Meet Our Board of Directors

At Truly Valued, our Board of Directors is more than a governing body — they are champions of our mission, vision, and values. Each member brings a unique blend of professional expertise, lived experience, and heartfelt dedication to empowering youth and strengthening our community.

From breaking barriers in law enforcement to advocating for behavioral health, from inspiring the next generation to amplifying unheard voices, our Board members lead with courage, compassion, and a commitment to creating lasting change.

Explore their stories below and discover the passion, purpose, and personal journeys that guide Truly Valued forward.

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Sharon Preston-Folta brings a lifetime of storytelling, cultural advocacy, and lived experience to the Truly Valued Board of Directors. A longtime Sarasota resident, she spent over 30 years in radio advertising before retiring from WUSF Public Media as Senior Account Executive.

She is the Executive Producer and Narrator of the Emmy Award–winning documentary Little Satchmo, based on her memoir Little Satchmo: Living in the Shadow of My Father, Louis Armstrong, which chronicles her journey as the daughter of jazz legend Louis Armstrong. Her passion for equity, creative expression, and community representation aligns deeply with Truly Valued’s mission to ensure every voice is heard and every young person is seen.

Standout Quote:
“It was empowering… I just felt it was the right thing to do.”

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Melissa Laboy Griffin brings over 20 years of experience in healthcare, education, and community service to the Truly Valued Board. A U.S. Army veteran and current Master of Social Work candidate, Melissa is deeply committed to youth empowerment, equity, and long-term community well-being.

Her work with students at Horizon Academy and her volunteer leadership with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, and the Food Bank of Manatee reflect a lifelong mission to uplift others and open doors to brighter futures.

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Amy Holmes made history as the first female member of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team. With a recent promotion to Detective, she brings frontline experience in high-pressure leadership and community safety, alongside an unwavering drive to open doors for others.

Amy’s dedication to training, resilience, and teamwork uplifts both her law enforcement colleagues and the young people she supports.

Standout Quote:
“Females are not inferior. They are fierce.”

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Kyacha “KeKe” Morgan Christmas brings over two decades of dedicated service at Bradenton Cardiology and is the founder of Love Make Scents Fragrance Co., a brand reflecting elegance, creativity, and intentional self-care.

For more than 24 years, she has supported youth through league football and community programs, investing in the next generation with purpose and consistency. Passionate about empowering organizations that uplift youth and strengthen families, KeKe is committed to fostering lasting impact and meaningful community connections.

Standout Quote: I am committed to leaving a legacy of leadership, service, and inspiration—where business, community, and purpose align seamlessly.

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Carlos Yancy Jr. is a community advocate dedicated to serving and strengthening the Sarasota community. He is interested in serving on the Board of Directors for Truly Valued to help support the organization’s mission and play a role in shaping a stronger future for the community.

Carlos currently serves in leadership and advisory roles with several organizations, including S.O.A.R. Healthy Start, the City of Sarasota Advisory Board, the Amaryllis Neighborhood Association, and the Newtown Business Council. Through these roles, he has gained valuable experience in community engagement and collaborative leadership.

He brings key skills in fiscal oversight, marketing and media relations, and building strong business relationships. Carlos looks forward to learning more about Truly Valued’s needs and identifying ways he can best support fundraising and resource development to help advance the organization’s impact.

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Curtis Hayes is a community-minded leader who is passionate about supporting organizations that create meaningful change in local communities. He is interested in serving on the Board of Directors for Truly Valued because of the organization’s impactful work and the dedication of its leadership to living out its mission.

Prior to COVID-19, Curtis served on the board of Manatee County Bridging the Gap, where he witnessed the power of collaboration as community members developed and implemented projects that strengthened relationships and produced positive outcomes.

Curtis brings valuable skills in marketing and media relations, building business relationships, and fundraising and development. With strong community ties and effective communication skills, he is committed to helping build partnerships with local businesses and donors, as well as supporting fundraising events that sustain and grow Truly Valued’s impact.