Honoring Our Bridge Builders: An Evening of Recognition
Join us for an evening dedicated to the people who make the summit’s mission real. We will gather to celebrate five extraordinary members of our community whose courage, commitment, and creativity are removing barriers for children, youth, families, and communities.
Tarrance Hopkins
Pastor, Founder of Jesus Cares MinistryTarrance founded Jesus Cares Ministry in 2018 as a way to provide valuable necessities to Houston's homeless in the downtown area. In addition, the ministry also hold religious services in a nursing home and corresponds with prisoners. Active service in ministry, Tarrance provides encouragement and support to everyone with a high level of energy and faith. Called to share the Gospel, he has served previously as Interim Pastor, and leads worship service in the nursing home.
Nikki Relford
Founder, Once Upon a DreamWith 15 years of experience in childcare and early childhood education, Nikki’s journey includes Growing Roots Kids Academy and Once Upon A Dream Learning Center, a nonprofit providing free childcare, counseling, and life-skills support to teen parents. Her passion for helping others has grown into several programs, including Aspire 2 Dream, Aim to Achieve, Exceptional Abilities, and Legacy Residential Campus, providing trauma-informed residential care and support for children and young adults in foster care. Her work also extends to Wise & Rooted Counseling and Aspire Doll Collection, where dolls and books are used to encourage and inspire children.
Ebonie Oliver
Founder, Mission AccomplishedEbonie Oliver is founder and executive director of Mission Accomplished, a Central Texas nonprofit providing laundry, shower, and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and economic hardship. She continuously advocates for residents in communities that lack resources, working to expand access to essential services and ensure their voices are heard. Through community outreach, volunteer engagement, and partnerships, Ebonie connects neighbors with practical support while promoting dignity, stability, and opportunities for families to thrive and build a stronger future.
Nakeenya Wilson
Founder, Black Mamas VillageNakeenya Wilson is a mother, educator, community builder, and advocate for maternal health and social justice. She founded Black Mamas Village to cultivate belonging, collective care, and economic opportunity for Black families. She also serves as Co-Director of Strategy and External Engagement at Funders for Birth Justice and Equity. Drawing on lived experience and leadership across education, philanthropy, and nonprofit organizations, Nakeenya works to transform systems, share power, and build communities where people have the resources and support to thrive.
Dou-bro: Fatherhood Specialist, Black Mamas ATXWilliam Morrison
William is a husband and father to a toddler. He is a North Carolina native with a background in the restaurant industry. He has a deep passion for animals and a strong commitment to supporting families. His transition into the role as a Dou-Bro stems from a deeply personal experience: his own challenging journey through his son’s birth and the treatment he and his wife received. This experience ignited a drive within him to advocate for the importance of fathers being actively present during childbirth and to work towards changing the narrative within our community, ensuring that every family receives the care and support they deserve.