Audrey Pang is an Operating Principal at Ionic Partners, a permanent capital platform focused on investing in software and data companies. With a value creation-based approach to investing, Ionic provides operational expertise and capital, as well as a modern approach to people and business through a future of work model. As the Operating Principal, Audrey directly leads transformation efforts at Ionic's portfolio companies.

Prior to her role at Ionic Partners, Audrey served as a Value Creation Director at Vista Equity Partners. She also worked at Basis Technologies, an adtech company, as well as Bain & Company and Jane Street Capital.

Audrey holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Princeton University and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She currently resides in Austin, Texas with her husband and three dogs (occasionally more as they love fostering dogs) and enjoys practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu and coaching wrestling on the weekends. She is also on the board of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Audrey maintains close ties with her Canadian roots and frequently returns to Toronto to visit friends and family.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.
(Your family, career, hobbies, or anything you'd like our community to know.)

I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, and have called Austin home for the past decade. My husband and I are proud to call South Austin home, where we are currently raising our eight-month-old baby alongside our three wonderful, chaotic dogs. Professionally, I work in private equity operations. Outside of work and family, I practice jiu-jitsu, coach wrestling, and serve on the board of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as well as Friends of the Children Austin. We also love working with Austin Pets Alive and have fostered dogs 16 times.

2. How did you first become involved with Friends of the Children Austin?
(What inspired you to support our mission?)

I first learned about Friends of the Children Austin a couple of years ago after a friend introduced me to them. Having been involved with various volunteer mentorship programs in the past, I already possessed a deep, fundamental belief in the power of mentorship to alter the trajectory of a young life. But when I looked closer at the Friends Austin model, something clicked.

In traditional volunteer programs, consistency and depth can be incredibly challenging to sustain over the long haul. Friends Austin completely solves that by providing professional, dedicated, long-term mentors. Seeing an organization commit to being a permanent, unwavering fixture in a child's life for 12+ years was incredibly inspiring. I knew immediately that I wanted to support that level of profound, local dedication.

3. Why is this mission personally important to you?
(Is there a particular experience or belief that makes it especially meaningful?)

This mission hits very close to home for me. Growing up, I was incredibly fortunate to have phenomenal coaches, teachers, and family members who stepped up to guide me. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve realized just how much of that was pure luck. Exceptional guidance shouldn't be a matter of luck or privilege; it should be a baseline promise for every child in our community.

Now, as a mother to a young son, the concept of the "village" means more to me than ever. We all want to surround our children with people who see their potential and refuse to let them fall. To be able to help provide that exact kind of village for children right here in Austin, kids who deserve that advocate in their corner, is not just a responsibility; it’s an absolute honor.

4. What inspired you to become a monthly donor?
(Why do you believe recurring giving is such a powerful way to support Friends Austin?)

The core philosophy of Friends Austin is radical consistency: showing up for a child month after month, year after year. As a donor, I wanted my financial support to mirror that exact same philosophy.

Becoming a monthly donor through the BFF campaign isn't just about writing a check; it's about embedding myself into the fabric of their ongoing support system. It allows me to show up consistently alongside the mentors. Recurring giving provides the reliable foundation the organization needs to keep doing its vital work, ensuring that we are collectively building a sustainable, resilient village for these kids over the long haul.

5. What would you say to someone who's thinking about becoming a BFF?
If you are on the fence, my advice is simple: just do it. It is easy to look at the world’s challenges and feel overwhelmed, but real change starts exactly where you live. Friends Austin is one of the highest-impact organizations you will ever find, directly transforming our local community from the ground up. Setting up a monthly gift means you commit once, and then the impact happens beautifully and reliably every single month. It is one of the most tangible, meaningful ways to show up for your neighbors and ensure that every child in Austin has the circle of support they need to champion their own future.