Janice Bruno: Championing Opportunity and Equity in Smithville

In every thriving community, there are people who serve not for recognition, but because it’s in their nature to lift others up. In Smithville, Texas, Janice Bruno is one of those rare and remarkable individuals—a woman whose leadership, service, and deep commitment to workforce development have made her a pillar of progress and possibility.

With a heart for people and a mind for strategy, Janice has played a critical role in shaping Smithville’s future through her work with the Smithville Workforce Training Center, as well as her involvement on numerous community boards. Her quiet strength, professionalism, and generosity have helped hundreds of individuals find pathways to education, employment, and personal growth.

🛠️ A Vision for Economic Empowerment

As a key leader of the Smithville Workforce Training Center, Janice Bruno has helped turn a vision into a reality: a local hub where people can gain practical job skills, earn certifications, and prepare for career success—right in their own backyard.

Under her guidance, the Center has offered:

• Vocational and technical training in high-demand fields

• GED and adult education programs for non-traditional learners

• Career coaching and resume assistance to help job seekers thrive

• Business partnerships that connect local employers with skilled talent

Janice believes that education is the key to breaking cycles of poverty, and she has worked tirelessly to ensure that the Workforce Center is accessible, inclusive, and responsive to real community needs.

🧩 Board Service: Leadership in Every Corner

In addition to her work with the Workforce Training Center, Janice lends her expertise and passion to a variety of community boards and advisory groups, including:

• Smithville Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) – where she advocates for sustainable growth that benefits the entire population, not just a few

• Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Board – promoting collaboration between business, workforce, and community efforts

• Bastrop County Local Workforce Development Board – helping to guide workforce policies across the region

• Smithville Community Clinic - helping to bring medical, dental, and mental health care to those without means.

• Education and Equity Initiatives – supporting programs that close opportunity gaps for underrepresented youth and adults

Janice’s leadership style is marked by thoughtful listening, bold vision, and a fierce belief in human potential. She is often the one asking, “Who’s not at this table—and how do we invite them in?”

🌟 A Pillar of Compassionate Leadership

What sets Janice apart isn’t just what she does—it’s how she does it. Colleagues describe her as approachable, solutions-oriented, and deeply ethical. Students and clients often say she was the first person who made them believe they were capable of more.

Her passion for inclusive opportunity runs deep. She has been instrumental in launching training programs that serve single parents, veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, and others who often fall through the cracks of traditional education systems.

As one former student put it:

“Ms. Bruno saw something in me I didn’t see in myself. I got my first certification, my first job, and my first real confidence—all because of her encouragement.”

🌱 Growing a Stronger Smithville

Janice Bruno’s impact is both measurable and immeasurable. Through job placement statistics and training certifications, her work shows up in data. But it also shows up in something harder to quantify: hope.

Hope in the eyes of someone landing their first job. Hope in the heart of a returning citizen starting fresh. Hope in the hands of a single mom earning her way to stability.

Because of Janice’s leadership, Smithville isn’t just growing—it’s growing with purpose, equity, and care.

🤝 Honoring a Legacy in Motion

Janice Bruno’s service is far from over. She continues to expand programming, build partnerships, and mentor the next generation of community leaders. But even now, her legacy is clear:

She has helped transform Smithville from a town of potential into a town of possibility.

For all she has given—and all she continues to do—Smithville is stronger, smarter, and more compassionate, thanks to Janice Bruno.

Want to support Janice’s work or get involved with workforce development in Bastrop County? Visit the Smithville Workforce Training Center or attend a local Chamber or SEDC meeting to learn more about how you can invest in community opportunity.

Let’s keep building, together.