Julie Sullivan, the visionary founder of Light the Way, is a beacon of compassion and dedication in our community. With a heart filled with empathy and a mind brimming with determination, Julie embarked on a mission to create positive change for families, children, and veterans facing adversity. Inspired by her own experiences and driven by a desire to make a difference, Julie founded Light the Way to provide essential support and resources to those in need. Her unwavering passion for our mission stems from a deep-seated belief in the power of compassion and community to uplift and empower individuals facing challenges. Through her leadership and tireless advocacy, Julie continues to illuminate the path towards a brighter future for all, embodying the spirit of hope and resilience that defines Light the Way's mission.

Tim Sullivan, the steadfast co-founder of Light the Way, is a pillar of strength and support within our organization. With a heart brimming with empathy and a commitment to service, Tim stands alongside his wife Julie as they champion the mission to uplift families, children, and veterans in need. Inspired by a shared belief in the transformative power of compassion and community, Tim brings his unwavering dedication and leadership to Light the Way. His passion for our mission is rooted in a profound sense of responsibility to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Through his steadfast commitment and collaborative spirit, Tim plays an integral role in guiding Light the Way towards its goal of creating a brighter future for all.

I’m honored and extremely excited to serve on the board of Light the Way. I've always dreamed of having a job where I can make a difference in others' lives. It's incredibly rewarding to give back, knowing that one act of kindness can change someone's life. With Light the Way, I'm grateful for the opportunity to turn that passion into action, spreading compassion and making a positive impact every day.

I am truly passionate about serving on the board of our nonprofit organization, Light the Way. To give a helping hand up to those in our community who need it most is such a rewarding experience! I am proud to give back to the community in which I live and raised my children in. I’m excited to continue our mission helping one deserving family at a time!

Maria Roy is a dedicated advocate for vulnerable individuals within her community. Maria is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Communications and Psychology. Her background in both business and the medical field have provided her with the unique skills necessary to offer strategic, trauma-informed care. Married for 20 years, she and her husband have served in full-time vocational ministry and have four children. They are a foster and adoptive family, with a deep understanding of how to serve others' needs with dignity. Maria currently works as a nurse for a therapeutic residential foster youth home and is committed to active involvement in community outreach.

Jeannie Parent is a seasoned Executive Leadership coach, committed to guiding clients toward their fullest potential. With a career steeped in the media industry, Jeannie brings invaluable insights and expertise to her coaching practice, drawing from her extensive experience in C-Suite positions within prominent media companies across North America.

As the former Sr. Vice President of Media Sales at The Buffalo News, Jeannie honed her skills in executive leadership, with a focus on sales development, staff training, budget development, and fostering strong board relationships. Prior to her tenure at The Buffalo News, she served as President and CEO for the Michigan Region of Digital First Media, where she oversaw corporate sales and spearheaded growth initiatives, and Sr. Vice President of Corporate Sales for Digital First Media Company. 

Beyond her corporate achievements, Jeannie is deeply engaged in community service, serving on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Western New York, the Chair of the Women United Golf Event, and on the Advisory Board for the Western New York Women’s Foundation.  She also  contributes her time to various other agencies in the region. She is  an active member of the University of New Haven Advisory Board for Women’s Leadership, advocating for gender equality and empowerment in leadership roles.

Jeannie's passion for leadership development is evident in her coaching approach, which is informed by her certifications in Leadership Coaching and Hogan Assessments from the University of Buffalo.

Jeannie resides in Buffalo, New York where she lives with her husband Ron.  She is the proud mother of four daughters, grandmother of five and enjoys an active lifestyle that includes golf, running and a beginner at pickleball. ription goes here