WHO WE ARE
That Could Be Me Foundation℠ was created to be a catalyst; a coalition of leaders and specialists bringing transformative impact to our communities through access to best practices in technology, behavioral health, and digital arts education for the creator economy.
That Could Be Me Foundation was established by Derrick S. Tarver, MBA, someone who knows firsthand the transformative impact equitable access can make in a young person's life. At the age of 8, a scholarship to a college prep school exposed Derrick to a world brimming with opportunities that provided him access to resources and experiences that were pivotal in helping him to develop a strong identity, confidence, resilience, and a lifelong peer support network. The Foundation aims to provide similar opportunities — to broaden horizons, just as Derrick’s were.
Derrick has been a committed champion of youth behavioral health for 20+ years by providing 2nd chance, permanent supportive housing to young adult participants of behavioral health crisis programs through personal real estate holdings. His innovative independent living solutions have led to self-sufficiency and quality of life improvements for dozens of young people and serve as an inspiration to expand his servant-leadership to That Could Be Me Foundation.
Derrick serves as the Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Hispanic Family Center of Southern New Jersey and on the Blue Cross Health Equity Advocacy Council. He is nationally certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid by the National Council for Mental Well-Being, and volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters & Habitat for Humanity.
Derrick S. Tarver
Founder, President & CEO
Our team is a passionate group dedicated to empowering the youth of Philadelphia. We are comprised of experienced educators, creative technology experts, inquisitive associates, subject matter experts and corporate partners who are leading-edge innovators in a multitude of industries and disciplines. United by a shared vision of inclusivity and opportunity, we work tirelessly to provide underserved youth with the tools and support they need to unlock their potential and shape their futures.
OUR TEAM
Treasurer
Eric Ruffin, MFA, is a tenured professor at Howard University and serves on the Board of Directors of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Co.
An accomplished theatrical director and commissioned artist for Studio Theatre, Eric has helmed productions at The U.S. Supreme Court, The Kennedy Center, The French Embassy, Imagination Stage, Luna Stage, George Street Playhouse, Mann Center, African Continuum, Theatre Alliance, Studio, Crossroads, Young Playwright’s and Mosaic.
Eric is a former Drama League Fellow, Folger Shakespeare Fellow, Princess Grace Awardee for Dance, and NYTW Usual Suspect. His direction of Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity was recognized with 3 Helen Hayes Awards including Best Musical.
Eric is an arts visionary who keeps our eyes focused on a better tomorrow.
Secretary
Pamela Ramsey is Managing Partner of VEA Consultants and a seasoned executive assistant with 30+ years of experience empowering the successful outcomes of C-Level leaders across multiple industries. Pamela’s areas of expertise span project & client relationship management, event coordination, office administration, and decades of experience supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
A true community advocate, Pamela was named Volunteer of the Year by Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA), where she served as the Outreach Coordinator. In that role, she established and facilitated a youth coding program, which resulted in a national championship-winning team.
Pam is the glue that nurtures the Foundation's key relationships and keeps our operations running smoothly.
OUR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS
All of our experts and partners inspire & challenge us to “think big” as many volunteer to roll up their sleeves to help us “do good”.
We are truly grateful for their support and we invite you to join us on our journey!
Brooke Lipscomb, MSW, is an award-winning social worker with decades of experience spanning case management, social-emotional learning, and cognitive behavioral theory. Brooke is a cutting-edge thinker and strategist and served as the first-ever liaison to a groundbreaking Felony Mental Health Court Diversion Program. Her dedication and trailblazing work with the community earned her the honor of being named Social Worker of the Year.
Brooke is an active listener who keeps us grounded in what matters and guides the thoughtful development and evidence-based oversight of our programs and tools.
Meg Niman is a product design consultant, speaker, and workshop facilitator with 17 years of experience leading design-thinking workshops, product strategy sessions, and qualitative user research for Microsoft, Fitbit, Leapfrog, NIO & IndeVets.
Meg is passionate about teaching people to design their own alter egos and has led her engaging workshops at SXSW, PhillyCHI, and Seismic.
Philadelphia is her home base for business. She lives in rural Lancaster County where she can watch the corn grow from her kitchen window.
Dr. Yang Wang, PhD, is an award-winning educator and researcher who earned his Ph.D.in Computer Science from Georgia State University. He is currently an Associate Professor at La Salle University with previous corporate experience as a Development Manager, Network Research Engineer, QA Engineer, and Cloud Engineer. His research interests and passions include a/synchronous online learning, gamification, networking, optimization, information security, and teaching the next generation.
Dr. Stephen DiDonato, PhD, LPC, is an Associate Professor at Thomas Jefferson University College of Nursing, a psychologist and a licensed professional counselor who infused trauma-informed education across the curriculum in his previous role as Director of the Community & Trauma Counseling Program. Clinically, Dr. DiDonato’s focus has been on children and families who have experienced the intersection and complexity of exposure to trauma and social injustice, resulting in a trauma-informed curriculum to certify foster care parents.
OUR DESIGN ASSOCIATES
Our design associates are bright young minds who keep us on the cutting edge of technology and focused on the needs of the youth we serve.
Sierra Sims is a UX/UI Designer who empowers users and improves their digital experiences by centering humans in her design process … digging deep into their thoughts and feelings to create compelling and intuitive designs.
Previously, Sierra supported the UX team at Benten Technologies and the design team at Fin-tech startup, Enigma.
“Working with TCBMe Foundation is a full circle moment, empowering me to merge my love for the arts and tech.”
Paige Harari, a seasoned UX & Product Designer with a background in the film industry, is a passionate advocate for crafting products that bring joy and meaning to people's lives.
Paige’s career journey includes a commitment to socially conscious design and prioritizing themes such as sustainability and inclusivity for individuals who don't identify on a binary spectrum.
“Grateful for the opportunity to be part of the TCBMe Foundation team, I’ve found a perfect intersection of my expertise and passions.”
OUR RESEARCH ASSOCIATES
Our research associates are talented students with an inquisitive spirit who keep us connected to the Voice of the Community.
Elizabeth Wayne is a Doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at La Salle University (class of 2028) bringing experience as a researcher and mental health service provider. Most recently she served as a Health Coach through the Children's Hospital of Colorado. Elizabeth is a multi-passionate professional interested in youth well-being, youth sports, and non-profit program evaluation.
"Working with TCBMe allows me to advance my skillset as a future clinician through an increased understanding of the role technology plays in mental health"
Kevin Beideman is a student in Computer Science at La Salle University (class of 2026) with a passion for game design & development, teaching STEM subjects & youth cybersecurity awareness, and harnessing the power of generative artificial intelligence for good. Kevin develops AI Bots in his spare time.
“It feels great to know that my passion for online learning & gamification can help TCBMe shape the way youth understand and engage in topics that are often attached to stigma”
MEDIA
PRESS
Grand Prize Winner Announced
Local entrepreneurs honored for initiatives designed to improve the mind and heart health of Philadelphians.
Academic Research Partnership
That Could Be Me Foundation is conducting research under the oversight of the Institutional Review Board of La Salle University.
City of Wellness
Six Philadelphia heart and mind health startups competed for $50,000 in the Economy League’s Well City Challenge.
Working to Change the Narrative
The Foundation’s flagship program is a social self-care platform that empowers underserved youth.
Let’s Work Together
We believe in the power of synergy and tackle challenges using an inter-disciplinary approach incorporating the best practices of non-profits, private industry, the arts, academia, local government, etc.
IF OUR MISSION MOVES YOU …