Legacy of Hope: 10th Birthday BBQ Bash

Matthew Snowden

Hope Street Outreach Coordinator, Dallas Hope Charities

Matthew Snowden serves as the Hope Street Outreach Coordinator at Dallas Hope Charities, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting homeless LGBTQIA+ young adults aged 18–24. In this role, Matthew develops and implements strategic community outreach initiatives, builds impactful partnerships with local service providers, and works directly on the ground to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with vital resources.

Matthew’s passion for supporting LGBTQIA+ youth is deeply rooted in his firsthand observations of societal inequities and a personal commitment to giving back to the community that helped him discover his own identity. He specializes in community outreach, engagement, and residential housing—expertise he cultivated during his time as a Community Outreach Intern for Dallas Hope Charities and as a Resident Assistant at the University of North Texas (UNT).

A proud first-generation college graduate, Matthew earned his B.S. in Human Development and Family Science from UNT, graduating Magna Cum Laude. His track record of leadership includes receiving the UNT RA Program of the Year Award (2024–2025), participating in the inaugural crisis training for UNT’s Housing Pro Staff, and presenting on resident engagement strategies to university colleagues. At Dallas Hope Charities, he has successfully driven fundraising efforts, actively boosting silent auction proceeds for the annual Chip in Fore Hope event. Matthew is also currently working toward his provisional license as a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE).

Known for bringing his authentic self to the workplace, Matthew excels at building genuine, mutual connections with fellow professionals and community members alike. He operates under the philosophy that true impact happens when you embrace what makes you unique—a sentiment captured by his favorite quote from Ben Platt: “Do not try to be like anyone but yourself, because the things that make you strange are the things that make you powerful.”

When he isn’t advocating for the community, Matthew is an avid coffee enthusiast, a dedicated Pokémon card collector, and a massive music lover who can usually be found listening to Broadway soundtracks, Ben Platt, Remi Wolf, or Olivia Rodrigo.

Naomi Green

Naomi Green is a seasoned marketing strategist, nonprofit leader, and community advocate with over a
decade of experience supporting mission-driven organizations, grassroots initiatives, and large-scale
programs that center equity, access, and sustainable impact. She brings a unique blend of strategic
vision, operational insight, and community-rooted leadership to every role she serves.

Professionally, Naomi has worked across nonprofit, corporate, and academic sectors, providing
marketing, communications, and program support to organizations focused on public health, social
justice, arts and culture, and community development. She has led branding initiatives, fundraising
campaigns, stakeholder engagement strategies, and outreach efforts designed to amplify organizational
visibility while deepening trust with the communities served. Her work consistently bridges strategy and
storytelling, ensuring missions are not only well-designed but clearly communicated.

Naomi currently serves in multiple leadership and advisory capacities, including board and committee
roles with regional and national organizations. She is deeply experienced in governance support,
strategic planning, sponsorship development, and partnership cultivation. As a college professor, she
also brings an educator’s perspective—grounded in accountability, ethics, and continuous improvement.

In addition to her professional background, Naomi is a longtime community organizer and event
producer, known for building inclusive spaces that foster collaboration, leadership development, and
collective care. She is particularly passionate about advancing initiatives that uplift historically
marginalized communities and create pathways for long-term systemic change.

Micah Skidmore

Micah E. Skidmore is a partner in the Insurance Recovery Group at Haynes and Boone, LLP. Micah represents corporate policyholders in litigation and arbitration of significant insurance coverage disputes, including assistance in recovering defense costs, settlements, judgments, property damage, business interruption and other losses under all types of insurance policies. Micah Skidmore is Board Certified in Insurance Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is a member of the American College of Coverage Counsel and the ABA’s Insurance Coverage Litigation Cyber Subcommittee. He is a former Chair of the Tort and Insurance Practice Section of the Dallas Bar Association and member of the Insurance Coverage Council of the State Bar of Texas. He has been recognized by Texas Super Lawyers, Chambers, and the National Law Journal for his expertise in insurance law.

Katie Ibrahim has worked in a number of administrative roles over the last five years and is happy to be a part of the Dallas Hope Charities team as the Administrative Coordinator. She has previously worked at non-profits in the education and healthcare spaces and is skilled in a number of areas including calendar and task management, document organization, and team communications.

Originally from Orlando, Katie comes from a theatrical background where she also works as a director, stage manager, and acting teacher. She is passionate about organization, creativity, learning, and supporting the needs of a team. She holds a BFA in Theatre from Southern Methodist University and is grateful for the opportunity to use her versatile skills to work towards DHC’s mission of dignity, stability, and Hope for All.

When not working, Katie is likely watching movies with her fiance and their two cats. She also enjoys crochet, baking, and sharing meals with her friends and family.

With over seven years of experience as a civil engineer, Hector Pietro designs roadways, pedestrian and bike facilities, and stormwater systems that support safety, economic development, and sustainability in the community. In 2024, he was selected to join the Communities Foundation of Texas’s Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy Cohort, which inspired him to pursue a deeper impact in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Hector felt compelled to join an organization dedicated to providing food, shelter, and affirming services to LGBTQIA+ youth experiencing homelessness. The mission of Dallas Hope Charities—instilling dignity, stability, and hope—immediately resonated, and he knew he had to be part of it.

Impact and Passion
Hector is excited to serve on the Dallas Hope Charities Board of Directors alongside a group of passionate leaders with deep experience expanding the organization’s reach to LGBTQIA+ youth. He thrives in spaces filled with accomplished, driven individuals and was drawn to the board after reviewing data on DHC’s community impact. He firmly believes that loving those in need while they are learning to love themselves is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen a community.

Fun and Personal Touch
Hector taught himself to decorate sugar cookies using royal icing by watching TikTok videos—and has since become quite skilled, considering each one a miniature, edible work of art.

Favorite Quote: “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

He hopes to see the Hope Center’s capacity expand and believes that can happen by increasing community awareness about the urgent need for DHC’s services—ultimately inspiring more donors and volunteers to take action. Grateful for the opportunity to serve, Hector is motivated to help drive that growth.

Originally from Tyler, Texas, Micah Adams graduated from Texas Tech University and currently works as an Advanced Planning Wealth Advisor at Cain Watters & Associates in Frisco. He holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation, along with credentials as a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP) and Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP).

Micah’s passion for service began in college when he served as the philanthropy chairman for Theta Chi Fraternity. In that role, he organized various fundraising events and worked closely with an orphanage in Lubbock, helping to provide resources and support to children in need. These experiences fueled his desire to give back to his community and inspire meaningful change.

Micah first became involved with Dallas Hope Charities through volunteering at the Hope Center, where he taught financial literacy. The impact DHC has in the community deeply resonated with him—especially the organization’s focus on instilling dignity and hope by providing not just services, but the tools and support for long-term stability.

He believes DHC is more than a service provider—it’s a lifeline and a source of stability, compassion, and empowerment. Serving on the Board of Directors allows Micah to help drive positive change within the LGBTQIA+ community and work toward a more equitable future.

As a board member, Micah is guided by the belief that everyone has a responsibility to create a more equitable world. Whether in financial planning or philanthropy, he leads with empathy, purpose, and a vision for long-term impact.

Fun Fact: Micah and his partner love to travel, take their dog on runs, and spend time outdoors.

Favorite Quote: “The most important thing in any conversation is not to make the other person feel that they are wrong, but to make them feel heard.” – Malcolm Gladwell, Talking to Strangers

Current Responsibilities
Jesse Garcia is a seasoned executive consultant focusing on workplace strategy, change readiness, and improving organizational performance for his clients. He provides thought leadership, coaching, and people-focused solutions related to the workplace. He has a collaborative and approachable disposition, building and strengthening solid relationships along the way.

Experience
Before joining JLL in 2021, Jesse spent 14 years at Herman Miller where he led a team of Workplace Consultants in the U.S. and Canada, delivering insights and services related to strategic visioning, workplace evaluation and change readiness. Prior to Herman Miller, Jesse served as a marketing leader in insurance and financial services while at Aetna and Foresters Financial.

He has presented his research at conferences including NeoCon East, IDS-Canada, the ASID National Leadership Conference, BUILDEx-Vancouver and the SCUP-Western Symposium to name a few. Jesse is on faculty at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi and Texas Woman’s University where he teaches in the Colleges of Business. He’s published in the Houston Business Journal, Fort Worth Business Press, and El Paso Inc. for his articles on marketing and strategy.

Education and Affiliations
Jesse holds a bachelor’s degree from Vassar College, an MBA from Texas Woman’s University and a Master of Science degree in marketing research from Texas A&M University – Commerce. Jesse is a Certified ScrumMaster® and Certified Agile Leadership I through
Scrum Alliance. He earned the QPCR certification from CoreNet Global. He is designated as a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Professional. He is a Certified Practitioner of Human-Centered Design by LUMA Institute. Jesse also holds certificates in Change Management and Coaching from the Association for Talent Development. Jesse takes an active role in the JLL Mentorship Program, with mentees in North America and the Middle East.

Board of Directors

John Walls is a highly accomplished senior communications executive with a distinguished career in corporate and brand public relations. Based in Dallas, TX, John has excelled in the public and private sectors, driving strategic communications plans that directly support business objectives. With expertise in various areas such as communications strategy, brand management, crisis communications, and thought leadership strategy, he has consistently delivered exceptional results.

Currently, John serves as Principal and Chief Communications Strategist at JWPR, LLC (www.jwpr.co), where he provides strategic communications counsel to corporate, start-up, and non-profit clients across industries such as retail, technology, travel and hospitality, and ophthalmic optics and visual health. He immerses himself in clients’ businesses to provide tailored communications solutions and collaborates effectively with internal teams, external partners, and vendors to execute comprehensive strategies. His expertise lies in leadership profile development, strategic media relations, and communications and content strategy.

Before his current role, John was Senior Director of Corporate Communications & Content Strategy at Neiman Marcus Group. In this role, he oversaw integrated corporate, crisis, brand, and internal communications, strengthening corporate and brand equity for the organization and its luxury retail brands. He successfully positioned Neiman Marcus Group as an innovative and digital organization, promoting key initiatives and managing milestone events. John also provided ongoing media training to executives, conducted ongoing risk assessments for the organization, and directed corporate thought leadership efforts.

Before joining Neiman Marcus Group, John was Hilton’s Director of Brand Public Relations, Luxury & Lifestyle Brands. In this role, he led all media relations efforts for Hilton’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio, driving global luxury traveler preference and consideration. He oversaw brand experience programs and successfully launched Canopy by Hilton, positioning Hilton as a transformative organization in the lifestyle hotel segment. John also played a key role in the launch of LXR Hotels & Resorts and managed multi-million-dollar budgets supporting the brands.

John’s professional journey also includes significant contributions at Hampton by Hilton, Cohn & Wolfe, Match.com, Golin Inc., and Paige Hendricks Public Relations Inc. He holds a Master of Professional Studies in Corporate Communications and Public Relations from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Advertising from Texas Christian University.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, John Walls is deeply committed to volunteerism and community engagement. He has dedicated his time and expertise to various organizations, including and outside of the LGBTQIA+ community, making a positive impact on important causes. As an Advocate at Dallas CASA for two years, he worked tirelessly to support and advocate for children in the foster care system, working directly on cases and ensuring that the children’s voices and needs were heard and met. John also served as a Board Member at Fashion Group International, Inc., for a two-year term, where he contributed his strategic insights and industry knowledge to promote the growth and development of the fashion industry. At Team DC, a charitable organization established to educate the LGBTQ+ community on the benefits of individual and team sports participation, he sat on the Board and held the role of Development Chair for a two-year term. Additionally, John was an active member of the Event Planning Committee at Black Tie Dinner, Inc., contributing to the organization’s efforts to raise funds and awareness for human rights causes. His volunteerism highlights his dedication to making a difference in the community and supporting organizations that strive for positive change.

John has received numerous honors and awards throughout his career, including three coveted NMG Best Awards, Georgetown University’s “Hoya Professional 30” recognition, and the Hilton Circle of Excellence Corporate PR Director of the Year accolade. With his extensive expertise in communications strategy, team development, and professional storytelling, John continues to significantly impact the field of communications, driving successful initiatives that support business growth and enhance brand reputation.