Faith Ward is a proud Waco native and a founding board member of the Waco Hanan Foundation. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Aviation Sciences from Baylor University but soon realized her true calling was in community impact and service. Wanting to contribute more directly to her hometown, Faith went on to earn a Master’s degree in Community Development from Prairie View A&M University. After a short time working in education, Faith recognized a deeper need for programming that specifically supported and uplifted young girls in the Waco area. That vision led her to help create the Waco Hanan Foundation, a space where mentorship and character-building are at the heart of every initiative. Faith continues to dedicate her time to mentoring young women and giving back to the city she calls home.

Justin Rice has been a Waco resident for eighteen years. In 2014, he graduated from Baylor University with his Bachelor of Arts in History with a Political Science Minor. In 2019, he graduated from Tarleton State University with his Master of Public Administration. Justin describes himself as a man of many hats. He is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., where he serves as Keeper of Records and Seal for the Omicron Upsilon Chapter. He is a subscribing silver life member of the Waco NAACP, where he serves as the Treasurer. He serves as a volunteer for many different groups around the city, including the Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo and the United Way of Waco-McLennan County. He is also a third-year mentor of high school students through the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce's LEAD Mentoring program. His currently works for the City of Waco's Department of Housing and Community Development. He is married to Makayla Rice, AuD. They have one child

Ivette Padron is a proud Waco native and a graduate of the University of North Texas, where she earned a degree in Integrative Studies with concentrations in Business, Sociology, and Human Development and Family Science. Her professional background includes working with the Upward Bound program through Region 12 and, for the past two years, serving as the Coordinator for the Duncan Scholars Program at Waco Foundation. Through her work, Ivette supports first-generation and underrepresented students as they transition into college and persist through graduation. With deep roots in Waco and a strong commitment to mentorship and educational equity, she is passionate about giving back to the community that shaped her by helping develop the next generation of leaders.

Yuridia Navarro is a native of Waco, Texas, and a proud graduate of Baylor University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She later obtained a Master of Education from Tarleton State University. With nearly five years of experience in higher education, Yuridia currently supports prospective graduate students at Baylor University, guiding them through the enrollment process and helping them achieve their academic goals. Her professional experience reflects a passion for education, mentorship, and student success. In addition to her professional work, Yuridia serves as Secretary for Baylor University's Latinx Faculty & Staff Association (LFSA), an Employee Resource Group dedicated to fostering community, professional development, and belonging among Latinx faculty and staff. Through this role, she helps create opportunities for engagement, advocacy, and support across the Baylor community. Yuridia is passionate about empowering others through mentorship, guidance, and access to opportunities that promote personal, academic, and professional growth. Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, she enjoys traveling, spending quality time with family and friends, and giving back through community service initiatives.

Tanny Ogungbe is a dedicated community leader and advocate with over a decade of experience in program leadership and youth development. She currently serves as Program Director for BLACCENT, where she leads initiatives that uplift and empower the community through intentional programming and culturally grounded values. Tanny's commitment to service extends beyond her professional role. Her longtime involvement with the Boys & Girls Club reflects a deep passion for investing in young people and strengthening the fabric of the Waco community. With a career defined by purpose-driven leadership, Tanny brings both strategic vision and a servant's heart to every role she holds. She is honored to join the board of the Hanan Foundation, where she looks forward to advancing its mission alongside fellow leaders committed to making a lasting impact in Waco, Texas.

CyAndria is a Waco native and currently serves as a tax accountant while actively pursuing her CPA licensure. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics from the University of Texas at Arlington, where she also demonstrated leadership as President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. In that role, she dedicated significant time to community service, mentorship, and strengthening the connection between student-athletes and the broader campus community. After returning to Waco, CyAndria earned her Master’s degree in Accounting from Tarleton State University. Her commitment to service and excellence extends beyond her professional life—she remains deeply engaged in her community. In her personal time, she enjoys quality time with her family, fiancé, and young son.

Daniela Gallegos is a first‑generation Hispanic leader and Waco native dedicated to advancing equitable community engagement. She serves as the Public Engagement Coordinator for the Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization, where she leads bilingual outreach, manages multi‑agency projects, and supports federal reporting and regional planning efforts. Daniela brings more than seven years of experience in eligibility services and program training at Waco Family Medicine, where she strengthened staff development, compliance, and client advocacy. A graduate of Tarleton State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and a Leadership Plenty 2026 Alumnus. Daniela also participates in the Advocacy Violence Prevention Network and is committed to elevating ALL community voices across McLennan County. Outside her professional roles, she is a proud soccer mom of 6 who enjoys gardening and karaoke as her favorite ways to recharge.

Vanessia Hernandez is a business and operations professional with experience in supply chain management, manufacturing, and organizational leadership. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Tarleton State University and is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration at Baylor University. As a first-generation college graduate, Vanessia is passionate about leadership development, mentorship, and community engagement. She is an active member of Mighty Wind Worship Center, where she serves through discipleship. Guided by a heart for servant leadership, Vanessia is dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and creating meaningful opportunities for growth and impact.

Krysta is a proud native Wacoan. She earned a BS in Exercise Science from the University of Texas at Arlington and an M.Ed. in Student Development and Leadership in Higher Education from Angelo State University. Krysta joined the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences as the Assistant Director of Graduate Enrollment Management in December 2023. Previously, she served as the Program Manager for Recruitment and Student Services for Baylor University’s Garland School of Social Work (2017-2023). Prior to Baylor, Krysta coordinated all services and staffing for McLennan Community College’s recruitment and admissions call center. As a native, she has given back to the Waco community through service as a LEAD coach/mentor to high school students with the Waco Chamber of Commerce. She currently serves as a board member for Historic Waco. In her spare time, Krysta enjoys thrift shopping, reading, and spending time with her daughter, Jaida.

Jalisa Jackson currently serves as a Senior Clinical Research Assistant with Baylor Scott and White Health. She works with military veterans and firefighters across Waco and the state of Texas to ensure they have access to evidence-based therapy services at no charge. She is passionate about creating and further developing ways within spaces of education, research and healthcare to assist those who are often marginalized or otherwise left out of the conversation or denied a seat at the table they very much deserve to be a part of. She hopes to contribute her experiences and knowledge to bolstering the mission of the Waco Hanan Foundation.

Jory is a compassionate leader with a strong commitment to service, healing, and youth empowerment. A Baylor University graduate with a B.A. in Medical Humanities, she currently serves as a Senior Administrative Associate at The University of Texas at Austin. Beyond her professional work, Jory has long been dedicated to mentoring youth through her church, college organizations in Waco, and various jobs. She finds deep joy in supporting young people in the communities she serves. Jory is a board member of the Bakari Foundation, where she helps provide healing experiences for families impacted by violence—honoring the memory of her brother, Bakari Henderson. She also serves as Content Management Director for Bakari Luxury Sportswear, helping carry forward his vision. Her work is grounded in empathy, resilience, and connection—values that align with the mission of the Waco Hanan Foundation to empower and uplift young girls in the Waco area.

Nandipha is a recent Midway High School graduate, class of 2026 originally from Zimbabwe, now residing in Waco. She is a dedicated board member serving as the Alumni Liaison for the Waco Hanan Foundation. Driven by a passion for healthcare and community wellness, she is currently pursuing a degree to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Nandipha joined the board with a mission to bridge the gap between past and present participants, ensuring that former students remain deeply connected to the organization's evolving network. As Alumni Liaison, Nandipha focuses on creating strong mentorship pipelines and organizing networking initiatives that empower recent graduates as they transition into adulthood. Nandi was apart of the 2025 Foundation cohort.

Haley O’Connell, United Way

Heaven Lee, Esthers Closet

Jessica Attas, Prosper Waco

Lee Scheffe, Grassroots Waco

Megan Snipes, Baylor Scott & White

Vera Castillo, Waco Women’s Empowerment