From the Welfare Line to the White House: Rebecca Contreras with Lisa Copeland
Rebecca Contreras recently sat down with her best friend of more than 20 years, Lisa Copeland, a top Central Texas realtor, author, and advocate for women who lead with courage. Their conversation celebrates Lisa's new book, Lioness Unleashed, which shares the stories of 39 women who refused to stay silent and chose to stand for faith, family, and freedom. Rebecca was the very first name Lisa added to the book's list.
During the interview, Rebecca shared her journey from growing up in poverty in East Austin to entering public service through a welfare-to-work program, starting as a receptionist for Governor Ann Richards, and rising to serve President George W. Bush in the White House. She also recounted one of the most defining moments of her career: facing her past during her White House security clearance process and choosing to tell her story with honesty and courage.
Rebecca opened up about the bold decision to leave a comfortable executive role and launch her own company with no business background, no capital, and no savings. She shared the three keys that shaped her entrepreneurial journey: surrounding yourself with the right team and building a reputation for results, choosing the right partner, and trusting God at a deeper level than ever before. Fifteen years later, Avant Garde has grown into a thriving firm serving federal agencies across multiple administrations.
The conversation also explored how to handle adversity with faith and composure, the importance of healing from past trauma, and why getting uncomfortable is often the first step toward something greater. Lisa also highlighted Rebecca's late mother-in-law, Janie Contreras, whose story as a single mother who built a home for her five children is featured in Lioness Unleashed.
Rebecca also shared exciting news about Lost Girl coming to the big screen, with filming planned in Texas and red carpet premieres to follow across the country. Subscribe at rebeccacontreras.com to receive invitations to the premieres.
Rebecca is grateful to Lisa for her friendship, her encouragement, and the opportunity to share her story.
To learn more about Lisa Copeland and Lioness Unleashed, click here.
Watch Rebecca's full interview with Lisa Copeland below:
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