The Speakers

Rev. Daryl Horton is a native of Austin, Texas and resides there with his wife of 30

years, Dr. Shalonda Horton and their daughter. He serves as the Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist

Church in historic East Austin.

Dr. Daryl Horton earned a Bachelor of Science from Texas State University, a Master of

Arts in Theological Studies from Austin Graduate School of Theology, a Master of Divinity from

Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Brite Divinity School

at Texas Christian University.

Pastor Horton is 1st Vice President of the National Baptist Convention of America, Intl, Inc.

(NBCA), President of the State Congress for the Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas

(MGBCT), the Baptist Ministers’ Union of Austin and Vicinity (BMU), and historic Traveler Golf

Association. He serves as the Chairperson for Christ Together Greater Austin (CTGA) and

Kingdom Capital Network (KCN). Rev. Horton is Co-Chair for Saffron Trust Womens Foundation,

Treasurer for Transit Forward, Commissioner with the African American Resource Advisory

Commission (AARAC) with the City of Austin, and serves on the Board of Trustees at Simmons

College of Kentucky, the Board of Directors for Austin Habitat for Humanity, and the Danny

Forshee Evangelistic Association.

Creola Shaw Burns is a 5th generation Austinnite. Her family has been rooted in the Austin community since the mid 1800. Enslaved just miles east of Austin on the plantation of George Pratt Washington, her family, the Shaw's, Blacks Hales and Houston's have been instrumental in the growth and development of the city of Austin and it's surrounding communities. A graduate of John H. Reagan High School and attending Prairie View A&M University. Burns has been heavily involved in Local, State and National politics. She likes being able to say "I, know where the bones are buried. And who buried them. "The Shaw's were entrepreneurs owning a business on East 12th and Harvey since the 1920's. Known across the country for being the family to call whenever you are in need. Shaw's Garage was and the family were a great source the community could depend on in times of trouble and distress. As a result of her family's upbringing her and their reputation, Burns has embraced caring for family, community and the stranger. 

Burns is an ordained Evangelist of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She committed 10 plus years to the African American community with service as the Convention and Tourism Manager with the Capital City Chamber of Commerce. Service three years to the minority community at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as a Minority Business Economic Development Specialist. And she was instrumental in the development of Austin's Women's Chamber of Commerce. Continuing in the footsteps of her parents, grandparents and elders to be family and community focused, her passion has always been caring for others to the best of her God given abilities.

Currently, one of her greatest passions is caring for her Special Needs sister, Tina. Being strongly instructed by her parents to never allow Tina to be placed in an institution. She is fulfilling her commitment. In fulfilment of her commitment, she has become somewhat of a subject expert of resources available for individuals with mental health concerns.  Resources provided by the City, State, and Federal Government. Her husband Jim Burns is her guide and even greater source having retired after 30 years from the State's Health and Human Services division, where many of the laws and regulations are written and enforced. Burns loves sharing with others on how to take care of their loved ones so that they can live their lives comfortably with family and not in an institution. 

Jordan Darensbourg is a CBM-candidate Meteorologist with over six years of experience navigating the complex atmospheric physics of Central Texas. Most recently at KVUE in Austin, Jordan became a trusted voice during life-threatening severe weather events and flash flooding in the notorious "Flash Flood Alley." Beyond the green screen, he is a pioneer in digital weather strategy, having led the "KVUE Weather Across Texas" streaming initiative to record-breaking engagement. A scientist at heart and a storyteller by trade, Jordan combines high-level data analysis with a calm, community-focused delivery that keeps viewers informed and safe across all platforms. 

Phillicia Yvette Crawford-Lee is a native Austinite, community advocate, and dedicated leader whose roots in East Austin’s legacy of civil rights, education, and community leadership continue to shape her work today. She is committed to preserving and advancing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She serves as Secretary of the Austin Area Heritage Council and Coordinator of the MLK Oratory Competition, where she has worked since 2002 to uplift youth voices and strengthen community engagement across Austin. 

A graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications, Yvette currently works at Austin Community College in Campus Management within Facilities, Maintenance & Operations at the Highland Campus. She is also a proud graduate of the ACC Leadership Academy, Class of 2025, where she further developed her collaborative leadership style and commitment to building partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders. 

Yvette’s commitment to service is deeply rooted in family legacy. She is the daughter of the late Attorney John Phillip Crawford, Sr., one of the earliest African American graduates of the University of Texas School of Law, Class of 1957. A respected attorney and community leader, he helped shape Texas civil rights history by representing a young student whose case ended segregation at Southwest Texas State College, now Texas State University. He later became the first African American to serve as Texas Assistant Attorney General in the office of the Texas Attorney General Waggoner Carr. 

Her mother, the late Bettye Raphael Crawford, dedicated her career in education as an elementary school teacher in Austin Independent School District. Together, their commitment to justice, education, and community service shaped Yvette’s lifelong dedication to empowering young people and preserving Austin’s cultural and civic history. Yvette is an active member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and a proud mother of Raphael, Mariah, and Allysha, and a devoted grandmother to her granddaughter, Teniyah. 

"Yasmine “Yazz” Smith, Esq. is an Austin-born attorney, advocate, and community-servant leader whose work sits at the intersection of law, public policy, and people-centered systems change. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law as a Chancellor’s Scholar and served as Articles Editor of the Texas Journal on Civil Liberties & Civil Rights, where her work focused on justice and civil rights.

Yasmine began her legal career at The Law Office of Gilbert Prud’homme, developing a broad transactional practice spanning business incorporations, estate and probate law, real estate, entertainment, and oil and gas matters. She later founded Abundance Law, PLLC, a Central Texas boutique firm focused on Wills & Estates, Probate, and Business Incorporations, known for its culturally competent, client-centered approach that helps families protect generational wealth and small businesses build strong legal foundations.

Beyond private practice, Yasmine has devoted her career to strengthening institutions and expanding access to justice. She serves as Vice President of Justice & Advocacy at the Austin Area Urban League, where she has helped expand the organization’s budget, policy agenda, and service footprint. She previously served as a Community Engagement Specialist in the Office of former Austin Mayor Steve Adler, collaborating on policy initiatives related to economic development and transportation equity.

Yasmine is a founding or core collaborator with organizations including the Black Leaders Collective, Black Austin Coalition, the Black Fund, and People United for Mobility Action. She serves on the Board of Trustees at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, as a Commissioner on the Austin Public Safety Commission, and co-hosts The Grapevine on KAZI. Grounded in stewardship and service, Yasmine is deeply committed to ensuring opportunity, dignity, and justice are expectations—not exceptions—in the city that raised her."  

Daphne Michelle McDole is a dynamic community leader, cultural strategist, and nonprofit executive with a deep commitment to equity, leadership development, and the power of place-based impact. She is the CEO of the African American Leadership Institute (AALI), where she works to cultivate informed, connected, and empowered Black leaders across Austin and Central Texas. With over 20 years of experience managing budgets, building partnerships, and leading mission-driven initiatives, Daphne is known for transforming vision into action and ensuring community voice is at the center of decision-making.

In addition to her leadership at AALI, Daphne is actively engaged in civic and philanthropic spaces, serving as a board member of the Austin Fundraising Professionals Group and contributing to initiatives that support young people, education, and community service. A musician at her church and a respected presence in Austin’s cultural and nonprofit landscape, Daphne brings heart, strategy, and authenticity to every space she enters. Her work consistently reflects a belief that leadership is both a responsibility and a calling—one rooted in service, collaboration, and lasting impact.

Barbara Hayes Foreman graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School in 1967 (Houston, TX). Driven by a strong desire to serve as a moral compass for society, she pursued further education and earned an associate’s degree in Police Science from Houston Community College.

Barbara entered the public sector and built a distinguished career in law enforcement. She made history as the first Black female Deputy Sheriff in Travis County, Texas. Understanding the importance of higher education in expanding her influence, Barbara earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Saint Edward’s University and a Master of Justice Administration degree from Norwich University. Throughout her active-duty career, she used her education and experience to uplift Black people and promote mutual support within the community.

Barbara’s academic achievements led to a unique honor: she was invited to teach at both Saint Edward’s University and Norwich University, her alma maters. This rare distinction is seldom offered to graduates. In her teaching roles, Barbara instructed courses in Homeland Security, Intelligence, Due Process, Cyber Security, and other fields related to public safety and national security.

Later in her career, Barbara had the distinguished opportunity to serve under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Hussein Obama. After returning to Austin, she continued her commitment to education as an analyst in distance education and a proctor at Austin Community College, where she retired in 2023.

Lastly, Barbara’s dedication to volunteer service is evident through her involvement with various boards and commissions. She has served with the Board of Fellows at Norwich University, National Women of Achievement, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, and the Austin Commission for Women, among others. She is also an active member of Freedom Home Missionary Baptist Church and has received multiple honors in recognition of her contributions.

Barbara was selected by her peers and mentors to lead the February 2026 creation and production of “One Hundred Years of Black History Month: A Centennial Celebration.”

Gigi Edwards Bryant was elected to the Austin Community College District Board of Trustees in December 16, 2014 and was relected in 2020. The six-year term will end in 2026. Ms. Bryant has served as Chair and Vice Chair during her tenure.

Bryant is a sixth generation Austinite. She is a public speaker, community volunteer and business owner. She speaks with passion, vision, and clarity about her life’s journey and the importance of education, community and family. She believes that through faith, hope, and forgiveness, we can learn to be inspired when an ordinary opportunity thrusts us into extraordinary events and experiences.

Bryant serves her community through organizations that address issues surrounding family, education, youth in the foster system, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Some of her immediate past public service includes, Chair, Texas Department of Child Protective Services, Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Council, Downtown Rotary Club of Austin, and Chairman, Texas School Safety Center and Saint Edward’s University New College Advisory Board.

Bryant also has served as a member of the American Association of University Women and, the Executive Women in Golf Association. She is a -Texas Exes – Life member. Her community honors include: Distinguished Austinite, Outstanding Texan Award, CASA-Inspiring Leader and Fierce Advocate for Children, Campfire Promise, Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction, Ma Ferguson – Award of Excellence Finalist, Dedicated Volunteer of the Year, Outstanding Citizen for Leadership.

Bryant started GMSA Management Services, an Austin based business development consulting firm in 1993 after a 20-year career in information systems within the State of Texas. The firm, recognized as one of Texas’ outstanding small businesses, focuses on community outreach/involvement, employee engagement and business development.

Bryant earned an undergraduate degree in business and computer science from St. Edward’s University in Austin, and an MBA in Global Leadership from the University of Texas at Dallas. She started her education at Austin Community College in 1977 and is a 1992-1993 Graduate of Leadership Austin.

The Pathways of Recovery for Justice Involved Individuals panel discussion will delve into the connection between substance abuse, race and justice-system involvement, highlighting the specific challenges justice-involved individuals face when attempting to pursue productive pathways. This panel also aims to identify and discuss viable solutions and strategies that can aid in recovery and successful reintegration into society. View conference website HERE for panelist biographies.