Award-winning trainer, skilled in design and presentation of seminars and workshops that have helped thousands of job seekers secure excellent career opportunities. Kathy is the founder and facilitator of Launch Pad Job Club leading the weekly meeting and its satellite classes.

Patricia Horton has worked in the training and development industry in many capacities, from business development and account management to new client onboarding and implementation. She has experience designing and redesigning material on customer service, communications, cultural competency, and proprietary software. She has led the development of e-learning training to build effective teams and managed multiple projects. Other experiences include health education and product development in plain language. Project delivery has included print and digital media. Patricia has a bachelor's degree in Organizational Communication from St. Edward’s University in Austin.

Tina Ahonle is a Senior Project/Program Manager with over 12 years of experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives across technology, semiconductor manufacturing, utilities, and financial services. She specializes in product launches and digital transformation, with a track record of translating strategy into structured execution that drives measurable business outcomes.

She brings a governance-minded approach that bridges strategic oversight with disciplined execution, helping organizations align priorities, improve operational clarity, and build scalable systems. Tina has served on the board of the PMI Austin Chapter since 2016 as Speaker Chair and currently serves as Vice President of Membership for Launch Pad Toastmasters, leading initiatives focused on engagement, retention, and growth.

A 10-year member of Launch Pad Job Club, Tina has also partnered with the organization through its Leap to Success program as a Project Manager, supporting nonprofit initiatives in Austin. She brings a unique dual perspective as both participant and contributor, focused on strengthening member engagement through structured, sustainable approaches that enhance both the member experience and organizational effectiveness.

Darla Alvarez is a marketing and engagement leader based in Austin, Texas, with more than 20 years of experience enabling revenue growth, building partner ecosystems, and driving high-impact marketing initiatives across enterprise IT and managed services. She has worked with organizations including IBM, GE Oil & Gas (BHGE), PwC, BlueVoyant, and AI company SparkCognition.

Throughout her career, she has built and led channel partner marketing and development programs, increased partner engagement, executed sales enablement and account planning initiatives, and developed product go-to-market strategies and plans.

Known for her networking superpower and ability to build meaningful connections around the globe, Darla brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to her work, with a strong focus on communication, collaboration, and empowering others to succeed.

She joined the LPJC board in 2024 as Marketing Communications Chair, where she helped shape messaging and strengthen communications to advance the organization’s mission. After two years in that role, she now serves as a Board Member at Large.

Sonal is an analytical, collaborative, and mission-driven Data Analytics leader with a career defined by translating complex insights into data-centered strategies. With extensive experience driving impact within high-growth sectors, Sonal possesses a unique ability to bridge data-driven decision-making with the human element of organizational growth.

Having navigated the nuances of career transition firsthand, she brings a deeply empathetic and grounded perspective to the board. Serving as the Alumni Relations & Engagement Specialist, Sonal focuses on strengthening the club’s community lifecycle, leveraging data and outreach to ensure that members are supported during their search and remain vibrantly connected as successful alumni.

She is a firm believer that kindness is a higher form of character that never goes out of style (and should never), a principle they carry into both their technical work and their commitment to the Austin professional community.

Outside of her professional work, she is a dedicated fitness enthusiast with a passion for weightlifting and pushing her personal limits. A natural connector who thrives on meeting new people, she believes that building strong, authentic relationships is the foundation of a resilient community.

Rebekah moved to Austin in 1999 and has deep family roots in the capital city dating back to the 1940s. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Radio-Television-Film from the University of Texas at Austin and previously studied at Austin Community College, where she earned an associate degree in the same field. More recently, she obtained a paralegal certificate from the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Professional Education.

Rebekah has an extensive background in marketing communications and a longstanding commitment to community service. She has served as Vice President of Marketing for the Leander High School Theatre Boosters and as a member of the Austin Digital Jobs Advisory Board. While she plans to transition into paralegal work, she currently leads website editorial efforts in the Austin tech sector. In her free time, she enjoys babying her cat, hiking the beautiful Hill Country, and starting her mornings with an assortment of puzzles.

Nishant is passionate about community engagement and empowering people. He has considerable experience across various National and local nonprofits for whom he has led activities, events, and new initiatives. He emphasizes strong team building and collaboration-driven solutions. His career experiences across multiple industries and organizations give him a unique perspective on what is requisite and effective for driving success.

From Nishant’s first meeting with Launch Pad, he was impressed by the board’s engagement, commitment, and Launch Pad’s overall potential. He is happy to serve on the Launch Pad board and contribute his abilities and experiences towards supporting Launch Pad’s mission to empower the greater Austin community.