Be The Change Charity Foundation
Board Members
Founder
Laurie Bell
Hailing originally from Augusta and now rooted in Atlanta since 2005, Laurie Bell is a visionary on a mission to uplift underprivileged children through her nonprofit endeavors. Growing up in a community where her father, a respected black leader, was a pillar, Laurie experienced firsthand the impact of exposure to diverse experiences.
Her childhood was marked by individual bikes for children in the community, peaceful days at the pool and enriching cultural outings all orchestrated by her father. From ballet performances to horseback riding, Laurie's upbringing taught her the value of well-rounded experiences in shaping young minds.
Driven by a desire to pay it forward, Laurie founded her nonprofit to provide children from underserved backgrounds with access to similar opportunities. Through initiatives ranging from golf outings to museum visits and self-esteem-building workshops, Laurie aims to equip children with the skills and confidence needed to navigate life successfully.
Beyond merely filling the gaps left by absent parents and under-resourced schools, Laurie's vision extends to fostering a generation of empowered individuals who can navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. By instilling mindfulness practices like journaling and breathing techniques, Laurie empowers children to find inner peace amidst life's chaos, ensuring they emerge as confident and capable leaders of tomorrow.
Sarana Harford
Chief Operating Officer & Volunteer Chair
Sarana Harford is a community leader, philanthropist, and dedicated advocate for youth development and community empowerment. As Chief Operating Officer and Volunteer Chair of Be The Change Charity Foundation, she supports the organization’s strategic initiatives while helping bring programs and community events to life.
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Sarana is a Donor Quality Assurance Specialist in the Biomedical and Human Tissue Banking industry at Artivion, Inc. She holds a Biology degree from Virginia State University and brings more than a decade of experience in early childhood education, where she integrated STEM and the arts to inspire creativity and confidence in young learners.
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Since joining Be The Change in 2023, Sarana has helped advance youth golf, mental health, equestrian, agricultural education, and community outreach initiatives. Guided by her belief that “it takes a village,” she is committed to creating opportunities that help children and communities thrive.
Dawn K. Boddie
Board Member
Dawn K. Boddie is a dedicated community leader passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for youth and ensuring they have access to enriching experiences that support their growth and development.
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As a Board Member of Be The Change Charity Foundation, Dawn shares the organization’s commitment to bringing diverse experiences into the community and creating opportunities that help young people thrive.
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Dawn studied Geological Engineering at the University of Mississippi and currently serves as a Review Engineer Officer with DeKalb County. With a strong passion for service and volunteerism, Dawn joined Be The Change in 2025 and quickly began putting her skills and experience to work. She currently supports the organization’s golf division, equestrian programs and community outreach initiatives.
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Through her leadership, service and commitment to youth development, Dawn continues to help advance the mission of Be The Change.
Barbara Guillory
Board Member
Barbara Guillory is a seasoned real estate professional, business coach, community advocate, state lobbyist and affordable housing advocate with more than 25 years of experience in entrepreneurship, real estate and community development.
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Barbara is also the co-founder of DownPaymeAcess, a startup focused on helping women and heads of household achieve homeownership and address the wealth gap in BIPOC communities. Throughout her career, she has served in numerous leadership roles, including board chair and member, project consultant, fundraiser and real estate investment professional, working alongside builders and developers to create public private partnerships.
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A dedicated advocate for community development, Barbara has supported affordable housing, entrepreneurship and education through her work as a consultant, coach, trainer and lobbyist. Her leadership, expertise and commitment to creating opportunities continue to support the mission of Be The Change.