Leadership & Team
Meet the people driving our mission forward
Meet Our Board
Experienced leaders guiding our mission
Brad Fulner
Founder and DirectorBrad Fulner is the Founder of Grow Together Initiative and the Host and Producer of GTI TV, a purpose-focused platform that amplifies impactful stories and showcases community leaders driving meaningful change. With extensive expertise in supply chain operations and eCommerce developed through years of managing complex global business environments, Brad applies his strategic acumen to both nonprofit initiatives and mission-driven organizations. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska and based in Killingworth, Connecticut, he is known for his hands-on approach, relationship-driven leadership, and belief that lasting change is achieved through collaboration, mentorship, and investment in people.
Todd A. Godfrey
Board of DirectorsA U.S. Army veteran and retired Detective Sergeant, Todd brings more than 25 years of experience spanning public safety, entrepreneurship, and strategic business development. After retiring from law enforcement, he transitioned into entrepreneurship and scaled successful ventures in construction, real estate, retail, transportation, and personal services. In 2010, Todd opened a state-of-the-art indoor shooting range that earned Junction City's Business of the Year. His leadership philosophy is rooted in three powerful principles: Everybody Eats. Trust the Plan. Dream Big.
Kara Bell Fiske, MBA, CMPE
Board of DirectorsKara Bell Fiske is a mission-driven executive with more than 30 years of experience in healthcare administration, organizational governance, and nonprofit leadership. She currently serves as Executive Director of Lafene Health Center and Counseling & Psychological Services at Kansas State University, leading integrated medical and mental health services. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Kara's career spans executive roles in behavioral health, addiction treatment, and community healthcare — strengthening governance, expanding access in underserved areas, and building collaborative partnerships. She holds an MBA from Kansas Wesleyan University and is a Certified Medical Practice Executive.
Zach Sperry
CFOA Quinnipiac University alum with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a passion for turning complexity into clarity. Whether it's economics, business development, or helping others grow through practical insight, Zach brings sharp thinking and a heart for impact. Originally from Guilford, Connecticut, Zach's strategic mindset shines through in everything he does — from boardroom decisions to chess boards and poker tables. His love for logic and probability makes him a powerhouse when it comes to analyzing challenges and crafting smart, actionable solutions.
Chef Vonshai
Board MemberChef Vonshai is a seasoned gourmet chef, culinary educator, and consultant with over 34 years of experience working with high-profile clients, celebrities, and luxury brands. She is the founder of a boutique catering and event planning company known for delivering unforgettable food experiences with bold flavor, elegant presentation, and top-tier service. Her passion for cooking started early and has evolved into a thriving business that specializes in full-service catering and custom event design. From intimate private dinners to lavish weddings and high-end corporate events, Chef Vonshai is known for her ability to transform any occasion into a memorable culinary experience.
Consultants & Advisors
Our network of consultants and advisors brings specialized expertise to help guide our initiatives and maximize our impact
Joe Lombardi
Financial ConsultantJoe Lombardi is the Managing Partner and Founder of IronHawk Financial, a privately held financial services firm based in Cheshire, Connecticut. Inspired by a workplace accident that impacted his father's construction business, Joe dedicated his career to helping business owners protect what they've built. With over 16 years of experience and 27 industry awards, he specializes in serving blue-collar and construction-based businesses nationwide through buy-sell planning and insurance solutions.
Jake Huggins
Financial ConsultantJake Huggins is the CEO of Synergy Financial Partners. Raised in Georgia, he went on to play football at Kansas State University — an experience that shaped his discipline and leadership. Founded on the belief that financial literacy is a right, not a privilege, Jake and his organization are dedicated to empowering underserved families through education, mentorship, and strategic partnerships to build lasting stability and generational wealth.
Alisa St. Georges
Wellness ConsultantAlisa St. Georges is a wellness entrepreneur and generational impact advocate dedicated to helping families strengthen their health, expand opportunity, and build lasting legacy. After navigating serious health challenges, Alisa discovered the power of the right wellness support — turning a personal journey into a mission to help others reclaim energy and possibility. Through LifeWave's patented phototherapy technology, she educates and mentors individuals and families in taking ownership of their wellness while creating scalable income rooted in service, leadership, and community.
Rachel Harris
First Responder AdvocateRachel Harris is a dedicated first responder advocate with over 20 years of experience outfitting, supporting, and protecting the men and women who serve on the front lines. Born and raised in Oklahoma, she has built her career around ensuring first responders have the tools, resources, and support they need to safely and effectively serve their communities. A proud Mustang High School graduate, Rachel brings deep roots in service, unwavering commitment to those who protect and serve, and a passion for giving back that drives everything she does.
Cesar Barros
Consultant AdvisorCesar Barros is an entrepreneur, community builder, and public speaker dedicated to connecting driven professionals across Connecticut. He is the founder of the Connecticut Business Networking Association (CBNA), one of the fastest-growing business communities in the state, bringing together 900+ entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals. Through CBNA, Cesar hosts high-value networking events and facilitates powerful business relationships, making networking simple, enjoyable, and effective for professionals who want real growth and real results.
Greg Harkrader
Consultant AdvisorGreg Harkrader is a retired Kansas law enforcement veteran with 28 years of service across the Rice County Sheriff's Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant and led field operations spanning 17 counties. A 22-year member of KHP's Special Response Team and crisis negotiator team leader, Greg also instructed at KLETC, the KHP Training Academy, and the FBI, and holds degrees from Kansas State University. A founding member of the No Stone Unturned Foundation supporting children with special needs, Greg now serves as Outside Sales Manager at Godfrey's Tactical, bringing frontline experience and trusted leadership to every partnership.
Ramon E. Peralta, Jr.
Founder & Creative DirectorRamon E. Peralta, Jr. is the Founder and Creative Director of Peralta Design, a mission-driven digital creative agency specializing in branding, web development, and digital marketing. Holding a BFA, an Agentic AI Certificate from Harvard's Data Science Center, and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bridgeport, Ramon blends artistic vision with strategic business acumen. A member of Priceline.com's original startup team, he has authored Launch Your Brand, delivered a TEDx talk titled "How To Succeed By Being Yourself," and been featured in NPR and Forbes exploring creativity and technology.
Shamoon Yaghmor
Financial ConsultantShamoon Yaghmor is an active day trader and financial literacy advocate with a deep passion for the financial markets. He focuses on trading and analyzing opportunities across the stock, cryptocurrency, and commodities markets, with an emphasis on market structure, price action, risk management, and trading psychology. Through his work and ongoing study of global markets, Shamoon is committed to promoting financial education and helping others develop a clearer understanding of how markets operate so they can make more informed and responsible financial decisions.
Bob Nolan
Philanthropy ConsultantBob Nolan is Executive Director of Development at the School of Public Health at Indiana University-Bloomington. A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Fellow of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (FAHP), he also serves as Chair of the FAHP Journal Advisory Council. With more than 20 years of experience spanning hospitals, biomedical research, public health, and higher education, Bob has raised over $75 million for the organizations he has served and presented at national and international philanthropy conferences.
Antonio Alexander
Editor & Creative DirectorAntonio Alexander is a photographer, cinematographer, and creative director specializing in portrait photography, branding, and interview-style video production. Over nearly five years, he has collaborated with businesses and design firms to produce marketing content rooted in strong visual identity and human connection. His work includes contributions to CREC Open Choice and documentation of the CT Black Caucus. As GTI's newly appointed editor, Antonio shapes the organization's visual content and outreach. He is the founder of Tonyvisions, a creative studio dedicated to authentic, high-quality content.
Madison "Mads" Hardee-Rios
Social Media ManagerMads brings a rare mix of heart, humor, and hustle to everything she does. A trained culinary artist who managed from-scratch bakeries in California, she made the leap into social media and never looked back. As Shop Manager for Patriot Tattoo Company and Patriot Tattoo Company Fort Riley, she builds spaces where people genuinely feel seen. At GTI, Mads manages the social presence that keeps the mission visible and the community engaged.
Jamiah Bartlett
Web & Digital ConsultantJamiah Bartlett is a co-founder of NJ Developments, a Connecticut-based web design agency serving local businesses and nonprofits. A civil engineering senior at the University of Connecticut, he pairs technical rigor with a builder's eye for design and a sales instinct that keeps projects moving. Jamiah leads the agency's client strategy and design direction, building long-term partnerships with the organizations NJ Developments serves. At GTI, he oversees the digital presence, ensuring the website, branding, and online reach match the weight of the mission.
Javier Flores
Web & Digital ConsultantJavier Flores is a co-founder of NJ Developments and a computer science senior at Quinnipiac University. With a strong engineering foundation and an instinct for clean, functional builds, Javier anchors the technical side of the agency's client work, translating design direction into the code and systems that bring each project to life. He also leads much of the agency's outbound growth, expanding NJ Developments' client base across Connecticut. At GTI, Javier supports the infrastructure and tooling behind the site.
Nolan Krieger
Web & Digital ConsultantNolan Krieger is a co-founder of NJ Developments and a computer science senior at Quinnipiac University. A developer focused on execution, he brings a builder's discipline to every project, turning plans into sites and systems that hold up under real-world use. Nolan contributes across development, delivery, and client work, making sure each project NJ Developments takes on ships on time and performs for the businesses and nonprofits it serves. At GTI, he supports the technical backbone that powers the website.
Youth Advisory Committee
Young voices helping shape the future of our mission
Jacob Harkrader
Youth AdvisorJacob Harkrader is a multi-sport student athlete competing in football, basketball, track and field, and baseball throughout the year. An avid sports enthusiast and statistics researcher, Jacob is passionate about helping others and regularly volunteers his time with charitable organizations in his community. When not on the field, he enjoys traveling to collegiate and professional sporting events and has recently started trading and selling sports cards with plans to attend future card shows as a vendor.
Join Our Team
Interested in serving on our board or volunteering? We're always looking for passionate community members.