LBJ Women's Campaign School (2025)

Marisela Aramino is a dedicated community advocate in Tarrant County, Texas. The proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, a mother of four, and a wife, she is a former teacher whose students' stories inform her passion for civic engagement and community service. She is involved in community organizations dedicated to fostering growth and development, improving the lives of marginalized communities, and championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

Karlie Barnett is a researcher, policy analyst, and public service professional dedicated to strengthening democracy through civic engagement and community-driven change. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, and a recent graduate of the Clinton School of Public Service, she has worked across political, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors. From advocating for state and federal policy reforms to researching political representation, Barnett is committed to making government more accessible, responsive, and representative.

Barbara Barrios is deeply committed to public service and community engagement. Originally from Venezuela, she moved to Texas as an international student and earned degrees in international studies and educational leadership from the University of North Texas. She is dedicated to empowering communities through education and civic involvement to foster meaningful connections and positive change.

Melissa Barrow is a leader and sought-after presenter who has guided corporations in actionable decision-making using data-driven strategic insights. After running for city council in Mission, Kansas, she fully realized her passion as an advocate and became involved with municipal boards, neighborhood committees, nonprofit boards, and volunteer work.

Kenneth Bell is an Army veteran, campaign organizer, and former state Democratic executive committeeman for the Texas Democratic Party. During his time in the military, Bell was awarded two Army Commendation Medals and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. His passion is political campaigns, and he has worked on electoral and issue advocacy campaigns in Texas, New Mexico, and Kentucky.

Shana E. Benjamin is a mission-driven leader with over 15 years of experience in government, academia, and industry addressing critical talent gaps and driving measurable impact. A former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer and Pentagon staffer, she has led large-scale outreach programs, forged partnerships that secured millions in defense-aligned research, and accelerated workforce development initiatives in emerging technologies. Guided by her passion for public service, she continues to leverage her intelligence, technical, and defense expertise to create transformative talent pipelines and lasting impact.

Cassie Benoist-Templeton is a licensed attorney who has spent her career as a public servant leader. Outside the courtroom, her service to her community includes serving on the boards of a mental health group and a nonpartisan nonprofit organization focused on voter turnout, voter education, and voter rights. Her dedication and reputation for doing the right thing makes her an esteemed and respected advocate.

Tai Black is a visionary leader, event curator, and marketing strategist who transforms communities by blending education, advocacy, and radical empowerment. She amplifies overlooked voices and crafts narratives that don't just inspire change; they ignite movements. Through event curation, public speaking, and strategic leadership, Black is committed to building a future where communities don't just survive‚ — they rise, thrive, and lead.

Schnell Blanton is a dedicated and accomplished professional with a background spanning project management, employee engagement, and nonprofit leadership. Her passion for community involvement is reflected in her extensive work with nonprofit organizations, serving on boards including the American Heart Association's Women with Heart Advisory Board, where she played a key role in fundraising and event planning. As the director of outreach and diversity for the National Association of Women Business Owners, she championed the advancement of women entrepreneurs and advocated for equitable representation in business.

Markia Bordeaux is a Texas attorney with extensive litigation experience and a deep passion for community. She has been recognized for leading initiatives to expand legal access, empower the next generation, and promote civic engagement. She wants to drive policy change and increase equity though law and servant leadership.

Mirshish Boyd transitioned into education after nearly 20 years in the private sector, dedicating her career to empowering marginalized students. She holds both an undergraduate degree and a graduate certification from the University of Texas at Austin's Texas Principal Leadership Academy, and teaches multiple subjects to at-risk youth, including social justice values. She seeks to create meaningful change in education by advocating for equity and opportunity for all.

Allison Marie Bush is a results-driven leader dedicated to public service, community engagement, and education. As a teacher, counselor, election coordinator, and administrator, she has successfully managed staff, collaborated with boards, and developed bond campaign plans. She has been recognized for her innovative approach to fundraising and strategic leadership, which she brings to her service on multiple nonprofit boards and her mentorship of women in their careers.

Tanya Chiariello is a former television news anchor, media professional, nonprofit founder, education advocate and mother of four. As an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, she is also a Native artist that honors the legacy of her ancestors through the beauty of cultural expressions. After earning her law degree from George Mason University, she focused on leading the next generations to bold horizons of educational opportunity and healthy lifestyles.

Vanessa Cobarrubias, a proud product of Texas' Rio Grande Valley, has dedicated her life to service. As a physician assistant, she cared for thousands of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she is a former educator. Cobarrubias was a White House Fellow in 2022-23 in the Office of the First Lady and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Julie Cook is a passionate advocate for community impact, education, and civic engagement. As the founder of Impact Advisory Group and an educator, she helps leaders and organizations create meaningful change. A first-generation college graduate with a Master of Public Administration, she aspires to serve in an elected role where she can champion student success, advocate for equitable access to education, and create pathways for lifelong learning.

Dixie Davis is a digital media professional and small business owner. As a mother and school volunteer with a passion for public education, she gass used her skills in video production, graphic and web design to help elect pro-public education candidates and educate her community about public education funding. She has held several roles on the board of the League of Women Voters of Austin and Tarrant County, including director of advocacy, communications, and development, and has advocated for voting rights and access at the state and local level.

Cherrelle J. Duncan, MPSA, is a dynamic public servant, entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to driving purposeful and transformative change. An alum of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, she has built a career strengthening nonprofit and government effectiveness through strategic engagement, coalition building, resource mobilization, and policy advocacy. Committed to social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, she amplifies community voices and relentlessly works on initiatives across federal and local government, executive boards, and grassroots advocacy‚ striving to build stronger, more resilient, and thriving communities.

Dr. Virginia Elizondo is a lifelong educator and advocate dedicated to supporting children and marginalized communities. She holds advanced degrees in professional leadership, and has volunteered with numerous advocacy organizations, run for public office, and served on multiple educational committees to promote dignity, respect, and equity. Passionate about education and public service, she continues to work toward policies that create meaningful opportunities for all.

Sami Ewing thrives on taking on new challenges — saying "yes" to opportunities has fueled her professional and personal growth. She grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, and is a proud Florida Gator who graduated summa cum laude in journalism. Currently, she lives in the District of Columbia where she loves keeping up with politics.

Nicole Fondots is a seasoned consultant whose expertise sits at the intersection of politics and digital media. She worked on President Trump's campaign and has contributed strategic recommendations for local, state, and national races as an agency partner, managing multimillion-dollar persuasion and direct response campaigns. She is committed to advancing right-of-center candidates, and has served on the communications committee for the Young Republican National Federation and as a member of the DC GOP, representing the District as an alternate delegate at the 2024 Republican National Convention.

Brittany M. Ford, MPS, is a dedicated advocate for public service and an expert in political communications with roots in Richmond, Virginia. With a background in strategic messaging and campaign execution, she has successfully managed over 130 campaigns across 20 states, translating complex issues into compelling narratives that inspire action. She currently resides in Prince George's County, Maryland, and remains committed to using impactful storytelling to drive change and connect with diverse audiences.

April Guerra is a first-generation college graduate with an MBA from the University of the Incarnate Word and nearly nine years of public service experience. She has built a career in finance and real estate while remaining deeply committed to serving her community through nonprofit work and board service. As a mother and community leader, she is passionate about creating opportunities for others, supporting small businesses, and making a lasting impact.

Emma Hernández, MPA, is a communications strategist dedicated to leveraging media and digital advocacy to drive cultural change and advance equity. With experience in the government, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors, she has championed inclusive storytelling and community-driven initiatives through roles at the city of San Antonio, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Nonprofit Technology Network. She began working in public service as a champion for digital inclusion via Google Fiber's Digital Inclusion Fellowship and has since continued through her involvement in reproductive justice organizations, recognizing that both digital equity and reproductive justice are essential to self-determination.

Kimberly Hidrogo is a single mother whose life and career reflect her dedication to public service and the betterment of her community. As an attorney and first-generation college graduate, she understands the importance of hard work and education — values she learned growing up in poverty. Through volunteer efforts with organizations like Girl Scouts of America, Habitat for Humanity, Mobile Loaves and Fishes, and the Junior League of Austin, she works to support and uplift others.

Channler K. Hill is passionate about policy, education, writing, researching and fundraising. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in print journalism from the University of Houston, and went on to become a teacher with Teach For America in Washington, DC and Houston. She earned her master's degree in education from Johns Hopkins University and served in various roles in education in North Texas before working in leadership positions supporting Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert.

Naomi Howard's legal career has included collaborating with the Innocence Project of Texas and representing public officials and celebrities. A staunch defender of clients charged with criminal offenses in the Texas state and federal justice systems, Howard has long been convinced it's time to rethink the criminal justice system. Her time living in Japan and career experience outside law have given her perspective and understanding necessary to imagine new ways of solving old problems in our criminal justice system.

Park Inglefield is an organizer, trainer, and life-long advocate for the underserved and overlooked. She earned her undergraduate degree from Northeastern University, where she worked as an intern for Sen. Elizabeth Warren's Boston office, the Barbara Lee Political Office, and as an Emerge Massachusetts Fellow, helping to train two cohorts of Democratic women to run for office. Inglefield served as campaign manager for Lorissa Wright, a Gen-Z candidate for the Florida House of Representatives, and as a member of the National Democratic Training Committee's curriculum team. She most recently served as the North Carolina deputy state director for Rise .

Kennedy Kasten is an Arkansas community leader dedicated to public service and known for creating highly efficient and impactful strategies. She advocates for implementing people-focused policy, increasing civic engagement, and expanding opportunities for women. She has extensive experience with nonprofits and has worked in project management, recruitment and retention, strategic field plan design and execution, people leadership, communications and public relations, and political campaigns.

Kerri Keck is a 23-year Army veteran who has led diverse teams in complex environments with a mission-first mindset. After retiring in 2021, she has fulfilled her passion through volunteer work in her community. She is dedicated to creating positive social change through comprehensive, evidence-based and science-informed policy at the state and local level of government.

Janet Kelly is the founder of Seeking Peace Coaching, where she empowers women who are breaking free from abusive relationships and helps them reclaim their independence. Kelly earned a B.A. in biology from Texas A&M University and a master's degree in educational technology leadership from Lamar University. A native Texan and mother of seven, she enjoys participating in mentorship programs and community events.

Nusaibah S. Khan is a civic engagement strategist and public service advocate with a track record of empowering communities and driving meaningful change. Drawing from her experience in political organizing and leadership, Khan combines strategic insight with a deep commitment to fostering connection and equity. Her passion for advocacy began with grassroots organizing and continues through her efforts to amplify underrepresented voices.

Simone Liang is a community organizer based in Jacksonville, Florida and recently earned her B.A. in political science at the University of Florida, where she was involved in civic engagement through the Bob Graham Center for Public Service. After graduating, she led dozens of volunteers in registering hundreds of young voters for the 2024 election. She works in the nonprofit space, advising young individuals in launching their own advocacy and organizing projects across North Florida.

Lenora Light Walker is a dedicated advocate for justice-impacted individuals, working to dismantle systemic barriers and create transformative opportunities for those affected by incarceration. She is passionate about public service, community healing, and reimagining safety through education, empowerment, and policy change.

Debbie Lindsey-Opel is a business owner, professional speaker, and strategic adviser who has worked with with CEOs, state and local elected officials, and individuals for more than 30 years. She found her passion for public service working municipal government, including as chief of staff to the mayor of Corpus Christi and as a member-at-large on the Corpus Christi City Council. She has led a number of organizations including the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Bend.

Tracey Long is a community banker and a leader who has served on multiple boards and committees focused on social and economic issues. She is a board member of the Denton Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Denton Foundation, serves on the city's Community Services Advisory Commission, and volunteers with United Way of Denton County. In her free time, Tracey enjoys being outdoors, reading, and travel.

Nicole Maldonado is a political strategist, community organizer, NextGen 30 Under 30 honoree, and social impact leader dedicated to justice for women, immigrants, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities. A proud Queer Latina immigrant raised in Colombia, she has experience in political campaigns, policy work, and community leadership, focusing on amplifying underrepresented voices and driving systemic change. As president of LULAC Oklahoma and a member of the OKC Community Public Safety Advisory Board, Maldonado has worked to advance equity and social justice.

Lily McClure is passionate about building organizations people want to be a part of. Experienced in the public, private, and social sectors, she is skilled at solving complex problems and rallying others around a vision for a brighter future. She is heavily engaged in her community, serving in leadership roles in organizations focused on public education, public health, workforce development, and capacity building for nonprofits.

Josie McSpadden is a communications and education leader who has worked at the local, national, and global level to shape policy, drive communications strategy, and build public understanding. She held distinguished roles in the George W. Bush administration, remains a certified Texas middle school teacher, and works in philanthropy. A writer, runner, and mother of four, she believes in the power of service to create lasting change in her life and in others.

Kirsta Leeburg Melton has spent 25 years on the front lines prosecuting traffickers, abusers, rapists and perpetrators of family violence. She has served as an assistant criminal district attorney in Bexar County, the head of the Texas attorney general's human trafficking section, and the founder and CEO of the Institute to Combat Trafficking. A national trainer and published author, Melton played a critical role in restructuring Texas' trafficking law and procedure, and has crafted and led impactful teams committed to demanding justice for victims and promoting long-term cultural change.

Neethi Nayak is a renewable energy professional with a background spanning venture capital, philanthropy, management consulting, local government, and industry. Her interest in public service was sparked by the Texas Bluebonnet Girls State program, where her aspirations took her to the City of Chicago's Mayoral Fellowship program. Nayak is a proud Austinite, and an alum of Rice University as well as the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business / Harris School of Public Policy.

Aleja Newman is a fierce activist and organizer who believes in restorative social change and working for and with the people. Whether she is rallying community or doing stand-up comedy, Newman loves to connect with others.

Desiree Padron is an accomplished higher education professional with over 14 years of experience in community building, advocacy, and program development for underserved student populations. Her priorities are inclusivity, program innovation, and a commitment to enhancing student success, and advocating for equitable access to higher education — especially for first-generation college students. A native Dentonite, Padron contributes to her community through the City of Denton's Planning and Zoning Commission, the Leadership Denton program, and her involvement with local organizations.

Saba Parvizian is a passionate advocate for immigrant communities and criminal justice reform, shaped by her experiences as the child of Iranian immigrants. With hands-on experience in political campaigns including the 2024 presidential election and at the Democratic National Committee, she has mobilized voters, managed high-level political logistics, and advocated for marginalized communities. From organizing grassroots efforts to supporting national campaign initiatives, Parvizian is committed to using her expertise to amplify underrepresented voices and drive meaningful change in politics.

V. Blayre Pena is a trial and appellate lawyer who handles complex construction and business disputes across Texas, and has been recognized as a "Super Lawyer" by the Austin Bar Association. She grew up in the Austin area and has given back to the community by participating in organizations such as Mobile Loaves and Fishes. Pena serves on the board of the Austin Community College Foundation to help make college possible for all.

Idelma Quintana has more than 30 years of experience in public service as a public-school teacher and administrator, facilitator of diversity programs, and community organizer. Her experience as an Afro-Latina immigrant woman informs her approach to policymaking. She is passionate about building strong communities as the foundation for a thriving society capable of overcoming challenges, and is a champion for children, families, and the environment.

Rochelle M. Ragas is a distinguished alum of Dillard University and a servant leader with over 30 years of experience in government. Her passion is deeply rooted in advocating for diversity and inclusion, focusing particularly on empowering women, children's literacy, and low-income and underserved communities. She has extensive volunteer experience with organizations such as Trinity River Mission, the Euless Library Board and the Euless Library Foundation.

Kimberlee Ralph is an educator, researcher, and policy professional who has worked to address education access and teacher retention. Serving communities in South and Central Texas as a middle school teacher for nine years, Ralph saw the barriers many of her students and their families faced. In her personal and professional life, she is a coalition builder and leader for change.

Sydney Ramon is a dedicated public service professional passionate about advocacy and community engagement. She founded The RGV Matters, a youth-led organization connecting young people in the Rio Grande Valley to leadership and service opportunities. Focusing on social and basic needs policy, Ramon works to advance policies to improve communities and expand opportunities for vulnerable populations.

Gabrielle Smith, Ph.D., is a social psychologist, researcher, and advocate committed to fostering equity and inclusion. She has dedicated her career to advancing leadership opportunities for historically marginalized groups and promoting social justice. Through research, mentorship, and strategic community engagement, she works to bridge gaps in access, representation, and opportunity, ensuring that diverse voices shape the future of leadership and policy.

Jayne Snyder is a real estate attorney experienced in civil transactions and litigation, with a long-term interest in serving the community. Her interest in public service and government began in second grade, expanded during school years through student council, and later matured in a political science degree and her career in law.

Shreya Srivathsan is a first-generation undergraduate student at the University of Michigan, passionate about helping young women find their voices in politics. As a Running Start Congressional Fellow and Next Step Program participant, she's gained firsthand experience navigating legislative processes, shaping policy, and advocating for change. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Srivathsan hopes to attend law school and build a career in public service, where she can bridge grassroots movements with policy reform.

Feliz Stafford is a dedicated public service professional with a passion for fostering community development and advancing effective policy solutions. With a background in government relations, program management, and legislative analysis at the local, state, and federal levels, she has worked to improve public services and ensure that communities are well served. She is committed to leveraging research, collaboration, and strategic planning to create meaningful change.

Christa Stoneham is an urban strategist, community developer, and public servant committed to transforming underutilized land into thriving community assets. With a background in architecture and policy, she has spent her career advancing equitable housing, environmental justice, and sustainable neighborhood revitalization. She collaborates with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local stakeholders to drive systemic change and ensure communities have a voice in shaping their future.

Emily G. Kinney Stroup is a native Texan who has spent of her life serving others. A lawyer for 18 years, she works primarily in civil defense representing individuals, corporations and small businesses. She has served on various boards, commissions and councils. Her favorite — and most important — role, however, is her role as a mother of two spunky children who keep her on her toes.

Amanda Sudaz is a dedicated campaign strategist with a passion for community-driven engagement and a unique perspective from her career as a physical therapist. She understands the impact of local policies on community well-being and has successfully led grassroots initiatives, volunteer mobilization, and voter outreach to increase civic participation. Her experience in organizing and strategic planning allows her to build effective, data-driven efforts that strengthen communities and drive meaningful change.

Brianna TenBrink is a disability advocate, trainer and facilitator, community volunteer, and social leader who has served on city, state, and international committees and boards advising on disability policy strategy and accessibility best practices. With a background in business, she has successfully implemented impactful statewide projects, programs, and initiatives that promote disability awareness and influence capacity building and systems change. TenBrink's goal is to improve systems such as education, employment, health care access, and transportation to positively impact outcomes for individuals with disabilities, like her two autistic sisters.

Ashley Bean Thornton is a community connector who has worked and consulted in public education, small business, the corporate world, the nonprofit sector and academia. She lives in Waco, Texas, where she has started a handful of initiatives to encourage community involvement — including Act Locally Waco, Waco Walks, Vote for ALL Kids, and McLennan County Talks.

Carolina M. Veira is a finance and business strategist dedicated to equity, impact, and community empowerment. She champions health equity, education, entrepreneurship, and social justice initiatives, forging meaningful partnerships to drive lasting change. Passionate about building a resilient and empowered society, she leverages her expertise to expand opportunities and uplift underrepresented communities. Veira is also a 2024 Presidential Leadership Scholar and Chair of the Hispanic Heritage Chamber of Commerce.

Frieda Wiley is an award-winning public speaker, bestselling author, strategist, consultant, and entrepreneur whose current and previous client list includes the National Institutes of Health, WebMD, Merck, Danaher, and O, the Oprah Magazine. Her first book became an Amazon bestseller in October 2022. She holds a doctorate of pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of the Incarnate Word, a B.S. in biochemistry from the University of Texas at Austin, and a B.A. in Spanish from the University of Texas at Austin.

Tyeshia "Ty" Wilson is an award-winning philanthropist, facilitator, public speaker, and catalyst for social change who inspires generosity and collective action through storytelling, philanthropic advising, and training on the power of collective giving. A passionate advocate for democracy and community engagement, Wilson has dedicated her career to advancing social change, building impactful strategic partnerships, launching giving circles worldwide, and training thousands on how to start collective giving groups that advance social justice. Her zeal for public service extends through her leadership in local and national philanthropic and advocacy organizations focused on strengthening democracy and diversifying philanthropy.

Bernadette Wolfe is a retired foreign service specialist and lifelong volunteer with experience in leadership, government affairs, and campaign support. She was appointed to Gov. Olene Walker's Utah Hispanic Advisory Council, and served as Coryell County GOP chair and as department president of the Utah Ladies Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars. A graduate of the Texas Emergency Management Academy and a licensed NREMT, she is committed to advancing both emergency management and public policy.