The faces behind the hope

Karine Parker-Lemoyne

Founder & CEO

As a successful top-level executive in corporate banking in Paris, specializing in performance management, financial and strategic planning, Karine Parker observed the importance of embracing the human experience to create satisfying and meaningful work environments needed within the corporate space.

Since 2007, Karine has leveraged her expertise in arts, psychology, collaborative practices, neuroscience, and mindfulness to drive positive change and enhance the human experience. She excels in actively implementing activities herself, especially in helping children and caregivers discover their potential and transform pain and challenges into hope and wellbeing. Her greatest reward is when her students, the educators, parents and communities she serves feel more hopeful and discover their potential and that there is love in trusting others and in what life has to offer.

Her journey has taken her to schools, communities, refugee camps, orphanages, and various family environments, where she has spearheaded the development and implementation of holistic tools and solutions. These initiatives are deeply rooted in socio-emotional intelligence and character education, community arts projects, and therapeutic approaches. The result of her dedicated work is healthier, happier, and more fulfilled human beings who are able to live into their strengths, talents, and personal purpose in life. Among her many accomplishments, the award-winning 'Be the Peace - Be the Hope' program, co-founded with Noel Bezette-Flores in 2015, stands out. This program focuses on improving mental wellness, coping skills, and enhancing strengths by increasing social and emotional intelligence. A recipient of the Menninger BridgeUp Innovation Grant for Mental Health, her programs have been documented to reduce depression and anxiety by up to 60%.

Be the Peace – Be the Hope' gained national recognition when it was featured on the C.B.S. Chicken Soup for the Soul's Hidden Heroes nationally syndicated program in 2017. In 2020, it received the prestigious Jean Davis Myers Volunteer Service Award from H.I.S.D., the largest school district in Texas.

Karine's impactful work has also been published academically in 'Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning' by Emerald Publishing. Recognized for her dedication, she received the Rotary International Award for Excellence in Service to Humanity in 2019. This award celebrated her exceptional work in at-risk schools, refugee camps, and orphanages across Africa, India, and the Middle East.

In addition to her community service, Karine served as the Executive Director of the Texan-French Alliance for the Arts from 2011 to 2025. She has also actively contributed to the community as the President of the Houston International Rotary Club and has represented the district 5890 Peace Committee and USA-France Inter-Country Committee.

Dr. Bill Flores

President of the Board

Dr. Bill Flores came to Houston in 2009 and served as President of the University of Houston-Downtown for 7 years. He has held leadership positions in higher education and government.

He has served on the boards of the Federal Reserve Bank Board for the El Paso Branch of the Dallas Fed, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, the Central Houston Chamber of Commerce, and the Texan-French Alliance for the Arts, as well as over a hundred boards and commissions.

He has been recognized for outstanding public service in California, New Mexico, and Texas and was designated as a Point of Light by former President George H.W. Bush.

Dr. Flores was named by Time Magazine as one of the Top 100 Outstanding Hispanic Leaders in the country.

He regularly consults with nonprofit organizations and mentors several higher education leaders for the American Council on Education and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Recent books include Democracy, Civic Engagement, and Citizenship in Higher Education, with Katrina Rogers, and The Texas Experiment, a critical analysis of Texas politics and government. He is writing a book on strategic planning for nonprofit and public organizations and a second of his book on Texas politics. Dr. Flores received his B.A. at UCLA, his M.A. in Political Science at Stanford, and his Ph.D. in Social Theory and Public Policy at Stanford. He is married to Dr. Noël Bezette-Flores who he met after moving to Houston.

Sacha Lazarre

Board Vice-President

Sacha Lazarre joined OpenStax as Director of Employee Engagement in 2021. In this role, she oversees strategy and implementation of programs, policies, and opportunities for employee engagement and wellbeing.

Prior to joining the OpenStax team, Sacha led community development initiatives in youth services and citizenship and immigration for one of the largest charitable organizations in Texas. It was there that she discovered a passion for supporting individuals and organizations in reaching their full potential and became deeply interested in human experiences and the factors that shaped them like culture and opportunity.

As a first-generation Haitian-American who has traveled and lived in various countries, Sacha believes in the importance of fostering a welcoming environment to enable people to thrive in the workplace. In her free time, Sacha enjoys being a mother and a fine artist.

Chris Williams

Board Treasurer

In Loving Memory of Chris Williams

Chris Williams was a cherished Board Member, trusted supporter, and dear friend of Be Peace – Be Hope. He brought wisdom, generosity, and heartfelt encouragement to our organization, and his belief in our mission meant so much to us.

Chris cared deeply about meaningful causes and about creating a better future for vulnerable children. He shared his insight, his kindness, and his support in ways that strengthened both our work and our spirit. Beyond his many accomplishments, Chris will be remembered for the depth of his heart, his thoughtful presence, and the lasting difference he made in the lives of others.

We hold deep gratitude for Chris and for the legacy of care, wisdom, and encouragement he leaves behind.

Chris Williams was a “turnaround” professional since 1992, including eight years with Glass & Associates, Inc. He had extensive experience working with “middle market” companies, whose annual sales volume range from $10mm to $50mm. He was an enterprise leader as well as a conceptual thinker and had been relied upon to direct their short- and long-term goals. He was also a firm believer that an accurate definition of the problem is the quickest route to a successful and long-lasting solution.

Chris Williams had twice been appointed a Trustee by the Southern District of Texas and has worked with a large variety of businesses, including oil field services, distribution, food and beverage, and real estate.

Mr. Williams has served as President of the Houston Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association, Vice Chairman of the Cornell Rowing Association, and President of the Cornell Alumni Association of Houston. He holds a US Patent for a product he designed, manufactured and sold through catalogs such as Williams Sonoma and Plow and Hearth. He was a graduate of Cornell University with full MBA credits at the University of Bridgeport. He was the stroke of Cornell’s lightweight crew that was the undefeated national champion and winner of the Thames Challenge Cup at the Royal Henley Regatta in England.

Dennis Zastrow

Board Treasurer

Dennis Zastrow was born in Appleton Wisconsin. He spent 18 years living and working on a dairy farm. Having developed a strong work ethic on the farm, Dennis moved to Denver, Colorado in 1977. In Denver, Dennis worked as a computer programmer for AT&T, an income tax preparer and manager for H&R Block, and retail bookkeeping and management.

In 1994, he moved to Texas, bringing with him the strong work ethic, grounded perspective, and practical sense of responsibility shaped by his early years. Continuing to work in the retail bookkeeping, income tax, and accounting field, Dennis became an Enrolled Agent with Internal Revenue Service in 2000. Since 2012, he has been a business owner. Operating and owning a Jackson Hewitt Income tax franchise with six branches in the Tomball, Texas and Spring, Texas area. Now totaling over 46 years in the income tax and bookkeeping industry. When asked about his passion, Dennis shared that Mother Nature is his true love, a reflection of his deep appreciation for the natural world and the values of simplicity, patience, and stewardship. Dennis expressed an interest in serving as the Board Treasurer for Be Peace-Be Hope because he saw a need and felt he had the time and the experience to help. His financial knowledge, humility, and willingness to serve bring a meaningful spirit of care an responsibility to the mission of the organization.

Dr. Thierry Simien

Board Secretary

Retired after 30 years at Schlumberger, the last 12 years of which Thierry Simien managed (strategy and operations) the worldwide Corporate Social Responsibility program named SEED.

The program provided science education and supplies to underserved communities and schools worldwide in 42 countries and more than 350 schools. Thierry started to follow the TFAA at its creation in 2005. He has been actively engaged since 2015 and a board member of the TFAA and supporter of Be Peace Be Hope since 2017.

Thierry brings experience in similar projects, and contributes to setting strategy, objectives, impact measurement, and general project management.

Curry Glassell

Board Member

Curry Glassell is a producer, author, speaker, philanthropist, and art-loving mother of two. She always seeks to promote her personal mission, which is to help others experience profound joy in their adult lives, by shifting habitual thinking so they can make more satisfying choices in the future.

Born to be a glamorous globetrotter, raised in oil patch opulence, educated in New York City, and finished with a big dose of reality as a struggling single mom.

In her mid-forties, Curry pivoted and took total charge of her own life to forge a courageous new path-- supercharged with a desire to create more conscious change and personal empowerment for herself and others.

John Bernhard

Board Member

John Bernhard is a Swiss American artist and photographer who traveled North America extensively before settling in Houston, Texas in 1980. For more than three decades he has chosen the medium of photography to explore the everyday world from new perspectives, breaking away into different pathways of artistic expression.

He is the author of 9 monographs, his work is in 20 museum collection, and he has had many exhibitions throughout the U.S. Canada, and Europe, including a solo exhibition at the Houston Center for Photography in 1985 and three museum exhibitions.

John's visionary leadership as the founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of ArtHouston magazine has ignited a creative spark in the world of art, illuminating the path for countless talents to shine.

Stefania Archambeau

Board Member

Stefania Petre Archambeau is the Marketing & Communications Director at Axens ROC Americas, bringing her extensive expertise to the forefront of her field.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Stefania has been a devoted supporter of Be Peace - Be Hope since 2015, demonstrating a deep commitment to providing access to holistic education and well-being for all individuals, particularly underserved communities that often lack access to such vital resources.

With a passion for making a positive impact, Stefania embodies a spirit of compassion and change.

Dr. Adriana Gil-Wilkerson

Board Member

Adriana Gil-Wilkerson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist-Supervisor and MFT Educator with a wealth of experience working with communities in Houston and around the world.

She began her career as a student therapist in training (2003) at the Houston Galveston Institute where she held many roles including: Masters Level Student Therapist, LMFT Supervised Clinical Associate, LMFT Clinical Associate & Supervisor, Clinical and Training Director, and Associate Director.

Driven by her passion for mentoring and learning from mentors, Adriana obtained a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at Sam Houston State University, where she honed her skills in researching ideas about the supervision and training of bilingual therapists.

Adriana is proud to serve as an Assistant Professor at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) where she trains marriage and family therapists at the Houston Campus. Though the majority of her time is focused on her academic work since 2021, when she started her work at the OLLU-Houston MFT Program, she continues to support therapists at HGI as a mentor and supervisor.

Adriana's work is centered on the socially constructed elements of language and its power in creating connections in relationships. Adriana also maintains a boutique private practice, Co-Created Spaces: Therapy, Supervision, and Consultation where she enjoys seeing clients. Currently, Adriana is dedicated to writing about the guiding principles behind collaborative-dialogic practices and the role of reflecting teams in educational, training, and therapeutic contexts.

Nikki Suarez

Board Member

Nikki Suarez is a community relations professional at TDECU with a passion for uniting corporate generosity with community initiatives to create a brighter future. She is deeply committed to developing and cultivating strong, long-lasting relationships built on a firm understanding of stakeholder values and finding ways to link them to the missions they are passionate about. Prior to her role at TDECU, Nikki was an Assistant Director of Development at the Texas A&M Foundation, where she served as an ambassador of Texas A&M University. She was responsible for partnering with corporations and donors to secure impactful gifts to benefit Texas A&M with a primary objective to advance the mission of Texas A&M University, the Texas A&M Foundation and strategic academic priorities through discovery, inspiration, invitation, and engagement.

As a relationship driven individual with a passion for giving back, Nikki’s professional career has always centered around serving others.

In past roles, Nikki served as the Corporate Partnerships Manager for Genesys Works, an organization focused on providing corporate, paid internships for underserved students and as the Development Coordinator for Camp For All Foundation, a nonprofit benefiting individuals with special needs. Nikki received a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from Texas A&M University, a Master of International Management from Colorado State University, and is currently pursuing an MBA at Rice University. She enthusiastically serves the community and engages in life-long affiliations with the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and Texas A&M University. She is also a board member of the Jones Student Association for Professionals (where she serves at class president), the Rice Latin Business Student Association, and the Texan French Alliance for the Arts.

Nikki is an alumna of Leadership Houston- Class XXXVIII, a Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leader, and a League of Women Voters Rising Star.

Barbara Schlagbauer

Board Member

Barbara Schlagbauer is a global strategic partnerships leader with more than 20 years of international experience across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the United States. She has held various leadership roles in manufacturing, service, and innovation-driven organizations, building cross-cultural teams and strengthening organizational capabilities. Multilingual in six languages, she connects easily across cultures and sectors.

Her work spans the energy transition, sustainability, and impact innovation ecosystems, where she develops partnerships that drive systemic change and long-term growth.

Barbara is also deeply committed to social impact and has served as a mentor with Seedstars Africa Ventures and Health2Go Ghana, supporting last-mile healthcare delivery for mothers and children in rural communities. She also served as a strategic advisor to Platohedro in Colombia, contributing to community health and emotional well-being through art therapy.

Barbara holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Vienna University of Economics, a Global Executive MBA from the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, and a diploma in Design Innovation and Global Social Entrepreneurship from the Center for Philanthropy at the University of Basel in Switzerland.

A lifelong world traveler, she has witnessed firsthand the gaps faced by underserved communities and is passionate about mental health, equitable education, and creating opportunities for children and families to thrive.

As a Board Member of Be Peace – Be Hope, Barbara will support the organization’s growth by developing new strategic partnerships.

Victoria Mehran

Board Member

Victoria Mehran is a venture capital investor, innovation leader, and entrepreneur with extensive international experience supporting early-stage companies across more than 20 countries. Her background spans financial analysis, corporate development, deep-tech investing, healthcare, AI, sustainability, and enterprise technology.

Over her career, she has invested in more than 90 companies and worked closely with founders, family offices, corporations, accelerators, healthcare organizations, and investors to support growth, strategic partnerships, and international expansion. Her experience in emerging markets has strengthened her commitment to improving access to opportunity, capital, education, and networks for underserved communities.

Victoria holds master’s degrees from Imperial College London and Queen Mary University of London and has served as an advisor, mentor, and TEDx speaker.

As a Board Member of Be Peace – Be Hope, Victoria brings her experience in venture capital, strategic partnerships, fundraising, international expansion, and ecosystem development to help broaden the organization’s reach, partnerships, and long-term impact.

Karine Parker-Lemoyne

Founder & CEO, BPBH

As a successful top-level executive in corporate banking in Paris, specializing in performance management, financial and strategic planning, Karine Parker observed the importance of embracing the human experience to create satisfying and meaningful work environments needed within the corporate space.

Since 2007, Karine has leveraged her expertise in arts, psychology, collaborative practices, neuroscience, and mindfulness to drive positive change and enhance the human experience. She excels in actively implementing activities herself, especially in helping children and caregivers discover their potential and transform pain and challenges into hope and wellbeing. Her greatest reward is when her students, the educators, parents and communities she serves feel more hopeful and discover their potential and that there is love in trusting others and in what life has to offer.

Her journey has taken her to schools, communities, refugee camps, orphanages, and various family environments, where she has spearheaded the development and implementation of holistic tools and solutions. These initiatives are deeply rooted in socio-emotional intelligence and character education, community arts projects, and therapeutic approaches. The result of her dedicated work is healthier, happier, and more fulfilled human beings who are able to live into their strengths, talents, and personal purpose in life. Among her many accomplishments, the award-winning 'Be the Peace - Be the Hope' program, co-founded with Noel Bezette-Flores in 2015, stands out. This program focuses on improving mental wellness, coping skills, and enhancing strengths by increasing social and emotional intelligence. A recipient of the Menninger BridgeUp Innovation Grant for Mental Health, her programs have been documented to reduce depression and anxiety by up to 60%.

Be the Peace – Be the Hope' gained national recognition when it was featured on the C.B.S. Chicken Soup for the Soul's Hidden Heroes nationally syndicated program in 2017. In 2020, it received the prestigious Jean Davis Myers Volunteer Service Award from H.I.S.D., the largest school district in Texas.

Karine's impactful work has also been published academically in 'Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning' by Emerald Publishing. Recognized for her dedication, she received the Rotary International Award for Excellence in Service to Humanity in 2019. This award celebrated her exceptional work in at-risk schools, refugee camps, and orphanages across Africa, India, and the Middle East.

In addition to her community service, Karine served as the Executive Director of the Texan-French Alliance for the Arts from 2011 to 2025. She has also actively contributed to the community as the President of the Houston International Rotary Club and has represented the district 5890 Peace Committee and USA-France Inter-Country Committee.

Dr. Noël Bezette-Flores

Advisor & Co-Founder

Dr. Noël Bezette-Flores is the Chief Wellness and Compliance Officer at San Diego State University (SDSU), where she previously served as Chief Student Experience Officer and Associate Dean for the SDSU Global Campus. Dr. Bezette-Flores has held faculty and staff positions at two-year and four-year institutions including the University of Houston-Downtown where she served as Executive Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Family Strengths, and earlier served as Assistant Dean in the College of Public Service. She served as Associate Dean and Advising Manager at Houston Community College’s Central Campus and prior to that she oversaw Faculty Development and taught at Lone Star College-Kingwood, where she served as lead faculty and department head for the Psychology Department. Her joint work with two-year and four-year colleges won her and the campus statewide recognition earning the prestigious Texas Star Award from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Similarly, through her community engagement efforts, the University of Houston-Downtown earned the President’s Honor Roll for Community Engagement and the Carnegie Community Engagement recognition. She co-founded and led for several years the City of Houston’s Citizenship Month, which earned her several awards including the Mayor’s Recognition Award. She was also named a “Point of Light” by former President George H.W. Bush for Outstanding Community Service. She co-founded a nonprofit, Be Peace - Be the Hope, and serves on several nonprofit boards. Dr. Bezette-Flores earned her Ph.D. in 2010 at the University of Houston in Education Psychology and Differences. Noel regularly writes, presents, and consults on Student Success, Vulnerable Populations, Building Community Partnerships and Resources, and Educational Psychology.

Monique Garner-Johnson

Advisor

Monique Johnson is a servant leader, mother, advocate and social change agent.

She previously served as Manager of Partnership Projects at KIPP Texas and as Program Administrator for the Volunteers In Public Schools Program for the Houston Independent School District.

Prior to serving in public education, she worked in higher education for over 10 years. She is a published researcher, college instructor and past Chair of Psychology at the University of Phoenix.

She holds a master’s degree in psychology from Roosevelt University in Chicago. Her professional training began as a case manager working with urban, homeless youth, whom she passionately advocated for in the child welfare system and in public education.

Monique is the blessed mother of three children.

She is actively involved in her community and has served as a Board member for the Rotary Club of Houston and Gigi’s Playhouse Houston. In addition to serving on the SoleAna Stables Board of Directors she currently serves as Chair for the Rotary Club of Houston Youth and Education Committee and volunteers for Back on My Feet, a national nonprofit that supports people in recovery.

Sandrine Dirani

Advisor & Partner

Sandrine Dirani is an entrepreneur with a strong interest in education. She founded Zeneduc in 2016 to provide a novel approach to education, arguing that self-awareness is essential for learning to be successful.

Based on numerous successful experiences, she was awarded the 2019 Tribune Lab Startup of the Year, and in 2023, Le Figaro, two major French economic newspapers ranked her as the top online teaching business in France.

To assist students in discovering who they are, she conducts conferences and designs workshops specifically for colleges, foundations, and companies.

By doing that, they can succeed academically and professionally, leading to happiness and contentment.

To help people or pupils online, she developed a special digital platform.

She is the author of several parenting and education books for kids and parents. She also developed a novel approach to teaching spelling and grammar in French. Website: www.zeneduc.com

Lina Corinth

Advisor

Lina Corinth is a longtime supporter of Be Peace – Be Hope. She is bringing a strong commitment to community engagement, outreach, and service. Over the years, she has helped strengthen connections between many nonprofits and the wider Houston community, including through her involvement with Houston Sister Cities and the Houston–Nice relationship.

Lina has supported Be Peace – Be Hope’s efforts to expand volunteer opportunities, build community partnerships, and create meaningful ways for individuals to engage with its mission. Her dedication to connection, service, and cross-cultural collaboration reflects Be Peace – Be Hope’s commitment to helping young people and communities care, connect, grow, contribute, and lead.