Austin debuted onstage in her first performance in kindergarten, but honed her craft through St. Petersburg Children’s Theatre, John Hopkins Middle School Theater Magnet and Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High in her native Florida. Stepping into a leading role came naturally to Austin as a preacher’s child. She grew up singing and assisting with worship productions. This launched her into active social justice leadership, from her early protest marches in her stroller to public s ...