Joyce Durst is the CEO and co-founder of Growth Acceleration Partners (GAP), a strategic technology solutions partner located in Austin, TX. She is an engineer by trade and a leader by nature, leveraging 30+ years of experience in the software and technology industry. Joyce co-founded GAP in 2007 without any outside capital. Her business model is built on strategic and long-term client partnerships, resulting in over a decade of profitable growth and more than 650 employees in Costa Rica, Colombia and the United States. GAP was founded on a purpose-based system of “striving for Greatness, being Agile and investing in People.” Joyce believes it is not enough to just write code; she challenges and rewards the diverse group of experts on her team to innovate and experiment. Employees stay ahead of the technology curve, anticipating future market needs and bearing the risk for clients, resulting in personal fulfillment and tremendous loyalty. As a visionary leader, Joyce has guided GAP’s growth and success over the past 16 years, but her biggest passion is investing in others. GAP is certified as a woman-owned business by the Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). The company's rapid growth and its technical excellence are attributed to Joyce's vision for prioritizing people, and creating more opportunities for women and other under-represented communities in technology. She received her B.S. in computer science from Texas A&M University as a first-generation student and launched her career with spirit and perseverance, improving the world around her by doing things differently. In the late ’90s, Joyce became one of few women to rise to executive ranks at a $1B enterprise software company. She pivoted to the role of CEO of a venture-backed startup, where her passion for building teams flourished. She successfully navigated the company through the turbulence of the 2001 tech bust, raising $21+M in funding over six years, and exiting with a sale. A sought-after speaker on leadership and women in business, Joyce contributes to Inc. Magazine’s Springboard Enterprises blog and mentors women CEOs and first-time entrepreneurs, especially about raising capital. As a platinum member of the Women Presidents’ Organization, Joyce acts as a mentor and coach to provide support, encouragement and direct feedback to women executives. She also gives numerous speeches and blog interviews throughout the year. Furthermore, as a member of the Board, Exec Committee and Chair of the Global Tech and Innovation Committee for the Austin Chamber of Commerce, Joyce meets regularly with other senior executives, CEOs and women leaders from in and around the Austin area to develop policy suggestions and help drive regional economic development. Her dedication to supporting other women also extends beyond U.S. borders. GAP sponsors and provides meeting space, coaches and training classes for an organization called Pioneeras in Colombia, which helps advance women in STEM careers. Joyce has won several prestigious industry awards, including the Top CEO award from the 2022 Greater Austin Business Awards; Profiles in Power award from the Austin Business Journal, and Stevie Award for Achievement in Developing and Promoting Women.

open to

Technology, Leadership, Software

SPEAKING TOPICS

• Technology

• Leadership

• Software