MilSpouseFest, a networking and resource event for military spouses and families, will host a free after hours South by Southwest event starting at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 9 at Austin Community College: Rio Grande Campus, 1212 Rio Grande St.
"MilSpouseFest has partnered with USAA, Second Service Foundation and comedian Ashley Gutermuth to present an engaging after-hours event for Austin's military community; featuring a cocktail and networking hour, a pitch competition from local entrepreneurs and more,” MilSpouseFest said in a statement.
Gutermuth is a military spouse and comedian who appeared on "The Tonight Show" with Jimmy Fallon and whose comedy has been featured in the Military Times, Military.com and Yahoo News. She is based in New Jersey and her comedy stylings often revolve around being a military spouse.
According to the event's website, speakers at this event include: Chuck Bunch, relationship director at USAA’s Military Advocacy Group; Dr. Chris Cervini, vice chancellor for community and public affairs at Austin Community College; Lauren Hope, executive director of Second Service Foundation; Dr. Molly Beth Malcolm, executive vice chancellor of operations and public affairs at Austin Community College; J.J. Montanaro, relationship director at USAA’s Military Advocacy Group; Clare Rockefeller of Second Service Foundation; and Mark Rockefeller, founder of Second Service Foundation.
The activities will start at about 5 p.m. and will conclude at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
MilSpouseFest was founded in 2012 to help military spouses with resources and connections, both in online communities and in the real world, according to a press release. They are “dedicated to empowering military spouses and families by providing them with information and the community support they need in their daily lives.” It is owned and operated by Recurrent Ventures.
MilSpouseFest holds several events across the country each year, both online and in person at places as far as Alaska to the East Coast.