Telitha is originally from Durham, NC and graduated from Kenan Flagler's Business School at UNC Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She moved to Charlotte in 2002 with her husband after living in New York City for 5 years. Since moving to Charlotte, Telitha has volunteered at the Second Harvest Food Bank, tutored kids at a local elementary school, served as the Finance Chair of a non-profit children's consignment sale, organized several donation drives, and has served on multiple non-profit boards and committees. They collect donations at their birthday parties and help shop for the kids they sponsor during the holidays. Telitha strives to be an example for her kids to help others and is excited to be the Board Chair and an integral part of the FFC team to help make a difference for local families.

Jason is from Cary, NC and relocated to Charlotte in June 2020 after living in New York City for five years where his wife worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He has a BSBA degree in Accounting from Appalachian State University and is a Certified Public Accountant in North Carolina. Jason works at RSM US LLP in Charlotte as an Assurance Senior Manager serving clients in specialty finance.

Jason first discovered Families Forward Charlotte through RSM's relationship with Social Venture Partners. After learning about the various ways families are supported through Families Forward Charlotte activities, he became inspired and wanted to give back to the community. Jason serves as Treasurer for Families Forward Charlotte.

Nadine is from Stone Mountain, GA and relocated to Charlotte in May 2020 after retiring from coaching basketball at the collegiate level at James Madison University (2yrs), Indiana University (1yr) & Purdue University (13yrs) and now serves as one of the Top Producing Real Estate Agents in Charlotte for Allen Tate Realtors.

Aside from volunteering with Families Forward Charlotte, Nay enjoys working out, assisting people on their homeownership dreams, and most importantly, cheering for her wife, who is the head women's basketball coach at Queens University along with cherishing every moment they have and attempting to keep up with their 4yr old son.

Nay found Families Forward Charlotte after seeking out an organization that has a mission to serve the underserved here in the Charlotte Metro Area. She started out with donating to the cause and then wanted to get more involved as she was inspired by their mission and was encouraged to become a Family Liaison, which she has now done for over a year. This year she has the honor of serving on the Board as Secretary.

Deja is from Waukegan, Illinois but traveled around much of her childhood before landing in Charlotte, NC where she has spent her adult life. Deja is a dispatcher and customer service clerk for a trucking company and has worked in this role for the past two years. She is a single mother to four children, who she adores. She lost her kid's father in 2015 due to a rare bile duct cancer and misses him greatly. Deja was a participant in Families Forward Charlote's Family Success Program because she and her children were previously homeless and sleeping in their car. Families Forward Charlote helped Deja tremendously over the past few years and she shares that Families Forward Charlote has "never turned their back on me". Deja remained in contact with Families Forward Charlote and her Family Liaison mentor following her graduation. She is honored and excited to be board member because she was once on the receiving side and now says it "feels good to be on both sides".

Ms. Jazmin Hazbun, MBA, is an accomplished business professional with over 20 years of experience in operations management, consulting, information technology, and training and development. Ms. Hazbun currently works with Bank of America as a Senior Business Control Manager and leads the Records Retention program for Global Operations.

Arriving to the Carolinas from the South Florida area, Ms. Hazbun relocated to pursue career and family goals. Driven by a passion to help small business owners and drawing on her prior experience as a business school adjunct professor, Ms. Hazbun became an active member of the Education Committee of the Hispanic Contractor's Association of the Carolinas, and conducted workshops on a variety of topics, such as business planning, marketing, and sales lead generation.

Ms. Hazbun received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida, and her Master of Business Administration degree, with a specialization in International Business, from the University of Miami. Ms. Hazbun lives in South Charlotte and in her down time enjoys spending time with her 8-year-old son, Carter.

David Privitera is the retired President & CEO of Concorde Construction Company, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, USA.

He started his career in the Construction industry in 1990, and over the last 3+ decades has developed a reputation as an admired leader known for his strategic vision, leadership acumen, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

David's leadership approach centers around empowering team members, fostering a culture of accountability, and nurturing professional growth.

David joined Concorde Construction in 2005 as Executive Vice President and Managing Partner, giving the Company a springboard for greater growth. His focus was to establish a successful culture and cultivate strategic customer relationships. In 2011, David was named President, and in 2016 was given the added role of CEO.

In the following years, David transformed Concorde Construction into a respected general contractor and construction management firm with completed projects valued at more than $1 billion throughout the Southeastern United States.

Outside of work, he is dedicated to giving back to his community through philanthropy and mentorship opportunities, embodying his commitment to contributing to the greater good and leaving a lasting positive impact.

Peggy, and her family, came to Charlotte in 2004 from the DC Metro area to continue her career in financial services with Bank of America. Prior to the move she had served in various senior risk positions in banking, additionally driving operations and technology initiatives through the industry's primary associations and ultimately the creation of the Financial Services Coordinating Council. The Council, still in existence today, coordinates critical infrastructure and homeland security activities with the financial services industry. In 2020, Peggy joined Wells Fargo as Executive Vice President for Control Management, managing risk and control in the technology areas that support Commercial and Corporate & Investment Banking Technology.

Peggy became interested in supporting Families Forward Charlotte when she saw the success the organization was having with Family Partners through their education and mentorship programs which contributed to breaking the cycle of poverty. Recognizing that with additional financial and voluntary support, the organization could impact many more Charlotte families, she wanted to engage directly in supporting the organization, and introducing friends and colleagues to the tremendous opportunity to positively impact our community.

Mark is an attorney practicing with Burr & Forman LLP in their Lending practice group, where he primarily represents regional and national bank and non-bank lenders in connection with the origination, securitization, and servicing of commercial real estate mortgage loans. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy from UNC Chapel Hill and his law degree from Campbell University. Mark has lived in Charlotte since 2004. With a heart for service, he strives to be a role model for his family and to give back to our community.

Raised in Charlotte, Liz is an ethics and compliance professional who believes in the importance of community. She is excited to use her skills of collaboration,communication and governance to support the organization's mission. In her free time, Liz enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and being outside.

David recently retired from KPMG after a 34-year career in the firm's Advisory group. A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, he graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and obtained a graduate degree from Johns Hopkins University. Before returning to Charlotte, David lived in the greater New York City area, where he was involved with Back on My Feet, an organization with a mission similar to that of Families Forward Charlotte. Since relocating back to Charlotte, David has continued that commitment to service with Families Forward Charlotte, driven by a desire to give back to the community he now calls home.

As the Manager of Human Resources at Martello Re, Jaime Perez is a strategic business partner dedicated to enhancing organizational culture and driving high performance. With over 20 years of experience in HR and People Operations, Jaime specializes in talent management, employee relations, and organizational development.

Jaime holds a B.S. in Management, Leadership & Organizational Development from Texas A&M University, a Professional Certificate in Industrial Labor Relations, Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University ILR School, and an A.A. in Communication and Media Studies from Glendale College. Jaime has also recently completed the SHRM-CP recertification and earned the Insights Discovery Practitioner Accreditation.

Throughout Jaime's career, he's led strategic initiatives that significantly contributed to business success. Jaime has designed and implemented tools and systems to attract and develop top talent, led organizational design and change management initiatives, and developed HR systems that enhance employee experience.

Jaime is a tactical problem-solver, collaborative leader, and passionate learner committed to continuous improvement. His expertise in conflict resolution, performance management, and strategic planning enables him to drive organizational success and foster a positive work environment.

Sam was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. He attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where he obtained his Masters in Accountancy. He started his career in public accounting and has since moved into Litigation Consulting specializing in forensic audits, investigations and commercial disputes. As a Charlotte native, he is aware of the economic challenges experienced by thousands of families in this city. Since finding Families Forward through a coworker, he has learned more about the organization and the direct support they have provided families in the Charlotte area. He looks forward to being part of this cause by serving on the board, volunteering and supporting the organization in any way possible.

Jim Nason is a retired Deloitte Tax Partner finding his way to the Carolinas from the Northeast where he lived for twenty-nine years. He spent his professional life as a CPA where he specialized in complex corporate tax and industry issues for entities in the Technology Media & Telecommunications space. Jim still does selective speaking and expert consulting for Leo Berwick a national firm specializing in Mergers & Acquisitions. Working with a cadre of former associates and friends, Jim is also part of an angel and early-stage investment group focused on creative business opportunities who are in need of guidance and financial acumen. The move to the Carolinas in 2023 was a big change - one that he's embraced since the day the moving truck pulled in.

Although still active in the finance world, Jim has downshifted into life post a long-term career. Looking for opportunities to give back to the community, unlock the treasures of the South, live music wherever it is and just enjoy retirement, Jim joyously lives in South Carolina with his better half, Kerry.

Sam was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. He attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where he obtained his Masters in Accountancy. He started his career in public accounting and has since moved into Litigation Consulting specializing in forensic audits, investigations and commercial disputes. As a Charlotte native, he is aware of the economic challenges experienced by thousands of families in this city. Since finding Families Forward through a coworker, he has learned more about the organization and the direct support they have provided families in the Charlotte area. He looks forward to being part of this cause by serving on the board, volunteering and supporting the organization in any way possible.

Phil is from Raleigh, NC and has been living in Charlotte since 2013. He has a BSBA in Finance from UNC Charlotte and works at Aprio Wealth Management as a Retirement Plan Advisor. Phil's passion is to help individuals make better informed decisions through simplifying the complicated world of finance.

Phil first discovered Families Forward Charlotte through Aprio's Firm Foundation program. He was inspired by the Families Forward Charlote mission to help local families achieve financial wellness and long-term stability. Phil serves Families Forward of Charlotte as the Sponsor Committee Chair, where his role is to steward sponsorship from corporate partners and members of the community.

Kimberly is an award-winning senior leader, strategist, and Cornell Law graduate whose career spans nearly three decades across financial services, reinsurance, corporate strategy, communications, operations, corporate culture, brand management and social responsibility. Known for her ability to advise organizations at the intersection of governance, people, and performance, she brings a rare combination of legal acumen, operational expertise, and a deeply human approach to leadership.

Kimberly's relationship with Families Forward Charlotte began in 2025, when she joined as a committee member of the Nominating and Governance Committee — a role that speaks directly to her commitment to organizational integrity, thoughtful leadership selection, and sustainable growth. Her elevation to the Board is a natural progression of the dedication and insight she has demonstrated from the start.

A passionate advocate for non-traditional learning, community impact, and service-driven leadership, Kimberly serves on several boards across various regions and has been recognized with multiple awards for her commitment to the communities where she works and resides. She is the founder of Strands of Hope, a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and an Organizer and Charter Member of The Society, Incorporated — Greater Charlotte.

A native of Buffalo, New York, Kimberly resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband Vincent. She is the proud mother of a daughter, Porsche Marie.

Lakissha "Kissha" Cassells-Chestnut was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, growing up in Piedmont Courts, one of Charlotte's Charlotte Housing Authority communities. Inspired by her mother, Annie Cassells Bradley, a respected Charlotte community advocate, Lakissha developed a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and creating opportunities for others.

A certified Six Sigma Black Belt, Lakissha began her consulting career in 2015 and has built expertise in Workforce Management Systems. Throughout her career, she has partnered with large national and international organizations to lead system implementations, streamline processes, improve quality, and reduce operational costs. She currently serves as a Regional Process Expert, leading workforce and process improvement initiatives across North and South America. Her previous experience includes roles in the local area with the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), the City of Charlotte, and Mecklenburg EMS.

As a former participant of Families Forward Charlotte, Lakissha experienced firsthand the impact of the organization's support and resources. She is honored to serve on the Board of Directors, combining her professional expertise and lived experience to help strengthen families and expand opportunities throughout the Charlotte community.

In her free time, Lakissha enjoys gardening, Trading Options in the Stock Market, spending time with her family, and supporting community initiatives that empower others to thrive.

Elaine is originally from Brooklyn, New York. She has been living in Charlotte, NC since the end of 1999. She worked in the banking industry for over 22 years but left to work in the school system after having a family. Elaine found Families Forward Charlotte in 2021 and is proud graduate of our Family Success Program. With the support of Families Forward Charlote and her Family Liaison, she has gone back to school to obtain her Bachelor's in Psychology, has been able to purchase a new car, and focus on her and her son's health. She was honored when asked to become an alumni member of the Families Forward Charlote and was over the moon when asked to be on the Families Forward Charlote Board of Directors. Elaine is excited for the impact she can make as a board member in 2024.

Raj grew up in Greenville SC and Greensboro NC and relocated from the Northeast down to Charlotte in 2015 to be closer to his family. He holds a BS in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a MBA from UNC Chapel Hill. Raj works as a Director at Perficient, a global information technology and management consulting firm, where he helps companies implement digital
transformation solutions.

Outside of work, Raj is passionate about supporting the Charlotte community and especially its nonprofit ecosystem. Raj first learned about Families Forward Charlotte through his volunteer work for Social Venture Partners Charlotte. He serves on several non-profit boards and committees in Charlotte. Raj lives in the Dilworth neighborhood of Charlotte with his wife Leigh Ann and son Thomas.

As an African American woman Dr. Carrie Graham 'didn't fit in the traditional box'. She learned she could give people that 'don't fit in the traditional box' what they need to achieve their vision.

Carrie started her career on the high stress sidelines of Division 1 Athletics as a healthcare provider delivering thorough evaluations and effective solutions that last. This is the foundation of her current role as Founder/CEO & Consultant of COG Learning & Solutions, LLC.

Dr. Graham's vision is to provide an effective and efficient strategic plan for learning and talent development professionals to achieve their outcomes, including KPIs. This ensures their calm, confidence, and courage to do things differently.

Dr. Carrie Graham figured out what it takes to achieve her vision of empowering others, enabling her to see unlimited possibilities, feel expansive, and embolden all voices, particularly Families Forward Charlotte stakeholders. In her free time, Carrie is a foodie who loves to travel with her husband.