Our Team
Shavonne Johnson, CEO and Visionary Founder
Shavonne didn’t just found Truly Valued—she infused it with purpose.
What started in 2016 as a vision to help youth recognize their self-worth has grown into a trusted, compassionate organization supporting families across Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties. At its heart lies a simple but powerful belief: when people know they matter, they move through the world with greater confidence, intention, and hope.
As a mother and natural nurturer, Shavonne leads with a rare blend of empathy and decisiveness. Her background in management, ministry, and life coaching deeply informs the way she designs programs, supports her team, and connects with the community. She’s the kind of leader who listens with intention, asks meaningful questions, and lovingly challenges others to grow beyond their comfort zones.
Outside of her leadership role, you’ll often find Shavonne reading something uplifting, mapping out her next travel destination, or enjoying time with her family, which is her greatest source of strength and inspiration.
She also gives back through her active involvement in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and Sarasota’s Community Response Team. Through the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Team, she continues to foster impactful partnerships for future generations.
Shavonne’s leadership reminds us that true change doesn’t start with perfect systems, but it begins with love, honesty, and the unwavering courage to show up, again and again.
Dr. Leslie Harrell, Community Engagement Director
Dr. Harrell is a living testament to the power of transformation. A survivor of drug addiction and human trafficking, Leslie refuses to be defined by her past—instead, she uses it to fuel her mission: empowering others to uncover their purpose and live it boldly.
Ordained as an Elder in the Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E.) Church, Leslie now leads Mount Calvary C.M.E. Church in Lake Wales. In her role as Community Engagement Director for Truly Valued, Inc., she is a passionate advocate for youth and families, helping them rediscover their worth and build healthy, purpose-driven lives.
Leslie is a Certified Life Coach, a Restorative Therapy practitioner, and a Certified Facilitator and Trainer for the Nurturing Families Program. She combines these credentials with a strong academic foundation—including a Bachelor’s in Theology, a Master’s in Peace and Social Justice, and a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University—to guide individuals through personal growth, healing, and leadership development.
As a published author, Leslie channels her experiences into words that uplift and inspire, encouraging others to own their stories and step into their strength. Through the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Team, she partners with law enforcement and community leaders to support at-risk youth with the tools, guidance, and connection they need to thrive.
Leslie’s life and leadership remind us that no journey is too broken to be redeemed—and that purpose often rises from the very places we once thought we’d never overcome.
Lucia Villalpando, Criando Familias Facilitator
Lucia is the kind of person who makes you feel understood before you’ve even finished your sentence. Raised in Manatee County by Mexican immigrant parents, Lucia grew up with a deep appreciation for culture, service, and the power of language. That foundation shaped her into the kind of leader who not only listens—but builds meaningful spaces where others feel heard.
After earning her first degree from Florida Gulf Coast University, Lucia returned to her home community and began leading programs at the Manatee County Library that expanded access to resources and learning opportunities for families often left out of traditional systems. Her work there reflected a core belief she still holds today: when you remove barriers, people thrive.
Now pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in Information Science and Data Analytics, Lucia brings both heart and strategy to her work as Truly Valued’s Criando Familias. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, she supports youth and families in a way that feels effortless, but is deeply intentional. Her ability to build trust, facilitate dialogue, and deliver consistent, compassionate programming makes her an invaluable part of the Truly Valued team and the communities we serve.
Whether she’s facilitating a session, checking in with a parent, or translating complex ideas into clear, supportive guidance, Lucia shows up with grace, clarity, and the quiet kind of leadership that creates lasting change.
Eugene Burke, Program Delivery Manager
Eugene is an educator, coach, and mentor dedicated to helping young people reach their full potential both on and off the court. A graduate of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences, he has extensive experience in education, youth development, and athletics.
Eugene has coached basketball at Booker High School and Cardinal Mooney High School while also mentoring youth athletes ages 4–18. His passion lies in helping students recognize their untapped potential, build confidence, and develop the skills needed for lifelong success.
In addition to his work in education, Eugene brings strengths in communication, relationship building, customer service, and leadership. He is passionate about supporting organizations that create meaningful change and is interested in partnering with Truly Valued because he believes in its mission of empowering youth and families in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.
When he is not teaching or coaching, Eugene enjoys basketball, reading, and traveling. He is committed to making a positive impact in his community and helping organizations expand their local, state, national, and global reach.