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MEET THE TEAM
Executive Team & Board Members
Latame Phillips, Ph.D
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Latame Phillips is a distinguished leader, philanthropist, and advocate born in San Diego, CA. He embarked on his academic journey at the University of Southern California, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Management.
Dr. Phillips' commitment to service led him to the frontlines of Operation Enduring Iraqi Freedom, where he served in the Army and witnessed combat duty. Following his military service, he transitioned into the corporate world, holding prominent roles in wealth management with companies like Haliburton and other large corporations.
Driven by a passion for social impact, Dr. Phillips transitioned to the nonprofit sector, joining Hunger Busters, an after-school feeding program. Under his leadership, the program significantly expanded, providing nearly 3,500 dinners daily to students in need.
His dedication to community service has earned him prestigious awards, including the Dallas Police Department Civilian Partner of the Year, Zakat Lodge Nonprofit Partner of the Year, and the Presidential Community Service Award.
Dr. Phillips is a multifaceted individual, not only excelling in philanthropy but also making significant contributions to literature and public speaking. He is the author of a best-selling compilation book and a sought-after TEDx speaker, using his platform to advocate for combating childhood insecurity.
A familiar voice on various media platforms, Dr. Phillips has shared his story and insights on combating food insecurity on major radio and television networks, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and Telemundo. He has been featured in extended interviews on Zondra TV and Giving Outloud, amplifying his message to a wider audience.
Driven by a mission to raise awareness, Dr. Phillips launched the 145 Campaign, shining a spotlight on the 145,000 food-insecure students in Dallas. His campaign garnered recognition from two Dallas mayors, who declared the 145th day of the year as Hunger Busters Day in acknowledgment of his efforts.
In addition to his philanthropic endeavors, Dr. Phillips is a respected academic, holding a Ph.D. from Trinity University. He is also a certified Business Entrepreneur Coach, leveraging his expertise to teach advanced wealth-building techniques to others.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Phillips is an avid sports enthusiast who treasures spending quality time with friends and family. His diverse interests and unwavering dedication to service continue to inspire positive change in communities nationwide.
Dee Baker Amos, MBA
Board Chairperson
With over 20 years in Communications/PR, Marketing, and Community Engagement, Dee is known for her innovative, collaborative leadership. In 2023, she launched DBA & Associates providing thought leadership in Strategic Planning, Leadership Development, and Crisis Management. Dee also offers coaching in the areas of career advancement, interviewing and telling your story, exit and next step career strategies and executive leadership. The vision for DBA & Associates is to help people and organizations soar.
In her most recent corporate role, she was Vice President of Communications & Marketing at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Working for the 2nd busiest airport in the world, Dee provided strategic direction for the functions of media relations, internal communications, social and digital media, marketing, community engagement, board management, local government relations, and crisis response.
Dee held leadership positions at the American Heart Association, including Vice President of Health Strategies for the Southwest Region; Delta Air Lines, as a spokesperson during 9/11; and the Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, as the Communications Officer during the Anthrax attacks; and the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA.
Dee serves on several boards including: the Methodist Southlake Hospital Advisory Board, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, America's/Dallas Dinner Table, and Hunger Busters Board where she is the chairperson.
Dee holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Clark Atlanta University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia.
Claire Burnett, MBA
President I Junior Executive Board
Claire Burnett serves as the President of our Junior Executive Board. Burnett is also the Owner & Operator of Claire Cut Consulting, a strategic planning agency that helps leaders build plans that drive impact with people who care. She is a multicertified, results-oriented leader with nearly two decades of experience in strategic planning and operational excellence for Fortune 10 companies.
She is adept at driving transformative change, enhancing organizational effectiveness and committed to leading cross-functional teams toward achieving measurable outcomes that position organizations for future success. Burnett has a demonstrated expertise in stakeholder management and development, strong background in brand strategy, events and content creation, and a high aptitude for fostering innovative change management strategies. Outside of work, she is a mom to a four year old toy poodle and a passionate mental health advocate.
Cal Quigley IV, Ph.D
Chief Financial Officer
Cal Quigley IV is an Air Force Veteran, Professor of Global Business, Ethics and Investing at the prestigious Neeley School of Business at TCU. Dr. Quigley received his B.S. in Information Technology while serving on active duty in the United States Air Force (National Louis University), M.B.A in finance from Texas Christian University.
Dr. Quigley’s research focuses on entrepreneurial finance, innovation, fintech, real estate and international business development. He is the recipient of the Community Champions award for work done in youth enrichment services in the Stop 6, Eastwood, and Poly communities in Fort Worth.
Quay Childress, MBA
Chief Marketing Officer
Quay Childress is a seasoned marketing strategist and nonprofit advocate dedicated to bridging the gap between community needs and impactful solutions. With over a decade of experience in social media management, digital marketing, and brand strategy, Quay has played a pivotal role in expanding awareness and engagement for mission-driven organizations.
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She has collaborated with Meta and the U.S. Department of State on digital initiatives and has been honored by the Governor of Arkansas and former U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House for her contributions to marketing and community advocacy. Additionally, she played a key role in the exit campaign for the 45th Mayor of Denver, Michael B. Hancock.
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As a 3-year board member of Hunger Busters, Quay brings expertise in nonprofit work, digital marketing, and event management to support the organization's mission of fighting food insecurity in Dallas. She is a Product Marketing Manager at the National Center of the American Heart Association, where she develops products aimed at improving resuscitation efforts and outcomes for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.​
​In addition to her nonprofit work, Quay is the founder of SOCL LUXE Marketing, a firm specializing in digital and event marketing.
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On a personal note, Quay is a proud wife to her college sweetheart and a dog mom to her labradoodle, Smokey.
Calvert Collins-Bratton
Board Member
Calvert Collins-Bratton is a seventh generation Texan, proud Dallas native, civic and park advocate, wife and girl mom. She is the Chief Relationship Officer for Communities Foundation of Texas, and previously spent eight years at Methodist Health System Foundation. Prior to her nonprofit work, she spent a decade as a television reporter and anchor in Omaha, Las Vegas and here with KDFW FOX 4. She was born and raised in Dallas and is a graduate of Highland Park High School and the University of Missouri.
Calvert is very passionate about her community, helping others and improving Dallas. In addition to representing District 13 on the City of Dallas Park and Recreation Board for the past six years, she serves on the boards of SMU’s Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Resource Center, Christ’s Family Clinic, Hunger Busters and Safer Dallas Better Dallas. She is also a member of Charter 100, The Dallas Assembly and The Dallas Summit. Calvert lives in north Dallas with her husband and three young daughters.
Craig Baker
Board Member
Craig Baker is a dynamic leader, community advocate, and visionary entrepreneur dedicated to creating positive change in underserved communities. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Craig's early years were shaped by the vibrant culture and rich heritage of his homeland. At a young age, he relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where he navigated the challenges of adapting to a new environment while embracing the opportunities for growth and opportunity.
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Craig's journey led him to Florida A&M University, where he excelled both academically and athletically as a standout member of the university's esteemed football team, making a name for himself on the offensive line. He pursued his passion for construction and engineering, earning a degree in Construction Engineering Technology, which laid the foundation for his distinguished career in the construction industry.
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With a wealth of experience gained from notable firms such as Haskell, Gray Construction, and SD Deacon, Craig honed his expertise in construction management and project execution. Drawing upon his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community empowerment, he founded BAC Construction and BAC Consulting, where he serves as the visionary CEO, leading the company to new heights of success and impact.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Craig is deeply engaged in social issues affecting underserved communities, leveraging his resources and influence to provide opportunities for youth empowerment and mentorship. He has spearheaded initiatives to create jobs and mentorship programs both in the United States and Jamaica, empowering young individuals to pursue their dreams and build brighter futures.
When not leading his company or championing social causes, Craig finds solace and joy in spending quality time with his wife and three children. Whether relaxing on the beaches of his native Jamaica or exploring exotic islands, Craig treasures moments of tranquility and connection with his loved ones, embodying a life dedicated to making a difference and enjoying the beauty of the world around him.
Chris Bacala
Board Member
Chris Bacala is a visionary entrepreneur who has achieved remarkable success as the founder and CEO of Bare Roots Landscape Solutions, Bacala Properties, LLC, and Bare Roots Tree Solutions. His journey began with dedicated service in the Louisiana National Guard during Desert Storm, followed by a degree in Industrial Engineering Technology from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL) and a second bachelor's degree in landscape architecture from Louisiana State University (LSU). As CEO, he has propelled his companies to substantial growth and prosperity.
With over 30 years of industry expertise, Chris has cultivated enduring client relationships, a critical factor in his company’s unprecedented success. Beyond his professional pursuits, he is deeply engaged in his church, devotes time to various community initiatives, and sits on several boards. Notably, he is a distinguished Graduate of the Leadership Dallas—49th Class (DRC) 2024.​
Recognized for his exceptional contributions, Chris has been nominated twice for Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the North Texas Business Association and has received prestigious awards in landscape design and business management. His competence and success in the industry are evident in these accolades.
Chris, his wife, Deidre, and their two sons, Christopher and Charlie, proudly call the East Dallas area home. His unwavering faith and influential leadership have significantly impacted his community and earned him praise from colleagues and friends in Texas and Louisiana, further solidifying his community ties.
Derrick Perry
Board Member
Derrick is a transformative leader with over a decade of impactful experience in enrollment initiatives and expanding education access across K-12 and higher education. Since relocating to Dallas-Fort Worth from Las Vegas, NV, in 2021, Derrick has continued his passion for developing innovative strategies that drive student success, promote equity, and create pathways to education for underserved communities.
A proud first-generation college graduate, Derrick holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Kaplan University, an MBA from Grand Canyon University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington. His leadership journey includes serving as a key leader at IDEA Public Schools and currently as the Director of Online Programs at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he drives strategic enrollment initiatives, develops marketing strategies, and enhances the student experience.
Derrick is a passionate mentor and advocate committed to empowering the next generation of leaders and giving back to his community. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and an active member of the Xi Tau Lambda chapter, where he participates in initiatives that uplift underserved communities and create opportunities for others to thrive.
When he’s not advancing education, Derrick enjoys spending time with his wife, Tiffany, and their two children, traveling abroad, exploring new cuisines, and attending live music and sporting events.
Erin Hughes
Board Member
Born and raised in Dallas, Erin Hughes is a proud graduate of D. W. Carter High School. After spending a couple of years at Stephen F. Austin State University, she realized her true passion lay elsewhere. With a lifelong love for hair, she pursued cosmetology school, setting the foundation for a thriving career in beauty.
Just three years later, she opened her first salon, and seven years after that, she expanded her vision by launching HOUS of WIGS. Today, she leads a team of talented wig artists and support agents, empowering thousands of women worldwide to express themselves authentically at every stage of their journey.
Je’Varis Richardson
Board Member
​Mr. Richardson is a driven professional and "team first" leader with over 15 years of experience in both single and multi-unit roles for Store Operations with Target Corporation. His areas of expertise include a demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and retain top talent; plan and drive execution of business strategies that deliver profitable results; create exceptional customer experience; motivate and inspire teams to establish a positive, winning environment.
He started his career as an entry level executive with Target. After success in roles focused on Service, Apparel, and Human Resources he earned the promotion to lead his own store team. After running multiple stores successfully he was promoted to a senior district director role, which is his current role. He is currently in his second assignment in this role in the DFW Metroplex market. As an experienced senior leader he has placed a focus on being an active part of the community in addition to running his business. This has helped him to learn about and understand the complex needs of the community to ensure his stores and teams show up as part of the communities they serve.
He attended East Carolina University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration (BSBA) and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA). During his time at East Carolina University, he also served as Polemarch of the Eta Psi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
He and his family relocated to the DFW Metroplex from the Raleigh-Durham Metroplex in North Carolina. Since relocating to Dallas he was a part of the Leadership Dallas Class of 2023. As a devoted father, he spends his free time as a volunteer coach and supporting the interests of his three children. His focus is investing in their future and giving them a strong foundation to be valuable members of their communities. This inspired him to become involved with Hunger Busters to expand the positive impact on his new community.
His personal interest include playing basketball with his son, working out and staying healthy, exploring food and culture to learn more about the local Dallas community with his wife, and reading to gain new knowledge and skills. He has a focus on growth in all aspects of life whether personally, professionally , and/or spiritually.
Julia Brickey
Board Member
A newcomer to DFW, Julia is a passionate leader in experiential hospitality, whose commitment to community service and youth development began at a young age in her hometown of St. Louis, MO. Her roles as a student teacher, swim instructor, and youth theater camp counselor allowed her to uplift her community, promote safety awareness, and ignite creativity in the arts. These early experiences laid the foundation for her ongoing love of community engagement and youth empowerment.
Her professional journey has taken her from the front lines of The Magic Kingdom to leadership roles at prestigious organizations like Tower Club Dallas and Club 75 by Convene. Julia’s compassion for people has grown into nearly a decade of experience in hospitality leadership and member engagement. Backed with a B.S. in Hospitality, Julia has honed her skills in building strong relationships and fostering community connection. This has led to her support of impactful philanthropic groups, including the Give Kids the World Village, to provide accommodations and experiences to traveling Make-a-Wish families in Orlando, and Bonton Farms, to promote equitable access to necessities like food and healthcare here in Dallas. Driven by a desire to build a better future for generations to come, Julia is committed to leveraging her skills and experiences to create actionable change in Dallas and beyond.
Julia's passion for Hunger Busters' mission began in early 2024 when she first volunteered at their kitchen. There, the group quickly collaborated to pack 1,000+ meals set to be shipped out later that day in what felt like no time at all. Immediately recognizing the organization's vital role in nourishing communities and their goal to end the cycles that perpetuate poverty and hunger, she became deeply invested in the cause. Since then, Julia has partnered with Hunger Busters on numerous occasions, leveraging her expertise in member engagement and event coordination to drive creative and meaningful attention to the organization. As a new board member, she is eager to further these efforts, contributing her strategic planning skills to help Hunger Busters expand its impact and create lasting change in the fight against hunger.
Justin Mapes
Board Member
Justin is a member of Blank Rome’s Real Estate practice group. He also has vast experience in hospitality and finance matters.
Justin focuses his practice on real estate and commercial transactions with an emphasis on the financing, acquisition, development, management, and disposition of commercial real property, including multifamily properties, mixed-use developments, retail shopping centers, healthcare and medical office building developments, condominium projects, and hotels.
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Justin has represented major financial institutions, specialty lenders, and borrowers in numerous lending transactions, loan workouts, loan modifications, acquisition financing, mezzanine debt, remedy enforcement, and foreclosures involving a wide variety of collateral.
Justin routinely guides clients through the material business and legal issues in complex transactions, including commercial leasing, joint venture negotiations, operating agreements, construction contracts, agreements with design professionals, license and management agreements, and franchise agreements. Additionally, he has extensive experience advising clients on matters impacting or relating to operations of hotels and resorts in a variety of matters, such as dispute resolution, leasing, event contracts, and negotiating a wide range of supplier/vendor agreements, including contracts with online travel companies and sales intermediaries.
Previously, Justin served as deputy general counsel at an industry-leading hotel management, investment, technology, and development firm based in New York and Dallas. He was responsible for the legal affairs of the hotel management and investment platforms in connection with the acquisition, management, and operation of approximately 400 hospitality assets located across the United States, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, and Europe.
He also served as vice president and associate general counsel at a leading global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm, managing and supervising the legal affairs of the Portfolio Management, Real Estate, Loan Asset Management, and Specialty Lending Group divisions.
Prior to his work in-house, Justin spent more than eight years in private practice in Dallas, where he garnered significant general real estate and corporate finance experience.
Herbert Smith
Board Member
Herbert Smith is a Partnership Strategist who has had the pleasure to have worked with acclaimed Fortune 500 brands such as AT&T, Frito Lay, Marriott, and American Airlines just to name a few. He is an alumnus of the illustrious Hampton University, where he gained his academic foundation in Marketing.
Although Herbert is a native son of Philadelphia, he has ingratiated himself into the Dallas community having sat on multiple nonprofit boards and cohorts, including serving as President of the Dallas-Ft. Worth Urban League Young Professionals, an alumni of United Way’s Racial Equity Fellowship, New Leaders Council, Communities Foundation of Texas’ Emerging Leaders cohort, and Engage Dallas formerly known as the Mayor’s Star Council. Herbert is excited to serve on the Hunger Buster Board and help set Dallas youth up for a bright future by assisting in providing the nourishment they need to be successful.
Kedrick Kassim
Board Member
With over 15 years of experience in early childhood education and out-of-school-time (OST) operations, Kedrick Kassim is a highly skilled strategic leader with a proven track record in optimizing processes, driving fiscal responsibility, and advancing leadership development across diverse organizational settings. Having served in key roles within both private and nonprofit sectors, Kedrick brings extensive experience in managing multi-site operations and leading cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals. A committed advocate for high-quality education, Kedrick's career includes significant tenure at the third-largest school district in Texas, where he effectively led the operations of early childhood and OST programs that reached thousands of children and families across the district. His hands-on expertise spans the full spectrum of operational leadership, from program delivery and service expansion to strategic planning and budget management.
Kedrick has demonstrated a keen ability to drive organizational growth through process improvements that enhance service delivery, increase operational efficiency, and reduce costs. His leadership in fiscal management has ensured sustainable budgets while maintaining high standards of educational and operational excellence. Through innovative leadership development initiatives, Kedrick has cultivated talent and empowered teams to achieve organizational success.
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In his previous roles, Kedrick successfully navigated the complexities of managing large-scale, multi-site operations, demonstrating his capacity to lead diverse teams in both the public and private sectors. His deep understanding of the intersection of education, community engagement, and operational effectiveness allows him to make a lasting impact on both organizational culture and the communities served.
Kedrick’s focus on collaborative partnerships, strategic vision, and strong leadership has positioned him as a trusted leader and advisor in the field of early childhood and out-of-school-time education.
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Kedrick is thrilled to join the important work of Hunger Busters, as he believes that addressing food insecurity is crucial to helping children thrive. By ensuring that children’s next meal is not a concern, they are better able to excel academically and socially. He is committed to advancing the mission of Hunger Busters and creating lasting positive outcomes for the communities served.
Laura Kovacevich
Board Member
Laura was born and raised in the San Joaquin Valley where she found her passion early on for helping underserved communities and a lifelong mission of connecting individuals to the earth and their roots. Kovacevich’s family has deep ties to California Agriculture and ranching, as well as a lengthy legacy of civic service. For 70 years her family grew grapes in California. Her grandfather, John J. Kovacevich helped introduce the Flame Seedless grape in 1973, which has become one of the most widely recognized and planted grapes in the California table grape industry. His collaboration with the USDA-ARS in Fresno, Calif., ushered in a new era of table grapes.
Having spent a substantial amount of time in South America, Kovacevich saw firsthand how poor infrastructure, inadequate access to healthcare, and food insecurity impacted communities and families. These experiences inspired Laura to answer the call.
Kovacevich’s mission to connect individuals to their roots and the earth, as well as her drive to irradiate food insecurity, echoed the ethos of Roots Food Group, a mission-driven technology, healthcare, philanthropic and food company that believes in creating healthy outcomes through 'Food is Medicine.’
Lauren Rodgers, MBA
Board Member
Lauren Rodgers, MBA-MHSM, is a seasoned healthcare executive currently serving as Vice President of Impact Strategy and Operations in the Global Impact Office at McKesson Corporation. With over 12 years of experience, she has led enterprise-wide innovation and transformation initiatives for some of the nation’s largest for-profit health systems and established governance frameworks across complex integrated delivery networks.
Lauren earned a dual Master’s degree in Health Systems Management and Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University and a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Healthcare Administration from Dallas Baptist University. A lifelong resident of Southern Dallas, Lauren possesses a profound understanding of the community’s needs. Her dedication to advancing health equity and increasing minority representation is reflected in her active volunteerism and advocacy efforts. She also serves as Chief Strategy Officer on the Toast for Charity board, where she plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and driving impactful change within the community.
Mari Carmen Tamez
Board Member
As the Community & Citizenship Director for Turner Construction Company, Mari Carmen Tamez has complete oversight for the coordination of Community Affairs activities for Turner's Dallas Business Unit. Her involvement includes membership in various community organizations and boards and she is also responsible for tracking MWBE involvement. She fosters community engagement by performing in-house and outreach activities which solicit and maintain the involvement of local professional interest groups within the communities. She brings a level of extraordinary commitment and local connectivity to ensuring that not just goals and objectives are met, but meaningful capacity-building is created with positive lasting effect.
Mari’s personal commitment extends to her involvement across the metro area leading several initiatives including outreach and community engagement, workforce development and capacity building, educational programs, and relationship building/strengthening across industry and community organizations supporting MWBE businesses.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and PR, as well as a BFA in Interior Design from The Design Institute of San Diego. She also serves on several nonprofit boards and was part of Leadership Dallas 2024 cohort.
Nikki Ceaser-Small, EdD
Board Member
Dr. Nikki Ceaser-Small serves as the Senior Director of Campus Administration at Dallas College's Cedar Valley Campus, where she supports the Campus President in ensuring effective operations and continuous improvement in student services. With over 18 years of experience in higher education administration, Dr. Ceaser-Small is well-versed in advancing enrollment management and fostering corporate relationships. She is a strong advocate for servant leadership, dedicating herself to guiding students to discover their passions and achieve their full professional potential. She is recognized for her leadership in fundraising and workforce development.​
Dr. Ceaser-Small is deeply committed to community service and leadership development. She serves on several boards, including the Northwestern State University Foundation Board, the Executive Board of the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce, and the Cedar Hill ISD Education Foundation. She was previously the Vice President of the Northwestern State University Alumni Association and has served on boards for Leadership Southwest and the DeSoto Area Chamber. Additionally, she has been recently appointed to the Entrepreneur’s Scholarship Program and participates in the Marketing Committee for the Best Southwest Partnership. A member of Leadership Dallas (Class of 2023) and an alumna of Leadership Southwest (Class of 2016), Dr. Ceaser-Small is passionate about shaping the next generation of leaders.
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A native of Natchitoches, Louisiana, Dr. Ceaser-Small earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Northwestern State University, an MBA from Northwood University, and a Doctorate in Higher Education with a specialization in Leadership and Management from Capella University.
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Dr. Ceaser-Small and her husband, Reuben Small, are proud parents to their 12-year-old daughter, Madison Isabella.
Odreanne' White Breaux
Board Member
Odreanne' is a vice president and a senior financial wellness consultant in PNC Organizational Financial Wellness. She is dedicated to partnering with organizations to deliver customized financial wellness benefits to help move their employees forward financially. These benefits include a bank-at-work program, student debt repayment, health and benefit spending accounts, retirement planning, digital and in-person financial education and more.
Odreanne’ is known as a results-driven Senior FWC showcasing 15+ years leading global business strategy to achieve maximum growth for industry leaders. Creativity, drive, and leadership are Odreanne's greatest strengths. She thrives on all kinds of challenges, especially those that strengthen the company's financial results. She offers exceptional tenure resulting in an uncompromising focus on bottom-line profit improvements and conducting comprehensive market assessments while uncovering key revenue drivers.
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In addition to this, Odreanne is skilled at delivering insightful presentations and strengthening relations with business partners and senior leaders. She actively exhibits abilities to understand the big picture of an organization, interact and work with people at all levels. Focuses on client opportunities by providing ideas and insights based on an understanding of the client's needs and their financial well being.
Odreanne’ has a passion for helping others in her community. She has won numerous awards including the First National Bank – Regional Banking Specialist of the year, 2014; Habitat for humanity – Volunteer of the Year, 2018 and was featured on CEO Mothers Magazine, 2020, served as a board member of Community Partners of Dallas 2022, Market All Stars Award 2024, and Nominated by the Regional President at PNC for the Transformational Leadership Program of the year 2024.
Stephanie Seno
Board Member
Stephanie Seno leads sales operations for the Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) Enterprise business. In this capacity, she focuses on optimizing sales processes, managing sales technology, facilitating talent initiatives, and collaborating with sales leaders to achieve revenue targets.
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Ms. Seno previously served as chief of staff for the People team supporting strategic projects designed to drive the continuous improvement of CBRE’s People programs, processes and policies. Her focus areas included oversight of People Leadership Team operations; tracking of investments and managing costs; hiring and onboarding select leadership roles; as well as project managing key initiatives.
Prior to joining the People team in 2021, Ms. Seno spent 13 years in operations and sales enablement within CBRE’s Advisory Services segment. Ms. Seno was recognized as Sales Management Professional of the Year in 2019, which is awarded to the top Americas Sales Management professional who embodies excellence at CBRE.​​
​​Ms. Seno began her real estate career as a Senior Research Analyst at Grubb & Ellis Company, where she produced market analyses for the office, industrial and multifamily sectors in Dallas/Fort Worth. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Southern Methodist University and is based in Dallas, Texas.
Pilar Ferguson
Board Member
Pilar Ferguson is an attorney, and pro bono advocate. She is currently working as Commercial Counsel with Upland Software. Previously, Pilar worked in immigration law primarily in the non-profit sector representing clients as they applied for various forms of humanitarian relief in immigration court and before USCIS. While working at Kids In Need of Defense in Los Angeles and Human Rights Initiative of North Texas in Dallas, she mentored non-immigration attorneys through their pro bono cases ensuring more immigrants seeking asylum were provided robust and skilled representation. Pilar also has experience with business and family-based visas and adjustment of status.
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Pilar initially entered the nonprofit legal services sector to help bridge the ever-widening gap immigrants face in accessing the legal system in the United States. She now continues that work through pro bono cases and through board membership with DASH, an organization providing housing and community to asylum seekers in Ft. Worth. She looks forward to expanding her advocacy work as a Hunger Busters board member.
Pilar is a native Californian who attended the University of Arizona and the University of California, Irvine School of Law. She has called Texas home for the past eight years and will for many years to come with her husband and two amazing girls.
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Ara Grimaldo
Board Member
​Ara Grimaldo Saintus is currently the Director of Development at the Methodist Health System Foundation where she is responsible for developing long-term relationships with foundations, families, corporations and individuals. Previously, Ara was the Executive Director of After8toEducate, a nonprofit that serves homeless youth in South Dallas. She has also worked at Momentous Institute, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star. Ara is known for her ability to develop and implement innovative solutions that align mission-driven organizations with sustainable practices, fostering long-term success and growth. Ara grew up in Dallas and has a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies from Texas A&M University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Texas A&M University-Commerce. During her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and four young daughters.
![Ara Grimaldo[1-1]8x11.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/190661_1711bb7b4c604dbb876c7be6874ebc51~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_291,w_2400,h_3013/fill/w_239,h_300,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Ara%20Grimaldo%5B1-1%5D8x11.jpg)
Raul E. Machuca Jr.
Board Member
Raul E. Machuca Jr. is a seasoned marketing and communications executive with over 11+ years of experience driving brand strategy, digital media, advertising, and strategic communications in both nonprofit and corporate sectors. As a Chief Marketing Officer, he has spearheaded multimillion-dollar marketing initiatives, optimized advertising strategies, and expanded digital presence to maximize organizational impact.
Raul’s expertise spans strategic planning, marketing, advertising, and public relations, with a strong focus on multicultural outreach and data-driven decision-making. He has successfully managed large-scale marketing budgets, including a $5.2 million annual advertising budget at Cars for Kids, where he implemented innovative marketing strategies that enhanced donor engagement and revenue growth. His ability to reduce marketing expenses by $2.4 million while maintaining ROI demonstrates his proficiency in budget optimization and campaign efficiency.
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Throughout his career, Raul has played a pivotal role in student recruitment and enrollment growth for educational institutions, including Trinity Basin Preparatory and Texans Can Academies, where he led strategic marketing efforts to boost engagement and outreach. He has a proven track record of collaborating with leadership teams, external partners, and media outlets to elevate brand visibility and drive organizational success.
A bilingual marketing leader fluent in Spanish, Raul has been instrumental in community relations and outreach, ensuring inclusive messaging for diverse audiences. His work in crisis communication, marketing, public relations and advertising has positioned him as a thought leader in the industry.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Raul is committed to mentorship, leadership development, and volunteer work. He enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and spending time with his wife and two children.