Thank You for Joining Us at LeadershipIMPACT 2026!
This year’s event brought together community leaders for an important conversation about affordable housing in Fort Worth, exploring the challenges, opportunities, and impact on local families.
Daniel Smith, Development Partner at Ojala Partners, offered insight into the complexities of developing affordable housing, from financing and design to the policies and partnerships needed to meet our community’s growing needs.
Gage Yager, CEO of Trinity Habitat for Humanity, shared how affordable homeownership builds stability, strengthens neighborhoods, and creates generational opportunities for families.
The evening concluded with a moving fireside chat led by Bret Helmer, President of the R4 Foundation, featuring a participant from the Center for Transforming Lives, Ruby Garcia. She shared her journey to Fort Worth and how access to housing and mental health care helped create a more stable future for her family.
A special thank-you to our generous sponsors, speakers, and everyone who attended! Your support and engagement make these meaningful conversations possible as we work toward a stronger Fort Worth.
Featured Speakers
Daniel Smith
Development Partner, Ojala Partners, LP
Daniel Smith is a Development Partner at Ojala Holdings and President of Vero Housing, where he has spent more than a decade developing and acquiring multifamily, single family, and mixed-use real estate. During his time at Ojala, the firm has developed, acquired, or redeveloped more than 7,100 housing units and approximately 2.3 million square feet of commercial space, representing roughly $1.6 billion of investment.
Prior to Ojala, Daniel worked at Inland American REIT, where he helped deploy more than $400 million into urban-infill mixed-use and student housing investments. He has a finance degree from Texas State University and Master in Real Estate Finance from the University of Texas at Arlington. When not at work Daniel enjoys spearfishing, hunting, flying, golfing, and being outdoors with his family.
Gage Yager
Chief Executive Officer, Trinity Habitat for Humanity
Gage Yager has served as CEO of Trinity Habitat for Humanity since 2004, bringing more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the organization. He began his career with Trinity Habitat in 1996 as ReStore Manager and was promoted to Assistant Director in 1998 before assuming the role of Executive Director following the retirement of his predecessor.
Under Gage’s leadership, Trinity Habitat has grown from building homes on individual infill lots to developing entire neighborhoods, guided by a strong commitment to innovation, accountability, and the organization’s core values.
Beyond his local impact, Gage has contributed to Habitat for Humanity’s mission on both the national and state levels. In 2007, he was appointed to the U.S. Council of Habitat for Humanity International, a policy and planning body established by the organization’s Board of Directors. He also served on the Habitat Texas Board of Directors and has led multiple Habitat Global Village Builds with Trinity Habitat, helping engage volunteers in international homebuilding efforts and advancing Habitat’s mission beyond North Texas.
Ruby Garcia
Center for Transforming Lives Participant
Ruby Garcia is a proud single mother of three beautiful blessings: Kaleb, Eli, and Juliette. Originally from El Paso, Texas, Ruby moved to Fort Worth in 2017 in search of greater employment opportunities and a better future for her family.
After experiencing a difficult and life-changing situation, Ruby found herself in need of a safe place to turn and sought help at a shelter. After 18 years of relying on her former husband, she suddenly found herself navigating life on her own, feeling lost and uncertain about what to do next.
Through the shelter, Ruby learned about the housing program at the Center for Transforming Lives and applied for assistance. She also began participating in the organization’s counseling program, finding support and guidance during a challenging chapter of her life.
Although Ruby continues to face challenges in securing stable housing, she remains committed to her journey and continues with counseling. With the support of Center for Transforming Lives, she is taking steps toward rebuilding her life, finding her strength, and creating a brighter future for herself and her three children.
Ruby’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the importance of having someone to turn to when life takes an unexpected turn. Her journey is still unfolding, and she continues moving forward with hope for the future she and her children deserve.
Emcee
Bret Helmer
President, R 4 Foundation
Leadership Fort Worth Board Member
LeaderPrime 2017
Event Sponsors
Leadership Sponsors
Advocate Sponsor
