Dr. Alma A. Allen, currently a distinguished member of the Texas House of Representatives, has had a remarkable career in education spanning over four decades. Before assuming her legislative duties, Dr. Allen served for over ten years on the State Board of Education. Her journey in education commenced as a teacher, progressing through roles as assistant principal and principal at various esteemed institutions. With a tenure of 39 years in the Houston Independent School District, Dr. Allen subsequently transitioned to academia, serving as an Adjunct Professor at Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education from Texas Southern University, a Doctorate of Education from the University of Houston, and a certificate in administration and supervision from the same institution. Dr. Allen's contributions to education have garnered her numerous accolades, including Principal of the Year and the Outstanding Alumnus of the University of Houston. She is an esteemed member of several professional organizations. Elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2004, she has been re-elected multiple times. Alongside her husband, Lawrence A. Allen Sr., Dr. Allen takes pride in her family, being the parent of two children and the grandparent of five grandchildren.

Wendy Davis is a lawyer, Democratic Party politician, and champion of women’s reproductive rights. She currently serves as a senior advisor to Planned Parenthood Texas Votes. In 2019, Wendy founded Deeds Not Words, a civic engagement organization focused on amplifying the power of young women as a force for change in the political and policy-making landscape on college campuses across Texas. She represented Fort Worth in the Texas Senate for six years and previously served on the Fort Worth City Council. Wendy gained national attention for an hours-long filibuster in the Texas Senate on June 25, 2013, to block legislation that would restrict abortion access.

Mayra Guillen, President & Founder of the I am Vanessa Guillen Foundation, will talk about her advocacy journey in memory of her late sister. She is an advocate for survivors of assault and has successfully advocated on the national stage for stronger laws against sexual violence in the military. She is the older sister of the late Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen, who was a victim of sexual violence at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas.

Jummy Akinyode is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and has dedicated 12 years to specializing in child and adolescent mental health with focused on supporting black and brown youth in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Jummy founded Happy Soul Counseling and Wellness in 2020 with the mission to dispel the myth that wellness is not for everyone by using a down-to-earth approach. She believes that connecting with our bodies allows us to understand our emotions because our bodies tell us things before our mouths can find the words.