Meet Our Board of Directors

Regina L.R. Edwards, PhD.

Board Chair

Dr. Regina Edwards is an experienced leader with a strong background in outreach, education and the social sector. She has served as the Academic Dean and Program Chair within several Higher Education institutions and as CEO of the Arizona YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix,. Her expertise includes faculty and program development, institutional effectiveness planning, leadership and program evaluation. She has over twenty-five years of experience spanning private and public higher education and outreach focusing on innovation and the development of new programs across disciplines. 

Anthony Ayala

Anthony is from Santa Clara, CA and moved around after joining the AirForce where he had the privilege to travel and impact communities across the world while starting his operational background. Anthony moved to the Phoenix area in 2018 and over the years, he's been able to build his diverse operational experience by leading an organization, owning and operating a business, and equipping teams to fulfill and excel at the common goal as a first generation student in his family. His push to help others stems from having the support of a community when younger and strives to continue that trend to help others within the community. In his spare time, you may see him at a sporting event, reading a book or hitting the trails for a run.

Suma Hodge 

Suma Hodge is an accomplished licensed professional counselor and behavioral health professional with extensive experience and expertise in trauma, substance abuse, and severe mental illness. As an entrepreneur and owner of The Licensed Connections, she is pivotal in establishing and supporting behavioral health companies focusing on underrepresented BIPOC communities. 

Suma's dedication extends to advocacy, board service, mentorship, and community engagement, making her a pillar in the mental health field. She also serves as a Regional Clinical Director, overseeing trauma-informed care across multiple states. Suma's recent appearance on Fox 10 and Good Morning Arizona to share awareness on mental health, parenting, and therapeutic interventions/warning signs. 

Brianna Smothers

“Brianna Smothers is a seasoned professional with a deep commitment to justice, equity, and community impact. With a career spanning criminal justice, risk management, and claims resolution, she brings a powerful blend of analytical precision, empathetic leadership, and strategic thinking to every role she assumes.  A proud graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Brianna brings not only professional experience but also academic depth to her board service. She is dedicated to advancing opportunities for justice-involved individuals and championing systemic change through action, advocacy, and strategic governance”.

Brianna has also held impactful roles at Amazon, where she led operations teams, developed loss prevention strategies, and recovered over $1.5 million from fraudulent actors as a Risk Manager. She has been recognized for her leadership with multiple Accolade Awards and continues her professional development through the CPCU designation and membership in the National Sales Network. 

Naquana Borrero 

Naquana Borrero, CFRE serves as the Director of Development and Communications for Jazz in Arizona/The Nash. As a member of the organization’s executive team and the agency’s chief fundraiser, Naquana is responsible for leading all philanthropic fund development and communications efforts including their recent $2.5 million dollar expansion and capital campaign. She is the owner of Bella Vita Consulting Group, a consulting firm focusing on fund development in the nonprofit and political arena.   She previously was on the executive team at Community Legal Services, where she was the Director of Development and Communications, overseeing all funding, outreach and communications.