With two successful businesses and three rounds of cancer (so far!) under her belt, Courtney Clark is the luckiest unlucky person in the world.
Diagnosed with cancer for the first time at age 26, Courtney went to work for several cancer nonprofits. At age 29, Courtney founded the nonprofit Austin Involved, creating programs to engage young professionals in philanthropy in simple, affordable ways. In the first year of operating Austin Involved, Courtney was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm and underwent three brain surgeries.
Today, Courtney is an in-demand Keynote Speaker who presents internationally to organizations on how to adapt faster and achieve more by developing Accelerated Resilience ™. Organizations hire Courtney to speak at their conferences and events because of her unique blend of what she calls “content-based motivation.” Her presentations balance left brain strategies with right brain storytelling, so every single member of the audience walks away feeling primed for success, no matter their personality or learning style. She works with teams who need to succeed during stress and change without burning out, lashing out, or giving up.
Courtney’s resilience work has been featured in Forbes, Psychology Today, USA Today, and The Chicago Tribune. Her two books on resilience, The Giving Prescription and The Successful Struggle, have been called “practical,” “powerful,” and “empowering” by industry leaders.
In her free time, Courtney serves on the board of directors of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Junior League of Austin. With the Junior League, Courtney has chaired the annual Coats for Kids event, and is currently piloting a new program called Kids in Cool Shoes (KICS), where children in need will receive a pair of free athletic sneakers.
Courtney’s work on behalf of others has earned her several honors. She has been recognized with the Leadership Austin Ascendant Award, as well as her high school’s Distinguished Alumnae Award. In 2013, Courtney was a candidate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Woman of the Year. She has been recognized by Austin Monthly magazine as one of “20 in their 30s,” and by GivingCity magazine as one of 2012’s “New Philanthropists.” She has her Masters Degree in Philanthropy from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, where her graduate research focused on the role of philanthropy in helping people heal from traumatic life events. Her research, which became the basis of her first book, was honored with the University’s Outstanding Graduate Research award.
Courtney’s experience in the community has also helped her grow her family. Soon after launching Austin Involved, Courtney and her husband, Jamie, were at an Austin Involved volunteer day when they met a young high school student with dreams of college and success as a musician. Today, Courtney and Jamie have welcomed Anthony into their family, and Courtney can often be seen proudly wearing her “UNT Mom” t-shirt around town. Courtney and her family live in Austin, TX with so many rescue animals that they have lost count.