Become a Guiding Voice for Change
Lead with purpose. Serve with heart.
Open Board Seats
3
At Step's Foundation, our Board of Directors is more than a decision-making body; it’s a team of dedicated leaders who bring their passion, insight, and talents to guide our mission. From shaping strategic direction to showing up at events, board members are hands-on changemakers committed to empowering youth and families across Central Florida.
We welcome diverse professionals who believe in equity, education, mental health advocacy, and community uplift, and are ready to use their voice to make a difference.
What Our Board Members Do
Strategic Leaders. Community Advocates. Active Collaborators.
Board members at Step's Foundation contribute an average of 10–15 hours per month, supporting the organization in meaningful ways, including:
-
Monthly board meetings (2nd Thursday at 7:30 PM – Virtual)
-
Committee participation based on your skills and interests
-
Oversight of programs, policies, and organizational growth
-
Strategic guidance on youth development, family support, and equity-based services
-
Fundraising and donor engagement to strengthen sustainability
-
Representing Step's Foundation at community events and partner roundtables
We believe in utilizing your talents where they shine most, which is why each board member joins a committee aligned with their strengths, whether it’s Finance, Programs, Events, or Governance.
What We Look For
We're seeking board members who are:
-
Passionate about youth and family empowerment
-
Experienced in business, education, finance, healthcare, nonprofit work, or community organizing
-
Willing to collaborate, fundraise, and share their network
-
Thoughtful, mission-driven, and ready to lead with intention
-
Able to commit 10–15 hours per month, including meetings, events, and committee work
2025-2026 Board of Directors
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
There’s a seat at the table with your name on it.
Join a team of passionate, diverse, and action-oriented leaders working to ensure every teen and family has the tools, skills, and support to thrive.
Abigail Ellis - President
Mental Health Counselor
Abigail Ellis known to many as Abby is the founder of Step’s Foundation, Inc, where she is pledging to make a difference! She is a native of a small town called Moore Haven, Florida. While that town may have had limitations, her dream and desire to help others begin by watching her grandmother give effortlessly to others and her mother’s fight to find resources for her brother. She moved to Orlando on a mission and pursued those dreams, she started out in Early Childhood Education working from teacher to center director. Later she went back to school to pursue a Bachelor's in Business and Information Management (also receiving a Project Management Certificate and Human Resource Administrator Certificate) from Seminole State College in Sanford so that she could understand the fundamentals of business. She returned back to school and received her Master’s in Counseling from Nova Southeastern University in 2021. While she was pursuing her master’s degree In 2019 she started Steps Foundation, Inc with the mindset of helping to push youth and families towards their goals and connecting families to community resources. Abby has the heart to serve her community but most importantly see people reach their goals and recognize that they have the ability to reach for the stars. Her favorite quote is by Maya Angelou “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud”.
Darlene Ellis - Vice President
Retired Nurse
Darlene Ellis known to many as "Mama" comes to us with over 30 years of nursing experience. Darlene has dedicated years of service to local nursing homes caring for residents and is happily retired still giving back to the community. She enjoys making others smile and thrives on family engagement. In her spare time, she's simply happiest serving her community, playing video games, and spending time with her family.
Dr. Juliana Lytle - Secretary
Mental Health Counselor and Educator
Dr. Juliana Lytle is a National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who resides in Northeast Florida. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Certificate in Women’s Studies from the University of Central Florida. She went on to obtain a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Walden University. As a clinician and educator, she has enjoyed interacting with a variety of programs and organizations that are geared toward social change.
Dr. Lytle's previous experiences have solidified her desire to educate and help better prepare our youth for life specifically in terms of the disparities in the information they receive about topics such as financial literacy, mental health, and wellness. Her experience as a clinician and private practice owner helps her remain apprised of the ever-changing trends in mental health awareness. Her role as an educator puts her in a unique position to assist in developing relevant curricula for program attendees.
Summer Alston - Board Member
Educator - Osceola Public Schools
Summer Alston is a dedicated educator with a passion for lifelong learning and holistic well-being. The Saginaw, MI native earned her M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction through her studies at Florida Gulf Coast University following her B.A. from the University of Central Florida.
With a deep commitment to service and community impact, outside of teaching, Summer is actively involved in church ministries and strives to develop initiatives that inspire, educate, and uplift others. Her mission is to create learning experiences that empower individuals and foster both personal and collective growth.