Who We Are
Honoring Sunshine's Legacy:
Bringing Light and Hope to Foster Youth
Every foster youth has a unique story that deserves to be heard and a future worth fighting for. At Sunshine’s Open Door Foundation (SOD Foundation), we are committed to helping these young individuals write the next chapter of their journey.
Founded in 2016, the foundation honors the legacy of Elizabeth “Sunshine” Brooks, the matriarch of the Brooks family in Fort Worth, Texas. Sunshine was a true beacon of light, offering warmth, protection, stability, and unwavering support to her family and community. Her open-door policy and generous spirit prevented many from entering the foster care system, ensuring they had the love and security needed to thrive.
In recognition of her selflessness, the City of Fort Worth declared August 21st as Elizabeth Sunshine Brooks Day on her 91st birthday. Today, the SOD Foundation carries her legacy forward by investing in young people who have not had the privilege of “Sunshine” in their lives.
Our Mission
To empower young adults transitioning from the foster care system by equipping them with life skills, training, mentorship, and support, helping them successfully navigate their journey toward independence.
Our Beliefs
We believe that every young person has limitless potential. With access to opportunities, consistent support, and a community that believes in them, they can break barriers and build successful, fulfilling lives.
Our Guiding Values
Hope
Hope is the foundation of creativity and success, inspiring youth to reach their potential.
Compassion
Compassion builds trust and fosters authentic, lasting connections.
Possibilities
With the right opportunities and support, every young person can overcome obstacles and thrive.
Opportunities
All youth deserve access to resources and tools to live a healthy, successful life.
About the Founder
Marion E. Brooks is the Vice President and U.S. Country Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Novartis Pharmaceuticals and the Chairman of the Board for Sunshine’s Open Door Foundation. With over 25 years of experience as an executive, coach, and author, Marion founded the foundation inspired by the compassion of his grandparents, who welcomed children and adults in need—preventing many from entering the system or experiencing homelessness.
A passionate advocate for personal and professional development, Marion remains dedicated to mentoring, volunteer work, and serving his community. He is also a proud father to his biological daughter, Morgan, and three nieces, Christarian, Montrese, and Henette, whom he raised as his own.
Meet the Team
Jasmine Sanders
Jasmine Sanders is an award-winning journalist and one of radio’s top nationally syndicated voices, co-hosting The D.L. Hughley Show and her Woman 2 Woman podcast. A passionate adoption and foster care advocate, Jasmine is also an aspiring author, dedicated to empowering and inspiring others to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Mike Walker
Mike Walker is the Executive Director of Sunshine’s Open Door Foundation, dedicated to advocating for foster care youth, through mentorship, training, and support to successfully transition into adulthood with the necessary life skills for true independence. With over 10 years as an IT professional specializing in data analytics, he brings a wealth of experience in leveraging technology to drive efficiency and impact. Prior to his work in IT, he worked as a financial analyst for several institutions, developing a strong foundation in financial strategy and operations.
Passionate about collaboration and community impact, Mike actively partners with other nonprofits to create meaningful change. His expertise in data-driven decision-making helps organizations optimize resources and maximize their effectiveness. Above all, he is dedicated to serving others in any capacity he can, always striving to make a positive and lasting impact.
Morgan Brooks
Morgan Brooks is a dedicated philanthropist, ministry leader, and advocate for foster youth transitioning to independence. As Director of Programs and a board member of Sunshine’s Open Door Foundation, she ensures that young adults aging out of the system gain the life skills, support, and resources they need to thrive. A proud Texas native, Morgan has spent her career serving others, demonstrating that true leadership is measured by the lives you touch.
Katresia Rush
Katresia Rush is a dedicated leader with over 23 years of experience in leadership, negotiation, and client advocacy. As a Case Management Supervisor, she has successfully led teams, secured high-value settlements, and improved operational efficiency—all while prioritizing the well-being of those she serves.
Beyond her professional expertise, Katresia is deeply committed to empowering individuals and strengthening communities. She brings a client-centered approach, fostering trust and meaningful connections in everything she does. Her passion for service, leadership, and advocacy continues to drive positive change in both the legal field and the broader community.
Acelegna Santos
Acilegna Santos is a dynamic Brand Manager and Executive Assistant to Jasmine Sanders of The DL Hughley Show. She also serves as Brand Manager for Just My Talent, LLC, Marketing Director for Jasmine Cares, and Marketing Director and Board Member for The Sunshine Open Door Foundation. With expertise in brand development, marketing strategy, media coordination, and talent management, Acilegna is passionate about using her skills to support impactful projects and meaningful causes.
LaTesheia Arnold
LaTesheia Arnold is a seasoned professional with 20 years of experience in the claims industry and a strong background in leadership and community service. She previously served as Treasurer and President of the Braswell Royals and currently serves as Treasurer for the NAACP Denton Branch.
A proud graduate of Jackson State University, LaTesheia brings financial expertise, strategic insight, and a passion for service to Sunshine’s Open Door Foundation. Beyond her career, she enjoys cooking Southern dishes, gardening, and spending time with family. She is the proud mother of a daughter who is completing her final year of college with a major in Business Management.
Tara Robinson
After experiencing three heart attacks within a week, narrowly escaping death on the last occasion, Tara Robinson realized she was in a life-or-death struggle. Recognizing that the black community was also silently battling heart disease, she resolved to take action. Together with her husband, Fredrick, Tara founded the Black Heart Association (BHA) from their own survival story, dedicated to advocating for thousands of minority individuals who face the devastating impact of heart disease and stroke each year.
Tara believes that as a survivor, she is uniquely positioned to engage and empower the black community in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Serving as CEO and Founder, she strives to lead an organization that bridges the gap between the black community and heart health awareness. Mrs. Robinson holds a master’s in Counseling Psychology from Lamar University.
Gayun S. Matthews
Gayun Matthews is a dedicated and visionary leader whose passion for child welfare and community service drives her work as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Open Hearts Children and Family Services and the Executive Director ofFriends 4 Open Hearts non profit. Ms. Matthews’ mission is to advocate and bring awareness to the ever-growing foster care crisis. She genuinely believes that no child should be left to navigate life alone. Her favorite quote, “Where there is no vision there is no hope.” – George Washington Carver, serves as a guiding principle, fueling her efforts to create a vision of hope for every child in need.
Ms. Matthews holds a degree in Toxicology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Before transitioning into advocacy, she worked 20 years in the toxicology and compliance field as Vice President of Research and Development, Vice President of Quality Assurance and Director of Food Safety for two major franchise companieswhere she honed her analytical and leadership skills. Her experience in the corporate sector equipped her with a unique perspective and a strategic mindset that she now applies to her nonprofit work.
