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

*To listen to full interview visit : https://www.klove.com/faith/news/faith/texas-ceo-helps-out-employees-during-government-shutdown-with-zero-interest-loans-andpodcast-57072 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 mentors

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

CEO Rebecca Contreras of AvantGarde LLC launches a zero-interest bridge-loan program to support employees impacted by the 2025 government shutdown.

I was honored to be named one of the winners of the 2025 Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Awards , hosted by the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) and Women Elevating Women (W.E.W.) . Sharing the stage with some of the most driven and impactful women entrepreneurs across North America was both inspiring and energizing. The room was filled with leaders who are building, advancing, and elevating their communities—exactly the kind of company I’m proud to keep. This recognition

The Leader of the Year award honors an outstanding woman entrepreneur who has demonstrated exceptional vision, resilience, and impact in growing her business and inspiring her community. This award celebrates leadership that drives innovation, empowers others, and sets a powerful example for women in business. Event Details Date: Tuesday, November 11th, 2025 Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm Venue: Norris Conference Center For more information: https://www.austinbusinesswoman.com/gala25 A

Rebecca Contreras is more than a philanthropist — she’s a visionary leader dedicated to changing lives and shaping brighter futures. As...

By Rebecca Contreras, CEO & Founder of AvantGarde, LLC I am deeply honored and proud to share that AvantGarde, LLC has been recognized by...

Graceful Power: Honoring Hispanic Women Across Generations. Rebecca Contreras Blog October 2025.

Rebecca delivered the keynote address at the inaugural 2025 Central Texas Local Government Hispanic Network Conference, held at the Embassy Suites San Marcos Conference Center. Bringing together 250+ leaders across local government, non-profit, and civic sectors, the event centered on the theme “Cultura & Strategy: LEAD with Intention,” emphasizing cultural awareness, intentional leadership, and strategic decision-making. Rebecca’s keynote set the tone for the day—challengin

AvantGarde LLC gathered its leadership team in Washington, D.C., on September 18 for the company’s Annual Fall Management Meeting, a signature event that brought together Project Managers and Senior Project Managers from across the firm. The meeting, led by President & CEO Rebecca Contreras, marked the close of Fiscal Year 2025with a focus on reflection, collaboration, and strategic visioning — and set the stage for an ambitious year ahead.

AvantGarde LLC (AG) was proud to take center stage at the 2025 GovHR Conference, hosted by the Partnership for Public Service in Washington, D.C. The premier gathering brought together more than 370 leaders from over 75 government agencies to tackle today’s most pressing workforce challenges, share innovative strategies, and shape the future of public service.

"From Lost Girl to Legacy Builder: Poverty, the White House, and VEO’s Main Stage" Rebecca Contreras did not come to VEO with a tidy origin story. She came with the kind of journey that makes a room go quiet. Contreras is the president and CEO of AvantGarde (AG), the women-owned human capital, IT, and strategy consulting firm she co-founded in 2011 and scaled across multiple states. Before joining AG, she spent 15 years in public service, from Austin to Washington, culminatin

Each year, from September 15 to October 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month — a time to honor the extraordinary impact of Hispanic...

Rebecca recently returned to Sidewalk Conversations  with host Piet Van Waarde , a long-time pastor and deeply trusted family friend to Rebecca and David. Their history and mutual respect set the stage for a powerful, heartfelt conversation that reached far beyond a traditional interview. Piet invited Rebecca to revisit her remarkable journey—from the barrio to the White House and now to leading a thriving multimillion-dollar company. Together, they explored the defining mome

Rebecca was honored to serve as a featured panelist at Together We Rise: Women United for T.R.U.T.H. , an inspiring gathering designed to elevate the voices and leadership of women across business, media, government, and community sectors. During the event, Rebecca shared her journey from welfare to the West Wing and offered powerful insights on resilience, reinvention, and leading with purpose. Her message encouraged attendees to rise above adversity, embrace their influence

Just 30 minutes from my AvantGarde office and our home, Liberty Hill families were in need and hurting after the devastating July 4th Texas floods. David and I had the privilege of showing up, rolling up our sleeves, and helping with clean-up efforts in a city led by someone I deeply admire — Mayor Crystal Mancilla, a former AG Project Manager turned bold leader who’s been working nonstop for her city and people.