Meet The Board
Chair: Term December 2026
Yael Lawson
Yael has been with Workforce Solutions Capital Area since 2000. She has maintained various roles within the organization and has served as the Chief Operations Officer since 2017.
As COO, Yael leads the operations and administration of state, federal, and child care programs and services, training, employment, and employer services. Yael began her career working directly with clients, helping them to obtain the skills and supports needed to begin their career path and uses this experience to develop and strengthen programs and services. Her commitment to the services provided by WFS; from quality child care programs to enable
children to be kindergarten ready and allowing their parents to maintain employment, to assisting individuals with barriers in obtaining training and employment, have helped WFS become a leader in workforce development in the country. Yael’s continued commitment to WFS is knowing that the programs and services offered change the lives of individuals and the community.
Vice Chair: Term December 2026
Rodney Crain
Rodney Crain is an experienced human resources leader with a career that spans 40 years in both public and private sector organizations. As a Vice President with GovHR USA, he provides executive search and general management consulting for clients. During his career, he has worked for Fortune 100 and 200 companies where he was focused on increasing employee engagement and helping businesses achieve their mission and vision. Prior to his current role with GovHR, Mr. Crain was the Talent Acquisition Manager for the City of Austin. In that role, he was able to drive several strategic objectives, such as leading the effort to assist justice-involved individuals through delaying background checks to later in the employment process. Mr. Crain holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Human Resources and Operations Management, a Bachelor’s degree in Education and is a Consortium for Graduate Study in Management Fellow from Washington University in St. Louis.
Secretary: Term December 2026
Victoria Lewis-Dunn
Victoria Lewis-Dunn lives a life that is personally and professionally dedicated to public service. Ms. Lewis-Dunn is the recipient of a BS degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas School of Law. She uses her legal knowledge and her understanding of the criminal justice system to facilitate social change in marginalized communities.
Fueled by a deep-seated desire to know the rules, understand the exceptions, and have both applied equally, Ms. Lewis-Dunn established a successful litigation practice. However, she eventually transitioned into a full mediation practice specializing in cases involving family and criminal law. Gifted with extreme patience and keen intellect, she created special programs for juvenile and adult clients that were accepted by prosecutors and judges alike. Currently, in an effort to reach more people, Ms. Lewis-Dunn has expanded her specialties to include her certification as an Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS), Reentry Employment Specialist (RES) trainer, and Nonprofit Leadership and Management expert.
Born and raised in Waco, Texas and having a family history steeped in law enforcement and/or ministry, Ms. Lewis-Dunn developed, at an early age, the passion to help others. She champions initiatives fueled by a genuine desire to improve relations between minority communities and law enforcement. Ms. Lewis-Dunn is often described as a relationship-builder even when confronted with hostility. She continues to perfect the mediation model she designed during her law school years by using negotiation skills that are second to none. She fights tirelessly to seek justice for all and is often heard repeating her favorite quote: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
Board Member: Term December 2026
Quentin Jackson
Quentin Jackson's path from incarceration to community heroism is a testament to the
power of resilience and redemption. Emerging from a cycle of addiction and imprisonment, Quentin found solace and purpose in an Austin Oxford House, where he not only embraced sobriety but also spearheaded transformative initiatives for re-entry support.
As the Re-Entry Chair for the ATX and South Texas Chapters, Quentin revolutionized the program, offering crucial resources and support to individuals transitioning from prison to society. Under his leadership, the program expanded regionally and became a model for re-entry efforts nationwide.
During his time in Oxford House, Quentin achieved an HDI Customer Service Representative certification, showcasing his commitment to personal and professional growth. His dedication did not go unnoticed, and he was soon hired by the American GI
Forum-National Veterans Outreach Program as an Outreach Specialist for Austin.
Within a mere 90 days, Quentin's exemplary performance led to a promotion to Case
Manager, further solidifying his impact on the community and his own journey of transformation. Today, Quentin's story serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the boundless potential for change and renewal, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.