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

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 was honored to support the 2025 Connect Conference, investing in an event dedicated to equipping women to lead with confidence, purpose, and faith. Hosted at Camp FIMFO, the Connect Conference brings together women from across the community for meaningful conversations centered on leadership, personal growth, faith, and connection. The event provides opportunities for women to learn from speakers, build relationships, and gain encouragement as they pursue th

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.

Rebecca was honored to support the 2025 Pardners for Life Banquet benefiting Agape Women's Clinic, an organization dedicated to serving women, men, and families through education, resources, and compassionate care. As someone who experienced significant hardship as a young woman, Rebecca often reflects on how different her own journey may have been had organizations like Agape existed during some of the most difficult seasons of her life. Growing up amid instability, poverty,