Conversations with Justin Roque

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Roque

Hi Justin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
2015 was a big year for me. I got engaged, got a new job with UT Athletics and on the brink of a move to Austin. It was a welcomed change, as I was feeling complacent in Houston and was in need of a new start. I’d always loved Austin; friends and I would make frequent trips during college. The culture was intriguing, much different from Houston. I was excited for the new beginning. Once I arrived and got settled in, my wife and I couldn’t stay in the house. Hiking, trying new restaurants, paddle-boarding (didn’t know this was a thing!). But one thing was strikingly clear, I was usually the only black person in the space. The more we went out, the more it became evident. Although Austin thrived on many fronts, it lacked in racial diversity and inclusion. Obviously, this was an issue, but I didn’t know how to tackle it or if I could. It took me awhile to find my footing in Austin. It wasn’t until we took a trip to Oakland where it clicked for me. The friend who we were visiting took me to a function thrown by a local minority-operated collective. The setting was a gritty alley between buildings. The crowd, people from various walks of life and different disciplines. All coming together to exchange culture and tap into something bigger than themselves. I was hooked. There, Third Coast Collective was born.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think with building anything you’re going to run into some hurdles. I’m grateful I did, because it helped me define the mission and fill out the idea. The biggest one was just putting it all together. Stating earlier, it took me awhile to find my footing here in Austin. I knew I wanted to do something but didn’t know what exactly. Being patient with the idea and meeting other like-minded people that looked like me helped with the validation. The other challenge has been building the community. Austin’s a unique place in being able to attract young diverse people. The problem lies with lack of options, not knowing or having a way to tap into a network outside of work. It’s frustrating and definitely something I’ve struggled with. So, audience buy-in has been an obstacle, but one you must go through when building a community. Our first few events have went off great and people have appreciated the platform. It confirms to me that we’re on the right path.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m currently an Events Program Coordinator for the University of Texas Athletics department. I manage the day to day operations for the premium areas in DKR Football Stadium. This includes about 115 suites and 5 club areas. I also help with producing internal programming and external events that are contracted in the spaces. I’ve learned a lot in my career thus far, but I’m ready for more substance. I’m working towards making a transition to more community/DEI programming. I’m most proud of being patient. It’s taken awhile to get to this point. I feel like I have a lot more to learn and give and there are ways I can still make an impact.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I don’t like the concept of networking. I feel like it’s forced interaction. My best advice would be to just be your authentic self. If there’s someone you want to network with, reach out to them and ask for 15 minutes of their time. Make sure you research them and come up with great questions. Ask them to stay in touch and if there’s anything you could do for them.

Contact Info:

• Email: justin@thirdcoastcollective.com
• Website: thirdcoastcollective.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirdcoastcllctve/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thirdcoastcllctve