Meet Cohort 7
This sixth class is made up of 55 leaders from around the country — change-makers, lawyers, community activists, nonprofit leaders, business executives, entrepreneurs, community activists, and teachers, who are determined to serve their community in the political arena.
The program kicks off in May 2026, with monthly trainings through November.
LBJ Women's Campaign School Inaugural Cohort (2020)
LBJ Women's Campaign School Cohort 2 (2021)
LBJ Women's Campaign School Cohort 3 (2022)
LBJ Women's Campaign School Cohort 4 (2023)
LBJ Women's Campaign School Cohort 5 (2024)
LBJ Women's Campaign School Cohort 6 (2025)
Jovahana Avila
Jovahana Avila is a civic leader committed to expanding opportunities for Latino communities and strengthening the next generation of leaders. She has been involved in Latino leadership development through organizations such as the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, the Callejo-Botello Latino Leadership Academy, and the National Hispanic Institute. Professionally, she has built a career in financial crimes compliance, including leadership roles at global companies such as Goldman Sachs and eBay.
Gabriella Bermea
Gabriella Bermea, AIA, NCARB, NOMA, is an award-winning architect, author, philanthropist, and national speaker devoted to shaping the profession with the same intention she brings to every project. Recognized for her work at the intersection of education, advocacy, and community impact, Bermea's public service continues through educational design work in schools across the US and Mexico and has expanded through national leadership within regulatory and professional advocacy organizations, advancing access to licensure, mentorship, and inclusive pathways to practice. Her work is rooted in a single conviction: that the spaces we build should reflect the values, stories, and aspirations of the people who use them.
Kelsey Black
Kelsey Black is a community-focused small business owner and nonprofit professional based in Pflugerville, Texas. Her work centers on building welcoming spaces, supporting local economies, and strengthening community through books, arts, and civic engagement. She has experience working with and supporting nonprofit organizations and community initiatives, with a focus on inclusion, access, and collaboration. Kelsey is passionate about creating programs and partnerships that bring people together and help communities thrive.
April Brownlee
April Brownlee is an Emmy Award-winning writer and producer. With roots in broadcast journalism and a career spanning nonprofit and public-sector public relations, she's covered communications from every angle. For the past decade, Brownlee has focused her storytelling on public education‚ the heartbeat of strong communities.
Heather Coffee
Heather Coffee is a first-generation attorney and published author committed to public service and empowering the next generation of civic leaders. She has served the State of Texas as an attorney in the Texas Senate and as an Assistant Attorney General, drawing on skills from her prior career in tech to bring a practical, results-oriented approach to her legal work. Born and raised in the Texas Panhandle, she earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and her law degree from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University in New York.
Avery Cordero
Avery Cordero earned her degree from the University of Arizona, where her studies and early experiences in public service sparked a strong interest in public affairs. Raised in New Mexico, she has worked in congressional and state government offices and is now based in Austin, where she helps build initiatives at Cultivar Communities that connect families to long-term economic opportunity. She is passionate about strengthening civic engagement and helping communities better understand and access the policies and public systems that shape their futures.
Kathy Coronado
Kathy Coronado is a grassroots organizer and program leader with more than 13 years of experience bringing people together to strengthen communities and advance meaningful initiatives, including leadership roles on high-level national campaigns across multiple states. Recognized by multiple civic organizations for her leadership and service, she is known for building trusted relationships, mentoring emerging leaders, and creating structured programs that help teams deliver results. Guided by her philosophy to "Serve to Lead," Coronado is driven by a deep belief in collaboration, opportunity, and the power of collective action to create lasting impact.
Natasha Cruz-Sanchez
Natasha Cruz-Sánchez is a proud Puerto Rican woman, nurse, truck driver, entrepreneur, and industry advocate dedicated to elevating the voices of professional drivers and strengthening the trucking community. Originally from Puerto Rico, she built her path in transportation after relocating to the mainland following Hurricane Maria, combining her passions for coffee, logistics, and community through her brand Nacrusán. Through leadership, storytelling, and industry advocacy, she works to improve safety, opportunity, and respect for drivers while helping shape a more equitable future for the people who keep the supply chain moving.
Jordan Dolen
Jordan Dolen is an award-winning orator and nationally acclaimed public speaker spanning a career over 10+ years. She is a passionate advocate as a Global Youth Ambassador for TheirWorld Children’s Charity, The World Literacy Foundation, and member of the inaugural Civic Leaders Cohort through the Peter G. Peterson Foundation. She is committed to public service and advancing policy initiatives in her native state of Texas shown through her time on Congressional and District campaigns within grassroots movements and research. Jordan is working to close gaps in policy locally and branching worldwide, as well as in the space sector, such as her research with the Space Generation Advisory Council in Policy, Neuropharmacology, and targeting NASA’s pain points with proposal and technical writing for Surface Exploration and Human Operations for the Lucy Mission.
Katie Ferguson
Katie Ferguson is a Louisiana-based advocate, speaker, and community leader whose work centers on service, resilience, and strengthening communities. A heart surgery survivor and longtime caregiver to a catastrophically injured retired veteran, she is deeply committed to advancing policies and initiatives that support caregivers, veterans, education, women’s advocacy, and public health. Ferguson’s passion for public service is reflected in her civic engagement, nonprofit leadership, and ongoing efforts to help shape stronger, healthier communities.
Nicole Freeman
Nicole Freeman is a former Texas public school math and computer science teacher with experience across the classroom, political campaigns, legislative engagement, and state government. Drawing on this cross-sector perspective, she works to strengthen the systems that support students and educators across Texas. Freeman believes that all students are capable of learning and achieving and that collaboration is key to building a stronger education system.
Isabella Fuentes
Isabella Fuentes is a Venezuelan-born public servant and University of North Texas graduate with a background in political science and communication studies. She has worked across state and federal government and has been deeply involved in expanding civic engagement through organizations like IGNITE, where she founded a campus chapter and mentored young leaders. Isabella is passionate about empowering the next generation of advocates and strengthening democratic participation in communities across the country.
Selena Garcia
Selena Garcia (she/hers/ella/她) is a DREAMaker, policy strategist, and political social worker rewriting the rules of government, equity, and immigrant justice. Rooted in a deep firsthand understanding of the immigrant experience, she drives bold policies that expand access, enforce accountability, and place immigrant voices at the center of decision-making. Recognized for transformative leadership across communities and academia, she is redefining governance while inspiring the next generation of DREAMakers to lead beyond fronteras.
Ileana Garza-Rojas
Ileana Garza-Rojas serves on the Board of Trustees for Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, where she advocates for student success, strong public schools, and legislative policies that support public education. A graduate of Texas Woman's University with a degree in government and legal studies, she has worked in the legal field for nearly two decades and runs a freelance paralegal business. Ms. Garza-Rojas is also an active community volunteer and parent advocate dedicated to supporting students, families, and legislative advocacy efforts that strengthen Texas public schools.
Victoria Gomez
Victoria Gomez is a dedicated and passionate professional with a heart for helping children and their families thrive. With an educational foundation, including a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master's Degree in Public Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work. She is driven by a desire to make a real difference in her community and always looking for opportunities to use her skills to support those in need. Currently, as the School-Based Program Manager within the Bexar County Public Health Department, she leads a county initiative to promote mental wellness in schools. She loves collaborating with local school districts to ensure that students and their families have access to the resources they need to flourish. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she values connection and collaboration. She is a skilled communicator, a creative problem-solver, and a natural leader. Whether writing grants, developing programs, or building partnerships, she approaches every task with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to create positive change. Her work today, tomorrow and in the future will always be to ""Transform Lives and Strengthen Our Communities."
Melissa Gonzales
Melissa Gonzales is a community advocate and entrepreneur dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods and expanding opportunities for working families. Her public service is rooted in civic engagement, coalition building, and supporting initiatives that improve infrastructure, accessibility, and economic development in her community. Gonzales is passionate about empowering others to participate in public life and believes strong communities are built when everyday leaders step forward to serve.
Imelda Gutierrez
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.
Jenna Harlan
Jenna Harlan is a political professional committed to thoughtful, results-driven policy and strategic communication. Drawing on her background in campaigning and government affairs, her public service began in political campaigns across Texas and has continued through her work in the Texas Capitol. A proud Longhorn and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, she is committed to translating policy into meaningful outcomes for the leaders and communities she serves.
Maria "Lola" Hermosillo
Lola Hermosillo is a public servant, educator, and diplomat whose career has taken her from California classrooms to the halls of U.S. embassies across four continents. The first in her family to attend university — and a graduate of UC Berkeley and UC San Diego — she built a career representing the United States and managing large-scale investments in democratic institutions and economic opportunity. Too often the only Latina in the room, she knows firsthand what is lost when communities go unrepresented; she is now home in Northern California, committed to bringing those missing voices — from working families, agricultural towns, and first-generation students — to the tables where decisions are made.
Dr. Jada Jackson
Dr. Jada Jackson is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, mental health expert, and visionary leader helping high-achieving individuals and organizations renew their minds and perform at their highest level. With over 15 years of experience and more than 4,000 lives impacted within her practice, she blends clinical expertise, faith-based principles, and real-world strategy to transform how people think, lead, and live. As the founder of ThinkWell+ Counseling & Wellnes, Dr. Jada specializes in anxiety, trauma, relationships, and peak performance—serving professionals, athletes, and leaders who refuse to settle for burnout or emotional stagnation. Deeply rooted in community impact, Dr. Jada actively serves through local and statewide initiatives, including her work on the Texas committee for Respite Services, advocacy for accessible mental health care, and partnerships that support underserved and high-risk populations. She is passionate about bridging the gap between clinical care and real-life application—bringing mental wellness into churches, schools, workplaces, and communities that need it most. Known for her powerful presence on media platforms and stages alike, Dr. Jada delivers truth with clarity, warmth, and a touch of wit—reminding people everywhere: you don’t have to stay stuck… you can renew your mind and restore your soul.
Reilly Vail Jackson
Reilly Vail Jackson is a political organizer and a proud alumna of the University of Colorado Boulder. She has worked with the offices of Joe Neguse, Jared Polis, and the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Minority Staff. Jackson has contributed to multiple campaigns and community organizations; working as a campaign manager while also serving in student leadership roles at Boulder. In 2024, she was the youngest Coloradan selected to represent her state party during the national cycle and plans to pursue a career electing progressive, pragmatic, and service-driven candidates.
Veronyka James
Veronyka James is a researcher and criminal justice policy advisor specializing in policies and programs that support survivors of crime. She has led several impactful initiatives, including the creation of a model U visa policy, the design of a dashboard to map resources for domestic violence survivors, and spearheaded the establishment of the Harris County Sexual Assault Team, strengthening coordinated responses and advocacy for survivors. She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Criminology and currently has one rescue dog, Watson, and one foster dog, Hamilton.
Erin Lindsey Bourget Jamieson
Erin Lindsey Porsche Jamieson is a current doctor of public administration student, executive leader, LBJ school alumni, and a mother to two amazing children. When she is not in her community advocating for change and equity, she is spending time with her children, hiking, taking day trips to the beach, and enjoying local Mom-and-Pop cuisine.
Lanelle Jarmon
Lanelle Jarmon is an eighth generation Austinite who has devoted her adult life to public service. She is community-forward, service-oriented and communication-focused person. She is dedicated to creating respectful and equitable environments for people of all colors, creeds and economic backgrounds.
Mariyah Kazim
Mariyah Kazim is a public health researcher and civic leader dedicated to advancing equitable access to health, data, and community resources. She is passionate about public service and works at the intersection of policy, law, and community advocacy, using research and data to inform solutions that strengthen public systems and uplift minority voices. Through civic engagement and community-centered research, she is committed to advancing policies that expand opportunity and improve health and social outcomes for underserved communities.
Julie Lass
Julie Lass is a communications strategist, community organizer, and educator who has spent her career helping organizations engage the public and build stronger civic networks. Her experience includes leading communications initiatives, mentoring educators, and organizing multi-pronged volunteer efforts that increase voter engagement and community participation. She is driven by a deep commitment to public service and the belief that strong communities are built through informed and active citizens.
Patricia (Pati) Limón de Rodríguez
Patricia (Pati) Limón de Rodríguez is a first-generation, multilingual attorney whose second career took her from business administration to law, bringing a unique perspective to her legal practice. Born in the Lone Star State to a Mexican immigrant father and a mother with multi-generational Texas and Mexican roots, her commitment to civic participation is driven by her passion to ensure that every individual has a voice in our democracy. Through over two decades of community volunteerism, she has supported local activism and voter engagement, including serving as a board member of various organizations at the regional and national levels.
Dyan Lofton
Dyan Lofton is the Managing Attorney of Austin Legal Access, where she is dedicated to expanding access to justice for individuals and families in the community. Committed to public service, she works to ensure that legal support is accessible, compassionate, and impactful. Outside of her legal practice, Dyan enjoys volunteering with local organizations and giving back to the community she serves.
Diana Martinez Alexander
Diana Martinez Alexander is a veteran educator in a large urban school district in Houston, serving special education students, linguistically diverse populations, and lower socio-economic families. She is a proud daughter of immigrants, wife, mother, and advocate who is devoted to working for community. Since the 2016 election, she has built grassroots campaigns focused on people-centered policy to endure despite our country's slide into authoritarianism.
Lauren McKenzie
Lauren McKenzie is the Director of Early Childhood–12th Grade Policy at the Commit Partnership, where she advances data-driven policies to strengthen education systems and improve student outcomes. Previously, she served as Senior Policy Associate for Early Learning at Texans Care for Children and as Director of Policy for the Texas House Early Childhood Caucus, leading bipartisan efforts on pre-K, early literacy and numeracy, bilingual education, and early childhood special education. A former kindergarten teacher, Lauren is committed to aligning research, policy, and practice to support children and families. She holds a B.S. in Human Sciences from Texas Tech University, an M.Ed. from Lipscomb University, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Education Policy and Planning at the University of Texas at Austin.
Kayla "Kitty" McLeod
Kitty McLeod is a cultural strategist, facilitator, and movement artist who works at the intersection of community well-being, equity, and creative expression. Drawing on a background in trauma-informed movement, wellness practices, and organizational culture work, she helps individuals and institutions cultivate environments grounded in belonging, collaboration, and care. Her passion for public service is reflected in her ongoing commitment to community leadership, supporting initiatives that strengthen civic engagement, cultural visibility, and collective well-being.
Madison McNair
Madison Noelle McNair is a life-long Texas resident with a history of grassroots volunteering and advocating for over 20 years. An advocate for Disability rights and justice, she has dedicated more than 20 years to volunteering and community service. Her work is driven by a deep passion for helping others and creating more inclusive, equitable spaces for people of all backgrounds with a focus on creating accessible infrastructure and events in the DFW metroplex by attending city council meetings, volunteering with local organizations, and at-large in the community. She is a thoughtful communicator and lifelong learner committed to making a meaningful difference through service and advocacy. She intends to apply this incredible learning opportunity to real-life campaigning and advocacy in DFW and beyond.
Kelly McNeil
Kelly McNeil, an award winning professional nurse and speaker, is a highly sought-after connector and strategic network builder whose work bridges clinical care, community health, research, and policy to advance equitable health outcomes. Dedicated to improving population health, she leads initiatives that elevate quality, healthcare equity, and inclusive practices across systems and communities. From bedside care to national platforms, Kelly is known for translating data and lived experience into meaningful insights that influence practice and drive sustainable change. With more than 30 years of nursing experience, she consistently identifies intersections of evidence, advocacy, and policy to improve access and outcomes for underserved populations.
Lizeth Mendoza
Liz Mendoza is a New Mexico native, first gen college graduate, and proud mom of a 12yo son. She has over 10 years of litigation experience as a former paralegal and in the economic consulting space. She is a Sunrise Movement Dallas coordinator with an advocacy focus in environmental, labor, and immigration rights. Liz obtained her BA in Government from New Mexico State, MBA from Texas Woman's University, and Master of Legal Studies from Arizona State University. She is currently pursuing an MA in Economics from New Mexico State. She is committed to serving her community and being an example of humility, leadership, and kindness to her son.
Kimberlyn Moore-DeBrossard
Kimberlyn Moore-DeBrossard is a seasoned higher education professional with more than 25 years of experience dedicated to supporting student success and expanding access to academic opportunities. As a committed member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., she actively engages in community service and volunteer initiatives that strengthen and uplift underserved populations. A proud fourth-generation college graduate, she carries forward her family's legacy by advocating for the transformative power of education in every space she serves.
Ashley Nwonuma
Ashley Nwonuma is an attorney with a longstanding commitment to public service and to strengthening the infrastructure and public systems Texas communities rely on. A first-generation American and double graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, she has served in state government on issues affecting Texans’ access to electricity and water, as well as in leadership roles in civic organizations. Born and raised in Texas, she lives in Austin with her husband and son.
Jen Peace
Jen Peace was born and raised in Denton, TX. The love and admiration she has for her hometown is at the center of her public service and creative outlets. A graduate of Texas Woman's University’s Theatre Program, she is a proud Pioneer and former Chancellor's Circle Member. Jen currently serves as Immediate Past President of the Denton Festival Foundation which produces the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival, one of the state's largest free music and art festivals. She was recently appointed to the Discover Denton Governing Board, Denton’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. When she isn’t serving her community in the board room, she can be found performing on the historic Campus Theatre stage downtown.
Ciara Perez
Ciara Perez is a community advocate, interdisciplinary artist, and wellness practitioner dedicated to strengthening the connection between public systems and the people they serve. Drawing on a background in anthropology, community health, and civic leadership, she works to build bridges across difference — championing collaborative, people-centered solutions that expand access, restore trust in institutions, and improve quality of life for all. Her dedication to public service spans over two decades of hands-on work in healthcare navigation, expressive arts, and grassroots organizing, rooted in the belief that healthier and more just communities emerge when we prioritize human dignity over ideology and center the voices of those most impacted.
Sarah Permenter
Sarah Maresh Permenter is a community-minded leader dedicated to strengthening public institutions and serving the needs of families and local communities. She has spent 25 years in public education and is committed to thoughtful collaboration, transparent leadership, and supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and expand opportunities for residents. Her work reflects a strong belief in civic engagement, philanthropic organizations, and building partnerships that help communities thrive.
Dr. Collette Portis
Dr. Collette Portis is a leadership strategist and business operations expert who helps organizations turn culture into a competitive advantage. As Founder and CEO of RED Development Group, she advises executives, boards, and leadership teams on building sustainable, agile systems that improve retention, profitability, and long-term resilience. With more than 30 years of experience across for-profit and nonprofit sectors, she is known for transforming complex challenges—such as culture, inclusion, burnout, and change fatigue—into practical leadership frameworks that deliver measurable results.
Devin Powell
Devin Powell is a native Houston who has leveraged her diverse skills and interests into a career spanning education, technology, energy, and public policy. A frequent volunteer in her community, she dedicates time to youth serving organizations, including Urban STEM and the American Legion Auxiliary's Texas Girls State program, to empower young people to pursue and achieve their dreams. Powell is an alumna of the University of Texas and the George Washington University.
Dr. Mehwish (Mishy) Rashid
Dr. Mehwish (Mishy) Rashid is a behavioral‑health policy expert and senior healthcare executive whose work spans state government, international health systems, and community‑based public health.Former SME Subject Matter Expert for the Florida Department of Children and Families, she worked on statewide opioid settlement initiatives through rigorous budget review, contract oversight, and technical assistance to counties expanding overdose‑prevention and re‑entry programs. Her experience includes legislative analysis with the Florida House of Representatives and epidemiological response work during the COVID‑19 pandemic as a biological scientist for the Department of Health. Mishy’s leadership is grounded in more than a decade of advancing equity in healthcare, informed by her tenure as CEO of Al Amana Health Practices in the United Arab Emirates, where she was recognized for her compliance‑driven, patient‑centered approach. Her current research on opioid use in epilepsy patients reflects her commitment to integrating clinical insight with policy impact, and in 2026 she delivered a keynote address in Tokyo, Japan, highlighting her work on behavioral‑health systems and community resilience.
Kelley Redmon
Kelley A. Redmon, educated at VCU, IU–Bloomington, Purdue, and the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, integrates her Trinidadian-American heritage with professional experiences across corporate and academic sectors. She critically engages with issues at the intersection of science, law, and economic policy. Her commitment to public service began early, sparked by a letter to President Jimmy Carter and shaped by her involvement in political campaigns. Influenced by John Rawls’s Veil of Ignorance and William Julius Wilson’s The Truly Disadvantaged, Redmon focuses on creating equitable economic frameworks that enhance access and strengthen community well-being. Believing that equity is both a policy goal and a personal obligation, she has mentored her three young adult children to be conscientious stewards of civil society, ensuring her pursuit of a fairer world is carried on through their active engagement in community and justice.
Yvette Reyna
Yvette Reyna serves as Executive Director of Community Engagement for Boerne ISD and Executive Director of the Boerne Education Foundation. She’s an award-winning strategic leader with more than 20 years of experience in communications, community engagement, marketing, and fundraising, and thrives on building innovative partnerships and advancing advocacy from the classroom to the Capitol. A champion for connection and impact, Yvette develops partnerships that bring students, schools, and communities together. As a first-generation college graduate, she has a track record of building initiatives from the ground up, including nonprofit workshops, community opportunities supporting students and families, and she designed and launched one of the first undergraduate courses in event planning in Texas.
Keshia Rollins-Contreras
Keshia Contreras is an experienced Account Executive in the government healthcare sector with over two decades of experience in health insurance. She made history as the first African American woman elected to the Uhland City Council and currently serves as a board member for the Uhland Economic Development Corporation. Known for her servant leadership, she is an active community volunteer dedicated to supporting growth and opportunity in her community. In addition to her public service, Keshia is also an entrepreneur committed to making a meaningful impact. Through her work in healthcare, public service, and entrepreneurship, Keshia Contreras continues to lead with integrity, purpose, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of those she serves.
Myi'a Sanders
Myi'a Sanders is a strategist and community builder whose work spans political campaigns, nonprofit leadership, and civic organizing across Dallas-Fort Worth. With board and leadership experience across multiple civic institutions, she is committed to building movements that center equity and amplify underrepresented voices. She brings both grassroots credibility and operational expertise to every table she sits at.
Jacqueline L. Shaw
Jacqueline L. Shaw is a dynamic public servant, entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to driving purposeful and transformative change. Committed to advancing social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, she works to amplify community voices and champion initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels. Through service on executive boards and active grassroots advocacy, Jacqueline relentlessly pursues opportunities to create equitable solutions and build stronger, more resilient, and thriving communities.
Sheria Smith
Sheria Smith cares about working people and education. An award-winning labor leader and educator, she holds degrees from Harvard University and The University of Texas School of Law. Sheria knows that economic security and education are the pillars of the American Dream and has dedicated her career to help make that Dream a reality for everyone.
Faye Suficiencia
Faye Suficiencia is originally from Mindanao, Philippines, and now calls San Antonio, Texas home. Her work across political campaigns and community organizations centers on expanding civic engagement and representation in public life. She is passionate about building political power for Asian American communities, with broader interests in international development.
Rebecca Torres
Rebecca Torres is passionate about civic engagement and encouraging people to participate in their communities. She graduated from the University of Texas Permian Basin with a BA in Political Science. While relatively new to community organizing, she is committed to learning, building connections, and helping strengthen local participation in democracy.
Maria Trevino-Rodriguez
Maria Ivonne is a non-profit and political consultant with over 12 years of experience organizing, fundraising, managing campaigns and advocating for progressive causes. She has raised over $5M for political campaigns and non-profits at the local, state, and federal level. Maria's immigrant rights advocacy led to the termination of the controversial 287(g) Agreement in Harris County. This led to her nomination for Youth Activist of the Year for Houston's Hispanic Heritage Month. She has published op-eds, presented organizing strategies at national conferences, is a guest lecturer at universities, and served as President of the Texas Civil Rights Project's Staff Union from 2022 to 2024.
Selene Verhofstad
Selene Verhofstad, Ed.D., is an award-winning Mexican American educator and bilingual community leader dedicated to expanding opportunity through education, STEM innovation, and public service. She served as a Department of Defense STEM Fellow through the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship in Washington, DC, an experience that deepened her work in education policy and advocacy. Her work focuses on strengthening public education, advancing STEM access and workforce pathways, and supporting policy and legal solutions that empower students, families, and communities.
Laura Vola
Laura Vola is a dedicated civic leader and community advocate with extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, local governance, and community engagement. She has been recognized by the Carrollton Leader for her unmatched passion for community service and her meaningful contributions across schools, neighborhoods, and local organizations. Laura has served in leadership roles including board service, nonprofit arts leadership, and PTA governance, and is known for leading with service to create lasting community impact. A proud North Texas mother, she is driven by a deep commitment to strengthening public institutions and ensuring families and communities feel seen, heard, and supported, and is widely respected for her collaborative spirit, persistence, and willingness to do the behind-the-scenes work that builds strong civic participation and connections.
Jackelyn "Nicky" Wooding
Niky Wooding is an attorney, media voice, and community advocate committed to strengthening civic engagement and public dialogue. With a background in technology, business, and intellectual property law, she brings a strategic, solutions-driven approach to issues at the intersection of innovation, policy, and community impact. Raised across the globe in a family rooted in faith and service, as the daughter of a U.S. veteran and military nurse; Niky enjoys exploring the arts and cultures, and spending time with her family and dog.
Tiffany Young
Tiffany Nycole Young is a community builder, coach, and strategist dedicated to advancing leadership, civic engagement, and empowerment within Black communities. Known as a trusted connector in Austin’s nonprofit and community spaces, she works to strengthen partnerships, cultivate emerging leaders, and support initiatives that drive meaningful impact. Her work centers on empowering individuals, elevating community voices, and building pathways for collective growth and opportunity.