Operations Team
Christie Hepburn
Senior Director of Operations
Christie got a call from Susan Dawson in 2008 asking if she would support upcoming Deliberative Dialogue work. She’s been connected to E3 Alliance ever since. With roles spanning from collective impact and transformation services, to communications and operations, Christie brings her passion for education and learning, her dedication to human connection, and her penchant for organization to every role.
Prior to joining E3, Christie worked in public schools for 15 years after receiving her master’s degree in Bilingual Special Education at The University of Texas at Austin. In her earlier days, Christie was a Peace Corps volunteer in Micronesia.
Mackenzie Allen
Executive Assistant and Board Liaison
Mackenzie joined E3 Alliance after previously working with Vacasa as their Office Coordinator. She has also worked with the City of Austin, St. Edward’s University, and H&R Block in various administration roles.
Mackenzie holds a bachelor’s degree in Theatre from St. Edward’s University.
Lydia Nelson, M.A., PMP
Project Manager
Lydia brings over 10 years of diverse experience in education, engagement, and research to E3 Alliance, which has centered on developing collaborative processes to enhance experiences and systems.
Before joining E3 Alliance, Lydia taught undergraduate courses at Arizona State University and The University of Texas at Austin and worked as a multidisciplinary communications consultant. Most recently, she managed strategic projects and community partnerships for the Creative Learning Initiative in Austin ISD, a citywide collective-impact model to advance arts access in education.
Lydia is a proud New Englander raised by two public school teachers. She earned a Project Management Professional certification, a master’s degree in communication from Arizona State University, and a bachelor’s degree in history from Western Kentucky University, where she competed on the national champion forensics team and was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by the Commonwealth in recognition of her service and accomplishments. In her free time, Lydia is a passionate participant in Austin’s vibrant arts scene.
Emily Pickens
Operations Manager
Emily Pickens comes to E3 Alliance from a local nonprofit, Women in Neuroscience, where she was the director of programs. She brings a strong background in neurologic music therapy and business, and a lifelong passion for service, volunteerism, and advocacy. She uses her unique skills and experiences to find creative, intentional, and focused ways to get the job done. Emily is passionate about collaboration, connecting people with opportunities, and creating equitable systems of operation.
A Florida native, Emily completed her undergraduate degree in Music Therapy at The Florida State University before relocating to Austin in 2012, where she has since made her mark on the community. In 2019, she enhanced her qualifications with a master’s in business administration from Texas State University, focusing on non-profit management.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Emily enjoys singing, spending time with her husband, their dog, and 13 chickens. She loves exploring the Green Belt, binge-watching old seasons of Survivor, cooking delectable meals, and getting lost in the latest thriller by Harlan Coben.
Cindy Shantell
Susan Dawson Fellow
Cindy Hope Shantell, originally from Kenya, moved to Botswana at the age of 16, where she lived until her recent relocation to Texas. As the firstborn in a family of three, she draws inspiration from her resilient single mother, whose strength and determination fuel her ambition.
Currently, an international student at Austin Community College (ACC), Cindy is pursuing a degree in health science with the goal of entering nursing school. Her ultimate dream is to return to Kenya and establish a medical practice that delivers quality, essential care to her community.
Outside the classroom, Cindy is the dynamic host of the Bold Way Show on ACC TV and proudly serves as the inaugural fellow of the Susan Dawson Fellowship at E3 Alliance. This transformative experience has given her invaluable opportunities for growth, leadership, and collaboration with our passionate team committed to supporting students and families.
Despite her busy schedule, Cindy enjoys walking, reading fictional novels, and cooking, especially perfecting her signature dish: traditional Kenyan Pilau. She is passionate about her future and excited to make a difference in healthcare back home.