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
Chair & 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
Strategic Advancement 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
Vice Chair & 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.
Maria Calderon
Director of Hispanic Community Relations
Maria Calderon
Director of Hispanic Community Relations Maria Calderon is a devoted mother, passionate community advocate, and longtime Friends Helping Friends Thrive volunteer. For years, she has generously dedicated her time and talents to supporting students, families, and community initiatives, always leading with compassion, service, and a genuine desire to help others. As Director of Hispanic Community Relations, Maria serves as a trusted bridge between FHF and the diverse families within our school communities. Her commitment to fostering connection, inclusion, and engagement helps ensure that families feel welcomed, informed, and supported. Maria's heart for service, strong community relationships, and unwavering dedication to helping others make her an invaluable member of the FHF Board. She is deeply committed to advancing FHF's mission of supporting students and families so that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Nicole Yung
Board Treasure
Nicole Yung is a Senior Partner at STRATMOR Group, where she leads the firm's data and analytics initiatives, overseeing financial modeling, benchmarking, valuation, and industry research programs. Known for her leadership in developing industry-leading studies and data-driven insights, Nicole brings a strong background in financial analysis, strategic planning, and organizational stewardship. As Treasurer of Friends Helping Friends Thrive, Nicole leverages her expertise in finance, analytics, and operational oversight to help ensure the organization's long-term sustainability and growth. Her thoughtful approach to decision-making and commitment to accountability make her an invaluable member of the Board. A devoted wife, mother of two daughters, and longtime FHF volunteer, Nicole is passionate about strengthening communities and creating opportunities for students and families to thrive. She brings both professional excellence and a heart for service to her role, helping advance FHF's mission through thoughtful leadership and community engagement.
Britt Harrison
Strategic Marketing & Development
Britt Harrison is a strategic marketing and business development leader with a passion for building brands and the communities around them. With experience spanning luxury retail, hospitality, and lifestyle, she brings a strategic eye and a people-first approach to everything she does. When she’s not working, you’ll find Britt hosting friends, arranging flowers, or on a walk with her mini goldendoodle, Brooks. She is honored to join the Friends Helping Friends board and excited to help carry the mission forward.
Shannon Ghosh
Governance Chair
Shannon Ghosh serves as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Compliance Officer at Carter's, Inc., where she leads legal, governance, compliance, and risk management functions for one of the nation's leading children's apparel companies. As Director of Governance for Friends Helping Friends Thrive, Shannon provides strategic guidance on governance, compliance, board best practices, and organizational stewardship. Her expertise helps ensure that FHF continues to build a strong, sustainable foundation while remaining aligned with its mission and long-term vision. A devoted wife, mother, and community advocate, Shannon is passionate about supporting organizations that strengthen families and create opportunities for children to thrive. She brings thoughtful leadership, integrity, and a commitment to service to her role on the FHF Board.
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.
