KVET and on the free iHeartRadio app.
Events

Come one, come all! Join us for a Battle of the Media Stars Happy Hour on Thursday, August 27.
Join AWM Austin at the Mean Eyed Cat on Thursday, August 27th, for our kick-off Happy Hour. Bond with your team, get to know your competition, and earn some bonus points. Teams that attend will have the first chance to secure your spot and your Broadway show pick. Learn more HERE!
In Memoriam

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Sylvia Bugg The PBS family is mourning the passing of Sylvia Bugg. Sylvia most recently served as chief programming executive and general manager for general audience programming. She was a passionate leader in the public media world, and a frequent guest of Austin’s local station, Austin PBS. |
THANK YOU!
Austin Alliance for Women in Media would like to thank all of our Corporate Members!
If your business is interested in a partnership with AWM Austin, visit our Corporate Membership page and reach out with any questions.
















