About Us
EWB Greater Austin Chapter improves the quality of life in domestic and international partner communities by designing and implementing engineering technologies that meet basic human needs.
We are one of the few blended chapters of EWB-USA, accepting students from a wide range of academic and professional disciplines. The inquisitiveness of younger members, combined with the expertise of tenured professionals, creates momentum that ensures optimal impact on our partner communities, locally and abroad. EWB Greater Austin is proud to be a highly diverse organization.
Core Values
Service First
Commit to harnessing the skills of our volunteers to fulfill communities’ basic human needs. We provide the services that meet these needs without consideration of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.
Trusted Partnerships
Trust forms the foundation of EWB-USA partnerships, which are achieved through transparency, integrity and respect for the contributions and capabilities of all parties.
Sustainable Solutions
Sustainability drives EWB-USA’s programs. We commit to community-driven projects. We equip our partner communities to maintain each project so it remains functional long after our commitment is fulfilled.
Growth & Learning
EWB-USA fosters a culture of learning. We provide our volunteers & community members the tools and training to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges so they can learn more, do more, and become more.
Conduct & Practices
Safety, security and ethical conduct must be paramount. The volunteers and staff of EWB-USA are bound by the Member Code of Conduct and the engineers’ Code of Ethics.
Stronger Together
The EWB-USA family brings together community members, students, professionals, universities, and staff. We thrive on diversity and collaboration while pursuing our mission with shared goals and purpose.
Meet the Board of Directors
Chapter President, Professional
Project Lead, Vieques
Sylvie Higgins
president@ewbgreateraustin.org
Chapter President, Student
Iliana Beck
president@ewbgreateraustin.org
Director of Projects, Professional
Zora Zheng
projects@ewbgreateraustin.org
Director of Projects, Student
Project Lead, Las Cruces
Jessica Bird
projects@ewbgreateraustin.org
Director of Operations, Professional
Madison Cooper
operations@ewbgreateraustin.org
Director of Operations, Professional
Sophie Snapp
operations@ewbgreateraustin.org
Director of Finance, Professional
Project Lead, Vieques
Elise Higgins
finance@ewbgreateraustin.org
Director of Finance, Student
Brooke Navidomskis
finance@ewbgreateraustin.org
Director of IT Operations, Professional
Fernando Sesma
webadmin@ewbgreateraustin.org
