Board of Directors
Our loving team has the passion to nurture the youth back on the right path of education and workforce development. We are here to show them that someone cares regardless of their circumstances. The team has the credentials needed to support and assist each individual student.
Our Team
Hope for the Future is dedicated to helping at-risk youth and young adults between the ages of 16-24 whose education has been interrupted through truancy, suspension, and expulsion with the mission of ending the cycle of recidivism, motivating at-risk youth to stay in school, and preparing these students for college or the workforce. In the 21st Century, Hope for the Future aims to make sure each student receives a second chance at being successful. We aim to take advantage of all available resources in the community to reach this goal. Hope For The Future will equip its students with tools such as behavioral and mental health counseling, drug awareness and the dangers of abuse, and job preparedness skills. Hope for the Future will implement an Individualized Goal Plan with the assistance of a counselor to measure the student’s progression toward success.
Robbie Wallace
Guiding Hope for The Future, Robbie Wallace brings a wealth of expertise with a bachelor's
degree in business and a master's in leadership. Specializing in Personal Finance, Supply Chain
Management, OSHA 10, Workforce Development, Anger Management, Conflict Resolution,
Teen Dating, and Domestic Violence, Robbie initiated support groups in 2015, offering crucial
assistance to individuals dealing with anger and providing practical solutions.
With over 20 years of professional experience, Robbie has made significant contributions to
fields such as Domestic Violence, Sex Trafficking, Sexual Assault, and working with at-risk
youth. Her diverse background includes roles as a Business Educator, where she actively
engaged with at-risk students, guiding them in recognizing their abilities, overcoming challenges,
and addressing personal needs. In this capacity, Robbie played a key role in helping students
navigate academic, personal, and family challenges affecting their success.
Prior to her educational role, Robbie served as an Assistant Manager for approximately eight
years at one of the country's largest retail chains. In this capacity, she ensured exceptional
customer service, handling tasks such as answering queries, assisting customers in product
selection, training new hires, managing inventory, and overseeing purchases and returns.
Beyond her professional commitments, Ms. Wallace finds joy in spending quality time with
family and friends, participating in church activities, and immersing herself in the written word.
Anthony Walker, Chairman
Anthony Walker is a dedicated military veteran whose life has been defined by service, integrity, and community. Following his honorable military service, Anthony embarked on a distinguished career in public safety and criminal justice that spanned several decades. He served as a juvenile officer, where he worked closely with youth navigating difficult circumstances, before going on to serve 12 years as a Deputy Sheriff. His commitment to justice led him to serve five years as an investigator, followed by several years as a probation officer — roles that collectively reflect his unwavering dedication to protecting and rehabilitating his community.
Now retired, Anthony remains as active and purposeful as ever. He faithfully serves as a Deacon in his church, where he continues to be a pillar of faith and leadership for those around him. When he’s not serving his congregation, you can find Anthony on his farm, tending to his animals and enjoying the peace that comes with the land he loves.
Anthony Walker’s life is a testament to what it means to serve with honor — in uniform, in the community, and in faith.
Brenda Minor, Treasury
Brenda Minor brings over three decades of educational excellence combined with compassionate
healthcare leadership. With more than 30 years of experience in education, she has dedicated her
career to ensuring that every individual—regardless of ability—has access to quality learning
and support services.
As the owner of Golden Years Personal Care Services and Golden Years In Home Respite
Services. Brenda has created a specialized environment focused on serving special needs and
disabled youth and adults. Her facility reflects her deep commitment to providing dignified,
person-centered care that recognizes the unique strengths and needs of each individual. Through
her work, she has established herself as a trusted advocate for populations that are often
underserved.
Brenda's expertise in leadership and mental health training positions her as both an effective
administrator and a knowledgeable care provider. She understands that supporting special needs
and disabled individuals requires not only clinical competence but also emotional intelligence,
patience, and a commitment to seeing beyond diagnoses to recognize the whole person.
Her unique combination of educational background and healthcare administration experience
allows Brenda to approach complex challenges with both pedagogical insight and practical care
management skills. Through Golden Years Home Health and her ongoing educational work, she
continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable youth and adults, ensuring
they receive the comprehensive support they need to thrive.
Marcia Thomas, Secretary
Marcia Thomas, M.Ed , military veteran, dedicated mother, educator and counselor who has devoted more than two decades empowering youth and at-risk young adults pursuing achievement of their potential both academically and personally. Marcia’s commitment to service was forged through military experience, discipline and leadership which continues to drive her passion for creating pathways and opportunities for youth and young adults facing barriers with education and employment.
Specializing in workplace training, youth education, and administration. Marcia has become a trusted resource for young adults navigating critical transitions from education to perspective careers. Developing particular strength in supporting youth interested in healthcare careers. Implementing guidance, training, and mentorship while bridging the gap between ambition and attainment in this vital field. Her administrative experience ensures programs perform accurately and efficiently. Supporting staff and students through practical workplace training.
Preparing young adults not just for jobs, but for sustainable careers and long-term success.
Through her work, Marcia embodies the principle that every young person deserves access to quality education, mentorship, and opportunities. With the right support, at-risk youth can overcome obstacles and thrive in meaningful careers that serve their communities.
Dr. Beverly R. Tillman, Officer
Dr. Beverly R. Tillman is a financial services professional and educator with more than 25 years of experience in financial operations, leadership, and organizational management. Her professional background includes extensive work in regulated financial environments, relationship management, and program leadership, which informs her practical, real-world approach to teaching.
Dr. Tillman holds an Associate degree in Paralegal Studies, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Public Administration with concentrations in Legal Systems and Healthcare Administration, and a Doctorate in Organizational Management and Leadership. She also maintains multiple professional certifications in leadership, banking, and project planning.
As a faculty member, Dr. Tillman is committed to student-centered learning, critical thinking, and the application of theory to practice. She emphasizes ethical leadership, effective decision-making, and organizational effectiveness, preparing students to navigate complex professional environments.
Roderic Lewis, Officer
Roderic Lewis brings over three decades of dedicated service to youth and community development, combining pastoral leadership with entrepreneurial excellence. As pastor of two churches in Mississippi, he has touched countless lives through his commitment to spiritual growth, mentorship, and the arts—teaching students to sing and play the organ while guiding them toward their full potential.
Pastor Lewis’s ministry expertise spans Leadership, Marriage & Family Counseling, Grief Counseling, Mental & Emotional Health Counseling, Relationship Building, and navigating Spiritual Struggles. His holistic approach to community service reflects his deep understanding that true transformation requires addressing both spiritual and practical needs.
Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Lewis demonstrates exceptional business acumen as owner of Middle Man, a trucking company where he applies his expertise in Operational & Technical management, Regulatory & Safety compliance, and Logistics & Strategy. This unique blend of ministry and business leadership positions him as a bridge-builder who understands both the heart of community work and the mechanics of sustainable operations.