Cherie Werner
FIESTA (Founders, Investors, Entrepreneurs, Techies, Austin Newcomers) Founder & CEO
Cherie Werner is the Founder and CEEO (Chief Empowerment and Encouragement Officer) of FIESTA Community, Austin’s fastest-growing founder network since COVID. FIESTA, which stands for Founders, Investors, Entrepreneurs, Startups, Techies, and Austin Newcomers and Adventurers, was created to help founders thrive in Austin’s dynamic and often overwhelming startup scene.
A proud native Texan and longtime Austinite of over 34 years, Cherie launched FIESTA in July 2021 after recognizing a growing need for genuine, in-person connection following the isolation of the pandemic. What began as a small gathering quickly evolved into a powerful movement. FIESTA has hosted more than 65 events and welcomed over 10,000 attendees. Cherie also started FoundHERs GatHERings, a monthly series uplifting women founders/entrepreneurs, and engages the broader community through two popular newsletters: FIESTA Focus and The FoundHERs HERald
Cherie, often affectionately known as Austin’s “startup mama,” is a seasoned super-connector, certified life coach, and passionate advocate for others. Her life’s work is grounded in service, family, and community. For over three decades, she has mentored students, supported young mothers and homeschooling families, and co-led premarital coaching alongside her husband, Jon. Together, they raised three daughters, who are now grown and thriving in Austin.
As a family, they co-founded KOYA (2019–2022), a purpose-driven tech company that was awarded two patents. Cherie also played a vital behind-the-scenes role supporting Jon’s earlier venture, Bones in Motion (2001–2009), which was acquired by adidas. These experiences have given her a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial journey, its challenges, sacrifices, and moments of joy, which fuels her unwavering empathy and commitment to supporting fellow founders.
Cherie’s been recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Austin Woman Magazine Entrepreneurial Architect Change Maker and a finalist for DivInc’s 2024 Champions of Change Awards in the Spacemaker category. Whether around a dinner table or in a packed room of 200+ founders, she brings people together with intention, empathy, and an unwavering belief in the power of community.
