Naomi has an MBA in Healthcare from the Texas State University and works as a healthcare executive. Recently, she took off time from corporate life to explore opportunities that would allow a healthy, yet impactful work/life balance. Volunteering and connecting with her community felt like a wonderful way to start that transition.
Naomi grew up between L.A. County and Washington, D.C., but moved to Austin in 2010. She enjoys spending her free time with her pets, gardening, and attending city events.
Howard is thrilled to join the Kiwanis Club of Silicon Hills. He had been a member of the Thousand Oaks (CA) Chapter before relocating from Southern California to Austin in 2021. He recently retired from working in a business development sales role at strategy consulting organization, Frost & Sullivan, in its healthcare practice. Previously, for 20+ Howard was an organizer of large industry trade show events in manufacturing, technology, beverages and packaging.
Howard has been married to Paula for more than 35 years, and they have two grown sons, Daniel and Jeremy. Paula owns her own career and college advising company. Daniel lives in Austin and does business development for Resort Pass (day passes for hotel spas and pools) and is the owner of Pickleball Playmakers (lessons and group events). Jeremy is a wealth manager for J. P. Morgan in New York.
Howard and Paula are passionate about traveling and have truly enjoyed living in Austin, especially by going to live music events and theater shows.
Howard looks forward to volunteering with Kiwanis members, to help benefit kids and build an even stronger club.
Mike Harreld is a dynamic experienced Financial Business Advisor across various industries, including education, retail, investment banking, manufacturing, pensions, telephone, natural gas, electricity, and IT.
He was born in Kentucky, worked for Southern Companies in Atlanta, and moved to Austin in the fall of 2023. He first joined a Kiwanis Club in Atlanta in 1989, and upon moving to Austin wanted to get back involved with a community organization.
Mike has proven track record with entities of all sizes, from local organizations to General Dynamics, helping companies achieve financial goals. He had an extensive career as EVP CFO for Southern Company, a Fortune 200 company, with roles as CFO, Controller, mentor, risk manager, strategist, project director, and people and culture manager. He’s demonstrated expertise as a problem solver in business controls and procedures, mergers and acquisitions, energy solutions, start-ups, shut-downs, IPOs, sales of businesses, and board management. Electric Utility Expert in generation, supply chain, transmission, distribution, finance, HR, accounting, investor relations, IT, and regulatory affairs.
Chelsie Higdon has been a part of the Kiwanis Family going on nine years now and is honored to continue that journey with the Kiwanis Club of Silicon Hills.
A previous CKI member, Chelsie has held a variety of roles since 2016 ending her journey as an International Trustee and being inducted into CKI Hall of Fame, this love for our SLPs continued as she served as Assistant District Admin for the Carolinas District for two years prior to her move to Austin, TX. From there she joined our club became part of the Board of Directors and was recently elected President-Elect for our club for the 25-26 year where she also decided to continue her love for CKI by being appointed as an ADA for the Texas Oklahoma District of CKI as well.
Outside of her Kiwanis family journey, Chelsie is a Senior IT Project Manager at the General Land Office here in Austin, and also a provisional member for the Junior League of Austin continuing her love for serving others. She’s engaged to one of our other members Brandon Phifer with plans to be married this October back home in NC. She enjoys traveling with her partner especially to national parks where they’ve visited 23/63 at this time, loves going to local concerts, and comedy shows here in Austin and loves to cuddle with their cat Evelyn when at home. Overall, She looks forward to her upcoming presidential term for the club and helping the club continue to reach its potential.
Brandon Phifer started his Kiwanis Journey about 6 years ago when joining CKI due to his fiancé Chelsie Higdon getting him involved as a club member. Since then he’s continued that journey beside her and recently joined the Kiwanis Club of Silicon Hills board of directors.
Brandon is a Content Moderator Contractor working for YouTube under Accenture keeping the platform safe for children which is aligned with what Kiwanis is all about keeping children safe. In addition to his job, Brandon is an Eagle Scout, an avid gamer, and has always loved serving others. He looks forward to the upcoming term supporting his fiancé as she steps up to be President for the club Oct 1st continuing his director role making a larger impact in the community.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, members of our club participated in a safe, socially-distant activity to continue to serve the community. Funds from the club’s service account were used to purchase tote bags, hand sanitizer, masks, and sterile gloves in bulk and distributed to members for assembly as safety kits. Completed kits were given to Williamson & Burnet County Opportunities to Work Meals on Wheels Program for distribution to seniors throughout the community.
Over the course of two weekends, members of the club gathered to construct and install new sensory boards for the Mary Bailey Head Start Center in Georgetown.
Just one month into our new Kiwanis year and we’re excited to welcome Nia Delmast as the newest member of the club! Nia first reached out to us by finding our club online. She is a recent graduate of St. Edward’s University where she served as a member and vice president of the Circle K Chapter. My service interests include education and environmental sustainability. In her free time she enjoys yoga and swing dancing.
Nelly Estrada is a UTB-TSC (now UTRGV) and UT-Austin CKI alumna. She was raised in Brownsville, Texas and moved to Austin to attend The University of Texas at Austin. She obtained a Bachelor’s in Biology in 2014, and became a Teach for America Corps Member in Arkansas thereafter. She is currently a Cardiology Services Tech and a Research Volunteer at St. David’s Medical Center.
Her journey in the Kiwanis-family began in 2008 and she has enjoyed it ever since! She was Vice-President, Secretary, and Committee Member. She received scholarships for two consecutive years and was named the Outstanding Chapter Secretary of the Texas-Oklahoma District of CKI in 2013. She is thrilled to be a Kiwanian and to serve her community.
We’re an organization of volunteers serving the community and children of greater Austin, Texas.
Our very own @chelschoselife was recognized as distinguished at the Circle K International convention for her work as an Assistant District Administrator for the @texas.oklahoma.kiwanis Committee on @txokcki! ... See MoreSee Less
Members of our club set up flags today around Cedar Park and Leander for the #MemorialDay holiday.
The “Fly the US Flag Program” is a patriotic gesture for the community and is our club’s primary year-round fundraiser. We fly the US Flag at local businesses for a week on nine designated holidays in the Cedar Park and Leander area. ... See MoreSee Less
This morning members of our club attended the @texas.oklahoma.kiwanis District Governor Bobby’s visit to Region 10. Attendees also brought plush toys to donate to the location host, @wilcocac
We had the chance to learn about district initiatives, exchange ideas with leaders from other clubs, and get inspired to have a bigger impact in our community!
A great third butterfly festival with Winn Montessori and @winnpta!
It’s always our pleasure to provide the butterflies and we couldn’t a lovely temporary habitat for the butterflies without the donated plants from @down_home_ranch!
Our members helped with grilling the hot dogs and operating concessions throughout the festival. We had help from @mnthskeyclub and @cedarshs_keyclub who are always willing to lend a hand. Kids and families enjoyed crafts, art, and classroom tours of the campus.
We look forward to helping with this event every year and love to see how it builds a stronger school community for Winn! ... See MoreSee Less
This past weekend we put up flags in Cedar Park and Leander to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day.
We enjoy operating this patriotic program and are grateful to our club’s supporters who help us advance our mission of improving the world one child and one community at a time.
Today we celebrate International Women’s Day and it’s a special one as we celebrate the women who lead in our club! Immediate Past President gioalanis, the first woman to lead our club as President. Current President Jasmine Foo who is providing thoughtful planning to ensure our club is maximizing our community impact. President-Elect chelschoselife who is preparing our club for a successful 2025-26 year! ... See MoreSee Less
Last Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
New Member Profile: Naomi Schwinghamer
Naomi has an MBA in Healthcare from the Texas State University and works as a healthcare executive. Recently, she took off time from corporate life to explore opportunities that would allow a healthy, yet impactful work/life balance. Volunteering and connecting with her community felt like a wonderful way to start that transition.
Naomi grew up between L.A. County and Washington, D.C., but moved to Austin in 2010. She enjoys spending her free time with her pets, gardening, and attending city events.
Last Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
New Member Profile: Howard Friedman
Howard is thrilled to join the Kiwanis Club of Silicon Hills. He had been a member of the Thousand Oaks (CA) Chapter before relocating from Southern California to Austin in 2021. He recently retired from working in a business development sales role at strategy consulting organization, Frost & Sullivan, in its healthcare practice. Previously, for 20+ Howard was an organizer of large industry trade show events in manufacturing, technology, beverages and packaging.
Howard has been married to Paula for more than 35 years, and they have two grown sons, Daniel and Jeremy. Paula owns her own career and college advising company. Daniel lives in Austin and does business development for Resort Pass (day passes for hotel spas and pools) and is the owner of Pickleball Playmakers (lessons and group events). Jeremy is a wealth manager for J. P. Morgan in New York.
Howard and Paula are passionate about traveling and have truly enjoyed living in Austin, especially by going to live music events and theater shows.
Howard looks forward to volunteering with Kiwanis members, to help benefit kids and build an even stronger club.
Last Updated: February 27, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
New Member Profile: Mike Harreld
Mike Harreld is a dynamic experienced Financial Business Advisor across various industries, including education, retail, investment banking, manufacturing, pensions, telephone, natural gas, electricity, and IT.
He was born in Kentucky, worked for Southern Companies in Atlanta, and moved to Austin in the fall of 2023. He first joined a Kiwanis Club in Atlanta in 1989, and upon moving to Austin wanted to get back involved with a community organization.
Mike has proven track record with entities of all sizes, from local organizations to General Dynamics, helping companies achieve financial goals. He had an extensive career as EVP CFO for Southern Company, a Fortune 200 company, with roles as CFO, Controller, mentor, risk manager, strategist, project director, and people and culture manager. He’s demonstrated expertise as a problem solver in business controls and procedures, mergers and acquisitions, energy solutions, start-ups, shut-downs, IPOs, sales of businesses, and board management. Electric Utility Expert in generation, supply chain, transmission, distribution, finance, HR, accounting, investor relations, IT, and regulatory affairs.
Last Updated: February 27, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
New Member Profile: Chelsie Higdon
Chelsie Higdon has been a part of the Kiwanis Family going on nine years now and is honored to continue that journey with the Kiwanis Club of Silicon Hills.
A previous CKI member, Chelsie has held a variety of roles since 2016 ending her journey as an International Trustee and being inducted into CKI Hall of Fame, this love for our SLPs continued as she served as Assistant District Admin for the Carolinas District for two years prior to her move to Austin, TX. From there she joined our club became part of the Board of Directors and was recently elected President-Elect for our club for the 25-26 year where she also decided to continue her love for CKI by being appointed as an ADA for the Texas Oklahoma District of CKI as well.
Outside of her Kiwanis family journey, Chelsie is a Senior IT Project Manager at the General Land Office here in Austin, and also a provisional member for the Junior League of Austin continuing her love for serving others. She’s engaged to one of our other members Brandon Phifer with plans to be married this October back home in NC. She enjoys traveling with her partner especially to national parks where they’ve visited 23/63 at this time, loves going to local concerts, and comedy shows here in Austin and loves to cuddle with their cat Evelyn when at home. Overall, She looks forward to her upcoming presidential term for the club and helping the club continue to reach its potential.
Last Updated: June 9, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
New Member Profile: Brandon Phifer
Brandon Phifer started his Kiwanis Journey about 6 years ago when joining CKI due to his fiancé Chelsie Higdon getting him involved as a club member. Since then he’s continued that journey beside her and recently joined the Kiwanis Club of Silicon Hills board of directors.
Brandon is a Content Moderator Contractor working for YouTube under Accenture keeping the platform safe for children which is aligned with what Kiwanis is all about keeping children safe. In addition to his job, Brandon is an Eagle Scout, an avid gamer, and has always loved serving others. He looks forward to the upcoming term supporting his fiancé as she steps up to be President for the club Oct 1st continuing his director role making a larger impact in the community.
Last Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
More Playground Improvements at Mary Bailey Head Start Center
Since 2020, our club has worked with the Mary Bailey Head Start Center in Georgetown on a couple of occasions to improve the grounds.
Read MoreLast Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
Senior Safety Kits
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, members of our club participated in a safe, socially-distant activity to continue to serve the community. Funds from the club’s service account were used to purchase tote bags, hand sanitizer, masks, and sterile gloves in bulk and distributed to members for assembly as safety kits. Completed kits were given to Williamson & Burnet County Opportunities to Work Meals on Wheels Program for distribution to seniors throughout the community.
Last Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
Playground Improvements for Mary Bailey Head Start Center
Over the course of two weekends, members of the club gathered to construct and install new sensory boards for the Mary Bailey Head Start Center in Georgetown.
Read MoreLast Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
New Member Profile: Nia Delmast
Just one month into our new Kiwanis year and we’re excited to welcome Nia Delmast as the newest member of the club! Nia first reached out to us by finding our club online. She is a recent graduate of St. Edward’s University where she served as a member and vice president of the Circle K Chapter. My service interests include education and environmental sustainability. In her free time she enjoys yoga and swing dancing.
Last Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
New Member Profile: Nelly Estrada
Nelly Estrada is a UTB-TSC (now UTRGV) and UT-Austin CKI alumna. She was raised in Brownsville, Texas and moved to Austin to attend The University of Texas at Austin. She obtained a Bachelor’s in Biology in 2014, and became a Teach for America Corps Member in Arkansas thereafter. She is currently a Cardiology Services Tech and a Research Volunteer at St. David’s Medical Center.
Her journey in the Kiwanis-family began in 2008 and she has enjoyed it ever since! She was Vice-President, Secretary, and Committee Member. She received scholarships for two consecutive years and was named the Outstanding Chapter Secretary of the Texas-Oklahoma District of CKI in 2013. She is thrilled to be a Kiwanian and to serve her community.
Upcoming events
Winn Montessori: Campus Advisory Council Meeting
Texas vs San Jose Tailgate
Monthly Kiwanis Meeting
Texas vs UTEP Tailgate
Texas vs Sam Houston Tailgate
Texas vs Sam Houston Tailgate
Winn Montessori: Campus Advisory Council Meeting
End of Year Celebration
Approval of Club Budget Due
Updated Club Roster Due
Monthly Kiwanis Meeting
VW Harvest Concessions
Winn Montessori: Campus Advisory Council Meeting
RMHC Brunch (Service)
Texas vs Vanderbilt Tailgate
Monthly Kiwanis Meeting
Club News
Kiwanis Club of Silicon Hills
We’re an organization of volunteers serving the community and children of greater Austin, Texas.
Our very own @chelschoselife was recognized as distinguished at the Circle K International convention for her work as an Assistant District Administrator for the @texas.oklahoma.kiwanis Committee on @txokcki! ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Two members from our club were present for the Kiwanis and Circle K International convention this week in Pittsburgh, PA!
#kiwaniscon25 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Members of our club set up flags today around Cedar Park and Leander for the #MemorialDay holiday.
The “Fly the US Flag Program” is a patriotic gesture for the community and is our club’s primary year-round fundraiser. We fly the US Flag at local businesses for a week on nine designated holidays in the Cedar Park and Leander area. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
This morning members of our club attended the @texas.oklahoma.kiwanis District Governor Bobby’s visit to Region 10. Attendees also brought plush toys to donate to the location host, @wilcocac
We had the chance to learn about district initiatives, exchange ideas with leaders from other clubs, and get inspired to have a bigger impact in our community!
#KidsNeedKiwanis #TXOKKiwanis ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Winn
A great third butterfly festival with Winn Montessori and @winnpta!
It’s always our pleasure to provide the butterflies and we couldn’t a lovely temporary habitat for the butterflies without the donated plants from @down_home_ranch!
Our members helped with grilling the hot dogs and operating concessions throughout the festival. We had help from @mnthskeyclub and @cedarshs_keyclub who are always willing to lend a hand. Kids and families enjoyed crafts, art, and classroom tours of the campus.
We look forward to helping with this event every year and love to see how it builds a stronger school community for Winn! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We had a great meeting today with our members and a couple of guests!
Spring is a busy time for us and we have some exciting new projects planned. We have a lot on the calendar posted on our website.
#KidsNeedKiwanis #atxkiwanis ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
This past weekend we put up flags in Cedar Park and Leander to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day.
We enjoy operating this patriotic program and are grateful to our club’s supporters who help us advance our mission of improving the world one child and one community at a time.
#KidsNeedKiwanis ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Today we celebrate International Women’s Day and it’s a special one as we celebrate the women who lead in our club!
Immediate Past President gioalanis, the first woman to lead our club as President.
Current President Jasmine Foo who is providing thoughtful planning to ensure our club is maximizing our community impact.
President-Elect chelschoselife who is preparing our club for a successful 2025-26 year! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook