The Speakers

"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.