A thriving, united school community where all students and families feel supported, included, and inspired to make an impact.
Our Vison
Our Mission
We are dedicated to create an inclusive environment, inspire a passion for community service, provide opportunities to serve, and support students through hardship so every student can thrive.
Meet our Board Members
Mary Lau
Chairman & Co-Founder
Mary Lau is a devoted community volunteer and co-founder of Friends Helping Friends Thrive. With a strong background in leadership and service, Mary has made a lasting impact through her involvement with HandsOn Atlanta, local school PTOs, Stephen Ministry and the Tax Assistance Program. Mary has leveraged her background in finance and asset management to assist organizations and individuals along the way. Mary has been in the financial industry for over 20 years, primarily as a financial analyst valuing both public and private entities. She managed assets over $50 billion in AUM and built strategic portfolios. Mary has been a CFA Charterholder since 2004, served on the board of local CFA Societies and worked with the CFA Institute. Now focused on her family and community, she continues to champion initiatives that foster value and positive change.
Laquisha Smith
Co-Chair & Co-Founder
Laquisha Smith is the Co-Founder of Friends Helping Friends Thrive, Inc., where she brings a powerful blend of entrepreneurial leadership, community insight, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of children and families. With more than sixteen years of experience building and guiding mission-driven businesses, Laquisha is recognized for her ability to turn compassion into action and vision into impact. At the heart of her work is a simple belief: every child deserves consistent access to nourishment, stability, and care. Laquisha plays a key role in shaping FHF’s approach to addressing food insecurity within school communities, ensuring families feel supported during the times they need it most. Known for her grounded leadership and her dedication to strengthening the fabric of community, Laquisha is a trusted advocate for families navigating hardship. As a wife and mother, she brings both personal connection and professional expertise to her work — championing spaces where children and families feel supported, valued, and seen. Her leadership reflects the core of FHF’s mission: when communities come together with intention, hope becomes a lived experience.
Stephanie Wall Marrow
SRS Chapter President & Co-Founder
Stephanie is a dynamic leader at the crossroads of leadership, marketing, and sales, bringing a wealth of knowledge honed through educational excellence and a proven track record in business development. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Northwood University and an MBA from Palm Beach Atlantic University. With a strong commitment to continuous learning, Stephanie has earned leadership certificates from prestigious institutions, including the University of Michigan, Duke University, the University of Virginia, and Cornell University. Her diverse skill set and strategic vision have driven growth and innovation in various organizations, making her a sought-after expert in her field. As the Vice Chairperson of Friends Helping Friends, Stephanie is inspired by the stories of her grandparents and her husband as young children, fueling her dedication to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. In addition to her professional pursuits, she teaches meditation, yoga, and Pilates, with a focus on overall health and well-being, empowering individuals to lead balanced lives. Stephanie lives in Atlanta, GA, with her husband and two young children, where she balances her professional and personal passions.
Michelle Krompegal
Treasurer
Michelle Krompegal is a dynamic nonprofit leader with more than ten years of experience in fundraising, donor engagement, and strategic planning. She has a strong track record of driving growth, surpassing fundraising targets, and fostering meaningful community partnerships. With a deep passion for advancing missions that create lasting impact, Michelle brings expertise in nonprofit management, grant writing, and corporate partnerships. Outside of her professional life, she holds an Associate of Arts in Graphic Design and enjoys hiking, cooking, and exploring new destinations with her family.
ABOUT US
At Friends Helping Friends (FHF), we believe in the power of community and the potential of every student to thrive. Founded on the principles of compassion, collaboration, and commitment, we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and the communities that support them.
Our story began with a simple yet profound idea: that friends, united by a common purpose, can create lasting positive change. We understand that education is a cornerstone of opportunity and that a strong, supportive community can uplift individuals and help them achieve their dreams. With this vision in mind, we embarked on a journey to provide essential resources, educational support, and community-building initiatives.
