New Board Leadership Takes Root at Fiver
At our 2025 Fiver Benefit, where we celebrated 25 years of impact and evolution, we were proud to announce an exciting new chapter in Fiver’s leadership. Effective July 1, Michèle Lallemand Brazil began her term as Chairperson of the Board of Directors, and Jonathan Jean-Pierre ’11 assumed the role of Vice Chair. For both Michèle and Jonathan, these roles are more than titles. They reflect a deep-rooted commitment to Fiver’s mission and a shared belief in the power of long-term investment in young people.
The entire Fiver community is also deeply grateful to our outgoing board chairperson, Jim Roper, for his incredible two-plus decades of service. Jim will remain on the board as a support to Michèle and Jonathan and continues to be a crucial leader within our organization. Christie Ko, Fiver’s Executive Director, reflected on Jim’s meaningful contributions to the organization:
“During his four years as board chair, Jim was a compassionate leader and a supportive partner to me. He challenged the board to engage deeply, always kept our youth and staff front of mind, and built meaningful relationships that will help Fiver for years to come. I am truly grateful for his incredible dedication and commitment to the Fiver mission.”
As she steps into the role of Chairperson, Michèle brings with her a steady presence, deep compassion, and a genuine belief in Fiver’s mission. Having served as Vice Chair in recent years, Michèle has built strong, lasting relationships across the Fiver community—from board members and staff to alumni, youth, and families. When Michèle meets someone, she remembers them. Her engagement isn’t transactional—it’s heartfelt and rooted in respect. Her leadership reflects the very values Fiver stands for: authenticity, connection, and purpose.
In her own words at our 2025 Board Retreat, Michèle shared what this moment means to her:
“I couldn't be more honored to step into this role alongside such an extraordinary group of board members and staff. Today marks not just a transition in leadership, but a moment to recommit ourselves to Fiver's vision and to chart our course forward together.”
This moment is not only historic—it’s deeply meaningful. In 2022, Fiver elected its first two alumni to the Board of Directors: Jonathan Jean-Pierre and Gabriela Berroa, both from the Class of 2011. Now, just three years later, Jonathan continues to make Fiver history—becoming the first alumnus to serve as vice chair while proudly representing what it means to come full circle as a Fiver. During his remarks at the Benefit—where he was honored with the Thomas & Heather Tucker Visionary Award—Jonathan reflected on his personal journey and the significance of this leadership moment:
“That eight-year-old boy—almost placed in special education for learning differently, walking miles to school due to funding cuts, and once ridiculed by his own teachers for dreaming beyond public housing—that boy now graduated from Duke with an MBA just two weeks ago, founded and bootstrapped Leapwise HR, a global company, bought his mother a house, and stands before you as your incoming Vice Chair.”
Jonathan and Michèle officially led their first board meeting together during Fiver’s Annual Board Retreat, held July 18–20 at Camp Fiver. This summer tradition offers our board members and Fiver Advocates a unique opportunity to connect deeply with the heart of the Fiver experience. Over the course of the retreat, board members and their families take part in the camp day alongside youth—kicking things off with morning announcements at the pavilion, joining elective classes to explore new interests, swimming at the lake, and fully embodying the Fiver spirit. The weekend also includes one of our most beloved events: the camp carnival, open to all.
In addition to these immersive experiences, board members gather for an official board meeting on camp grounds and come together for a celebratory dinner. The evening concludes with a cherished Fiver tradition—a dog tag ceremony honoring all attendees and their families, marking another meaningful step in their Fiver journey.
Upon conclusion of the weekend at camp, Michele reflected on her experience alongside the board:
“Being up at camp reminded us all why we do what we do. There's something irreplaceable about experiencing Fiver's work in the place where it happens – walking the grounds, sitting in on classes, and seeing firsthand the magic that occurs when young people discover new possibilities for themselves. Horseback riding, boating, weaving, hip-hop, lit lounge, and environmental education weren't just program activities we observed – they were windows into the confidence, creativity, and connection that define the Fiver experience.”
As we reflect on this moment of leadership transition and celebration, we’re reminded that Fiver’s strength lies not only in its mission, but in the people who carry it forward—with intention, integrity, and heart. With Michèle and Jonathan at the helm of our Board of Directors, Fiver is poised to deepen its impact and continue building a future where every young person is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
As we look ahead, we’re guided by a board that brings broad experience across industries and a shared belief in what’s possible when leadership reflects the people and purpose it serves. Nearly half of our board members are women, and nearly half are people of color—well above national nonprofit benchmarks. This representation strengthens our leadership, grounds our decisions in lived experience, and mirrors the communities we serve. With this leadership in place, Fiver is positioned to deepen its impact and continue building a future where all young people are seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
