Justice Impact Institute

Justice • Integrity • Compassion • Collaboration • Accountability • Transparency

Advancing justice and building public trust through advocacy, research, and reform. We are turning courage into change.

Board of Directors-Leadership

Discover the experts at the forefront of our organization, driving legislative change, public integrity, and community-centered reform.

Michelle Barrientes Vela

Founder, President & Chair, Board of Directors

Michelle's decision to establish Justice Impact Institute grew from the combination of her pubic service as a public official, law enforcement experience within the criminal justice system. Having served on the front line as a Texas Law Enforcement Officer and in an executive leadership as the elected Bexar County Constable of pct. 2, she understands the responsibilities, challenges, and importance of ethical , public service, transparency, accountability and public trust.

Michelle was later impacted by the very same system she faithfully served. She endured a complex and systemic legal process that profoundly affected her life, family, career, and reputation. After continuing to fight for truth, her conviction was overturned by the eight court of criminal appeals, resulting in a judgement of exoneration and upheld by the highest court of criminal appeals in Texas. Michelle turned that deeply painful experience into a source of purpose, advocacy, and service to her communities and other communities across Texas.

A seasoned leader with extensive law enforcement experience, creating a mission for accountability and systemic justice reform.

Michelle Barrientes Vela is the Founder and President of Justice Impact Institute and Chair of its Board of Directors. She brings extensive experience in public service, law enforcement, legal studies-Paralegal, business experience and community advocacy.

In 2017, Michelle was elected as the Bexar County Constable for Precinct 2. During her tenure, she directed agency administration, personnel, training, daily operations, and public-safety initiatives. Michelle remains a licensed Texas Peace Officer where she continues on-going-training, and legislative updated courses. She is also a certified mental health Officer and Trauma Coach.

Michelle graduated as a paralegal in 2012, where she knowledgeable in different areas of law. Along side her husband she has spent approximately three decades as a business owner.

Michelle founded Justice Impact Institute to educate, empower, and support justice impacted individuals, first responders, veterans, and families.

" I know firsthand, how the system can fail. I created the Justice Impact Institue so that no one and no family has to face the same injustice I endured."

Together, we are turning courage into change

Michelle Barrientes Vela

Founder & President-Chair of the board

A passionate local advocate empowering the San Antonio area through education and fair judicial advocacy.

Director of Operations

Sylvia Zapata

LeAnn N. Salazar

Vice-President of Operations

LeAnn serves as a Vice President of Operations for Justice impact Institute, where she helps guide the organization's operational planning, programs, and community-focused initiatives. Strategically guiding our operational workflow with expert legal insights and a deep devoting bridge building.

LeAnn is a graduated with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. She has made the decision to continue her education at St. Mary's University, as she pursues her law degree to become an Attorney. Her academic background provides her with valuable insight into the legal and criminal justice system and strengthens her commitment to fairness, accountability, and meaning reform.

LeAnn's dedication to justice is also deeply personal. She witnesses her family become the target of public opinion and allegations they maintained were false, and finally all the facts and evidence were fully known. Rather than allowing those experience to silence her or define her family, she saw them as a way to fight back through truth, perseverance, and the legal process. This journey gave Leann a deeper understanding of the emotional and lasting impact that public judgement and the justice system can have on individuals and entire families.

As a Mother she understands the importance of building safer, stronger, and more supportive communities for future generations. She brings leadership, legal insight, compassion, and a strong dedication to community bridge-building to her role with Justice Impact Institute.

" The road to Justice sometimes is not always easy but it is a road we must take to seek justice for all."

LeAnn N Salazar

President of operations

Mental Health & Wellness

Supporting Healthy Minds, Strengthening Communities.

Justice Impact Institute recognizes that mental health and overall wellness are essential to healthy families, safer communities, and effective public service. We are committed to increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and connecting individuals with educational resources and community support.

Areas of Focus

Mental Health Awareness
Trauma-Informed Practices
Veteran Wellness Resources
Justice-Impacted Wellness

Disclaimer: Justice Impact Institute does not provide medical or mental health diagnosis, therapy, or clinical treatment. We provide education, workshops, resources, trauma-informed practices, and community wellness programs.

Support Our Cause

Your contribution directly fuels our efforts in justice reform, mental health advocacy, and community support. Join us in creating a lasting impact and strengthening public trust.

Donation Questions: donations@justiceimpactinstitute.org

Advisors-Leadership

Administrative Affairs Advisor providing critical operational support and records management.

Kimberly C. Vela

Our team brings decades of leadership experience in public service, law enforcement, and community advocacy to empower the next generation of justice professionals.

De' Ontae Davis

Criminal Justice Advisor and professor focusing on ethical leadership and policy development.

Rosie Lira

Veterans Affairs Advisor connecting veterans and families with meaningful resources and care.

What We Stand For

Justice Impact Institute strengthens communities through education, advocacy, collaboration, and public service. We are committed to empowering individuals, supported by our core values.

Education

Providing criminal justice education, public safety awareness, and community workshops that empower communities.

Advocacy

Promoting accountability, transparency, and informed civic engagement through education and collaboration.

Collaboration

Building partnerships with community organizations and agencies to strengthen communities through integrity and service.

What We Stand For

Justice Impact Institute strengthens communities through education, advocacy, collaboration, and public service. We are committed to empowering individuals and building partnerships that create lasting positive change.

Integrity

Operating with the highest ethical standards to ensure justice is served fairly and transparently for all.

Accountability

Promoting transparency and public trust by observing court proceedings and encouraging systemic responsibility.

Compassion

Building partnerships that empower individuals and support families through empathy and professional service.

Resource & Support Systems

Connecting justice-impacted individuals, families, veterans, and first responders with essential resources and mental health support.

• Research, Policy & Reform Advocacy

Ways We Serve Our Community

Advocacy & Court Watchers

Promoting accountability, transparency, and fairness in the legal system through active observation and systemic advocacy.

Creating Lasting Impact

• Criminal Justice Education & Awareness

Community Education & Workshops

Providing criminal justice education, public safety awareness, and specialized community workshops designed to empower and inform.

• Court Watching & Accountability Measures

Support Our Mission for Lasting Change

Your generosity helps Justice Impact Institute advance justice reform, strengthen public safety, and support mental health and wellness initiatives. Every contribution directly supports our mission of creating lasting, positive change in our communities.

Cash App QR code for Justice Impact Institute donations

For donation questions, please reach out to:
donations@justiceimpactinstitute.org

Contact Us

We look forward to connecting with you. Reach out to learn more about our mission, programs, or ways to support our work.

MAILING ADDRESS

Justice Impact Institute
P.O. Box 380392
San Antonio, TX 78268

PHONE

(726) 251-5425

EMAIL

General: mbv@justiceimpactinstitute.org
Donations: donations@justiceimpactinstitute.org