Austin, TX — Third annual Act Up! Give to Gain event brings together founders, investors and local brands for conversations on sustainability, wellness and community impact.
Austin’s women founders, business leaders and community changemakers will gather on Sunday, March 8, 2026, for Act Up! Give to Gain, a free public International Women’s Day event hosted by Anact, an Austin-based purpose-driven brand creating sustainable hemp textiles.
Now in its third year, the event brings together leaders from across Austin’s entrepreneurial and creative ecosystem for panel conversations, wellness activations and community-building experiences centered around the idea that small, intentional actions can lead to meaningful change.
The event is supported by lead sponsors Oracle NetSuite and SPS Commerce as part of a shared commitment to advancing women-led leadership and innovation.
Why It Matters
Austin has emerged as a growing hub for women-led businesses, sustainability innovation and community-driven entrepreneurship. Act Up! Give to Gain creates space for local leaders and the broader community to explore how business, climate, fashion and wellness intersect — and how everyday decisions can drive larger systemic change.
“Women drive the majority of purchasing decisions in American households,” said Brianna Kilcullen, Founder and CEO of Anact. “When we align spending with our values, we can shift industries and create real change — and that’s what this event is about.”
Programming Highlights
Moderated by Emily Ramshaw, Co-Founder and CEO of The 19th, the event will feature panel conversations with leaders from Austin-based brands and organizations across multiple industries:
Fashion, Textiles & Supply Chain: Sustainability, circularity and innovation across materials and manufacturing, featuring leaders from Anact, Tecovas, Hiro Diapers and Goodwill Central Texas.
Sustainable & Thoughtful Hospitality: Conversations on guest experience, design, wellness and environmental impact, with Bunkhouse Hospitality, Soho House Austin, Effervescent Co. and The Road.
Clean Beauty & Wellness: Exploring the growth of the clean beauty and wellness movement with Katie Thompson of the SMV Podcast and leaders from Whole Foods and Austin Deep.
Sports & Community Impact: How active-lifestyle and sports brands are building community, featuring GORUCK, Texas Ranchers, Populous and TIY Products.
Women Investing in Women: Female investors backing women-led businesses and expanding access to capital, including Tipt Ventures, Pro Sports Assembly and Veneto Hospitality.
The day will also include a guided meditative moment led by local wellness leader Cynthia Bernard of ATX Yoga Girl.
Event Experience
In addition to panel discussions, attendees will enjoy:
Music by DJ Big Reeks
Local brand activations and wellness experiences hosted by Goodwill Central Texas, GORUCK, The Road and others
Complimentary beverages from St. Cecilia Soda Co.
Curated gift bags for the first 100 attendees featuring products from Anact, Dr. Bronner’s, Bragg’s, TIY Products, Austin FC and Mad Hippie
Before the official event begins, partners GORUCK will host a community 5K “MOTHERRUCKER” at 8:30 a.m., co-led by founder Emily McCarthy and Brianna Kilcullen of Anact, with complimentary coffee provided by Strong Coffee and a pop-up by Melt Well Austin.
When: Sunday, March 8, 2026
Time:12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CT (Doors open at 11:30 a.m.)
Where: Juliet’s Q’Hut, 402 Jessie Street, Austin, TX 78704
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.