


There's Still Hope of the Carolinas

ABOUT US

Rev. Debra J. Hopkins
Motivational Speaker | Founder & Chief Executive Officer of There’s Still Hope of the Carolinas
Rev. Debra J. Hopkins is a distinguished motivational speaker, mentor, and educational consultant. As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of There’s Still Hope of the Carolinas, a 501(c)(3) organization previously known as There’s Still Hope Charlotte, she is committed to empowering the transgender community and advocating for sustainable housing and equality. Her organization provides a transitional housing program for transgender and non-binary adults, boasting a 73.85% success rate in securing permanent housing for its residents. Debra is also a motivational speaker specializing in homelessness and affordable housing advocacy, conducting workshops and mentoring those who are starting similar initiatives. With a robust background in research, education, and ministry, she holds a Master of Theology from New York Theological Seminary and has written "Not Until You Have Walked In My Shoes," "Look In The Mirror - Surviving Life’s Challenges and Aging," and contributed to five anthologies on "Stories of Resilience." A devoted parent to three adult children and eight grandchildren, she actively opposes harmful legislation impacting trans and non-binary individuals, establishing herself as a powerful advocate for change.

Board Secretary {They, Them}
Lisa (she/they) is Communications & Engagement Manager for Diabetics Family Connection. A Midwestern military brat, who relocated to Charlotte, NC in 2018. After attaining their Masters degree, they taught sociology and women’s studies in Illinois, while running a small family business. Their hands-on marketing, management, and networking experiences led to opportunities to grow other local businesses. Contact Lisa: lisa@thedfc.org

Board Treasure {They, Them}
Assistant Professor at City University of New York | Writer/Director. Shon (They/Them) a non-binary New Yorker who writes and people learn to love and laugh while living with catastrophe - both real and imagined. A graduate of the Columbia University School of the Arts. School of the Arts, Shon has written a variety of award-winning screenplays including PANSY, a queer coming-of-age forbidden love story, which won the Emerging Narrative Screenplay Award at the Independent Feature Project, the Rhode Island Film Festival and the Atlanta Film Festival Screenplay Competition. More info at: ShonKeane.com