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 a deep commitment to the region they serve. Porter joins fellow finalists Lucia Murguia of Westwood Professional Services and Tanner O'Brien of ActionCOACH Central Texas, with winners to be announced on February 5, 2026.
Porter's journey with the Round Rock Chamber began in November 2024, when she sought connection with local business owners and a sense of community after more than a decade living in Texas. What started as a networking decision quickly became a catalyst for personal and professional growth. An early two-minute spotlight at a Mid-Morning Mixer, though initially nerve-wracking, led to encouragement, mentorship, and practical guidance from Chamber members. This support helped her evolve into a confident speaker and visible community leader. Porter shared that joining the Chamber gave her the confidence to show up, speak up, and truly connect.
Professionally, 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 widely recognized for her knowledge in property tax consulting, assisting both residential and commercial clients with complex ownership decisions. Her nomination reflects not only these qualifications but also her consistent dedication to clients, peers, and the broader business community. More information about her services can be found at https://buywithbatya.com.
Months after joining the Chamber, Porter was encouraged to apply for the Chamber's Ambassador Program, a role she embraced despite initial nerves. Over the past year as an Ambassador, she has deepened her involvement by welcoming new members, supporting events, and strengthening trust across the business community, establishing herself as a reliable, service-oriented presence in Round Rock and beyond.
Beyond her professional and Chamber roles, Porter's community impact is notably demonstrated through her personal initiative to address food insecurity in local elementary schools. What began three years ago with snack support at Gattis Elementary, inspired by a connection through an early buyer client, has expanded to include five schools in 2025: 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, enabling them to focus on learning and growth.
Porter expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that it reflects how much the Chamber and community have invested in her. She emphasized her appreciation for the mentorship, encouragement, and opportunities to give back in meaningful ways. This nomination underscores the importance of community engagement in fostering leadership and highlights how local initiatives, such as Porter's snack program, can address broader social issues like food insecurity, potentially inspiring similar efforts in other regions.
