Board of Directors

Founder and President:

Dr. Roya R. Rad:  Roya Rad's educational background is in Psychology. She holds a Master
degree in Applied Psychology and a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology.  She is an author, a
poet, and has a long history of volunteer work related to social advocacy, public education, and
child abuse. In addition, she writes regularly for Huffington Post.  She has been featured on a
number of sites, radios, and newspapers including but not limited to  USA Today,   Metro New
York,  and NPR topics

Roya R. Rad's books

Roya R. Rad's CV

Roya R. Rad's poems

Roya R. Rad's Articles


Vice President:

Leslye Gartrell: Mrs. Gartrell is a violinist, a retired 33-year veteran of the US Army, and was a
leader/soloist for the White House Strolling Strings performing for presidents and heads of state
from around the world. Leslye has extensive experience doing charity and community work. She
performs for the Red Cross, at auctions and for benefits and fund raisers.  Leslye’s volunteer and
non-profit work includes performing for the Joe Gibbs School for Boys to raise money for
wayward young men, collaborating with the Army Chief of Staff on charity work and
volunteering for the OAR Fairfax County Jail Program, which rehabilitates prisoners before being
released from prison.

Secretary:

Valerie Taylor: Mrs. Taylor is an educational consultant for non-profits, including the Center for
Energy Workforce Development (CEWD). For the Center, Valerie focuses on career awareness,
workforce development models and processes as well as initiating and managing partnerships
with related associations, youth-focused groups, and the military.  Before becoming an
independent consultant, Valerie lead education departments for several professional associations,
including the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Society for Marketing
Professional Services, the Special Libraries Association, and the American Academy of Audiology.
About Us
Click here to read about Dr.
Rad's New Book

Finding hope with new
solutions in a world of conflict