Speaker Bios
Rooted in Austin: Built for Business and Fueled by Talent
Yael Lawson is Chief Operations Officer at Workforce Solutions Capital Area, where she has led since 2017 after joining the organization in 2000. She oversees programs supporting job seekers, child care services, and employer engagement, with a focus on removing employment barriers and promoting economic mobility. Yael began her career working directly with clients, an experience that continues to shape her people-centered approach.
Yael Lawson
She also chairs the On Point Reentry Consortium, advancing regional efforts to support formerly incarcerated individuals. A longtime advocate for inclusive services, Yael is a former board member of The Arc of Central Texas.
Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart serves as the ninth Chancellor for Austin Community College District. Russell’s leadership is centered around the concept of–– LOVE, with a dedicated focus on enhancing student success through systemic and cultural transformation. As he prefers to be called, Russell previously served as president of Amarillo College in Amarillo, Texas, from 2014 to 2023 before beginning his tenure as ACC Chancellor. He also served as vice president of academic affairs for Amarillo College. Under his leadership, Amarillo College was named co-winner of the prestigious 2023 Aspen Prize, a Community College Excellence award. The award recognizes community colleges demonstrating high-quality and equitable outcomes for students.
Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart
Russell received a bachelor’s degree in speech communication and rhetoric from West Texas State University, a master’s degree in communication studies from Texas Tech University, and a doctorate in interpersonal communication (with an emphasis on gender and diversity) from Ohio University. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Kody Hodge Foundation. Russell and his wife of almost 30 years share three children
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