Our Board Members
Jacqueline Murray | Founder and Executive Director
Dr. Evelyn DeLaine Hart | (Position Vacant — Vice Chair Serving as Acting Chair)
Jacqueline Murray | Founder and Executive Director
Jacqueline Murray is a lifelong educator with more than 25 years of experience across
public, private, and international school settings. She founded Dessyré of Hope in 2023 to address gaps in mentoring, life-skills education, and trauma-informed youth support. As Executive Director, she leads program development, partnerships, and fundraising.
Keonda Grant-Taylor, Treasurer
Dr. Evelyn DeLaine Hart | (Position Vacant — Vice Chair Serving as Acting Chair)
Jacqueline Murray | Founder and Executive Director
Keonda Grant-Taylor is a financial strategist and nonprofit leader with more than 25
years of experience in accounting, financial planning, and oversight. She provides
fiduciary guidance, budget oversight, and financial sustainability planning for the
organization.
Dr. Evelyn DeLaine Hart | (Position Vacant — Vice Chair Serving as Acting Chair)
Dr. Evelyn DeLaine Hart | (Position Vacant — Vice Chair Serving as Acting Chair)
Dr. Evelyn DeLaine Hart | (Position Vacant — Vice Chair Serving as Acting Chair)
Dr. Hart is a business and nonprofit strategist with experience in regional economic
development, organizational planning, and capacity building. She supports governance,
strategic planning, and organizational development.
Eleanor Hazel | Board Member
Dr. LaQuandra Stevenson | Board Member
Dr. Evelyn DeLaine Hart | (Position Vacant — Vice Chair Serving as Acting Chair)
Eleanor Hazel has more than 25 years of experience in education and youth
development. She has partnered with schools and community organizations to support mentoring and youth engagement and continues to lead youth-focused initiatives through community and faith-based service.
Johnny Jackson | Board Member
Dr. LaQuandra Stevenson | Board Member
Dr. LaQuandra Stevenson | Board Member
Mr. Jackson is a community leader and small-business owner in Ridgeland, South
Carolina, and the founder of Jackson Insurance Agency, established in 2002, with
offices in Ridgeland and Hampton. A licensed insurance professional and U.S. Army
veteran, he brings experience in business operations, community engagement, and
long-term planning with a longstanding commitment to local youth,
Dr. LaQuandra Stevenson | Board Member
Dr. LaQuandra Stevenson | Board Member
Dr. LaQuandra Stevenson | Board Member
Dr. LaQuandra Stevenson is an educational leader with extensive experience in
teaching, literacy development, and school administration. She has served as a
Teacher, Reading Coach, Instructional Coach, Principal, and Early Learning and
Literacy Coordinator, with a consistent focus on improving student achievement and
supporting educator development.
Youth Advisory Board
Skyler Badger | Youth Advisory Board Member
Marlena Benson | Youth Advisory Board Member
Marlena Benson | Youth Advisory Board Member
Skyler Badger is a senior at Hardeeville Junior Senior High School and a dual enrollment student at the Technical College of the Lowcountry. She serves as class president and a dual enrollment ambassador for Jasper County School District and is actively involved in community service through the Boys & Girls Club of the Lowcountry
and the 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program. She contributes youth leadership insight
and civic engagement experience that support youth voice and leadership development.
Marlena Benson | Youth Advisory Board Member
Marlena Benson | Youth Advisory Board Member
Marlena Benson | Youth Advisory Board Member
Marlena Benson is a nursing student at the University of South Carolina Beaufort with a
strong commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement. She
participates in the 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program and supports community and
church-based initiatives through volunteer service and event coordination. She
contributes service leadership and health awareness perspectives that support youth
and community well-being.
Rachel Hampton | Youth Advisory Board Member
Angel S. A. Jackson | Youth Advisory Board Member
Angel S. A. Jackson | Youth Advisory Board Member
Rachel Hampton is a student leader with experience in residential life, peer support,
and student engagement. She has served as a Residential Assistant and Dorm Assistant, supporting student accountability and participation in campus activities and
programming. She contributes communication, teamwork, and peer-support skills that strengthen youth engagement and program participation.
Angel S. A. Jackson | Youth Advisory Board Member
Angel S. A. Jackson | Youth Advisory Board Member
Angel S. A. Jackson | Youth Advisory Board Member
Angel S. A. Jackson is a Legal Assistant with experience in legal research, case
management, and client support within personal injury law. She holds a degree in
Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Law from South Carolina State University
and is committed to ethical leadership and community service. She contributes
analytical and advocacy skills that support accountability