Name: Steven DeBose
Company: UFCU
Role: Assistant Purchaser
 

1. 1. What brought you to Austin and how long have you been here?
      I was actually born and raised in south Austin. Frequently people get surprised when they hear that but I love it here and though I travel when I can, it’s obvious to anyone that’s been to Austin why I would choose to stay. The culture , people and attitude of the city are hard to beat!
   2. How did you get connected to AYC?
      I got involved with AYC at the suggestion of a few coworkers that were already part of the organization. After sitting in on a committee meeting and going out to a few events I was on board full force.
   3. What are you involved with in AYC AND what is your favorite part of AYC?
      I am on the Imagine Committee and we coordinate various activities involving the arts and culture in Austin. It’s great to be able to introduce AYC members to aspects of Austin that they may not have known about. My favorite part is the social connections. Meeting others and finding out where we can work together.
   4. Where can we find you brunching in Austin on any given Saturday?
      You can find me at Café No Sé for Sunday brunch. I love the decor, the chill atmosphere, and their Kouign- Amann (a dessert pastry) is divine!
   5. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and what would you use it for?
      To fly. There is a certain freedom that comes with knowing you can go anywhere and never fall (literally). I would just fly somewhere, find a cafe and people watch.
   6. If you could have any celebrity live next door to you, who would it be?
      Oh most definitely Will Smith. He is such a positive person and his incredible drive. I figure he would be an inspiring and motivating person to live next door to. Plus I’m sure he would have some great stories to tell whenever I came over to borrow a cup of brown sugar, ha ha.
   7. If you had guests visiting Austin for the weekend, where is the first place you would take them to show them a good time?
      I’d take them to the East Side. We’d grab drinks at Justine’s, dinner at Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, and then go dance it all off at The Volstead.
   8. If you played hooky for a day, where would we find you and what would you be doing?
      I’m usually low key on my days off. If I’m playing hooky you will probably find me at Manana Coffee writing or reading scripts. Then I like to take a break and go walk around South Congress, grab a bite at Home Slice and go catch a movie at Alamo South or Mueller.
   9. When people ask you what you do for a living, what do you tell them?
      I support people. In my position at UFCU I take care of the employees and make sure they have everything they need to serve our members. From supplies to furniture and financial equipment, I want them to have what they need to take care of you (the member).
      And when I work with the various film organizations around town I support other screenwriters, producers and directors to help make their scripts the best they can be before they enter competitions, pitch them or start shooting a production. I just love collaboration that comes from working with others.
   10. What technology could you not live without?
       My laptop. I know people say we spend too much time in front of screens these days but I don’t care. All of my work is done on my computer. Writing, emails, social media, netflix,etc. It’s my hub for everything I do. I certainly put it away when I am out with friends but I’m never far from it.
   11. Who inspires you?
       My mother inspires me beyond words. She has endured so much, worked so hard and taken some big risks to get to where she is today and has the biggest heart I’ve ever seen. My house was like a halfway house growing up for all of the neighborhood kids and anyone that had a tough time at home. So as I go through life I just try to have the fortitude and strength that she has shown, while keeping my heart open to all of the new people that come along the way.
   12. What is your proudest accomplishment?
       I would say at this point it would be working with Kendrick Lamar my past life as a fashion designer (long story). It was also one of my biggest regrets. But you learn alot in your mistakes, just have to keep moving!
   13. If you couldn’t live in Austin, where would you want to live?
       If I couldn’t live in Austin I would probably live in NYC. The people, mix of cultures, and the city itself has a certain magic, it’s electric. There is always something to see, they have a million museums, and you’ll have the most random chance encounters. No one leaves New York City without a good story. I love it.
   14. I want to learn how to…?
       I want to learn how to scuba dive. I’m transfixed by the idea that there is a whole other world in the water.
   15. Pick:
       Soup or Salad? Soup. Especially Pho!
       Indoors or Outdoors?  Outdoors
       Winter or Summer? Winter. (Well, Austin winters). I can wear all of my freshest coats and sweaters, the air is crisp, and the holiday season starts.
       Tea or Coffee? Coffee, probably too much. I like a good chai though.
       Mountains or Beach? Beach. Toes in the sand, snorkeling, and coladas.
       
   16. Favorite Drink?
       An Old Fashioned. It’s smooth, tasty and stiff.