Jasmin Barnett is a Detroit-based writer, speaker, strategist, and community advocate whose work centers on youth empowerment, equity, literacy, healing, and systems change. With more than 15 years of experience across community development, communications, public policy, philanthropy, and nonprofit leadership, Jasmin has become known for her authentic storytelling, community-centered leadership, and commitment to creating transformative spaces for healing and empowerment.

She is the founder of Ladies in Training (L.I.T.), an organization dedicated to empowering girls and young women through mentorship, leadership development, literacy support, scholarship opportunities, and self-esteem programming. Through her work, Jasmin has impacted hundreds of youth across Detroit and continues to advocate for community-based solutions that prioritize healing, opportunity, and long-term transformation.

Jasmin currently serves as the Director of Development & Communications at FORCE Detroit, where she leads strategic communications, storytelling, donor engagement, public advocacy campaigns, and narrative strategy connected to community violence intervention efforts throughout Detroit and Michigan.

A graduate of Howard University with a degree in Political Science and African American Studies, Jasmin also earned a master’s degree in Community Development & Social Justice from Marygrove College.

Her writing and speaking explore themes including grief, identity, Black womanhood, belonging, violence prevention, literacy, intergenerational trauma, equity, and community healing. Jasmin’s work has been featured through organizations including The Skillman Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network.

Whether speaking to youth, nonprofit leaders, foundations, policymakers, educators, or community organizations, Jasmin brings honesty, strategy, lived experience, and humanity into every room she enters.