1. NOVEMBER 30, 2014 - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
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MoreMember Spotlight on Kim Doyal
Kim Doyal considered joining Impact Austin for years. We asked her what
caused her to jump in.
“I learned about Impact Austin in 2007 while I was expecting my son. My good friend
Becky Griner told me about the organization, and suggested that I join. I was expecting
my daughter while my son was still a baby, and I remember hearing about the local
nonprofits receiving grants and doing so much good for people and I thought, ‘I can’t
even get a shower most days, I certainly can’t join a group right now!’
By 2013, my kids were 3 and 5 and I was ready to become a member of Impact Austin.
I grew up with love, support, opportunity, and messages that I could be or do anything.
My life would have been different without these things. I joined Impact Austin to help
others find the kind of support and opportunity they need.”
Kim is a communications professional and put her career on hold for the last few
years to raise her children. Now that her youngest is in school, she is ready to go
back to work.
Kim says, “I have spent my career taking ideas and weaving them into stories and
explanations that people can use in their lives. Real communication happens when you
connect with people, when you present information in a way that resonates with them
and has some kind of meaning for their life -- whether it’s through writing, conversation,
or public speaking. I have had the pleasure of the using these skills in a variety of
industries.”
We asked Kim how she has used these communication skills to benefit Impact
Austin.
“This year, I served on the Education Focus Area Committee. It’s rewarding to sit in a
room filled with like-minded women and have a serious discussion about solving
educational problems right here at home. I would love to work on other FACs in the
future.
I have also been working with the Marketing and Communications Committee. We have
crafted the messages surrounding the strategic plan and our “identity” as an
organization moving forward. I also helped to write content and create messaging for
our new website.”
What is the most important thing you have learned as a member of Impact Austin
and what is your favorite aspect of membership?
“I’ve learned about the many types of need in our community and the organizations that

2. serve them. This year I participated in the site visits. I was genuinely surprised at how
emotional and exhilarating they were, and by the level and depth of discussion that
followed. My favorite thing about being a member is that you can actually meet the
people we help and see that our grants really do make a difference in people’s everyday
lives.”
What is something unusual about you that most people would not guess?
“I love light bulbs and buy interesting ones when I come across them. I have always
wanted to learn to weld so that I can create my own light fixtures.
Kim Doyal is shining her light in many ways for Impact Austin!