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For the Love of the River

The River Society brings together emerging community leaders passionate about the Texas Colorado River

BECOME A RIVER SOCIETY MEMBER

Cultivating new leaders to further the mission of the Colorado River Alliance

The River Society is a group of emerging community leaders dedicated to preserving and protecting the Texas Colorado River by:

  • Attracting new people to support the Colorado River Alliance
  • Connecting members through unique social events, networking opportunities, and outdoor activities
  • Cultivating new leaders to further CRA’s mission of championing the long-term vitality of the Texas Colorado River through education and engagement
Here’s what’s coming up

Upcoming Member Events

River Society Member Social
November 14, 2024
Paggi House
Fly Tying Happy Hour, sponsored by Justworks
April 10, 2025
Justworks
Lake Austin Paddleboard Cleanup
May 17, 2025
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Summer Solstice Happy Hour
June 18, 2025
Ski Shores Cafe
Lake Austin Paddleboard Cleanup
August 2, 2025
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters

Become a River Society Member today

Meet the River Society Leadership Council

The Leadership Council is the strategic vision and voice for River Society membership, leading social, engagement, educational, and fundraising efforts for the group. They are currently working to take the River Society to the next level and engage even more young professionals in conserving our beloved River.

Chair

Mikah Berlingeri

Mikah is the Catering and Events Manager at Tiny Pies, where her love for people and talent for creating connections truly shine. With a BA in Government from UT Austin, she’s known for her enthusiasm and problem-solving skills, always ready to tackle new challenges with a resounding “yes.” A natural communicator and marketer, Mikah infuses every event with creativity and charm. Passionate about her favorite city, Austin, she also serves on the board of CRA and loves to stay actively involved in the community. Outside of work, you’ll find her enjoying outdoor adventures, particularly on the lake, discovering local arts, practicing yoga, and indulging in her passion for making pickles while exploring new restaurants, especially those serving sushi.
Secretary

Andy Trimble

Andy Trimble grew up on Lake Austin and still spends the majority of his time out on the water—either teaching children and adults watersports or doing his own wakeboarding and foiling. After attending the Cocktails for the Colorado gala in 2022, Andy became a Tributary League member and felt the need to be more involved in conservation of the Lower Colorado River. Andy joined the River Society Leadership Council in 2023.

Andy graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a major in Government. During college, Andy worked as an instructor at Executive Watersports on Lake Austin. He went on to graduate from Baylor Law School in Waco, Texas, where he brought his love of watersports to the Brazos River and the Baylor Wakeboard Team.

During law school, Andy clerked for the Lower Colorado River Authority and specialized in Environmental Law and Natural Resources. After graduating from Baylor, Andy became general counsel of Socati Corp., a biotech company headquartered in Austin and Toronto. Andy also serves as general counsel for Mañana Surf Co., a local wakesurf company with deep Austin roots.

Andy continues to pursue his passion for the water, even while being a lawyer, by regularly teaching people new watersports skills and spreading the story of Lake Austin and its importance.

Vice Secretary

Juliette Fray

Juliette Fray, an Austin native, has a deep love for her city's natural beauty, especially the lake. She feels most at home near any body of water, and with her passion for swimming and surfing, she hopes to promote and preserve the lake's environment for future generations.

While pursuing her studies at the University of Texas, Juliette was in the architecture program and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. She joined the Colorado River Society Leadership Council in 2023 and is now applying her creativity to explore design opportunities for a healthy river. Collaborative by nature, she is keen to connect with like-minded individuals who share her passion for preserving and promoting sustainable use of water resources.

Juliette's design passion is evident in her family's business specializing in French and Italian furniture and lighting, a working family business in Austin for over 30 years. With a commitment to the sustainable world of vintage and antique furniture, she has traveled worldwide, collaborating with diverse people and speaking fluently in French and Spanish.

During her free time, Juliette can be found surfing on the lake, practicing yoga at Black Swan, or experimenting in the kitchen. She is excited and eager to help educate the public about the river and preserve the environment that makes Austin so special.

Treasurer

Cam Budd

Cam Budd was raised on Lake Lewisville in Dallas, Texas and has called Austin home since 2015. Growing up his passion for the lake started while working at the #1 Nautique boat dealership in the nation.

Cam graduated as a triple major in Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing at Baylor University. Throughout his time at Baylor, he served as captain of the wakeboard team and went on to win the National Championship in 2015. During his college years, he worked at Barefoot Ski Ranch as a wakeboard instructor and cable manager.

Post graduation, Cam went on to work at Oracle, vacation rental companies, and is now pursuing his dream of launching his own startup. Cam is an active member of his church, a member of Missouri Board of Realtors, and a member of the Russian Heritage Club.

Cam joined the River Society Leadership Council in 2023. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, serving on mission trips, rock climbing, playing with his dog, and spending time with family and friends.

Vice Treasurer

Alex De La Fuente

“De La” was born and raised in Austin, Texas. Having never left his hometown, he is passionate about giving back to his community, protecting Austin’s nature, and is an avid Texas Longhorns fan. Outside of work, you can find him on Lady Bird’s hike and bike trail, on Lake Austin, or at a local concert.

Alex attended The University of Texas where he earned his degree in Economics with a minor in Business. Upon graduation, he remained in Austin and began his career at Berkadia on the mortgage banking team. He now works at Alliance Residential Company, one of the most active multifamily developers in Central Texas.

Alex joined the River Society Leadership Council in 2023. As a member of RECA’s Advocacy and Policy Issues committees, Alex strives to ensure that Austin’s growth continues in the right direction by preserving what makes the city so special, its environment. He was recently selected for Texas McCombs REFIC’s Emerging Leaders Council. In addition to the Colorado River Alliance, Alex volunteers for and supports The Trail Conservancy and The Muny Conservancy. Alex is an active member of his Church, The Well.

Thank you to our River Society members

Dedicated to Preservation and Protection

Ali and Cara Abazari
Clint Parsley and Alex Albright
Michael Alexander
Greg Allison
Parker Badger
Bianca Bejarano
Mikah Berlingeri
Christopher Berry
Marshall and Maddie Bowen
James Breed
Cam Budd
Madison Carter
George and Mary Elizabeth Cofer
Jeff Crosby
Mersaydes and Reed Curtis
Erica Davies
Alex De La Fuente
Patrick Dentler

Trask Dix
Randol Flume
Camila and Garrett Forthuber
Logan Fowler
Juliette Fray
Ashley and Sean Fric
Zachary Giberson
Ryan Gjerset
Rachel Griffin
Caitlyn Grimm
Christine and Patrick Herlin
Aubry Hinners
Emily Jolly
Hill Krause
Lindsey and Will Majors
Jacqueline Mariie
Andrew and Caroline Marquis

Monica and Ricky Masters
Jess Nelson
Daren and Camile Nix
Chris and Alex Perkins
Miller Polly
Grace Raulet
Killian Regan
Natalie Schuessler
Durant Sellers
Emily and Rick Seiders
Jonathan and Margo Tate
Andy Trimble
James Tyng
Alexis Van Riper
Jennifer Walker
Chandler and Andrew Ware
Rickey Whiteley
Amanda Wilson

Help keep the Texas Colorado River and our drinking water clean!
All ages welcome