Dr. Brian Gaston is a visionary leader from Houston, Texas, who has dedicated his life to turning proximity into purpose. Growing up in the very communities he now champions, Brian knows firsthand the struggles faced by systems that too often silence brilliance. He launched his career as a public school teacher and principal, where he achieved remarkable success, guiding a high-poverty school to national Blue Ribbon status and an impressive 100% graduation rate.

His impactful work, whether in schools, coalitions, or citywide reform initiatives, centers on a transformative question: How can we create justice that is not only attainable but also deeply meaningful and sustaining?

With degrees from The University of Texas at Austin, the University of St. Thomas, and Harvard University, Brian's strategic insights are deeply informed by lived experience. He has crafted civic curricula, spearheaded citywide school turnaround efforts, mentored national leaders, and partnered with faith communities to combat injustice.

As the founder of The Smiley Institute, Brian masterfully weaves together storytelling, strategy, and purpose, empowering leaders who aspire to heal, innovate, and reshape their communities for the better.