Adrian runs away from abusive household, gets GED
Adrian grew up in a reality split between a single mother who craved a picture-perfect relationship with her daughter and a father who wanted nothing to do with more children, much less a girl.
Adrian grew up bouncing between their mother and father’s separate households. At their father’s, Adrian was raised like a son and put in charge of caring for Adrian’s two younger half-siblings. Adrian’s mother tried to take the brunt of their father’s drunken violence but his anger still affected them. In their junior year of high school, Adrian’s mother pulled them out of school saying it was to protect Adrian’s mental health. Their mother controlled everything in Adrian’s life including their medications, bank account, and who they could text. Adrian was completely isolated from a support system and held back from graduating from homeschool.
Even though Adrian had completed all their final senior projects, their mother wasn’t allowing them to graduate so Adrian ran away from home and immediately got their GED.
“I was not expecting as many resources as I have been given which is a beautiful thing…that kind of basic stuff like just getting on my feet and learning how to function as an adult because I was never given the chance to be independent with when I was living with my mom.”
“I went to a friend’s house for a few days,” Adrian said. “I had started the application to get into [the Hope Center] while I was still at my mom’s house… I had access to a computer at a friend’s house who was very supportive of me getting out and I actually stayed at their house for a while until I got approved and moved here.”
Adrian was under a lot of pressure growing up in their father’s abusive household and raising her younger half-siblings. Their mother was chronically ill so when staying with their mother, Adrian often had to take care of the household work while their mother rested.
”So it also created this kind of perfect storm of nobody understands me and so I kind of also isolated myself a lot. And it got to the point where when I realized I was queer, that I didn’t have a support system outside of my mom.”
“I also was bullied a lot growing up because I did not understand a lot of social cues which didn’t help,” Adrian said. ”So it also created this kind of perfect storm of nobody understands me and so I kind of also isolated myself a lot. And it got to the point where when I realized I was queer, that I didn’t have a support system outside of my mom.”
When Adrian came out to her mother as bisexual, their mother said she already knew and seemed happy to accept Adrian’s sexuality.
“And then I came out to her as trans multiple times and each time she blew up at me,” Adrian said. “I never talked about it again until it ate me up inside and I was like, yo, I need to deal with this. And then she would yell and scream at me and didn’t talk to me for days.”
After they left home, Adrian’s friends helped them to get around while between housing and took her to buy new clothes.
“There was no bus station nearby, I had to rely on people to drive me,” Adrian said. “That was a big challenge and then also trying to get all of my legal documents because I had nothing with me when I left. Pretty much I had a suitcase full of just random clean clothes. And that was it. I couldn’t even like take the bottles of my medication with me because my mom had them locked up.”
The first thing Adrian did when they arrived at the Hope Center was obtain their school transcripts, birth certificate and get set up with the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). Their next goals are to start driver’s ed, get a job as a preschool teacher and apply for college.
“this place is very much teaching you how to be independent, Trying to get you life skills that you need and teach you how to integrate into society as an adult.”
“I’m pretty set up right now, Adrian said. “[Dallas Hope Charities] is great. I love it. I was not expecting as many resources as I have been given, which is a beautiful thing… that kind of basic stuff like just getting on my feet and learning how to function as an adult because I was never given the chance to be independent with when I was living with my mom.”
Now that Adrian has their transcripts and GED, they want to attend college to study forensic science with a concentration in toxicology. Their end goal is to be a medical examiner. They also look forward to continuing the build of their instrument and resuming martial arts.
“This place is very much teaching you how to be independent,” Adrian said. “Trying to get you life skills that you need and teach you how to integrate into society as an adult… Particularly because it will get you out of that environment that you need to just not be in and into a place where you can become yourself, figure out who you are, what you want to do with your life and have a place over your head, have food in your mouth to be able to do thatd
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 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 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.

You must be logged in to post a comment.