Content by: Tribeza Magazine, Feb 3, 201

Given Karen and Ray Brimble’s influence and history of involvement in some of the most important initiatives around Austin, the word power couple comes to mind. But in truth, the joint and individual efforts of this very authentic duo reflect an ambition entirely different from power — impact couple is more like it.

An entrepreneur with global expertise, Ray started his first company at age 22. He’s a strategic thinker with an honest, informal style. He counts the boards of I Live Here, I Give Here, Interfaith Action of Central Texas and Conspirare as past volunteer experience; he currently serves on the KIPP Austin Public Schools and the Mueller Foundation boards, and as an advisory board chair for the McCombs School of Business’ Center for International Business Education and Research.

His teaching skills from his time as an adjunct professor are evident as he enthusiastically explains the concept of impact investing, something he believes is expanding the vision of philanthropy for the better. “Investing in for-profits set up to do social good has everything to do with long-term sustainability; it creates opportunities not readily available to traditional non-profits. That’s especially important to millennials, and will be vital in bringing the next generation of community builders into philanthropy.”

Karen, a prolific community volunteer since the time the couple’s two children started school, has been involved with National Charity League, Austin; A Legacy of Giving; Round Rock Health Clinic; Girlstart and Avance. In addition, Karen’s had a hand in the phenomenal growth of the Texas Book Festival, having been on its board for the past 10 years. She currently serves as its chair.

Typically poised and quietly insightful, but as she described the impact of Mindy Kaling’s appearance at 2016’s Texas Teen Book Festival, she exudes an awe matched by Kaling’s teenaged fans.

The Brimbles have an abiding passion for Austin and the willingness and energy to continue making it, as Ray says, “a world-class city.” The family’s One Skye Foundation has been a major supporter of the Barton Springs Conservancy; the Springs is a place of fond memories for each generation of their family.

“We’re incredibly lucky to live here. It’s important to both protect and project what’s best about Austin — its collective curiosity, collaborative nature and creative ideas — out into the world,” Ray says. “It feels great to be able to be a part of it.”