About

Sophia Dacus is a passionate advocate for kindness, community, and lasting change. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Sophia's heart has always been in giving back and uplifting others. Driven by a deep desire to create something personal and meaningful, she founded Opal's Heart, Inc., inspired by her vision of a world where compassion is at the forefront.

Sophia’s leadership and dedication have transformed Opal's Heart into a vibrant, growing organization that touches countless lives. Her journey is fueled by the belief that even small acts of generosity can spark big transformations. When she's not working on her mission, you can find her brainstorming new ways to engage her community or dreaming up the next big initiative for Opal's Heart.

Lhatoya Reed is our Board of Directors Secretary.  She believes that being of benefit to others is at the center of being a good neighbor and good citizen.

Nina Tepirdzhyan is our Director of Programs. She previously served the unhoused community in Nashville as a Shower Bus Leader for Shower The People. She believes kindness is a strength that should be shared with everyone.

Dr. Keairra A. Adams is a non-profit and private sector professional with expertise in the fundraising & development arena, student advising and coaching, as well as strategic partnerships, volunteer management, planning, and engagement. She is an active “busy body” who embraces her beliefs in scholarship and service and implements these principles in her daily life.

Dr. Adams is an alumna of the Illustrious National Treasure - Morgan State University, the University of Maryland, Arizona State University, and Eastern Virginia Medical School. She holds a dual Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Biology, a Master of Science in Family & Human Development, and a Doctor of Health Sciences degree. Her scholastic odyssey came with many proud and notable laurels, to include: gaining membership into six honor societies {The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Pi – The National Society of Leadership and Success, Alpha Sigma Lambda, The International Dean’s List Society, and The Golden Key International Honour Society}, completing her undergraduate degree with Cum Laude distinction – ranking in the top ten percentile in her class, and mastering her graduate studies with a 4.1 concluding GPA.

She is exceptionally engaged in the community - in many facets - and strives to promote full, enriched, and healthy lives for all. She has always been passionate about people, particularly women and children, and selflessly offers herself and her time to those in need. She is often heard giving words of encouragement and motivating others, sonorously proclaiming, “YOU CAN DO IT”!

Dr. Adams is an author in the book Her Story is My Story – Her Truth, My Healing, and her chapter is entitled “L.O.T.U.S” {Learning to Overcome Turbulence and Ultimately Succeed}. She is a native of the Washington Metropolitan Area, a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., mother to Kayla, and dog-mom to Kingsley.

Her favorite scripture is Phillipians 4:6 – “Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all He has done”.

Zahmaria Choice is dedicated to making a positive impact both in her professional life and her community. With a degree in Political Science from Howard University, she has embodied the motto “Truth and Service” while building a successful career in community development banking, where she applies her expertise to drive meaningful change.

Beyond her career, Zahmaria is passionate about community service. Using her platform and position as a brand ambassador for the Miss America Opportunity, she has led several events in the DFW area ranging from public space revitalization to CPR. Additionally, Zahmaria is passionate about youth involvement. She currently leads “Little Wings, Big Impact,” a project-based learning program that teaches students how to build robust service projects in service of their community.

Through her platform, “Butterfly Effect,” Zahmaria continues to inspire others to believe in the power of small actions to create significant, lasting change. As Booker T. Washington wisely said, “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”

In all she does, Zahmaria lives by the words of the hymn “Love Lifted Me,” believing that love, in action, is the greatest force for change.

Louis D. Bailey is our Volunteer Coordinator, responsible for recruiting and retaining volunteers. Previously, Louis managed Membership and Organizing at WE ACT for Environmental Justice (2020-2023) and served as Community Organizer and Outreach Coordinator (2013-2018). With a Bachelor's in Human Services and a Master's in Public Health Education and Promotion, Louis is a tireless advocate and relationship builder. 

Arpita Chatterjee is our Human Resources Manager at Opal's Heart. Since joining the organization, she has found the experience to be both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful. With a strong background in human resources, Arpita is committed to supporting the team and contributing to the mission of restoring dignity and hope to those we serve. Her expertise aligns with the goals of Opal's Heart and enables her to make a lasting and positive impact. 

Kay is not only one of our Student Volunteers but she is also our Social Media Assistant. She enjoys doing research on various topics, photography, drawing and reading.