Email: ceo@freedtx.org | 210-994-2598​
Meet our
Board Members!
Our Leadership
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Leonora "Light" Walker
CEO, Nationally Certified Peer Support Specialist
For nearly a decade, Light Walker has been at the forefront of policy advocacy, systemic transformation, and community-driven change. As a formerly incarcerated Afro-Latina woman, she brings a perspective that is rarely represented in politics—one that deeply understands the systemic barriers that keep communities trapped in cycles of economic exclusion, incarceration, and generational poverty. As the Founder and CEO of FREED Texas, a nationally recognized, peer-led re-entry organization, Light has worked to dismantle these barriers through education, employment, and trauma-informed advocacy. Under her leadership, FREED Texas has built partnerships with Alamo Colleges, Union Pacific, SAPD, and Bexar County, offering scholarships, workforce certifications, and unrestricted financial support to justice-impacted individuals and their families. Her work extends far beyond re-entry—she is committed to reshaping policies that impact education, economic equity, housing, and public safety at the city, state, and national levels.
From System-Impacted to System-Changer
After her release from the Bexar County system, Light lived at Haven for Hope, where she became a peer support specialist and began her college education. She later volunteered in prisons across Texas for five years, including two years teaching at the Women’s Lockhart Prison while still on probation. These experiences solidified her understanding of systemic injustices and fueled her drive to create solutions through policy and leadership.
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Kevin Smith, MBA
Chairman of the Board
Kevin brings over 20 years of leadership experience in strategic management, operations, and community advocacy. A Baylor University graduate, his expertise in social work, business administration, and information systems has driven impactful initiatives and empowered teams to deliver results.
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At Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Kevin managed $20 billion in assets and led 160 associates, later advancing health equity with the Texas Kidney Foundation. His commitment to eliminating disparities and improving outcomes reflects his dedication to marginalized communities.
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Kevin's belief that "those closest to the problem are closest to the solution" aligns with FREED Texas's mission to empower scholars with tools, opportunities, and trauma-informed support.
Kimiya Factory
Vice Chairwoman of the Board
Kimiya Factory is a Texas-based activist, author, and founder of Black Freedom Factory, an organization focused on data-driven activism, dismantling racism, and redefining professionalism.
As Senior National Coordinator for Election Protection at the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Kimiya leads the National Voting Rights Campaign, Ojo Asé: Black Women Answering The Call - a campaign aimed at giving Black Women their flowers for their invaluable contribution to democracy. Factory assists coalition partners in Election Protection to assist voters with instances of voter intimidation, voter education and resources through the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline.
Factory also serves on the Community Advisory Board for UT Health's Mays Cancer Center, and is a member of the Women's Bar Association of D.C.
As Vice Chairwoman of FREED Texas, Kimiya leads civic engagement initiatives, empowering communities through voter education and addressing barriers to democratic participation, including access to FREED Texas.
David Deal
Secretary of the Board
David brings over 37 years of experience as a retired manufacturing executive, where he led operational teams across organizations of all sizes. His leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that people come to work to do a good job and find meaning in their contributions.
David's dedication to second chances shines through his positive track record of hiring justice-involved employees across various industries. He believes that with the right resources and opportunities, everyone has the potential to thrive, be productive, and contribute positively to their community.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, David has taught operations management and employee engagement in diverse settings, sharing his knowledge and passion for creating impactful workplaces.