Metropolitan Breakfast Club upcoming events

Liz Schoenfeld, LifeWorks Austin (September 09, 2026)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Dr. Liz Schoenfeld, Chief Executive Officer, LifeWorks Austin

About the Program:

More than Housing: How LifeWorks is Solving Youth Homelessness

Youth homelessness in Austin is growing, public resources are shifting, and the need for effective solutions has never been greater. LifeWorks CEO Liz Schoenfeld will share how the organization is responding—with new housing, innovative partnerships, and approaches that reach well beyond four walls. Drawing on her own journey from researcher to CEO, Liz will explore what LifeWorks has learned about the importance of relationships, what it really takes to help young people achieve lasting housing stability, and some of the most promising work happening in Central Texas today.

About the Speaker:

Liz Schoenfeld, Ph.D., is the Chief Executive Officer of LifeWorks, an Austin nonprofit committed to solving youth homelessness. LifeWorks serves nearly 2,500 young people and families each year through an integrated continuum of housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. Dr. Schoenfeld earned her Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin and joined LifeWorks in 2012, previously serving as Chief Research & Evaluation Officer.

Throughout her tenure, she has championed the use of data, evidence, and innovation to improve outcomes for young people. As CEO, Dr. Schoenfeld has led efforts to expand housing opportunities while advancing broader systems change. LifeWorks is currently developing The Works at Tillery, a 120-unit supportive housing community for youth and young families exiting homelessness. In partnership with the City of Austin, she co-chaired Austin’s Dismantling the Foster Care to Homelessness Pipeline Task Force and is spearheading a statewide effort to pair federal Foster Youth to Independence housing vouchers with state-funded supportive services.

Dr. Schoenfeld is an alumna of Leadership Austin’s Emerge and Essential programs, a 2024 McBee Fellow, and a 2023 Austin Under 40 Award recipient. She has served on local, statewide, and national boards and currently serves on the National Network for Youth’s Policy Advisory Committee.

Agenda:

6:45am - Coffee & Networking

7:10am - Breakfast Buffet

7:25am - Introductions & Announcements

7:50am - Speaker Introduction

8:20am - Q&A

8:30am - Leave inspired or curious!

Andres Ramos, Texas Space Commission (September 16, 2026)

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Andres Ramos, Communications Director, Texas Space Commission

About the Program:

Navigating the New Frontier: How the Texas Space Commission is Driving Innovation, Aerospace Infrastructure, and Economic Growth

Join Andres Ramos, Communications Director for the Texas Space Commission, for an inside look at how Texas is cementing its status as the global epicenter of space exploration and technology.Formed to catalyze aerospace development, cross-sector research, and workforce investment across the state, the Commission plays a pivotal role in translating complex industry opportunities into strategic public-private growth.In this presentation, Ramos will share updates on the Commission's strategic priorities, key partnerships across defense and commercial space sectors, and how local businesses and institutions can tap into Texas’s rapidly expanding space economy.

About the Speaker:

Andres M. Ramos serves as the Director of Communications for the Texas Space Commission, where he leads communications strategy, brand management, design, marketing, and stakeholder engagement for the agency.

A U.S. Army infantry officer and former public schoolteacher and nonprofit executive, Andres has dedicated his career to advancing public service by equipping executive teams with the tools to drive and communicate organizational impact. His work spans space, education, defense, and community organizing, with a focus on translating complex ideas into clear, actionable strategies that strengthen public trust and collaboration.

Originally from Los Angeles, CA, Andres is passionate about using communications as a force for opportunity and is motivated by working alongside others who want to make an impact on the world around them.

Agenda:

6:45am - Coffee & Networking

7:10am - Breakfast Buffet

7:25am - Introductions & Announcements

7:50am - Speaker Introduction

8:20am - Q&A

8:30am - Leave inspired or curious!

Kyle McFather, Service Corporation of America (September 23, 2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Kyle McFather, Service Corporation of America

About the Program:

More info coming soon!

Agenda:

6:45am - Coffee & Networking

7:10am - Breakfast Buffet

7:25am - Introductions & Announcements

7:50am - Speaker Introduction

8:20am - Q&A

8:30am - Leave inspired or curious!