JAG CA President-Elect
Austin, born in Shreveport, Louisiana, is the eldest of four boys and the son of Mrs. LaBrittany Small Smith. He is a 2024 graduate of Woodlawn Leadership Academy, where he made history as the school’s first Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) national competitor at the 2023 National Career Development Conference.
During his high school years, Austin was actively involved in various leadership roles. He served as the Student Government Association President, Educators Rising Shreveport chapter president, and JAG-Louisiana State president, representing over 10,000 students across the state. Additionally, he participated in several clubs, including the 4-H club, and served as Chief Editor of the Publications Club, while also playing baseball.
Austin’s accomplishments in the JAG program earned him recognition from former Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux. He was also named a Ken Smith Scholar. In 2024, Austin was elected as the National JAG Career Association (JAG CA) President-Elect at the National Career Development Conference, becoming the first student from Woodlawn, Caddo, and Louisiana, as well as the first male and Black male, to hold this national title.
Currently, Austin is a freshman at Grambling State University, majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Political Science. Outside of academics, Austin is a youth minister, musician, photographer, podcast host, and announcer. Austin’s long-term goal is to become the State of Louisiana Superintendent of Education.
As national JAG CA President-Elect, Austin aims to expand the JAG CA across the country, raise awareness for unhoused individuals, and help to grow a sense of community within the JAG CA. He encourages aspiring JAG leaders to “ask questions, be involved, take initiative, create opportunities, and never give up on your dreams.”
Austin enjoys animals, especially dogs, writing pens, and strawberry ice cream. His vision for the JAG CA is to see JAG implemented in every school nationwide. The national JAG CA officers for the 2024-25 school year are focused on community engagement and leadership, with a particular emphasis on advancing the National Service Project, which supports unhoused individuals and promotes civic and social awareness among their peers.