Q&A with New Board Chair, Aaron DeLaO
Katelyn Lowrey, Jenny DuFresne, Denise Davis, Aaron DeLaO, Diana Mil, and Deborah Barker at the Austin Chamber's 146th Annual Meeting in February 2024.
This is an exciting time at Mission Capital, as we embrace a new chapter under the leadership of our new CEO, Ira Williams III. We are also thrilled that Aaron DeLaO has stepped into the role of Board Chair at the recent conclusion of Denise Davis’ tenure. Together, Ira and Aaron will spearhead initiatives focused on supporting Mission Capital’s members, organizational sustainability, community engagement, and identifying ways to better meet the needs of the social sector. Their dynamic leadership promises to drive innovative solutions and create pathways that support the leaders and organizations in our community.
We recently sat with Aaron for a conversation about the exciting future of our organization and what we can expect under his leadership.
What about Mission Capital’s mission attracted you to join our board, and what keeps you engaged?
I love nonprofits. They are part of an industry doing some of the best work together with our community. I have leaned into that belief and devoted my professional life to the field through nonprofit leadership. Mission Capital exists to support the sector, and at Mission Capital we don’t just have one mission statement, we have as many mission statements as we have members. That is important, and I want to do whatever I can to make sure this field is stronger each day. That is why I stay engaged and want to see this organization reach greater heights that will help our sector.
Are there any trends in the social sector that are shaping the way you will approach your role as Board Chair?
We need to be as entrepreneurial, nimble, and resilient as the social sector is. For example, we need to continue to find ways to drive sustainability that may be more novel or nascent. It takes hard work, a little bit of chance, and sheer determination to do things a little differently, and find new pathways for increasing funding and longevity. I hope to be able to strengthen our own resilience, so that we can support the resilience of our members and partners. When we listen to our membership and the needs they have, we can figure out paths to support them with them. Driving change is about action, and while it may not be perfect, we strive for advancement and doing the best we can, when we can. That is what nonprofits do, and that is what Mission Capital needs to do, too. I hope to help lead that in this role.
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for our social sector in Central Texas?
The high cost of living is hurting our sector from being able to support our workforce. Austin is a wonderful place to live, and it also happens to have a lot of income inequality. As a nonprofit employee for over 15 years in this city, I know firsthand how hard it is to be mission-focused and still need to help provide for my family. So, we continue to fight for sustainable funding, figure out ways to advocate for operating grants to move from shoestring budgets to sustaining budgets to drive attention to the high cost of living in Austin. And think innovatively about how to support nonprofit professionals, who are doing the good work in our community. We can also think about measuring our impact in different ways, and how collaborations can drive change more effectively than if any one organization goes at it alone. Together, nonprofits open the door to any number of possibilities—they always have and always will.
What lived experiences inform your professional and civic leadership?
I first started serving on a nonprofit board when I was 20 years old. I didn’t know anything then, and I am still learning! However, grit, determination, hard work, facing obstacles (systemic and personal), and knowing that any person can make a difference, have informed who I am today. I grew up with a public-school teacher as a mom, and a small business owner as a dad. We had good times and bad times, but those experiences shaped me to be a fighter, to innovate, and to get up every day and work even when I am faced with challenges. All the best of my parents, including giving back, working hard, and making a difference, are who I am. That is what people do in our community every day, so I am no more special than someone who is doing what they can to survive in our system as well. That is also what nonprofits do and why I love them.
Aaron DeLaO, Deborah Barker, and Ira Williams, III listen to Denise Davis' opening remarks at Board Summit in April 2024.
What have you learned from board service?
I have learned that no other sector can do what nonprofits do, and we are able to accomplish a lot with our community to drive solutions. I have also learned that it takes all of us to come together to listen, learn, grow, and create. I have made life-long connections and friendships with those I have served with, and feel grateful that we have done things together to support and nurture a better community, one that increases equity, alleviates challenges, and allows others to walk in their own power. Great people are part of nonprofits. Another big lesson is that we need to do more to support staff at nonprofits, so that we can bring future generations to the field. It is a fulfilling career, but not without its own sacrifices. What we do today will pay dividends for the future we hope to achieve. I also know that the board and staff at Mission Capital are a strong group of people, who are passionate about this work. I appreciate them, and I look forward to continuing to serve alongside them. We are also very fortunate to have funders who know and support Mission Capital, we are thankful for their trust in us and our members.
What advice would you give someone aspiring to join a nonprofit board?
Do it! Jump in with both feet and never stop supporting organizations. If you have talents and skills you want to put to good use, nonprofits can use you. Service as a board member is fulfilling both personally and professionally, and makes a positive difference in the lives of others. I’ve been doing this for a long time, but I never lose the sense of possibility and joy that comes from board service. It is an awesome responsibility that nurtures a sense of community like no other. We need fresh, new, diverse, trusted, and loving voices in leadership positions to continue to grow and strengthen the sector. If you ever want to talk about nonprofits or board service, reach out to me, or get support from Mission Capital. It is one of my most joyful passions in life, and I love talking about it.
Aaron DeLaO is a social service and public health executive with a strong track record in enhancing programs in Central Texas. He specializes in collaboration, community health initiatives, and promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. As Vice President of Impact at United Way for Greater Austin, he focuses on education, early childhood, economic advancement, coalition building, and grant-making. Aaron holds an MPA from the University of Texas Pan American and a bachelor’s in government from the University of Texas at Austin, and he serves on several nonprofit boards in Austin.
Aaron and his wife, Joelle, a social worker and nonprofit leader, have a son named Luka, who they love raising in Austin.