ABOUT US

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Impact

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Programs
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Youth Served
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Partnerships
DOP Annual Reports

Impact

0
Programs
0
Youth Served
0
Partnerships
DOP Annual Reports
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Mission

Dream on Purpose empowers every young girl to actualize their dreams by connecting them with local resources through interactive workshops and promoting positive socialization through structured forums.

To Educate.

To Empower.

To Enrich.

These pillars serve as guiding principles of the effect we strive to inspire within each youth who participates in any Dream on Purpose-led or -sponsored event, program and/or activity. They are a reminder of our commitment to the population that we serve.

History

Dream on Purpose was formed by three female business leaders with the intent of empowering youth, specifically girls between the ages of 11-18, to dream and actualize those dreams. Cofounders Shareen Baptiste, JoAnne Karagnara and Patrice Fletcher started meeting in December 2014 to discuss the vision and dedicated the next year to establishing the foundation of the nonprofit. On May 12, 2015, Dream on Purpose was officially incorporated and held its very first Cupcakes & Conversations on February 13, 2016 at the A. Quinn Jones Center where 14 young ladies attended. Since then, the organization continues to impact the lives of youth, expand its program offerings and increase its resources – all with a 100%, volunteer-led Board and Team.

Our Board

Shareen Baptiste

Shareen Baptiste lives to send ripples. She is a 15-year Gainesville inhabitant with more than 10 years of Marketing and Communications experience in the non-profit, business and governmental sector with a specific focus on increasing brand visibility, building strategic relationships with the media and serving the business community. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Master’s of Science in Entrepreneurship and also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations with minors in Leadership, Organizational Leadership for Nonprofits and Family, Youth and Community Sciences. Today, Shareen serves as the Board Secretary for LYFEhouse, a non-profit organization committed to building community by providing exceptional and affordable personal, professional development programs to youth and families and the agencies that serve them.

Patrice Fletcher

Patrice Fletcher has more that 15 years experience in service leadership and management with a focus on the activities of a retail operation showcasing her customer service, creative, innovative thinking, has the ability to work with professionals staff and managed over a hundred staff.

Patrice earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism with concentration in Event Management from the University of Florida.

Patrice is also the President and CEO of Joshua Joel SMA Life, Inc. and a Senior Administrative Assistant at Jones Edmunds & Associates, Inc. As President and CEO of Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc., Patrice oversees the day-to-day operation of the non-profit and the Give6 video game console Christmas gift away. She also previously served as the Assistant Event Planner at Williams Event & Co., where she provided corporate event management that combines the creative with the professional. Patrice also planned, organized and managed events, negotiate contracts with vendors – all of which, she brings with her to Dream on Purpose, Jones Edmunds & Associates, and Xposure Consulting Firm, where she serves as a Senior Vice President.

Lara Waters

Lara Wilson has resided in the Gainesville area for over 16 years, and currently lives in Gainesville, FL. Lara went to school at Santa Fe College, and graduated in 2008 with her AA degree in business.

Since 2018, Lara has worked for First Federal Bank as a Vice President Financial Manager. She has been in banking for 23 years, and is involved with the community.

Being involved with the local community led her to Dream on Purpose, and being able to help those with financial questions, budgeting, and credit has been very rewarding. In her free time, Lara enjoys cooking, attending church, and spending time with family.

Shareen Baptiste

Shareen Baptiste lives to send ripples. She is a 13-year Gainesville inhabitant with more than 10 years of Marketing and Communications experience in the non-profit, business and governmental sector with a specific focus on increasing brand visibility, building strategic relationships with the media and serving the business community.

She graduated from the University of Florida with a Master’s of Science in Entrepreneurship and also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations with minors in Leadership, Organizational Leadership for Nonprofits and Family, Youth and Community Sciences. She has a proclivity for strategic planning, project management and creative graphic/web design and photography. She also has educational knowledge of grant research and writing.

Today, Shareen serves as the Board Secretary for LYFEhouse, a non-profit organization committed to building community by providing exceptional and affordable personal, professional development programs to youth and families and the agencies that serve them. She is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. belonging to the Delta Sigma Zeta Chapter in Gainesville, FL.

Patrice Fletcher

Patrice Fletcher has more that 15 years experience in service leadership and management with a focus on the activities of a retail operation showcasing her customer service, creative, innovative thinking, has the ability to work with professionals staff and managed over a hundred staff.

Patrice earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism with concentration in Event Management from the University of Florida.

Patrice is also the President and CEO of Joshua Joel SMA Life, Inc. and a Senior Administrative Assistant at Jones Edmunds & Associates, Inc. As President and CEO of Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc., Patrice oversees the day-to-day operation of the non-profit and the Give6 video game console Christmas gift away. She also previously served as the Assistant Event Planner at Williams Event & Co., where she provided corporate event management that combines the creative with the professional. Patrice also planned, organized and managed events, negotiate contracts with vendors – all of which, she brings with her to Dream on Purpose, Jones Edmunds & Associates, and Xposure Consulting Firm, where she serves as a Senior Vice President.

Lara Waters

Lara Waters has resided in the Gainesville area for over 16 years, and currently lives in Gainesville, FL. Lara went to school at Santa Fe College, and graduated in 2008 with her AA degree in business.

Since 2018, Lara has worked for First Federal Bank as a Vice President Financial Manager. She has been in banking for 23 years, and is involved with the community.

Being involved with the local community led her to Dream on Purpose, and being able to help those with financial questions, budgeting, and credit has been very rewarding. In her free time, Lara enjoys cooking, attending church, and spending time with family.

Tia Paul

Tia Paul is the Director of Programs for The Education Foundation of Alachua County. She has been at the Foundation for eight in half years. Her first five years were spent working with just the Alachua Take Stock in Children (TSIC) program. She now oversees all three of the Foundation’s program initiatives including its Senior Scholarship program and Catalyst for Change Teacher Grant Program as well as planning and executing their special fundraising events.

Prior to working at the Foundation, Tia attended The University of Florida where she majored in journalism, specialized in non-profit organizational leadership and completed a capstone in print design; she graduated in May of 2014. During her time at UF, she interned at the Foundation because of her passion to give back to the youth community. Tia is an alumnus of the Clay County TSIC program which is where her passion sparked.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Jimmie and their two-old daughter Maliyah. She enjoys gateways to the beach reading books and completing education leadership experiences.

Jasmine Quarterman

Jasmine Quarterman, a Jacksonville, FL native, earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Education from the University of Florida in 2011. After five years of community education and outreach in Alachua County, she decided to pursue what was always her true passion, nursing. In 2019 she graduated from Rasmussen College as a Registered Nurse. She currently works for UF Health Shands as a charge nurse and preceptor for new nurses.

Jasmine aspires to transition into a specialty in women’s and maternal health care. She desires to leave her mark on the world by imparting into young ladies, which inspired her to seek out serving on the board for Dream on Purpose. She has been a faithful member of Alive Church in Gainesville for nearly a decade and has served as a Team and Small Group Leader. In her spare time, she enjoys socializing with friends, visiting family in Jacksonville, and catching up on the latest Marvel and DC Movies.

JoAnne Karagnara

JoAnne Karagnara is licensed as a practical nurse in the states of Florida and Ohio. She is passionate about her career and works in the field of clinical research. She is also passionate about giving back to the community and has donated countless hours to political campaigns, food banks, churches and schools. JoAnne sits on the Make a Difference committee at ClinicalRM, her place of employment, and is Vice-President/Treasurer and CoFounder of Dream On Purpose, Inc.

In addition to volunteering and giving back, JoAnne loves cooking and singing in her spare time and hopes to record an album some day. She believes all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and the importance of following the golden rule. JoAnne believes, “If you must love thy neighbor as you love yourself, then you must learn how to love yourself, and I want to help these young ladies learn how to do just that. ”

Tia Paul

Tia Paul is the Director of Programs for The Education Foundation of Alachua County. She has been at the Foundation for eight in half years. Her first five years were spent working with just the Alachua Take Stock in Children (TSIC) program. She now oversees all three of the Foundation’s program initiatives including its Senior Scholarship program and Catalyst for Change Teacher Grant Program as well as planning and executing their special fundraising events.

Prior to working at the Foundation, Tia attended The University of Florida where she majored in journalism, specialized in non-profit organizational leadership and completed a capstone in print design; she graduated in May of 2014. During her time at UF, she interned at the Foundation because of her passion to give back to the youth community. Tia is an alumnus of the Clay County TSIC program which is where her passion sparked.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Jimmie and their two-old daughter Maliyah. She enjoys gateways to the beach reading books and completing education leadership experiences.

Jasmine Quarterman

Jasmine Quarterman, a Jacksonville, FL native, earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Education from the University of Florida in 2011. After five years of community education and outreach in Alachua County, she decided to pursue what was always her true passion, nursing. In 2019 she graduated from Rasmussen College as a Registered Nurse. She currently works for UF Health Shands as a charge nurse and preceptor for new nurses.

Jasmine aspires to transition into a specialty in women’s and maternal health care. She desires to leave her mark on the world by imparting into young ladies, which inspired her to seek out serving on the board for Dream on Purpose. She has been a faithful member of Alive Church in Gainesville for nearly a decade and has served as a Team and Small Group Leader. In her spare time, she enjoys socializing with friends, visiting family in Jacksonville, and catching up on the latest Marvel and DC Movies.

JoAnne Karagnara

JoAnne Karagnara is licensed as a practical nurse in the states of Florida and Ohio. She is passionate about her career and works in the field of clinical research. She is also passionate about giving back to the community and has donated countless hours to political campaigns, food banks, churches and schools. JoAnne sits on the Make a Difference committee at ClinicalRM, her place of employment, and is Vice-President/Treasurer and CoFounder of Dream On Purpose, Inc.

In addition to volunteering and giving back, JoAnne loves cooking and singing in her spare time and hopes to record an album some day. She believes all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and the importance of following the golden rule. JoAnne believes, “If you must love thy neighbor as you love yourself, then you must learn how to love yourself, and I want to help these young ladies learn how to do just that. ”

Ayanna Hypolite

Originally from Chicago, IL, Ayanna has lived in Florida for over 15 years. Ayanna is an education law attorney practicing throughout Florida, particularly North and Central Florida. She is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified County Court Mediator and assists disputing parties in reaching win-win resolutions. 

Ayanna holds a Bachelors in Business Administration and Human Resources, an MBA with a Marketing concentration, and a Juris Doctorate degree. Ayanna worked in higher education for ten years prior to pursuing her childhood dream of becoming an attorney. 

Ayanna has lived in Gainesville since 2017 and is proud to call North Central Florida home. She is an active supporter of K-12 and higher education and is committed to serving her local community. Ayanna volunteers with local mentorship organizations and enjoys living in Gator Country with her husband and two sons.

Steffanie Crockett

Steffanie Crockett has been in Gainesville since 2001, graduating locally and attending Santa Fe College. During an 11-year career in marketing research, she began to harness her skill as a photographer by covering extreme sports events from California to Costa Rica. In 2012, she took the leap of creating her own photography company and has been growing steadily since. Over the years of freelance work for various magazines, corporations, and individual clients, PROST! Photography has risen to one of the most recognized photographers in Gainesville. Steffanie also acts as photography editor for a local publication, Gainesville City Lifestyle. The magazine launched in October 2021, using one of Steffanie’s pictures of downtown Gainesville. She also periodically writes feature articles to share useful and important information with the community. It was through photography that Steffanie discovered Dream on Purpose by simply covering different events over the years. Once the potential was mentioned, she knew it was time to take the next step as a community member by serving on the board for such a fantastic organization. When not taking pictures or post-processing a project, Steffanie and her daughter enjoy nature by fishing, boating, swimming, and gardening.

Ayanna Hypolite

Originally from Chicago, IL, Ayanna has lived in Florida for over 15 years. Ayanna is an education law attorney practicing throughout Florida, particularly North and Central Florida. She is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified County Court Mediator and assists disputing parties in reaching win-win resolutions. 

Ayanna holds a Bachelors in Business Administration and Human Resources, an MBA with a Marketing concentration, and a Juris Doctorate degree. Ayanna worked in higher education for ten years prior to pursuing her childhood dream of becoming an attorney. 

Ayanna has lived in Gainesville since 2017 and is proud to call North Central Florida home. She is an active supporter of K-12 and higher education and is committed to serving her local community. Ayanna volunteers with local mentorship organizations and enjoys living in Gator Country with her husband and two sons.

Steffanie Crockett

Steffanie Crockett has been in Gainesville since 2001, graduating locally and attending Santa Fe College. During an 11-year career in marketing research, she began to harness her skill as a photographer by covering extreme sports events from California to Costa Rica. In 2012, she took the leap of creating her own photography company and has been growing steadily since. Over the years of freelance work for various magazines, corporations, and individual clients, PROST! Photography has risen to one of the most recognized photographers in Gainesville. Steffanie also acts as photography editor for a local publication, Gainesville City Lifestyle. The magazine launched in October 2021, using one of Steffanie’s pictures of downtown Gainesville. She also periodically writes feature articles to share useful and important information with the community. It was through photography that Steffanie discovered Dream on Purpose by simply covering different events over the years. Once the potential was mentioned, she knew it was time to take the next step as a community member by serving on the board for such a fantastic organization. When not taking pictures or post-processing a project, Steffanie and her daughter enjoy nature by fishing, boating, swimming, and gardening.

Our Board

Shareen Baptiste
Shareen Baptiste lives to send ripples. She is a 15-year Gainesville inhabitant with more than 10 years of Marketing and Communications experience in the non-profit, business and governmental sector with a specific focus on increasing brand visibility, building strategic relationships with the media and serving the business community. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Master’s of Science in Entrepreneurship and also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations with minors in Leadership, Organizational Leadership for Nonprofits and Family, Youth and Community Sciences. Today, Shareen serves as the Board Secretary for LYFEhouse, a non-profit organization committed to building community by providing exceptional and affordable personal, professional development programs to youth and families and the agencies that serve them.
PatriceFletcher
Patrice Fletcher has more that 15 years experience in service leadership and management with a focus on the activities of a retail operation showcasing her customer service, creative, innovative thinking, has the ability to work with professionals staff and managed over a hundred staff. Patrice earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism with concentration in Event Management from the University of Florida. Patrice is also the President and CEO of Joshua Joel SMA Life, Inc. and a Senior Administrative Assistant at Jones Edmunds & Associates, Inc. As President and CEO of Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc., Patrice oversees the day-to-day operation of the non-profit and the Give6 video game console Christmas gift away. She also previously served as the Assistant Event Planner at Williams Event & Co., where she provided corporate event management that combines the creative with the professional. Patrice also planned, organized and managed events, negotiate contracts with vendors – all of which, she brings with her to Dream on Purpose, Jones Edmunds & Associates, and Xposure Consulting Firm, where she serves as a Senior Vice President.
Lara Wilson
Lara Wilson has resided in the Gainesville area for over 16 years, and currently lives in Gainesville, FL. Lara went to school at Santa Fe College, and graduated in 2008 with her AA degree in business. Since 2018, Lara has worked for First Federal Bank as a Vice President Financial Manager. She has been in banking for 23 years, and is involved with the community. Being involved with the local community led her to Dream on Purpose, and being able to help those with financial questions, budgeting, and credit has been very rewarding. In her free time, Lara enjoys cooking, attending church, and spending time with family.
Tia Paul
Tia Paul is the Director of Programs for The Education Foundation of Alachua County. She has been at the Foundation for eight in half years. Her first five years were spent working with just the Alachua Take Stock in Children (TSIC) program. She now oversees all three of the Foundation’s program initiatives including its Senior Scholarship program and Catalyst for Change Teacher Grant Program as well as planning and executing their special fundraising events. Prior to working at the Foundation, Tia attended The University of Florida where she majored in journalism, specialized in non-profit organizational leadership and completed a capstone in print design; she graduated in May of 2014. During her time at UF, she interned at the Foundation because of her passion to give back to the youth community. Tia is an alumnus of the Clay County TSIC program which is where her passion sparked. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Jimmie and their two-old daughter Maliyah. She enjoys gateways to the beach reading books and completing education leadership experiences.
Jasmine Quarterman
Jasmine Quarterman, a Jacksonville, FL native, earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Education from the University of Florida in 2011. After five years of community education and outreach in Alachua County, she decided to pursue what was always her true passion, nursing. In 2019 she graduated from Rasmussen College as a Registered Nurse. She currently works for UF Health Shands as a charge nurse and preceptor for new nurses. Jasmine aspires to transition into a specialty in women’s and maternal health care. She desires to leave her mark on the world by imparting into young ladies, which inspired her to seek out serving on the board for Dream on Purpose. She has been a faithful member of Alive Church in Gainesville for nearly a decade and has served as a Team and Small Group Leader. In her spare time, she enjoys socializing with friends, visiting family in Jacksonville, and catching up on the latest Marvel and DC Movies.
JoAnne Karagnara

Shareen Baptiste lives to send ripples. She is a 15-year Gainesville inhabitant with more than 10 years of Marketing and Communications experience in the non-profit, business and governmental sector with a specific focus on increasing brand visibility, building strategic relationships with the media and serving the business community.
She graduated from the University of Florida with a Master’s of Science in Entrepreneurship and also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations with minors in Leadership, Organizational Leadership for Nonprofits and Family, Youth and Community Sciences.
Today, Shareen serves as the Board Secretary for LYFEhouse, a non-profit organization committed to building community by providing exceptional and affordable personal, professional development programs to youth and families and the agencies that serve them.

our team

Irene Corriette

Irene is an Assistant Professor in the Mathematics Department at Santa Fe College. Irene grew up in a family of educators which included her mother, sister, several aunts, uncles, and cousins, all working in K-12 and higher education.

She started her teaching career in her homeland Dominica, teaching high school math and science before transitioning to the US. Irene is currently in her fourteenth year of teaching mathematics at the university/community college level and enjoys working with freshmen and making math more accessible to underrepresented populations. She works to reduce math anxiety and make mathematics approachable for all students. Her favorite quote is “I will rise / and stand on my feet / slowly slowly / ever so slowly […] I am learning/let me succeed” from The Awakening from Masks by Kamau Brathwaite. Outside of the classroom, Irene enjoys volunteer work, photography, and singing. She is currently learning to do pencil sketches and also enjoys spending time with her adopted chihuahua mix, Sugar.

Verlisa Thornton

Verlisa is an Academic Assistant with the Humanities and Foreign Languages Department at Santa Fe College.

Professionally her focus has been to supply quality professional administrative support and customer service to state universities in their efforts to recruit, assist, and retain students. Previously, she has worked at the University of Florida and University of South Florida.

Verlisa loves the Lord, and is the Church Clerk at Greater New Bethel Missionary Baptist in Flemington, FL.

She enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews, traveling to new places, fishing, cooking, reading and going to the beach.

I believe, “if I can help somebody, as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain”.

JoAnne Karagnara

JoAnne Karagnara is licensed as a practical nurse in the states of Florida and Ohio. She is passionate about her career and works in the field of clinical research. She is also passionate about giving back to the community and has donated countless hours to political campaigns, food banks, churches and schools. JoAnne sits on the Make a Difference committee at ClinicalRM, her place of employment, and is Vice-President/Treasurer and CoFounder of Dream On Purpose, Inc.

In addition to volunteering and giving back, JoAnne loves cooking and singing in her spare time and hopes to record an album some day. She believes all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and the importance of following the golden rule. JoAnne believes, “If you must love thy neighbor as you love yourself, then you must learn how to love yourself, and I want to help these young ladies learn how to do just that. ”

Shareen Baptiste

Shareen Baptiste lives to send ripples. She is a 13-year Gainesville inhabitant with more than 10 years of Marketing and Communications experience in the non-profit, business and governmental sector with a specific focus on increasing brand visibility, building strategic relationships with the media and serving the business community.

She graduated from the University of Florida with a Master’s of Science in Entrepreneurship and also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations with minors in Leadership, Organizational Leadership for Nonprofits and Family, Youth and Community Sciences. She has a proclivity for strategic planning, project management and creative graphic/web design and photography. She also has educational knowledge of grant research and writing.

Today, Shareen serves as the Board Secretary for LYFEhouse, a non-profit organization committed to building community by providing exceptional and affordable personal, professional development programs to youth and families and the agencies that serve them. She is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. belonging to the Delta Sigma Zeta Chapter in Gainesville, FL.

Mayah Baptiste

Mayah Baptiste is a fourth year undergraduate student at the University of Florida (UF), currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a focused emphasis on Behavior Analysis. She wishes to become a lawyer and non-profit director. Mayah serves as the Special Projects Intern with Dream on Purpose, and member of Mentor Gainesville, the UF Chapter of Big Sisters Little Sisters, and BSU Mentorship Program. She is a two-year member of Illusions Dance Troupe and serves as the director of the Florida Caribbean Student Association at UF, Membership Coordinator of the UF Chapter of SISTUHS, Inc., and Assistant Director of Community Service for Black Women Leaders in Law. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Mayah enjoys writing spoken word poetry, spending time with her daughter and family, trying new cuisines and deepening her relationship with God.
Irene Corriet

Event Planner

Irene is an Assistant Professor in the Mathematics Department at Santa Fe College. Irene grew up in a family of educators which included her mother, sister, several aunts, uncles, and cousins, all working in K-12 and higher education.

She started her teaching career in her homeland Dominica, teaching high school math and science before transitioning to the US. Irene is currently in her fourteenth year of teaching mathematics at the university/community college level and enjoys working with freshmen and making math more accessible to underrepresented populations. She works to reduce math anxiety and make mathematics approachable for all students. Her favorite quote is “I will rise / and stand on my feet / slowly slowly / ever so slowly […] I am learning/let me succeed” from The Awakening from Masks by Kamau Brathwaite. Outside of the classroom, Irene enjoys volunteer work, photography, and singing. She is currently learning to do pencil sketches and also enjoys spending time with her adopted chihuahua mix, Sugar.

Verlisa Frazier

Event Planner

Verlisa is an Academic Assistant with the Humanities and Foreign Languages Department at Santa Fe College.

Professionally her focus has been to supply quality professional administrative support and customer service to state universities in their efforts to recruit, assist, and retain students. Previously, she has worked at the University of Florida and University of South Florida.

Verlisa loves the Lord, and is the Church Clerk at Greater New Bethel Missionary Baptist in Flemington, FL.

She enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews, traveling to new places, fishing, cooking, reading and going to the beach.

I believe, “if I can help somebody, as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain”.

JoAnne Karagnara

Vice-President/Treasurer & Cofounder

JoAnne Karagnara is licensed as a practical nurse in the states of Florida and Ohio. She is passionate about her career and works in the field of clinical research. She is also passionate about giving back to the community and has donated countless hours to political campaigns, food banks, churches and schools. JoAnne sits on the Make a Difference committee at ClinicalRM, her place of employment, and is Vice-President/Treasurer and CoFounder of Dream On Purpose, Inc.

In addition to volunteering and giving back, JoAnne loves cooking and singing in her spare time and hopes to record an album some day. She believes all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and the importance of following the golden rule. JoAnne believes, “If you must love thy neighbor as you love yourself, then you must learn how to love yourself, and I want to help these young ladies learn how to do just that. ”

Shareen Baptiste

President/Secretary & Cofounder

According to Robert F. Kennedy, “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope…”

Shareen Baptiste lives to send ripples. She is a 13-year Gainesville inhabitant with more than 10 years of Marketing and Communications experience in the non-profit, business and governmental sector with a specific focus on increasing brand visibility, building strategic relationships with the media and serving the business community.

She graduated from the University of Florida with a Master’s of Science in Entrepreneurship and also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations with minors in Leadership, Organizational Leadership for Nonprofits and Family, Youth and Community Sciences. She has a proclivity for strategic planning, project management and creative graphic/web design and photography. She also has educational knowledge of grant research and writing.

Today, Shareen serves as the Board Secretary for LYFEhouse, a non-profit organization committed to building community by providing exceptional and affordable personal, professional development programs to youth and families and the agencies that serve them. She is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. belonging to the Delta Sigma Zeta Chapter in Gainesville, FL. She

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Irene Corriet

Event Planner

Irene is an Assistant Professor in the Mathematics Department at Santa Fe College. Irene grew up in a family of educators which included her mother, sister, several aunts, uncles, and cousins, all working in K-12 and higher education.

She started her teaching career in her homeland Dominica, teaching high school math and science before transitioning to the US. Irene is currently in her fourteenth year of teaching mathematics at the university/community college level and enjoys working with freshmen and making math more accessible to underrepresented populations. She works to reduce math anxiety and make mathematics approachable for all students. Her favorite quote is “I will rise / and stand on my feet / slowly slowly / ever so slowly […] I am learning/let me succeed” from The Awakening from Masks by Kamau Brathwaite. Outside of the classroom, Irene enjoys volunteer work, photography, and singing. She is currently learning to do pencil sketches and also enjoys spending time with her adopted chihuahua mix, Sugar.

Verlisa Frazier

Event Planner

Verlisa is an Academic Assistant with the Humanities and Foreign Languages Department at Santa Fe College.

Professionally her focus has been to supply quality professional administrative support and customer service to state universities in their efforts to recruit, assist, and retain students. Previously, she has worked at the University of Florida and University of South Florida.

Verlisa loves the Lord, and is the Church Clerk at Greater New Bethel Missionary Baptist in Flemington, FL.

She enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews, traveling to new places, fishing, cooking, reading and going to the beach.

I believe, “if I can help somebody, as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain”.

JoAnne Karagnara

Vice-President/Treasurer & Cofounder

JoAnne Karagnara is licensed as a practical nurse in the states of Florida and Ohio. She is passionate about her career and works in the field of clinical research. She is also passionate about giving back to the community and has donated countless hours to political campaigns, food banks, churches and schools. JoAnne sits on the Make a Difference committee at ClinicalRM, her place of employment, and is Vice-President/Treasurer and CoFounder of Dream On Purpose, Inc.

In addition to volunteering and giving back, JoAnne loves cooking and singing in her spare time and hopes to record an album some day. She believes all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and the importance of following the golden rule. JoAnne believes, “If you must love thy neighbor as you love yourself, then you must learn how to love yourself, and I want to help these young ladies learn how to do just that. ”

Shareen Baptiste

President/Secretary & Cofounder

According to Robert F. Kennedy, “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope…”

Shareen Baptiste lives to send ripples. She is a 13-year Gainesville inhabitant with more than 10 years of Marketing and Communications experience in the non-profit, business and governmental sector with a specific focus on increasing brand visibility, building strategic relationships with the media and serving the business community.

She graduated from the University of Florida with a Master’s of Science in Entrepreneurship and also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations with minors in Leadership, Organizational Leadership for Nonprofits and Family, Youth and Community Sciences. She has a proclivity for strategic planning, project management and creative graphic/web design and photography. She also has educational knowledge of grant research and writing.

Today, Shareen serves as the Board Secretary for LYFEhouse, a non-profit organization committed to building community by providing exceptional and affordable personal, professional development programs to youth and families and the agencies that serve them. She is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. belonging to the Delta Sigma Zeta Chapter in Gainesville, FL. She

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Irene Corriette

Irene is an Assistant Professor in the Mathematics Department at Santa Fe College. Irene grew up in a family of educators which included her mother, sister, several aunts, uncles, and cousins, all working in K-12 and higher education.

She started her teaching career in her homeland Dominica, teaching high school math and science before transitioning to the US. Irene is currently in her fourteenth year of teaching mathematics at the university/community college level and enjoys working with freshmen and making math more accessible to underrepresented populations. She works to reduce math anxiety and make mathematics approachable for all students. Her favorite quote is “I will rise / and stand on my feet / slowly slowly / ever so slowly […] I am learning/let me succeed” from The Awakening from Masks by Kamau Brathwaite. Outside of the classroom, Irene enjoys volunteer work, photography, and singing. She is currently learning to do pencil sketches and also enjoys spending time with her adopted chihuahua mix, Sugar.

Verlisa Thornton

Verlisa is an Academic Assistant with the Humanities and Foreign Languages Department at Santa Fe College.

Professionally her focus has been to supply quality professional administrative support and customer service to state universities in their efforts to recruit, assist, and retain students. Previously, she has worked at the University of Florida and University of South Florida.

Verlisa loves the Lord, and is the Church Clerk at Greater New Bethel Missionary Baptist in Flemington, FL.

She enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews, traveling to new places, fishing, cooking, reading and going to the beach.

I believe, “if I can help somebody, as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain”.

JoAnne Karagnara

Vice-President/Treasurer & Cofounder

JoAnne Karagnara is licensed as a practical nurse in the states of Florida and Ohio. She is passionate about her career and works in the field of clinical research. She is also passionate about giving back to the community and has donated countless hours to political campaigns, food banks, churches and schools. JoAnne sits on the Make a Difference committee at ClinicalRM, her place of employment, and is Vice-President/Treasurer and CoFounder of Dream On Purpose, Inc.

In addition to volunteering and giving back, JoAnne loves cooking and singing in her spare time and hopes to record an album some day. She believes all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and the importance of following the golden rule. JoAnne believes, “If you must love thy neighbor as you love yourself, then you must learn how to love yourself, and I want to help these young ladies learn how to do just that. ”

Shareen Baptiste

Shareen Baptiste lives to send ripples. She is a 13-year Gainesville inhabitant with more than 10 years of Marketing and Communications experience in the non-profit, business and governmental sector with a specific focus on increasing brand visibility, building strategic relationships with the media and serving the business community.

She graduated from the University of Florida with a Master’s of Science in Entrepreneurship and also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations with minors in Leadership, Organizational Leadership for Nonprofits and Family, Youth and Community Sciences. She has a proclivity for strategic planning, project management and creative graphic/web design and photography. She also has educational knowledge of grant research and writing.

Today, Shareen serves as the Board Secretary for LYFEhouse, a non-profit organization committed to building community by providing exceptional and affordable personal, professional development programs to youth and families and the agencies that serve them. She is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. belonging to the Delta Sigma Zeta Chapter in Gainesville, FL.

Mayah Baptiste

Mayah Baptiste is a fourth year undergraduate student at the University of Florida (UF), currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a focused emphasis on Behavior Analysis. She wishes to become a lawyer and non-profit director. Mayah serves as the Special Projects Intern with Dream on Purpose, and member of Mentor Gainesville, the UF Chapter of Big Sisters Little Sisters, and BSU Mentorship Program. She is a two-year member of Illusions Dance Troupe and serves as the director of the Florida Caribbean Student Association at UF, Membership Coordinator of the UF Chapter of SISTUHS, Inc., and Assistant Director of Community Service for Black Women Leaders in Law. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Mayah enjoys writing spoken word poetry, spending time with her daughter and family, trying new cuisines and deepening her relationship with God.