Alyssia Palacios-Woods is a community builder and non-profit leader with 15+ years of experience supporting workforce development initiatives in Central Texas. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) dedicated to best practices in non-profit operations and fundraising. Prior to joining Capital IDEA, Alyssia served as the President & CEO of the Austin Young Chamber, where she championed regional collaboration, entrepreneurship, talent development, and workplace diversity. Alyssia was recognized as an Austin Business Journal Profiles in Power Nominee in 2019 and an Austin Under 40 Finalist in 2023. She received her bachelor’s degree from St. Edward’s University and her master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Previous board service includes the Austin Chamber of Commerce, Transit Forward, and Capital IDEA. She currently serves on the Advisory Council for The New Philanthropist, the Regional Advisory Council for Austin Community College, and the Education and Workforce Councils for the Austin Chamber and Round Rock Chamber.

Eva Rios-Lleverino has been with Capital IDEA since its launch in 1998. She plays an instrumental role in leading the organization’s programmatic operations and administration. Eva has more than 25 years of experience in the higher education and nonprofit sectors. She was selected as a McBee Fellow by the Austin Area Research Organization in 2014, and was named an Emerging Leader in 2012 through the Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders’ Leadership Program. She is a 2007 graduate of the Hispanic Austin Leadership Class and a 2004 recipient of the Austin Business Journal’s “Rising Star Award.” She holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Texas A&M International University. Her passion for Capital IDEA’s mission is centered on a desire to provide opportunities for people to have a better future and to see lives changed forever.

Kisha C. Smith joined Capital IDEA in 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience including previous service as a Director of Finance. She has over 20 years’ of experience in finance and over 15 years of experience working with federal and state funded grants in various industries and non-profit sectors including higher education. Across her career, she has managed over $15 million dollars in federal and state funds. Kisha is an Alum of Leadership Austin Essential 43 Class of 2022, a graduate of Cornell Women’s Entrepreneurship Program and holds a master’s degree in accounting as well as a master’s degree in business administration. She believes in collaboration to navigate challenges, in seizing opportunities to reach new milestones, and is looking forward to leveraging her experience to promote growth and financial health at Capital IDEA.

Joining the Capital IDEA team in the fall of 2017, Amy brings 19 years of experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. After earning her Masters degree in Museum Studies, Amy began her career working for a philanthropic family foundation in Los Angeles, California. This exposure to philanthropy led Amy to an interest in using her skills to raise funds for nonprofit organizations. For the past decade, Amy has dedicated her career to the Austin nonprofit community, leading fundraising and communications efforts at the United Way for Greater Austin, Mission Capital, and the Central Texas Food Bank.

William L. Askew Jr. brings nearly 30 years of experience in workforce development and student services, advancing opportunities for diverse learners and jobseekers. An alum of the 2018 Michael and Susan Dell Next Level Leadership Academy, he has also been recognized with the 2022 McBee Fellowship and the 2025 Bank of America Emerging Leader award. His background includes leadership roles at Dallas County Community Colleges, Grace Covenant Church, and Target, and he holds master’s degrees in Higher Education Administration and Christian Education. William joined the Capital IDEA team in 2015 as Program Manager, where he improved program outcomes by achieving a 50% increase in graduations and an 83% five-year retention rate, before being promoted to his current role as Program Director. His dedication centers on inspiring life transformation and serving the communities and students of Capital IDEA.