Austin, TX
Rising golf star Swetha Sathish captures 6A gold medal
AUSTIN, Texas — At just 3 years old was when Swetha Sathish first got introduced to golf by her father. She was swinging a club that was bigger than she was.
“It was at 5 years old they really saw something in my swing,” says Sathish. “From there, we discovered every step of the way.”
Sathish says she got her first lessons through a Groupon deal, and that’s when her golf career really began.
“I knew this is what I’ve wanted to do since I was 8 years old,” says Sathish, “I’ve always had a dream of going pro.”
When she was younger, Sathish says playing golf was a lot about spending time with her father. She says that is still the case, but now, it’s also her thing.
Growing up in Ontario, Canada, she started to take golf more and more seriously as she got older. She began traveling to tournaments and testing her skills against other top young players. In 2022, her family decided to move to Texas and allow more opportunities for her to get better at golf.
After a year of taking classes online, Sathish decided she wanted to join a team, so they started looking for schools across Texas. They saw that Vandegrift High School had won the 6A state golf title in 2023, and that was going to be her new home.
“I knew that’s the kind of girls I want to be around and play with,” says Sathish. “It was definitely one of the best decisions for sure.”
Sathish says coach Aaron Ford and the rest of the team made it easy for her to fit in with the group. She helped Vandegrift win a second straight 6A golf title recently, while she was the individual champ shooting a 70 and 68 at the state tournament to win by 4 shots.
“I’m speechless, that last putt I was shaking,” said Sathish after the tournament. “I’m so happy, and I have to give everything to my team and my coach and my family.”
Sathish will have a chance to come back as a senior next year and defend her title. After high school, she’ll head off to play in college and has already committed to Arkansas.
“Arkansas is a beautiful college town. I loved the campus,” says Sathish. “The coaches are great, and the facilities are some of the best you’ll ever see in the country for college golf.”
If she continues to follow the plan, the dream of going pro could be within her reach. She’s put a lot of work in having the success on the course that she’s already had.
“The motivation is just to be the best at my passion,” says Sathish. “That’s what my motto is, and that’s what my parents have taught me.”
Austin, TX
Central Texas Food Bank launches six new Austin ISD school-based pantries
AUSTIN, Texas — The Central Texas Food Bank is expanding its partnership with Austin Independent School District by opening six new school-based food pantries at elementary schools across the district.
The Feeding Futures School Pantry locations provide families with convenient access to food on their child’s campus, according to the food bank.
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“This is a wonderful way for us to provide easy access to food – nutritious, healthy food – that’s culturally relevant to families,” Anurita Mittra, Vice President of Network Programs and Services with the Central Texas Food Bank, said.
By placing food resources where families already gather, the pantries help remove transportation barriers and reduce stigma associated with seeking food assistance. The pantries are designed to feel welcoming and supportive for families.
“Schools are trusted spaces, and these pantries are designed to feel welcoming, familiar, and supportive for families,” the food bank said.
A complete listing of participating school districts and on-campus pantries is available here.
Austin, TX
Bradlink’s President: Helen Callier to Speak at the University of Texas Austin Readiness Training Program for HUB’s Graduation
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bradlink LLC’s president – Helen Callier will speak at the University of Texas at Austin signature IC2 Institute’s Readiness Training Program (RTP) Graduation for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB’s). Helen leads an award-winning SBA small business and industry recognized government contracting firm that provides technical services to various local agencies including Austin Independent School District (AISD).
This training program for HUB’s provides Regional Technical Assistance Resources, reviews government databases to register in and presents information on government contracting. The final session and graduation are designed to motivate the mostly start-up companies to propose and position their firms to win government contracts.
With 20 years of proven industry experience in government contracting, Bradlink is branded as a trailblazer and innovator in providing technical solutions on transit, education and healthcare projects.
Callier says, “It’s truly a privilege to share my firm’s story, insights, and tips on obtaining government contracts with other small businesses. Texas is a great place to start and grow a small business and the sessions the HUB’s have attended place them in a strong position.”
Bradlink’s achievements have been marked by notable projects such as working as a Prime on the 2022 $2.44 billion AISD Bond Program, supporting key projects at Austin Bergstrom Airport, and serving as BIM Lead for the CMAR on the Houston Airport System Hobby International $470 million 7-gate Expansion project.
“We’re excited that our Leader has been invited again to speak during UT Austin’s IC2 Institute’s RTP last session and graduation this year. I believe Helen’s business insights will motivate members of the co-hort to execute their growth plans as there are lots of opportunities in Texas to pursue.” Moruf Jimoh, Technical Manager of Bradlink LLC
Bradlink’s President, Helen Callier, has been a driving force in the company’s success. In 2025, Bradlink received numerous industry awards including from the Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum, Tri-County Regional Black Chamber of Commerce and recognized by the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association. Also, in 2023, her influential expertise earned her a prominent spot on page 49 of the SBA Small Business National Resource Guide, showcasing her as a thought leader in the industry.
About Helen Callier
Helen Callier (AKA), B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Prairie View A&M University and graduate on the Goldmans Sachs 10KSB Program, is President of Bradlink LLC, a Technical Services firm and Founder of PermitUsNow, an industry recognized building permitting and expediting firm headquartered in Texas. Recognized as HBJ’s Women Who Mean Business, SBA Women Business Champion, former State of Texas Commissioner of Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and serving as an Advisory Board Tri-County Regional Black Chamber of Commerce. Helen is known as a point guard in the business community. She is a regular blogger for SubContractors USA News, a published author, dynamic speaker and a valuable contributor in the business community in Texas.
About Bradlink LLC
Bradlink LLC, with offices in Houston, Austin and Dallas, Texas, is a technical services firm, with over two decades of experience, provides program management, building design, permit expediting, construction oversight, and facilities support services primarily to government agencies. Clients of Bradlink include the Houston Airport System, JACOBS, Atkins Realis’, Hensel Phelps, Austin ISD, EXP US, and USACE.
Media Contact:
Len Cal
2813129981
[email protected]
SOURCE Bradlink LLC
Austin, TX
Texas Children’s launches first pediatric helicopter in Austin
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Children’s Hospital has launched Austin’s first pediatric medical helicopter, expanding critical care transport services for children across Central Texas.
The Kangaroo Crew helicopter can reach distances of up to 120 nautical miles and is equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by clinicians who provide ICU-level care during transport, according to the hospital system.
“This investment reflects our commitment to bringing the highest level of specialized care closer to families, reducing distance as a barrier when every minute matters,” said Dr. Jeffrey Shilt, president of Austin and Central Texas for Texas Children’s.
Texas Children’s Hospital has launched Austin’s first pediatric medical helicopter, expanding critical care transport services for children across Central Texas. (Photo: Texas Children’s)
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Texas Children’s is the first pediatric hospital system to operate its own helicopter in Austin. The aircraft serves patients throughout Central Texas and West Texas.
The addition of the Austin helicopter brings Texas Children’s total to two Kangaroo Crew helicopters. The helicopter program launched in February 2025 at Texas Children’s in Houston and has transported hundreds of critically ill patients.
The expansion was funded through donations to Texas Children’s, including contributions from Texas Children’s Ambassadors.
“Through the support of our Ambassadors and other generous donors, we are able to invest in innovations like this helicopter that make an immediate, meaningful difference for families across Central Texas and beyond,” said Ben Renberg, chief development officer of the Office of Philanthropy at Texas Children’s.
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