How we got started

Mark Talley is the founder and director of our organization. He was inspired to create this charity after his mother, Geraldine C. Talley, was killed in the Tops shooting on May 14th, 2022. Growing up, Mark struggled with a number of challenges, including being raised by a single mother after his father left when he was 10 years old. Despite being academically successful in junior school, he started hanging out with the wrong crowd in high school and his grades dropped. His mother was able to get him transferred to a prestigious high school, where he graduated in 2007.

After attending college in Detroit, Mark dropped out and struggled to get back on track. It wasn’t until he received a disappointing email from his mother that he decided to move back home to Buffalo and attend community college and university. He obtained a dual bachelor’s degree in economics and urban planning but struggled to find a job due to his partial complex epilepsy. In his late 20s, he became epilepsy-free and eventually found work as a security officer in a county hospital.

Through his personal experiences, including living with epilepsy, Mark has gained a deep understanding of the challenges that low-income communities face and is committed to using his skills and talents to make a positive impact in these communities. Our organization is dedicated to promoting socioeconomic equality and providing resources and services to those who need them most.

OUR MISSION

To combat systematic racism and provide awareness on socioeconomic equality & equitable issues.

OUR VISION

To foster a reality in which one’s race and one’s socioeconomical environment shouldn’t determine one’s future outcome.

Mark Talley is an amazing young man who is doing so much for the community. I’m so proud of this young man and can’t wait to see what the future brings him I know it will be amazing we are lucky and blessed to have him as a leader everything he does will not go unnoticed.

Cheryl Martinez, UnitedHealthcare

As someone who lived through a nightmare that would break even the strongest of people, I continue to be amazed by Mark and his ability to turn pain into power through the selfless work he does to benefit the lives of many in the Buffalo community.

Jacquie Abram, Award winning International bestselling author & Public Speaker

I’ve worked in community advocacy for 30 years. Never have I worked with someone that is so committed to improving our community and helping our most vulnerable as Mark. He does it with intensity and opinions, but most importantly with actions and results.

Kevin Horrigan, Vice President Public Affairs, People Inc

I have both interviewed Mark and worked with him on a fundraiser. To be frank, I am amazed. Despite everything he has gone through, he still thinks six steps forward and shows an empathy and caring for others that makes you want to be around him.”

Dan Roth, Amazon Recruiter

When he speaks of his mother, he speaks of her as the root of everything he is trying to do an accomplish. You can tell his heart is in the right place and that he is really trying to make a change in the city

Leah Angel (Vance) Daniel, Executive Director Fostering Greatness

I met Mark Talley a few Months as a Portrait client. As I grew to know I discovered that he suffered a major loss when his Mom was brutally murdered by a White Supremacist just a few miles from Studio. Mark through his Pain lunched a Brilliant initiative and bringing all ethnicities to via an alliance of Love to support members of his community and beyond. He turned a tragic event into a powerful opportunity to help and inspire others. I am so grateful for your dedication and passion for this amazing project to others Mark. I only see a bright future for your team and board flourishing in this endeavor. I am so proud of you and God’s Speed!

Yves-Richard Blanc, , Blanc Photography

Commitments

Our organization is dedicated to promoting socioeconomic equality and providing resources and services to those who need them most. As part of our mission, we will be offering a series of charity events that focus on the five key factors of socio-economics and how they impact individuals and communities. These events will provide valuable information and resources to help people understand the challenges they may face and how to overcome them. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background, and our events are designed to support and empower those who are struggling. Join us at one of our upcoming charity events and learn more about how you can make a difference in your community and beyond.

If you are interested in learning more about our commitments for 2023 and how you can get involved

Meet the Board of Directors

Mark Talley

Executive Director

Mark Talley was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. He graduated from Canisius High School and received a double bachelor’s degree in Economics & Urban Planning from the State University at the College of Buffalo.

Kara
Oliver-Pérez

DEI and racial-equity consultant

A seasoned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and racial-equity consultant, coach, influencer, programmer, author, facilitator, and educator, Kara Oliver-Pérez, M.S. is passionate about creating opportunities…

Kimberly Johnson

Vice President

Kimberly L. Johnson, affectionately known to family, friends co-workers as Kim, was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. She attended Buffalo public schools and graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in 1988.

Paul Perez

Treasurer

Paul C. Perez Jr. is a passionate and dedicated individual who has solidified himself as a professional and a “champion for change” within the Western New York community. Born and raised in the South Bronx, NY, Paul witnessed firsthand…

Roshneke
Thomas-Talley

Executive Health Coordinator

Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Rosh-Neke Thomas-Talley graduated from D’Youville College with her Master of Science in Nursing. Prior to pursuing her graduate degree, she attended Daemen College and graduated…

Terrell Rodgers

Educational Outreach

I was born and raised in Buffalo,NY. I attended Canisius High School where I also worked as School Counselor. I attended college at D’Youville College for my B.A in Psychology and attended Niagara University for my M.S in School Counseling.

Change a life today

As long as poverty, injustice & inequality persist, none of us can truly rest. It doesn’t take much to change a life, Get in touch today and start making the difference.