In order to highlight Austin Tech Alliance’s growing membership of individuals who support our mission to promote civic engagement in Austin’s tech sector, we regularly feature profiles of ATA members.
Up now: Mallory Hart
Introduce yourself and where you work in Austin’s tech sector.
Hi! My name is Mallory Hart and I’m currently working as a content contractor with Austin Tech Alliance. My professional background is in client solutions for a company that’s moving to become a tech-enabled platform, and my academic background is in environmental economics and geography! I’m excited to work on the intersection of civic engagement and the private sector.
What do you love about Austin?
I love the green spaces and open watering holes!
What do you think are the community’s biggest challenges?
There are many! Some challenges that are top of mind center around urban planning, which includes finding transportation and housing solutions that are sustainable for everyone. This impacts the community as Austin’s tech companies are growing and inviting new residents to the community.
Why is it important for the tech community to become more civically engaged?
Because every voice matters! There’s a level of power that the tech community holds due to its placement on the front lines of innovation, connectivity, and investments. As everyone’s favorite uncle has said, “with great power comes great responsibility.”
It’s important to act through this power that the community holds and to carry out the responsibility of casting every ballot, which has been proven to be a huge change maker! In my mind, civic engagement is a great source of agency for voices to be heard. While an organization like ATA can do a lot to push a local agenda, it’s ultimately the votes of each individual that determines who holds the power to make change and follow through with an agenda that would benefit the tech community. I’m excited to work with ATA to help inform individuals on issues related to the community, and to encourage discourse and participation.