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Alexandra Simpson is a public health professional whose leadership is rooted in intentionality, curiosity, and building systems that bring ideas to life.
She is known for translating vision into action through resource development, collaboration, and thoughtful delegation. In a previous role, Alexandra helped lead the creation of program toolkits aligned with key performance measures, developing presentations, activities, and lesson plans that strengthened program delivery.
In her current work, she prioritizes learning from colleagues and community members, especially those with lived experience, to ensure culturally responsive and inclusive practices across diverse populations.
Alexandra Simpson
(She/Her)
Project Coordinator - Texas Department of State Health Services
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April Briscoe is a servant leader who is deeply committed to service, education, and people-centered leadership.
She is most ful lled when contributing to organizations and communities that prioritize collective impact and meaningful connection. April intentionally seeks opportunities that allow her to grow, stretch, and learn from others, approaching leadership as a continuous journey rooted in curiosity and humility.
Guided by integrity, compassion, and respect, she strives to use her gifts to empower others and contribute to work that is larger than herself.
April Briscoe (She/Her)
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Aquita “Q” Gaddis is a faith driven leader, entrepreneur, and mother of four who has called Austin home for over 20 years. Originally from Marrero, Louisiana, she serves in executive leadership roles at Greater Harvest Fellowship Center Church and Jesus is More Powerful Ministries, where she oversees youth and dance ministries and mentors emerging leaders.
Aquita is also the owner of Virtuous Styles By Q and It’s A Vibe Hair Studio, and the founder of Virtuous Connections, empowering women through faith based leadership and personal growth. Her leadership is rooted in service, purpose, and inspiring others to lead with con dence and impact their communities.
Aquita Gaddis (She/Her)
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Ashleigh Hamilton is a Black woman born and raised in Austin whose leadership has been shaped by lived experience, community responsibility, and advocacy.
Her work across nonpro t and community spaces centers people who are often overlooked or unheard. Ashleigh leads with honesty, care, and accountability, prioritizing relationship building and equity in everything she does.
Whether managing programs, building partnerships, or supporting community driven solutions, she shows up with intention and a deep belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in the city they call home.
Ashleigh Hamilton (She/Her)
Educator - Austin Independent School District
Program Specialist - City of Austin
Director of Middle School Programs - Breakthrough Central Texas
Jasmine Ngozi Beatty
Event Coordinator - Allgo
Regional Director, North Accelerators - Austin Community College
Jeremy Rashad Brown Founder/CEO - NEO GRIOT
Program Coordinator - Austin Community College
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Julia Cabin is a proud Austin native whose leadership is grounded in community connection, service, and culturally responsive engagement.
She serves as Community Outreach Manager at the Center for Child Protection, where she builds partnerships with agencies, nonpro ts, and community organizations to strengthen child abuse prevention e orts and improve outcomes for families. Julia’s background as a CPS Investigator and community worker with Austin Public Health has shaped her empathetic, equity-centered approach to leadership.
Deeply committed to the safety and well-being of children and families, she leads through collaboration and purpose, aligning her work closely with e orts to create lasting positive change in her home community.
Julia Cabin (She/Her)
Community Outreach Manager - Center for Child Protection
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Kesha James is an educator, licensed therapist, and consultant with nearly two decades of experience supporting schools and communities through equity centered and relationship driven work.
Her leadership is rooted in compassion, clarity, and a deep belief in people’s capacity to grow when they feel seen and supported. Kesha has led large scale professional learning initiatives focused on social emotional learning, culturally responsive leadership, trauma informed practices, and strengthening partnerships between educators and families.
Now building her work in Austin, she is committed to contributing to a community where educators, families, and young people feel resourced, respected, and connected.
Kesha James (She/Her)
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Dr. Kimberly Lowry is a mission driven leader dedicated to advancing educational equity, economic mobility, and community impact across Texas.
Through her career in higher education and philanthropy, she has led collaborative e orts that strengthen college to career pathways and expand opportunity for students and communities. As Vice President of the Texas Association of Community Colleges and Executive Director of the Texas Success Center, Dr. Lowry works alongside college leaders, employers, and policymakers to design systems that close equity gaps.
Her leadership is grounded in integrity, collaboration, and service, guiding how she builds teams and champions lasting, inclusive change.
Dr. Kimberly Lowry (She/Her)
Vice President - Texas Association of Community College
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Lieutenant LaRon Ward is a re service leader with two decades of experience dedicated to training, mentorship, and public safety.
Serving with the Austin Fire Department since 2015, he has progressed through multiple leadership roles and now leads training initiatives for cadets and probationary re ghters. As Training Lieutenant, LaRon shapes the next generation of re ghters through curriculum development, hands on instruction, and leadership development.
He is the founder of the Austin Fire Explorer Program Post 370, creating pathways for youth interested in public safety careers. Guided by service and accountability, he is committed to developing strong leaders and building safer communities.
LaRon Ward (He/Him)
Lieutenant - City of Austin Fire Department
- Bungalow 7 Wellness Collection
McLaughlin
Venue Manager - DAWA
Patrice Wright is a native Austinite and respected business owner whose leadership bridges entrepreneurship, education, and youth development.
She is the founder of AOC Event Group, which includes weddings, events, balloons, and photo booth services, and the founder of the Miss Black Central Texas Organization, a nonpro t dedicated to cultivating young Black women into con dent, community minded leaders through scholarships and enrichment programming.
Patrice also works within Austin ISD, supporting students and families at a Title I school by fostering environments rooted in care and understanding. Known for her strong relationship building, she leads with love and a belief that connection is the foundation for meaningful impact.
SaulPaul is a GRAMMY nominated artist, speaker, and social entrepreneur dedicated to inspiring and empowering individuals through creativity, education, and purpose driven leadership.
As founder and president of Skill Builders Career Academy, he develops accessible pathways for opportunity youth and justice impacted adults to build essential soft skills, career readiness, and workforce con dence. SaulPaul’s leadership is rooted in dignity, resilience, and legacy, blending curriculum innovation, mentorship, and community partnerships to break barriers and foster economic mobility.
Whether on stage or in learning spaces, he leads by example, using storytelling and music to transform lives and create lasting, generational impact.
