Contreras, Rebecca

Leveraging her experience as a business entrepreneur and CEO, former White House Commissioned Officer, and Human Capital expert, Rebecca’s message resonates with those seeking to transform

their leadership, expand their opportunities, and grow their organization through building a high performing culture and  team. Rebecca’s professional achievements span across both the public sector serving several iconic Texas political leaders and now in the private sector as a women entrepreneur.  She is the CEO of AvantGarde LLC (AG), an award-winning consulting firm she co-founded as majority owner in 2011. AG, has grown into a thriving 110+employee practice with employees in nine states including Texas, where she is HQ as well as the broader Washington DC metro area.  To learn more about AG visit: www.avantgarde4usa.com.

Rebecca recently won the 2023 “Small Business Person of the Year” for her Texas District - SBA National Small Business Week. In November 2022 she won the Gold Stevie (Women in Business Award) for “Best Female Entrepreneur”  and the Silver STEVIE for “Best Female Entrepreneur”. Rebecca is also the 2022 Winner of “Remarkable Woman of Central Texas”, an award recognized during Women’s History Month.  Rebecca is an accomplished business leader, philanthropist, and #1 Best Seller Author of LostGirl “From the hood to the White House to Millionaire Entrepreneur”. She connects with audiences through her inspirational story and lifelong leadership principles. She started her government career as a young single mom in a welfare-to-work program working as a receptionist to Texas icon Ann Richards, she then served as Director of HR to first Governor Bush then Special Assistant for Presidential Personnel to President George W. Bush, spending over 12 years serving under the Bush Legacy.  

Rebecca and her husband David of  33+ years, also co-founded LaunchPad (LP), a nonprofit organization that serves disadvantaged inner-city youth through educational programs and mentoring. Through LP, during 2022 Women’s History Month, Rebecca founded her signature initiative empowering young girls, Girls of Legacy. A program that provides partial scholarships and mentoring for fifteen inner city girls graduating from Title 1 underserved schools.   To learn more visit and subscribe at  www.rebeccacontreras.com.