Individual Profiles
Empowering communities through hope, support, and action every day.
Heidi Reed — Board Director
Heidi Reed serves as a Board Director for the Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project. She has been involved in social work and community-focused initiatives since the mid-1990s, dedicating her time and talents to serving children, families, and individuals in need. After stepping away from her career to focus on raising her family, Heidi returned with the same passion and unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Heidi and her husband, both Arizona natives, have been blessed through adoption, welcoming six children into their family. Together, they are proud parents of nine children in their blended family. As foster parents, they gained firsthand insight into the unique challenges many children and families face, including the effects of trauma, instability, and limited access to essential resources. These experiences deepened Heidi's understanding of the importance of compassionate support systems and strengthened her lifelong commitment to advocating for vulnerable children, preserving families, and building stronger, healthier communities.
In addition to her dedication to child and family advocacy, Heidi has a deep love for animals and is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She believes that compassion extends beyond people and that caring for animals is an important reflection of building kind, healthy, and humane communities. Her appreciation for the human-animal bond further reflects her belief that every living being deserves care, dignity, and protection.
Drawing from both her professional experience and personal journey, Heidi brings empathy, resilience, and a servant's heart to the Board of Directors. She is honored to support Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project's mission of empowering children and families, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities that inspire hope, stability, and lasting positive change.
Letitia Shepherd - Board Member & Secretary
Letitia Shepherd serves as a Board Member and Secretary for Phoenix Hope and Humanity Project, bringing over a decade of experience in child welfare, family support, and community services. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and began her social services career in Phoenix, Arizona, with the Department of Child Safety (DCS), where she served as both a Case Aide and Ongoing Case Manager.
Over the past ten years, Letitia has dedicated her career to supporting vulnerable children and families throughout Arizona. Her professional experience has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges families face and the resources necessary to promote safety, stability, and long-term success.
For the past four years, Letitia has worked directly with families involved with DCS through in-home family support services. In this role, she provides psychoeducation and guidance designed to enhance parental competence and strengthen family functioning. She works alongside parents as they navigate complex life challenges, including homelessness, substance dependence, domestic violence, and child safety concerns, while helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to create healthy and secure environments for their children.
Letitia is passionate about empowering individuals and families through education, support, and advocacy. Her commitment to community service, combined with her extensive experience working with families in crisis, makes her a valuable member of the Phoenix Hope and Humanity Project leadership team.
As a board member, she is proud to contribute to the organization’s mission of uplifting communities, fostering resilience, and creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive. She believes that meaningful change begins with compassion, empowerment, and access to supportive resources that help people reach their full potential.
“I am honored to be part of Phoenix Hope and Humanity Project’s mission to strengthen our community by providing hope, support, and opportunities for growth. Every family deserves the chance to build a brighter future.” – Letitia Shepherd
Letitia Shepherd - Board Director & Secretary
Aaron Griffin - Board Director & Vice President
Leo Patrick - Board Director & Treasurer
Elizabeth Hamilton — Board Director
Victoria Abraham — Board Director
Dr. Brittany Miller - Griffin - President & Founder
Trina Washington — Board Director
Bonnie Buckingham — Board Director
Meet the Board
Aaron Griffin - Vice President & Founder
Aaron Griffin serves as the Vice President of the Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from American Military University and is a proud United States Marine Corps veteran. His military service instilled in him the values of integrity, discipline, leadership, and service, principles that continue to guide both his personal and professional life.
Aaron brings extensive experience in human services, child welfare, behavioral health, and community advocacy. Throughout his career, he has served as both an investigator and an ongoing case manager, working closely with children and families navigating abuse, neglect, trauma, and complex family dynamics. He has also provided services to individuals living with serious mental illness through one of Arizona’s leading behavioral health organizations, further strengthening his understanding of the importance of accessible mental health care, community resources, and comprehensive support systems.
His diverse professional background has provided him with a well-rounded understanding of the social, behavioral, and systemic factors that impact individuals and families. Aaron is passionate about helping others overcome barriers, promoting self-sufficiency, and connecting people with the resources they need to improve their quality of life.
As Vice President, Aaron is committed to advancing Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project’s mission by helping develop programs, strengthen community partnerships, and expand opportunities that empower individuals, support families, and create stronger, healthier communities. He believes every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and the chance to build a brighter future, regardless of their circumstances.
Victoria Abraham — Board Director
Victoria Abraham serves as a Board Director for the Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University with a minor in Sociology. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to serving vulnerable children and families in a variety of child welfare and family support roles, gaining extensive experience in case management, investigations, crisis response, and intake services.
Victoria brings valuable experience in child welfare, crisis intervention, and family advocacy to the organization. Her professional background has provided firsthand insight into the barriers many individuals and families face, reinforcing her commitment to helping others navigate difficult circumstances with dignity, compassion, and respect.
She is passionate about supporting marginalized and underserved populations and believes every individual deserves the opportunity to achieve their highest possible quality of life. As a Board Director, Victoria is committed to fostering meaningful relationships, connecting individuals with guidance and resources, and advancing Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project's mission of restoring hope through opportunity, empowerment, and community support.
Heidi Reed — Board Director
Elizabeth Hamilton — Board Director
Elizabeth Hamilton brings over 20 years of school and program leadership, STEAM education development, and international humanitarian work to her role as Board Director at Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project. Her global work includes partnering with the World Bank and Liberia's Ministry of Education on national education initiatives, supporting Syrian refugee education programming alongside social innovation agencies in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and teaching English to adult learners at Peking University in China. That range of experience has given her a firsthand understanding of how access, opportunity, and community support intersect across vastly different cultures and circumstances.
Elizabeth has spent her career designing and leading programs that build capacity in others, from STEAM curriculum development to organizational leadership in schools and humanitarian settings alike. She brings that same lens to PHHP's mission of workforce development, educational advancement, and life skills enhancement for families across Pinal County.
She is also the author of WORTH, a memoir, and a PhD candidate in Organizational Leadership at Grand Canyon University, continuing her lifelong commitment to learning, growth, and using her own story to illuminate paths for others. As a mother, Elizabeth carries a personal investment in the wellbeing of families and children that informs every aspect of her board service.
Leo Patrick - Board Director & Treasurer
Leonard D. Patrick is an experienced organizational leader with more than 30 years of combined expertise in Human Resources, risk mitigation, fraud investigation, and people-centered operations. His career includes key roles at ADP, State Farm, Intel, Amazon, Transact Campus, Manpower, Inc., Footprint, and the University of Arizona Global, where he led employee relations, coached leaders through complex workforce challenges, and strengthened compliance frameworks across high-growth environments.
With a foundation in finance and prior service as Treasurer in multiple organizations, Mr. Patrick brings disciplined financial stewardship and a strategic governance mindset to nonprofit leadership. He currently serves as Treasurer of the Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project, applying analytical rigor, operational insight, and community- driven leadership to advance the organization’s mission.
Mr. Patrick holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Law from Illinois State University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management (Human Resources) from the University of Arizona Global. Known for his calm, direct communication style and his ability to build trust across diverse populations, he blends technical expertise with empathy, accountability, and a commitment to developing people and systems that thrive.
Trina Washington — Board Director
Trina Washington is a licensed residential real estate agent with Compass Real Estate, serving Pinal County communities including Casa Grande, Florence, Maricopa, and Arizona City. A Chicago transplant who has called Arizona home since 2010, she brings a DePaul University degree in Communication & Organizational Change and more than two decades of experience in IT procurement and asset management, a background that informs her disciplined, systems-oriented approach to helping families navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives.
Trina began her real estate career in 2005 as a licensed agent in Illinois, driven by a belief that homeownership is one of the most powerful tools for building long-term stability and generational wealth. Since bringing that mission to Arizona, she has focused on making that possibility real for buyers and families in underserved and fast-growing South Arizona communities, areas where affordability, access, and opportunity intersect in ways that align directly with the work of Phoenix Hope & Humanity.
As a board member, Trina contributes her expertise in housing markets, negotiation, community engagement, and strategic systems-building to advance the organization's mission. Growing up in underserved communities in Chicago is what shaped her deep commitment to meeting people where they are providing the support and systems, they need to achieve their goals and build lasting stability.
When she's not advocating for her clients, Trina is an active community volunteer, and a firm believer that strong communities are built one relationship and one home at a time.
Bonnie Buckingham — Board Director
Bonnie Buckingham serves as a Board Director for the Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (Kindergarten through 8th Grade) from Purdue University and maintains an active teaching license. A retired educator with more than 30 years of experience, Bonnie dedicated her career to teaching kindergarten through third grade while serving students from diverse backgrounds, including both underserved communities and more affluent populations. Throughout her career in education, Bonnie remained committed to helping every student reach their full potential, recognizing that success is often shaped by access to opportunity, guidance, and support.
In addition to her work in education, Bonnie served as a case manager with the Arizona Department of Child Safety. Through this experience, she gained firsthand insight into the complex challenges and systemic barriers many children and families face, particularly those experiencing poverty, instability, and limited access to resources. These experiences strengthened her commitment to advocating for vulnerable populations and creating pathways that promote long-term stability and success.
As a board member, Bonnie brings decades of experience in education, child advocacy, and community service. She is passionate about ensuring that every individual, regardless of their socioeconomic background or life circumstances, has access to the guidance, resources, and opportunities needed to reach their fullest potential. Bonnie is honored to support Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project’s mission of restoring hope, empowering individuals, and strengthening communities through compassion and action.
Dr. Brittany Miller- Griffin - President & Founder
Dr. Brittany Miller-Griffin is the Founder and Executive Director of the Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project. She earned a Doctorate in Human Services (DHS) from Walden University, a Master of Human Services (MHS) from the University of Arizona Global Campus, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Walden University. Her academic foundation, combined with extensive professional experience, has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the complex social, behavioral, and systemic challenges that impact individuals, families, and communities.
Throughout her career, Dr. Miller-Griffin has served in a variety of roles spanning human services, behavioral health, child welfare, education, nonprofit leadership, and workforce development. Her experience includes working with children, families, individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges, and underserved populations, providing her with firsthand insight into the barriers that often prevent people from reaching their fullest potential. She has also served as an educator, mentoring and preparing future professionals dedicated to serving others.
A lifelong humanitarian, Dr. Miller-Griffin founded the Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project from a deeply rooted belief that not everyone has been afforded the same guidance, opportunities, or support systems needed to succeed. She recognizes that an individual’s circumstances should never determine their potential and believes every person deserves the opportunity to achieve their highest possible quality of life, regardless of their background or life experiences. This conviction serves as the foundation for PHHP’s mission and continues to guide the organization’s vision for creating stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities.
As Executive Director, Dr. Miller-Griffin provides strategic leadership for the organization’s development, community partnerships, fundraising efforts, and program initiatives. She is committed to empowering individuals through education, workforce development, advocacy, humanitarian outreach, and access to essential resources. Through collaboration, innovation, and compassionate service, she strives to create sustainable opportunities that foster resilience, restore hope, and inspire lasting positive change.
Dr. Miller-Griffin is honored to lead the Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project alongside a dedicated Board of Directors who share a common vision of strengthening communities, empowering individuals, and ensuring that every person has the opportunity to thrive.
