Matt Glazer jokes that he “blacked out a little” when he heard his name from the stage of the Austin Creator Awards.
Glazer, executive director of the Austin Young Chamber of Commerce, had no idea he was going to win WeWork’s Community Award. That award, presented on June 27 by cofounder Miguel McKelvey, is given to a WeWork member who has “demonstrated commitment to the community.”
“It was unexpected to say the least,” said Glazer. “To be honored by the community I respect in the city I love for the work I care about is a once in a lifetime combination.”
Glazer said the award has “already changed my life.”
“The recognition and the doors it’s opened for me are amazing, and I am exploring ways I can make an impact with the grant,” said Glazer. “I am grateful and plan to live up to the honor as best I can.”
The WeWork University Park member won praise for his “vision of cultivating a community that serves, connects, inspires, and supports one another.”
“Matt is a connector,” said WeWork community manager Sarah Imparato. “He’s launched companies, grown organizations, but mostly, Matt creates a space for professionals and individuals to be heard and developed.”
Imparato said she and her team felt “tremendous excitement” in the moments leading up to the announcement that Glazer had won the $18,000 prize. She said WeWork University Park is “still buzzing.”
This isn’t the first time Glazer has been honored for his work in the community. He won the Austin American-Statesman’s social media award in 2009 and the Austin Chronicle’s “Best Unsung Behind-the-Scenester” award in 2010.
Glazer is an entrepreneur himself, having started two businesses and a nonprofit organization. He joined the Austin Young Chamber of Commerce as a member in 2012. He became the executive director in 2014.
