About Dr. Donna Barrett

Dr. Donna Barrett is Founder/CEO of National Fund for Foster Children, Inc. (NFFC), a non-profit 501 C3 organization which encourages local and national support for young people aging out of the foster care system.

Donna holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, a master’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Global Management, and a Doctoral degree in Philosophy, with an emphasis in Family Studies and Intervention Strategies. She has acquired numerous accolades for her community service involvement and organizational skills. Donna volunteers with the South Florida Women’s Council and the Miami Rescue Mission/Broward Outreach Center. Donna is a past committee member of the City of Miramar’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board, a member of the Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Community Outreach Board, and a member of the Jamaican Women of South Florida (JWOF). She is also one of the leaders of her church; Saving Grace Hollywood Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Donna published her first doctoral research in 2017, “Exploring Social Support Networks of African American Emancipated Foster Care Youth.” Her research findings provided substantial information to both federal and state agencies to focus on collaborative efforts with stakeholders to assist foster youth with positive transition to independent living; in particular, access to housing for foster care youth. Donna’s qualitative case study has helped many doctoral students around the globe in their own doctoral research.

Donna’s newest published book “BELIEVE” is a story about her life, highlighting the three foundational principles; faith, hope, and belief that have guided her to a life of purpose. The book has an interesting flavor of her life’s journey coupled with an incredible dose of resiliency and determination that will inspire and encourage you to believe in yourself, acknowledging that anything is possible when you Believe. She recently wrote a book, “Devotional from Women to Women” which was launched from the Broward Outreach Center (homeless shelter) in Hollywood, Florida and the Devotional is now available on Amazon.

Donna’s unparalleled work ethic, professionalism, commitment, insight, and determined attitude have helped to transform the lives of countless people. Her goal is to continue her work to encourage, inspire and motivate others.

Her continued work and commitment to vulnerable populations will help to promote positive outcomes.

About Dr. Maryse Desir

Dr. Maryse Desir is the Co-Founder/Director of National Fund for Foster Children, Inc. (NFFC), a non-profit 501 C3 organization which encourages local and national support for young people aging out of the foster care system.

Maryse came to the United States in 1973 at the age of 14 to join her brother and sisters. There she continued high school at Wingate High School in Brooklyn, New York. After graduation she went to York College in Queens.

After two years, she went to Adelphi University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Communication. Her Statement of Educational Philosophy is that all children of various background, ethnicities, and learning abilities can be taught. It has been her goal to meet students at their level and encourage their progress. She also believes that every moment of a child’s life is a teachable moment that should not be taken for granted.

Maryse got married a year later and had an energetic, curious, and talented daughter name Mitsha. After eight years with the New York City Education Department, she relocates to Florida, where she continued her work as an Elementary School Teacher for Dade County School Board for four years. Subsequently, she answered the call to teach at Broward County Public Schools. Maryse has met the qualifications for “Highly Qualified” and Title I status according to the No Child Left Behind Act.

Ten years later, Maryse received a Master’s degree in Reading and Curriculum at the University of Phoenix and a PhD. in Human Services with an emphasis in Family Studies and Intervention Strategies from Walden University.

Maryse published her first research study in 2014, “Improving Reading in Title I schools.” Her second published research study in 2018 was “Awareness of Childhood Obesity in the Single African American Homes.” Her hope is to publish children’s novels and inspirational books for mothers.

Maryse is an active member of Heart2Heart world Mission since 2013. Heart2Heart World Mission is an organization that has devoted its energy locally and internationally, to passionately provide medical and educational care to people in Haiti, Jamaica, and other countries. Heart2Heart has been called to travel, touch, and bless children and families who are less fortunate.