ABOUT

Principal & Managing Director

Cristina Ayala

Having raised more than $355MM for progressive causes, nonprofits, and political candidates, she founded and manages an eponymous consultancy serving women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and communities of color. She steers big ideas from concept to completion, consistently optimizing team performance, increasing efficacy, saving money, and surpassing goals.

The eldest daughter of Mexican immigrants, Cristina’s social entrepreneurship is shaped by her experience growing up on the Texas border. She founded New Leaders Council (NLC) South Texas Frontera, the only NLC chapter serving a border community. With NLC, Cristina served as a founding director, founding board member, and national trainer.

She works to advance women in society and politics through her board service. She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the YWCA USA board. The YWCA is committed to eliminating racism and empowering women. She previously served on the board of Street Business School, a global NGO founded in Uganda that develops entrepreneurship skills in the world’s most impoverished women.

In 2024, her production, The Woman in the Arena, won a Gold Telly Award.

Cristina is an alum of the University of Houston with a master’s degree from the University of Southern California Price School of Public Policy and a Social Sector Leadership certificate from UC Berkeley. Cristina has lived all over the world. Today, she lives in Seguin, Texas with her dachshund, retired Hollywood actor and model, Oliver.

CURRENT BOARD SERVICE
YWCA USA, Vice-Chair
(2023 - Current)

FORMER BOARD SERVICE
Electing Women Alliance Austin (2023 - 2024)
AVANCE Austin (2023 - 2024)
New Leaders Council South Texas Frontera (2019 - 2023)
Street Business School (2018 - 2022)

Project Manager

Sophia Reyes

Sophia Reyes (she/her) is a proud Austinite and an alumna of the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Business and Public Policy.

With over three years of experience in fundraising and campaign management, Sophia brings a strategic and mission-driven approach to her work in the political and nonprofit sectors. She has provided consulting and staff support to a diverse portfolio of progressive candidates and organizations, including José Garza’s re-election campaign for District Attorney, Vanessa Fuentes for Austin City Council, Rochelle Garza for Texas, Celia for Austin, Amanda Edwards for Congress, and the PAC for Arizona’s Future.

Sophia was previously the Special Projects Coordinator at Annie’s List, a Texas-based political action committee dedicated to achieving gender equity by transforming the face of power in the state. Annie’s List recruits, trains, supports, and helps elect progressive women committed to advancing the self determination, health, safety, and economic security of Texas women and their families.

Beyond her professional work, Sophia is an avid runner and hiker who enjoys spending time outdoors—often accompanied by her labrador, Maverick.

Articles
Progressive Latina Organizers Are Fighting for a Pro-Choice, Tolerant Texas

Call Time Program Manager

Wade Beck

Wade hails from the small Appalachian community of Moxahala, Ohio. At 16 years old, he started at Ohio University where he studied sports administration and launched a career as a golf teaching professional. Wade’s golf expertise took him from the Ohio University Golf and Tennis Center to Pinewood Country Club in Flagstaff, Arizona. He also worked at Greyhawk Golf Club, Troon North, and Lancaster Country Club.

After hanging up his golf clubs, Wade joined the International Union of Operating Engineers working heavy equipment and gas pipelines all across the country. He then journeyed into trucking and logistics as an owner operator. For the next 10 years, he honed his talents for planning, customer relations, and client management to run national accounts with companies like Walmart, IKEA, and Home Depot. During the pandemic quarantine, Wade moved critical supplies back and forth across the country as an trucking owner/operator.

Currently, Wade resides in Austin with his dog Rowdy. He enjoys grilling, spending time with family and friends, watching the Cincinnati Reds, and is back to a 10 handicap.

Project Assistant

Ryan Ohm

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Ryan moved to Austin in 2018 and quickly immersed himself in the city’s civic and political landscape. His passion for progressive politics has been the driving force behind his career, guiding his work in public service, grassroots organizing, and policy support roles.

Before joining CACSM, Ryan served as Field Director for the campaigns of Austin City Councilmember Chito Vela and AISD trustee Fernando de Urioste, where he managed outreach efforts, coordinated volunteer operations, and implemented data-driven voter engagement strategies. He also worked as a Legislative Delivery Assistant with the Texas Legislative Council, gaining valuable insight into the legislative process and helping support timely and accurate bill dissemination during critical sessions.

Ryan graduated magna cum laude from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Government and a minor in Social Work. His academic and professional experiences reflect a deep commitment to public service, social equity, and civic innovation. Passionate about furthering progressive causes and candidates, he is dedicated to advancing policies that promote equity, inclusion, and justice. Outside of his work in politics, Ryan serves his local community as a substitute teacher and enjoys running and hiking as a way to stay grounded and recharge.

Project Assistant

Brianna Guerra

Brianna Guerra was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, where her deep love for the community continues to shape her life and work.

With 15 years of experience in the service industry, Brianna has developed strong communication skills that have become her greatest asset. Her passion for connection and community led her to help open and manage a small local business, further investing in the place she calls home. Brianna also volunteers at her son's elementary school, dedicating her time and energy to supporting the next generation and strengthening the ties that make her community thrive.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and running, both of which fuel her sense of balance, clarity, and purpose.

Project Assistant

Alyssa Silva

Alyssa Silva is a first-generation college student from El Paso. She is starting her senior year at the University of Texas at Austin, double-majoring in Government and Sociology with a Bridging Disciplines Program certificate in Public Policy. Passionate about public policy, she aspires to a career in consulting to help transform education, criminal justice, and healthcare systems.

Additionally, Alyssa has gained research and administrative experience through roles with UT’s Government Department as a student research assistant and the Office of the Vice President for Research. She has also built leadership skills as both Membership Director and President of Texas Bluebonnets, a student organization focused on service, academics, and character. At the heart of her work is a commitment to equity, community, and creating meaningful impact.

Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Alyssa enjoys spending time outdoors and attending concerts.

Principal & Managing Director

Cristina Ayala

Having raised more than $355MM for progressive causes, nonprofits, and political candidates, she founded and manages an eponymous consultancy serving women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and communities of color. She steers big ideas from concept to completion, consistently optimizing team performance, increasing efficacy, saving money, and surpassing goals.

The eldest daughter of Mexican immigrants, Cristina’s social entrepreneurship is shaped by her experience growing up on the Texas border. She founded New Leaders Council (NLC) South Texas Frontera, the only NLC chapter serving a border community. With NLC, Cristina served as a founding director, founding board member, and national trainer.

She works to advance women in society and politics through her board service. She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the YWCA USA board. The YWCA is committed to eliminating racism and empowering women. She previously served on the board of Street Business School, a global NGO founded in Uganda that develops entrepreneurship skills in the world’s most impoverished women.

In 2024, her production, The Woman in the Arena, won a Gold Telly Award.

Cristina is an alum of the University of Houston with a master’s degree from the University of Southern California Price School of Public Policy and a Social Sector Leadership certificate from UC Berkeley. Cristina has lived all over the world. Today, she lives in Seguin, Texas with her dachshund, retired Hollywood actor and model, Oliver.

CURRENT BOARD SERVICE
YWCA USA, Vice-Chair
(2023 - Current)

FORMER BOARD SERVICE
Electing Women Alliance Austin (2023 - 2024)
AVANCE Austin (2023 - 2024)
New Leaders Council South Texas Frontera (2019 - 2023)
Street Business School (2018 - 2022)

Project Manager

Sophia Reyes

Sophia Reyes (she/her) is a proud Austinite and an alumna of the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Business and Public Policy.

With over three years of experience in fundraising and campaign management, Sophia brings a strategic and mission-driven approach to her work in the political and nonprofit sectors. She has provided consulting and staff support to a diverse portfolio of progressive candidates and organizations, including José Garza’s re-election campaign for District Attorney, Vanessa Fuentes for Austin City Council, Rochelle Garza for Texas, Celia for Austin, Amanda Edwards for Congress, and the PAC for Arizona’s Future.

Sophia was previously the Special Projects Coordinator at Annie’s List, a Texas-based political action committee dedicated to achieving gender equity by transforming the face of power in the state. Annie’s List recruits, trains, supports, and helps elect progressive women committed to advancing the self-determination, health, safety, and economic security of Texas women and their families.

Beyond her professional work, Sophia is an avid runner and hiker who enjoys spending time outdoors—often accompanied by her labrador, Maverick.

Articles
Progressive Latina Organizers Are Fighting for a Pro-Choice, Tolerant Texas

Call Time Program Manager

Wade Beck

Wade hails from the small Appalachian community of Moxahala, Ohio. At 16 years old, he started at Ohio University where he studied sports administration and launched a career as a golf teaching professional. Wade’s golf expertise took him from the Ohio University Golf and Tennis Center to Pinewood Country Club in Flagstaff, Arizona. He also worked at Greyhawk Golf Club, Troon North, and Lancaster Country Club.

After hanging up his golf clubs, Wade joined the International Union of Operating Engineers working heavy equipment and gas pipelines all across the country. He then journeyed into trucking and logistics as an owner operator. For the next 10 years, he honed his talents for planning, customer relations, and client management to run national accounts with companies like Walmart, IKEA, and Home Depot. During the pandemic quarantine, Wade moved critical supplies back and forth across the country as an trucking owner/operator.

Currently, Wade resides in Austin with his dog Rowdy. He enjoys grilling, spending time with family and friends, watching the Cincinnati Reds, and is back to a 10 handicap.

Project Assistant

Ryan Ohm

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Ryan moved to Austin in 2018 and quickly immersed himself in the city’s civic and political landscape. His passion for progressive politics has been the driving force behind his career, guiding his work in public service, grassroots organizing, and policy support roles.

Before joining CACSM, Ryan served as Field Director for the campaigns of Austin City Councilmember Chito Vela and AISD trustee Fernando de Urioste, where he managed outreach efforts, coordinated volunteer operations, and implemented data-driven voter engagement strategies. He also worked as a Legislative Delivery Assistant with the Texas Legislative Council, gaining valuable insight into the legislative process and helping support timely and accurate bill dissemination during critical sessions.

Ryan graduated magna cum laude from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Government and a minor in Social Work. His academic and professional experiences reflect a deep commitment to public service, social equity, and civic innovation. Passionate about furthering progressive causes and candidates, he is dedicated to advancing policies that promote equity, inclusion, and justice. Outside of his work in politics, Ryan serves his local community as a substitute teacher and enjoys running and hiking as a way to stay grounded and recharge.

Project Assistant

Brianna Guerra

Brianna Guerra was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, where her deep love for the community continues to shape her life and work.

With 15 years of experience in the service industry, Brianna has developed strong communication skills that have become her greatest asset. Her passion for connection and community led her to help open and manage a small local business, further investing in the place she calls home. Brianna also volunteers at her son's elementary school, dedicating her time and energy to supporting the next generation and strengthening the ties that make her community thrive.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and running, both of which fuel her sense of balance, clarity, and purpose.

Project Assistant

Alyssa Silva

Alyssa Silva is a first-generation college student from El Paso. She is starting her senior year at the University of Texas at Austin, double-majoring in Government and Sociology with a Bridging Disciplines Program certificate in Public Policy. Passionate about public policy, she aspires to a career in consulting to help transform education, criminal justice, and healthcare systems.

Additionally, Alyssa has gained research and administrative experience through roles with UT’s Government Department as a student research assistant and the Office of the Vice President for Research. She has also built leadership skills as both Membership Director and President of Texas Bluebonnets, a student organization focused on service, academics, and character. At the heart of her work is a commitment to equity, community, and creating meaningful impact.

Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Alyssa enjoys spending time outdoors and attending concerts.

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