Chat with Successful Business Owners

EGBI's hosting an impactful discussion with local successful business owners. Join us and be inspired by their stories, learn from their experiences firsthand, and engage directly with them.

We are grateful to our event partner the for providing us the beautiful space and support for our Chat.

This event wouldn't be possible without our gracious sponsors - thank you for investing in our mission!

MODERATOR:

Hopeton Hay - Executive Director,

Hopeton Hay is Executive Director of the Office of Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Programs for the University of Texas System, an office he has led since 2012. Hopeton manages a team responsible for facilitating HUB opportunities, compliance, and outreach on U. T. System managed contracts and procurements including major construction projects facilitated by the Office of Capital Projects (OCP). Since he took over leadership of the HUB Office, UT System Administration has spent over $1 billion with Historically Underutilized Businesses. His team is currently managing HUB opportunities and compliance on over $7.5 billion of major capital projects at campuses across the state, including the $2.9 billion UT Joint Medical Center Project.

Hopeton was recently honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Austin-Centex Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants and the 2024 Minority Business Development Agency Distinguished Supplier Diversity Champion of the Year Award for the El Paso region from the MBDA Business Center-El Paso.

PANELISTS:

Efren Loyola -

Efren Loyola is the owner/operator of Native Scenery Landscapes, a family-run business based in Austin, Texas. Since launching in 2018, Efren has grown the company from a solo operation into a trusted provider of year-round landscape maintenance and irrigation services for both residential and commercial properties. With a strong focus on building long-term client relationships and delivering high-quality service, Native Scenery Landscapes' mission is to give clients their time back by taking care of their properties as if they were their own—allowing families and communities to enjoy beautiful, functional outdoor spaces without the stress.

Nicole Soumbeniotis -

Nicole Soumbeniotis is the owner/manager of Once Over Coffee Bar; a South Austin institution since 2009. After working as barista, then manager, for 12 years, the original owners decided to focus their attention on their second business of coffee roasting and offered to sell the shop to Nicole. Together with some long time regulars as partners, Nicole and her main partner Essam took over in 2021. Nicole has continued to grow the potential of the space as a community center, with a focus on creating and sustaining a healthy and equitable workplace for all. Her business model is one based on respect, transparency, and of course great coffee.

Shanaz Ikonne -

Shanaz Ikonne is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, and consultant who brings over a decade of clinical expertise to help founders, entrepreneurs, and organizations reimagine resilience. As the founder of Shanaz Ikonne, PLLC, she specializes in transforming workplace and entrepreneurial culture through evidence-based mental wellness strategies, trauma-informed practices, and burnout recovery tools.

Shanaz is known for her ability to blend real-world mental health insight with culturally responsive care, helping clients and companies move beyond survival mode into sustainable, values-driven leadership. Her approach is grounded in both neuroscience and lived experience, empowering high-achieving women, teams, and business owners to build emotional resilience without abandoning themselves in the process. Whether consulting with founders or delivering keynotes, Shanaz stands apart by offering more than theory, she provides a roadmap for regulation, clarity, and collective well-being in business environments that demand so much of us.

Shanaz also serves on the board of Construction Veterans Reducing Suicide (CVRS), where she advocates for mental health awareness and suicide prevention in the construction industry. She is especially passionate about dismantling stigma in demanding fields and promoting workplace wellness for veterans and tradespeople alike.

She has been featured by the University of Texas, Parents.com, Voyage Dallas, Canvas Rebel, Kristi’s List, and the Asian Mental Health Collective. Shanaz was also honored as one of the Best in Small Biz Guide 2023 and received a Best in Birth Mental Health 2024 award for her leadership in maternal mental wellness.

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Parking information:

If entering from E. Ben White Boulevard, follow Memory Lane all the way to Suite 400.Parking is available on both sides of Memory Lane.

Suite 400 is located next to the Mexican Consulate. If you get lost, look for the Mexican flag and follow the map to find the entrance.

Also check out other Business events in Austin, Health & Wellness events in Austin.