Ms. Okema Beauford, a proud native of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, is a distinguished healthcare professional with a multifaceted background in nursing, social work, and health informatics. She is a graduate of Coatesville Area High School and earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science from the esteemed Historically Black College and University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. Following several years of impactful work supporting children, families, and veterans through social services, Ms. Beauford transitioned into nursing to deliver a higher level of care to those who have served our nation. Her commitment to professional growth is reflected in her academic achievements, which include a Master of Business Administration from Eastern University and a Master of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University. With over 22 years of dedicated service within the Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Ms. Beauford has held numerous nursing roles and made significant contributions across the healthcare system. She currently serves as a nurse using clinical expertise with technological innovation to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Her deep understanding of community health needs—particularly those affecting children, families, and veterans—aligns seamlessly with the foundation’s mission to uplift and empower underserved populations. She has cultivated a compassionate, systems- based approach to care that can inform the foundation’s outreach strategies, wellness initiatives, and program development. Moreover, Ms. Beauford’s leadership and academic accomplishments—spanning health science, business administration, and nursing—equip her to contribute to strategic planning, organizational growth, and sustainable partnerships that advance the foundation’s long-term goals.

Jarrell M. Brazzle is a passionate entrepreneur, community advocate, and founder of Brighter Future Early Learning Center in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. With a deep commitment to empowering children, families, and local communities, Mr. Brazzle has built one of the area’s most trusted and innovative early learning environments—focused on educational excellence, family engagement, and opportunity for all. As a nonprofit leader, Jarrell brings extensive experience in organizational development, program management, and community outreach. He has successfully expanded Brighter Future Early Learning Center to serve a growing number of families while ensuring the highest standards of care and educational quality. His work also extends beyond the classroom through initiatives that provide family support services, community events, and access to essential resources for low-income and working families. Jarrell’s leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, compassion, and accountability. He believes that when children and families are given the right foundation, entire communities can thrive. His ongoing mission is to create sustainable programs that not only educate young minds but also uplift and strengthen the neighborhoods they call home. Mr. Brazzle is proud to serve on the board of Ausar D. Scott-Thomas Memorial Foundation, where he contributes his expertise in early childhood education, community development, and strategic partnerships to help advance the organization’s mission and long- term impact.

Dale Rice is a seasoned Senior Regional Director of Dining Services with a robust background in food service and catering operations. He currently oversees dining services for six Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) and 20 Assisted Living and Memory Care communities across the United States, excelling in enhancing service excellence and operational efficiency. With extensive experience as both an Executive Chef and Director of Dining Services, Dale has successfully managed dining operations for over 450 residents, driving increased catering revenue and enhanced resident satisfaction. His leadership is characterized by a strong focus on HACCP compliance, team training, and creating memorable dining experiences. In his current position Dale plays a pivotal role in the development of new senior housing communities. He is responsible for bringing dining programs into fruition, ensuring that dining services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each community. His detailed approach to startup operations includes kitchen design, equipment specifications, menu development, budget formatting, recruiting and training of leadership positions. These items greatly lend to creating a solid foundation for culinary excellence from day one. Dale holds a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts and Hotel Restaurant Management from The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, along with Serve Safe Food Manager certification. He is recognized for his strategic planning, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to elevating the dining experience in senior living.

Michelle attended Coatesville grade schools, including St. Cecilia’s Elementary and Carl O’Benner, before graduating from the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) High School of Philadelphia. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Arts and Psychology from Marymount College of Fordham University in Tarrytown, New York. Michelle continued her academic journey at Saint Joseph’s University of Philadelphia, where she obtained both a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. With more than a decade of experience in Early Childhood Education, Michelle is passionate about creating spaces that foster growth, confidence, and empowerment. She is the founder and head of Empowering Sisters LLC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting women and young girls through workshops, retreats, and community programs. Empowering Sisters focuses on self-love, self-care, self-worth, and personal developmentoffering tools for goal setting, healing, and embracing one’s full potential. Michelle’s vision is to empower women in every stage of life to remember that when you prioritize yourself, love yourself, and take care of yourself, everything else begins to fall into place. As an author, Michelle wrote It’s Time to Discuss “The Angry Black Woman”: Women Making a Difference, amplifying women’s voices and challenging stereotypes while highlighting their resilience and leadership. Michelle also shares her love for storytelling and teaching through motivational speaking and empowerment initiatives, encouraging young people to seize every opportunity and live their lives to the fullest. She is an active member of Philadelphia Baptist Church, where she continues to live out her faith through service and empowerment.

Kyarra Thompson was born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania and raised in Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania. Known for her warmth, resilience, and faith in God, she is a devoted traveler, avid reader, and passionate cook who treasures time with family and friends. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Clark Atlanta University, where she also served as Vice President of the Chemistry Club, a member of the Pre- Alumni Council, and participated in prestigious undergraduate research programs funded by the NIH and NSF These experiences laid the foundation for a diverse career in the scientific industry. Kyarra has worked as an analytical chemist, project coordinator, contract manager, associate manager and quality control specialist of specifications. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to excellence, integrity, and regulatory compliance, consistently contributing to the success of pharmaceutical quality control teams. Beyond science, Kyarra is deeply dedicated to community service and youth empowerment. As a former member of the Ruth Mitchell Tucker J&H Girls Youth Department under the Order of Eastern Stars, she mentored and inspired young leaders while instilling the values of service and compassion. Her love for the culinary arts led her to earn a degree in Baking and Pastry from the Art Institute of Atlanta. Today, she is the proprietor and executive chef of Ryan’s Table Consultation, LLC, a culinary and consulting company. Ryan’s Table specializes in intimate dining experiences, catering, and sweet creations crafted with love. Inspired by her mother, aunts, and grandmothers, she has worked in restaurants, country clubs, and co-owned a family restaurant, Ethel Rose. Kyarra is also the co-founder of Harmony Love Wellness Retreats, a women’s organization that fosters unity, empowerment, and spiritual growth through retreats grounded in faith and community. Guided by the wisdom of God and great advisors, Kyarra approach