Batya Porter, a Realtor and Property Tax Consultant with Horizon Realty, has been named a finalist for the Emerging Leader Award by the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes business professionals who demonstrate accelerated leadership growth, meaningful community involvement, and commitment to their region. Winners will be announced on February 5, 2026.
Porter joined the Round Rock Chamber in November 2024 seeking connection with local business owners. What began as a networking decision became a turning point in her personal and professional growth. After investing in a two-minute spotlight at a Mid-Morning Mixer, Chamber members provided encouragement, mentorship, and practical guidance that helped her develop into a confident speaker and community leader. "Joining the Chamber helped me grow immensely, both personally and professionally," Porter said. "It gave me the confidence to show up, speak up, and truly connect."
Months after joining, Porter was encouraged to apply for the Chamber's Ambassador Program. Over the past year in this role, she has welcomed new members, supported events, and strengthened trust across the business community. The position allowed her to establish herself as a reliable, service-oriented presence in Round Rock and throughout Central Texas.
Porter serves clients across Central Texas with a blend of technical expertise and people-first service. She holds 12 professional real estate certifications and is recognized for her knowledge of property tax consulting, helping both residential and commercial clients navigate complex ownership decisions. More information about her services is available at https://buywithbatya.com.
One of the most meaningful aspects of Porter's recognition is her personal initiative to address food insecurity in local elementary schools. What began three years ago with snack support at Gattis Elementary has grown to include five schools: Gattis Elementary, Robertson Elementary, Berkman Elementary, Deepwood Elementary, and Reed Elementary. By quietly supplying snacks, Porter helps ensure students have access to food during the school day.
"This recognition reflects how much the Chamber and this community have poured into me," Porter said. "I'm grateful for the mentorship, the encouragement, and the chance to give back in ways that truly matter." Porter joins fellow finalists Lucia Murguia of Westwood Professional Services and Tanner O'Brien of ActionCOACH Central Texas in consideration for the Emerging Leader Award.
The Emerging Leader Award highlights professionals who are making significant contributions early in their careers, setting a standard for business leadership in Texas. For the Central Texas business community, Porter's nomination demonstrates the tangible impact of Chamber involvement on individual growth and regional economic development. Her story illustrates how professional networking organizations can catalyze personal transformation while fostering community engagement.
Porter's dual focus on business excellence and social responsibility represents a model for modern Texas entrepreneurship. Her work in property tax consulting provides valuable expertise to clients navigating complex real estate decisions, while her commitment to addressing food insecurity demonstrates how business leaders can directly impact community wellbeing. This combination of professional skill and civic engagement creates a multiplier effect that benefits both the local economy and social fabric.
The recognition comes at a time when Texas continues to attract businesses and residents seeking economic opportunity. Professionals like Porter who combine technical expertise with community investment contribute to the state's reputation as a destination for both business growth and quality of life. Her journey from seeking connections to becoming a community leader exemplifies the potential for individual initiative to create broader positive impact.
