About Platform of Hope
Built with families. Led through relationships.
Platform of Hope is a family-centered initiative rooted in Washington, DC—and shaped by the voices, goals, and leadership of the families it serves.
OUR MISSION
Partner with families to build paths to multigenerational success.
POH combines coaching, resource sharing, and community building while bringing family experiences into the work of addressing systemic barriers.
OUR VISION
Families design the future of their neighborhoods.
Families amplify their voices, secure well-being, and build collective power to shape a more equitable community.
01
Confront inequity
Build awareness, accountability, and action around the structural barriers families experience.
02
Center families
Shape the work around family voices, interests, strategies, strengths, and solutions.
03
Learn in action
Reflect, respond, and refine the model as families and the community teach us what works.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Taylor Mitchell
Executive Director
Taylor is a strategic leader, trusted coach, and advocate for families and community change. A University of Maryland graduate and former City Year AmeriCorps member, she leads with transparency, collaboration, and a coaching mindset.
EMAIL TAYLOR →
THE TEAM
People who listen, connect, and follow through.
The POH team works across coaching, family engagement, communications, partnerships, and organizational leadership.
Taylor Mitchell
Executive Director
Luz Delcid Bonilla
Family Coach
Seble Mezmur
Family Outreach & Engagement Specialist
Nate Walton
Development Communications Associate
2026 ADVISORY BOARD
Community expertise and lived experience at the table.
POH’s advisory board includes nonprofit, academic, banking, housing, and family leaders—including four Platform of Hope alumni.
Alan Abramson
George Mason University
Audrey Walker
Jubilee Housing
Carla Mannings
Co-Chair · Housing Partnership Network
Claudia Reyes
POH Alum · Cohort B
Concepcion Benitez
Co-Chair · POH Alum, Cohort B
Jessica Laskin
Sitar Arts Center
Joan Kuriansky
Wider Opportunities for Women
Sara Horwitz
Mary’s Center
Sharon Zimmerman
Woodforest National Bank
Shireka Davis
POH Alum · Cohort C
Zulma Barrera
POH Alum · Cohort C
THE FOUNDATION OF THE MODEL
Four founding partners. One shared commitment.
These four organizations created Platform of Hope together and remain central, high-value partners in the network surrounding families.
A LEGACY OF CARE
Sylvia Stokes
1950–2020
As POH’s first Project Lead and Family Care Lead, Sylvia guided the founding years and helped shape the coaching model, family-centered approach, and culture of care that continue today.
“A Platform of Hope is needed in every city.”
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