board and staff

Star Lee (Chief Executive Officer and Founder)

Star Lee: Empowering Survivor and Non-Profit Visionary

Star Lee is a dynamic and compassionate individual on a mission to empower and uplift those who have faced the challenges of domestic violence. With a solid educational background in business management, she earned her bachelor's degree in 2013, laying the foundation for a career marked by over two decades of expertise in Medical Revenue Cycle management.

Certified as a Project Manager, Scrum Master, and Product Owner, Star possesses exceptional skills in project facilitation and leadership. However, her professional journey takes a unique turn as her passion for helping and leading teams transcends the corporate world. Driven by personal experience as a survivor of domestic violence, Star transitions to the non-profit sector, driven by an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Star Lee is not just a survivor; she is a visionary. Her personal dedication and resilience led to the creation of Free to Live, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering domestic violence survivors. As the Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Star's empathetic nature, combined with her professional acumen, sets her apart as a powerful advocate for change.

Her remarkable journey and decision to establish Free to Live reflect Star's deep empathy and determination to provide assistance and hope to those who have walked a similar path. Through her education, extensive professional experience, and personal dedication, Star Lee continues to be a beacon of support, making a meaningful impact on the lives of domestic violence survivors and their communities.

Raymond Lee III (Board Member)

Raymond C. Lee III, a native of Dallas, TX, earned his bachelor's degree in Public Administration from Henderson State University and his master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas. He holds a range of certifications in areas including labor relations, leadership coaching, financial management, diversity and inclusion, lean six sigma, and project management. Additionally, he is a distinguished graduate of the Harvard University Senior Executives in State and Local Government program.

With over fifteen (15) years of municipal experience, Mr. Lee has served with distinction in three prominent organizations: the City of Greeley, CO, the City of Amarillo, TX, and the City of Dallas, TX. Throughout his career, he has held various key management roles, showcasing his versatility and expertise. Currently, he holds the esteemed position of City Manager with the City of Greeley, where he is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the municipality. In this capacity, he adeptly bridges the gap between the realm of politics and administrative governance.

Prior to his role as City Manager, Mr. Lee served as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Greeley, held the position of Director of Public Works for the City of Amarillo, and served as the Assistant Director of Street Services for the City of Dallas.

Raymond C. Lee III's extensive experience, educational achievements, and commitment to effective municipal management make him a respected and accomplished leader in the field of public administration.

Brandi Johnson (Board Member)

Brandi Johnson, a native of Dallas, Texas, carries with her a rich legacy of civil rights activism as the daughter of the renowned Black civil rights leader, Rev. Peter Johnson. Her upbringing in the midst of civil rights advocacy shaped her perspective on the importance of community engagement and empowerment.

With over three decades of dedicated experience in community engagement, Brandi has consistently demonstrated her commitment to uplifting her community. Her roots in Dallas, a city with a storied history in the civil rights movement, have inspired her to seek and provide encouragement, serving as a steadfast pillar of support for those she serves.

Brandi's professional journey spans more than 25 years, during which she has excelled in both management and community engagement roles. Her extensive experience has equipped her with valuable insights into effective leadership and the dynamics of community involvement. Through her work, she has contributed to creating positive change and fostering a sense of unity within her community.

As a passionate advocate for social justice and community advancement, Brandi Johnson continues to follow in the footsteps of her esteemed father, leaving an indelible mark on the path towards progress and empowerment for all.

Dr. Celeste Bryson (Board Member)

Dr. Celeste Bryson , a non-profit founder herself is dedicated to community well-being, Dr. Celeste Bryson is a firm believer in the power of partnerships to foster thriving communities.

Dr. Bryson earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 2010, a foundation she has used to serve her community effectively. Her career spans various roles, from offering community-based services to individuals with mental health challenges in 2003 to working in forensic psychology with individuals in the juvenile and adult court system. Her expertise extends to managing grants, contracts, and overseeing mental and behavioral health treatment services.

Throughout her career, Dr. Bryson has excelled in roles overseeing operations, administration, training, development, and consultation services. She's provided valuable guidance to health professionals, educators, attorneys, judges, and community agencies, employing her expertise to improve workflow processes and enhance community service delivery.

Dr. Bryson's commitment to her community's well-being and her extensive experience underscore her role as a dedicated advocate and visionary leader.

Don Robinson (Board Member)

Don Robinson is currently the president of Du Bois Business Consultants and the non-paid Executive Director of the Peter Johnson Institute for Non-Violence. Don has more than 20 years of experience working with nonprofits and has sat on the boards of the I Have a Dream Foundation, Dallas Can, and Dallas Habitat for Humanity.

Don is also an award-winning journalist having served as a General Assignments Reporter for the San Angelo Standard-Times Newspaper and as Editor-in-Chief for the Dallas Weekly. He is currently working on a book and documentary titled, ‘Outside Agitator: The Rev. Peter Johnson Story.’

Don’s skill sets include corporate communications, media relations, building strong non-profit boards, event planning and management for large events, and as a life coach.

Rev. Robinson has been a guest speaker at more than 100 elementary, middle, and high schools and colleges speaking on topics ranging from “The History of Blackness” to the “Brighter Side of Growing Up Smart”. He has also been the guest speaker at more than 300 United States and South African churches. He has conducted Evangelism work in Georgia, Oklahoma, New York, Texas, and South Africa.

Don is also a licensed and ordained minister having served as former pastor of Fourth Ward Baptist Church in Ennis, Texas, and Traveling Zion Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. He also served as Interim Pastor at Crossover Missionary Baptist Churchin Dallas, Texas.