Cherie is a passionate community builder, connector, and the Founder and Chief Encouragement Officer of FIESTA Community, Austin’s most trusted gathering place and FIESTA is short for founders, investors, entrepreneurs, startups, techies, and adventurers.

A proud Texan and longtime Austinite, Cherie launched FIESTA in 2021 to help founders thrive in the city’s fast-paced, often overwhelming startup scene. What began as a small gathering has grown into a movement: over 70 events, more than 10,000 attendees, and now a global platform, FIESTA Connect, keeping relationships strong wherever founders roam. She also created FoundHERs GatHERings, a monthly meetup celebrating women entrepreneurs, and publishes two popular newsletters: FIESTA Focus and The FoundHERs HERald.

Affectionately known as Austin’s “startup mama,” Cherie is a seasoned super-connector, certified life coach, and mentor who believes deeply in building authentic relationships that fuel big dreams.