Board Chair

Michaele Leathers is the Board Chair of The Houston PEARLS Foundation.

She is also a foster parent, as well as the Ministry Director at West End Church, where she has served and advocated for the program since its inception.

Fundraising Chair

Terrie Mason is an Entrepreneur, Business Developer, Brand Curator, Author, Life Coach, and Visionary.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Juvenile Justice, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy.

T. Mason has a passion for youth and community outreach, and she’s held positions with the Louisiana House of Representatives and Orleans Parish Juvenile Court where she was Executive Assistant to Orleans Parish Juvenile Clerk of Court. She is a strong advocate for community and is passionate about empowering those around her.

Board Member

Jacky Varela graduated from South Texas College of Law Houston and practices in the areas of child welfare, juvenile delinquency, and criminal defense. She has a passion for working with youth that have been affected by the judicial system, whether it be through her guardian ad litem work or assisting youth with their delinquency charges.

She is a member of the Houston Young Lawyers Association, the Caucus, The Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and on the endorsement committee of the Mexican American Bar Association of Houston.

She was raised in Las Vegas, Nevada and graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a multidisciplinary degree, with an emphasis in English, Sociology, and Political Science. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring Houston with her wife and teenage son, attending social justice events, and the occasional Netflix binge.

Board Member

Jennifer Washington is a native Houstonian with several years of experience in Public Services and Healthcare. The driving force behind her passion for mentoring and giving back to the community is her overcoming the many obstacles she had faced in her childhood.

Jennifer is the founder of SISTA non-profit and Licenses Child Care Administrator with over 5 years of experience in leading non-profit initiatives and cohorts to building the community.

Social Work Intern

I got my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Houston! I love animals, sunsets, art, being active, and spending time in nature. I’m keeping my options open for after graduation, but I think my primary focus will be in clinical social work, providing therapeutic support to individuals and families. I want to make positive impact on the lives of others and continue to be an advocate for social change!

Fun fact: I have fluffy cat named King Louie :)

Social Work Intern

Hey y'all! My name is Sami Jarbouh. I am a 22 year old social work student at the University of Houston who recently moved from San Marcos. I enjoy reading, going thrift shopping with my friends, and eating delicious breakfast tacos.

Fun fact: I can complete a 40 yard dash in under 7 seconds!

Social Work Intern

I have a BS in Psychology. I enjoy being outdoors, especially at the beach. I love spending time with my family and love to challenge myself with DIYs. My goal after graduation is to become a LCSW and work at an elementary school.

Fun fact: I love traveling but dislike flying!

Social Work Intern

I’m new to Houston and just graduated from the University of Arizona. I have a bachelors degree in Applied Humanities with an emphasis in business administration. I’m really interested in pursuing international social work after completing my masters. I love learning about all things art and media related. I’m also currently learning French and hope to be fluent in 4 languages one day.

Fun fact: I grew up in a household of 9 but I’m an only child.