Inside Community First! Village’s Noble Mission PAGE 78 Savor French Fare at The Blanton’s New Cafe PAGE27
CHRISTY CARLSON ROMANO enjoys the sweet life at The Victorian
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What defines Austin? More than the innovative tech scene, the booming real estate development, or even the emanating music, it’s the free-spirited, authentically cool people that make up the face of Austin. The most ambitious of those lead the business community in a variety of industries. Here, Austin Monthly gives them a spotlight to tell their stories in this special advertising section.
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Faces of ATX 2026
THE FACE OF | Trust in Real Estate
LEFT TO RIGHT: MATT CORDOVA, ALINA VILLARREAL, ANTHONY GIBSON.
REALTY HAUS
RE ALT YHAUS.COM
Every referral has two names on it: ours, and the person who sent you. Nine in ten of our clients arrive that way, which means the introduction is never just a new client. It’s someone placing their own judgment beside ours, and trusting us not to spend it carelessly.
Across more than a thousand homes, Matt Cordova, Alina Villarreal, and Anthony Gibson have built Realty Haus to be worth that kind of confidence. We measure the firm by the trust we protect, not the volume we carry.
A good name is never yours alone.
1801 S. MOPAC EXPY., SUITE 100, AUSTIN, TX 78746 / PHONE: 512-888-9284
Faces of ATX 2026
THE FACE OF | Cosmetic Dentistry
AUSTIN DENTAL SPA For more than 45 years, Austin Dental Spa has set the standard for cosmetic dentistry in Austin. Founded by cosmetic dentistry pioneer Dr. Mark Sweeney, the practice continues its legacy through Dr. Krista Froehlich, formerly known by her patients as Dr. DeCoursin, and Dr. Elaheh Askari, who blend artistry, advanced technology, and compassionate care to create confident, natural-looking smiles. Whether enhancing a single tooth or designing a complete smile makeover, the team is known for personalized treatment, spa-inspired touches, and helping even anxious patients feel at ease. Change Your Smile, Change Your Life • AUSTINDENTALSPA.COM • 3305 NORTHLAND DR., STE. #515 / PHONE: 512-452-9296
Faces of ATX 2026
AMY SPARKS REALTOR
THE FACE OF | 78704
AMYSPARKSRE ALTOR.COM
78704 has always moved to its own beat. It’s Barton Springs before breakfast, South Congress after dark, classic bungalows beside bold modern homes, and a neighborhood energy that simply can’t be replicated. As the Face of 78704, Amy Sparks knows that finding a home here is about more than square footage. An Austin native with more than 18 years of experience, she brings sharp market instincts, genuine relationships, and an easy confidence to every move. Amy knows the homes, the hidden gems, and the unmistakable rhythm of South Austin. For clients ready to make the ’04 their own, Amy Sparks is the Face of 78704. • AMY SPARKS / CELL: 512-577-0937 / AMYSPARKS@MORELAND.COM
Faces of ATX 2026
THE FACE OF | KATE LINCOLN-GOLDFINCH
Advocating for Austin’s Immigrant Families Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch is a nationally recognized immigration attorney, advocate, and founding attorney of Lincoln-Goldfinch Law, a Texas-based firm she built to make immigration legal services more accessible, compassionate, and effective for the people who need them most. For nearly 20 years, she has worked alongside families navigating complex immigration challenges – helping thousands find safety, stability, and a path forward. As a woman founder and small-business owner, Kate has grown her firm into a trusted, mission-driven practice known for its clientcentered approach and strong team culture. She believes legal services can be both high-quality and deeply human – and has built her business around that principle. A proud Austin native and graduate of the University of Texas, Kate is also a wife, mother of two, and a lifelong advocate for fairness, dignity, and opportunity. • lincolngoldfinch.com / 512-599-8500 / 1005 E. 40th St, Austin, TX, 78751
Faces of ATX 2026
THE FACE OF | Tex-Mex
MAMA BETTY’S TEX-MEX What makes Mama Betty’s the Face of Tex Mex? It starts with the woman behind the name. Betty Carrier was a strongwilled single mother whose fierce love, loyalty and “Whatever It Takes” spirit made everyone around her feel like family. Her son, Jason Carrier, carries that legacy forward by creating the kind of restaurant Betty would have loved. It is welcoming, energetic, and always ready to feed a crowd. House made tortillas, mesquite grilled fajitas, classic enchiladas, and handcrafted margaritas bring bold flavor to the table, while genuine hospitality makes every guest feel at home. Whether it is a lively family dinner, happy hour with friends or a relaxed afternoon on the patio, every visit feels like gathering around Betty’s table. The portions are generous; the welcome is sincere and there is always room for one more. With locations on Parmer ln and Burnet rd, Mama Betty’s represents the FACE of Austin Tex Mex: big flavors, genuine hospitality, and an even bigger heart. • 9900 W PARMER LN #220 AUSTIN, TX 78717 / PHONE: 512-520-5819 • 7001 BURNET RD., SUITE #1101 AUSTIN, TX 78757 / PHONE: 512-362-5909
ILOVEMAMABET T YS.COM
Faces of ATX 2026
THE FACE OF | The Future of Education
BARBARA A. GARZA AESA PREP ACADEMY Barbara A. Garza, founder, owner, CEO, and Head of School, is celebrating a remarkable milestone for AESA Prep Academy of Austin and the AESA International School System. Following a comprehensive evaluation by Cognia, the world’s largest education improvement and accreditation organization, AESA earned a near-perfect Index of Education Quality (IEQ) score of 393 out of 400, placing the school among the top 1% of more than 40,000 public and private schools evaluated across over 100 countries. This past July, AESA also received national recognition with a 24-hour feature on a Times Square billboard above the Pelé Store, honoring Mrs. Garza as the recipient of the Educational Visionary Award. The award recognizes more than 40 years of innovative leadership and an unwavering commitment to educational excellence. Mrs. Garza founded AESA with a $5,000 loan from her mother and just four students, including her twin sons, Michael and Adrian. Inspired by their pursuit of competitive tennis, she set out to create a school where students could receive a world-class education without sacrificing their passions. That vision became A.E.S.A: Academic Excellence for Scholars, Athletes, and Artists. Seventeen years later, AESA has grown into an internationally recognized school system offering specialized programs through the AESA Entrepreneurial Institute, the AESA Medical and Veterinary Institute, the AESA Culinary Institute, and the AESA Business and Finance Institute. Students also broaden their global perspective through study abroad opportunities at AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona. Mrs. Garza’s vision has redefined what personalized education can be by combining academic excellence with character development, global experiences, and individualized learning. Today, AESA continues to prepare students not only for success in college and careers, but also to become confident, compassionate, and capable leaders. 512-774-4822 • 13730 WEST US 290 AUSTIN, TEXAS, 78737
INFO@AESAPREPACADEMY.COM