AvantGarde LLC gathered its leadership team in Washington, D.C. last month for its Spring Managers Meeting, bringing together Project Managers and senior leaders from across the firm. The meeting, led by President & CEO Rebecca Contreras, served as a key moment to align on the company’s 2026–2027 Pivot Plan—focusing on strategic execution, collaboration, and positioning the organization for continued growth and impact. A CEO’s Vision for Intentional Growth At the center of th

There are parts of our story we never get to choose—where we’re born, who raises us, and the circumstances we inherit before we ever have a voice.   Some people begin life surrounded by stability and opportunity. Others are born into environments defined by uncertainty, hardship, and dysfunction. I was born into the latter.   From the very beginning, I had several strikes against me that were completely outside of my control. I was born to a mother struggling with addiction a

This Women’s History Month, I wanted to do something more intentional. In past years, I’ve highlighted the stories of women across industries—leaders I’ve admired and respected. This year, I chose to focus on something more personal by spotlighting three women I know—women whose impact is not only reflected in their success, but in the lives they’ve touched and the doors they’ve opened for others. Each of these women is building, leading, and creating opportunity not just for

Rebecca led a session at the ISSA Clean Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., where she facilitated an Emerging Leaders Workshop focused on “Leading in Unprecedented Times.” The summit brought together small business owners and industry leaders from across the country to engage in conversations around policy, workforce development, and the future of the cleaning and facility solutions industry, which supports millions of workers across the U.S. economy. During her session, R

The Girls of Legacy Annual Spring Luncheon and Coaching Development Session brought together our students for an impactful, hands-on learning experience centered on one of the most critical life skills: communication. Led by Cherie B. Mathews, the session focused on both verbal and non-verbal communication and how these skills directly influence opportunities, relationships, and long-term career success. Rather than a traditional lecture, the experience was intentionally desi

Rebecca Contreras was selected as an Honorary Leadership Award Recipient for the She Leads Texas Gala, an event that recognizes women across Texas who lead with purpose and create lasting impact through their work and service. Rebecca was nominated for her leadership, integrity, and the influence she has had on others through her professional and community efforts. Her work as President and CEO of AvantGarde, LLC, along with her commitment to mentorship and initiatives such a

Rebecca spoke at the F.I.R.E – Business Leaders Conference in Belton, Texas, a gathering that brought together entrepreneurs, real estate professionals, and nonprofit leaders for a day focused on purpose-driven leadership and business growth. Hosted by a network of faith-centered business leaders, the conference created space for meaningful dialogue around leadership, impact, and aligning professional work with deeper purpose. During the event, Rebecca delivered a keynote cen

At our core, I believe every young person deserves access to opportunity, guidance, and a safe space to grow—regardless of where they start. I’ve seen firsthand how unclear the path forward can be when resources are limited and support is missing. Too often, potential goes untapped simply because no one stepped in. That’s why we built LaunchPad – The Center. As Co-Founder, my commitment is to create a place where youth and young adults are not just supported, but truly seen,

This Women’s History Month, we will see the quotes, the spotlights, and the polished headlines celebrating progress. And we should celebrate. Women have built companies, led movements, reshaped industries, and carried and nurtured our families while doing it. But history is not built on applause. It is built on experience — on wins, losses, perseverance, and yes, scars. If we are honest, too often we have reduced mentorship to something soft and ceremonial. A calendar invite.

Rebecca recently joined the Trustedpreneur Podcast with hosts Madeline and David Ricci , a dynamic entrepreneurial duo known for building and scaling businesses with intention and impact. In this conversation, Rebecca shares insights from her journey—from deep poverty to the White House and now leading a thriving multimillion-dollar company—offering perspective on how those experiences shaped her approach to resilience, accountability, and people-first leadership. Together, t

Principal and Assistant Principal of North East High School in Austin meet with Maria Hernandez (long standing community partner of LaunchPad) and Rebecca Contreras and Crystaline Lopez to discuss YEW Mentoring Forum event in October 2026. We are excited to officially announce the launch of the first-ever Young Enterprising Women Mentoring Forum in Austin , coming this October in partnership with Young Enterprising Women, LaunchPad, and Northeast Early College High School . R

We are living in a season where relational division feels louder than unity or connection, and uncertainty touches nearly every part of our lives—from our work, to our families and homes, to our communities. In moments like these, keeping our focus on cultivating relationships is not just important; it is essential in order to thrive in life. Strong relationships don’t happen by accident or happenstance. They are built intentionally, especially when things feel unstable. Whet

Rebecca Contreras participated in the 2026 Texas Rally for Life, hosted by the Texas Alliance for Life at the Texas State Capitol in Austin. The annual event brings together thousands of advocates, leaders, and community members to champion the value of life and engage in meaningful dialogue around policy, purpose, and personal responsibility. As part of the speaker lineup, Rebecca shared her personal story and perspective on choosing life, offering a message rooted in resili

As we step into a new year, it’s natural to pause and reflect—on what we’ve walked through, what we’ve learned, and what we’re carrying forward. A new calendar year often invites optimism, fresh goals, and renewed energy. But the truth is, January doesn’t erase what the previous year held. Growth, setbacks, victories, and loss all come with us. One universal truth remains: no one is exempt from loss . It is not a matter of if  we will experience it, but when —and often it sho

Rebecca gathered the Girls of Legacy students and mentor team for a holiday lunch at Maggiano’s at The Domain in Austin, Texas, celebrating a season of gratitude, connection, and shared impact from 2025. The time together honored the power of mentorship, leadership, and the meaningful relationships that continue to shape lives and communities. While not every student and mentor was able to attend due to travel and scheduling, the gathering provided a meaningful opportunity fo

Engage in the powerful antidote when crisis or chaos hits Every year around this time, I find myself drawn back to a familiar rhythm — pausing, reflecting, and writing about gratitude. These Thanksgiving messages have become part of my personal daily practice, because gratitude is something God continues to refine in me year after year. In past seasons, I’ve talked about gratitude as a choice, discipline, and a posture that shapes our hearts whether we’re standing on the moun

Government contractors still feeling effects of shutdown despite it ending Full Audio Interview and Article: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/3893790/government-contractors-still-feeling-effects-government-shutdown-despite-ending/ The longest  government shutdown  in U.S. history has ended  after 43 days , and while many  received back pay and moved on , for others, the effects are still being felt. Due to the  Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 , federal e

LATINA Style Business Series — Entrepreneur of the Year, Austin Rebecca Contreras received the Entrepreneur of the Year – Austin award  at the 2025 LATINA Style Business Series , a nationally recognized business development program for minority entrepreneurs. Rebecca was honored for her work as President and CEO of AvantGarde, LLC , the government services firm she founded and scaled through entrepreneurial leadership, innovation, and sustained growth. The LATINA Style Busine

Rebecca joined the Austin Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)  as the featured speaker for their November Luncheon, delivering a timely message on Leading in Unprecedented Times: Embrace Change, Dream, Plan & Execute.  The room brought together dynamic women entrepreneurs from across Central Texas, creating a powerful space for connection, learning, and real conversation about leading through complexity. Drawing from her decades of experience

Texas CEO Helps Out Employees During Government Shutdown With Zero-Interest Loans (+podcast) (AUSTIN, TEXAS) Business leader and author Rebecca Contreras is a woman of strength, confidence, and purpose. But her story began in heartbreak, abandonment, and poverty. Through God’s intervention, wise mentorship, and relentless courage, Rebecca’s life became a testimony to the power of redemption.  Today, Rebecca is the CEO and co-founder of AvantGarde,  a consulting company with m

Rebecca was featured on NTD News to discuss the real-world impact of a federal government shutdown on small businesses—particularly federal contractors like AvantGarde. Drawing from firsthand experience, she highlights the operational disruptions, workforce challenges, and financial strain that come with halted federal activity. https://www.ntd.com/ntdplus/entrepreneur-breaks-down-real-life-effects-of-shutdown-with-thanksgiving-approaching_1105762.html

As the government shutdown continues, its impact stretches far beyond Washington. Across the country, small businesses and federal contractors are fighting to stay afloat — facing weeks without revenue or pay. For Rebecca Contreras, President and CEO of AvantGarde LLC, the crisis isn’t just political. It’s deeply personal. In an October 28th interview with CBN News, Contreras shared how her faith and leadership are guiding her company through one of its most challenging seas

Rebecca Contreras, President and CEO of AvantGarde LLC, saw nearly half of her workforce affected overnight. With projects halted and invoices frozen, she knew waiting wasn’t an option. “In moments like this, leadership isn’t about profit margins or press releases — it’s about showing up for your people,” Contreras shared during her recent Fox News Atlanta interview.

Girls of Legacy Family Relief Fund – Jamaica Hurricane Recovery DONATE HERE: https://www.launchpadthecenter.org/campaigns Alaiysha  has been part of our LaunchPad family since the launch of our signature Girls of Legacy   scholarship and mentorship program. She joined our very first class in 2022 and embodies everything this initiative was built to do — to break barriers, open doors, and create ripple effects of change across generations. Just last year, her family traveled f