Join the H.E.A.R.T.S. Board of Directors

The H.E.A.R.T.S. Board of Directors is more than a governing body—it is a dedicated and eclectic group of professionals who have philanthropy at heart and are committed to advancing our mission of supporting young parents and their families.

Our Board plays a vital role in the strength and sustainability of H.E.A.R.T.S. Members provide leadership and organizational oversight, support fundraising and community engagement, strengthen partnerships, help ensure accountability and sound governance, and work alongside our leadership team to keep H.E.A.R.T.S. moving forward with integrity and purpose.

We are looking for passionate professionals who are willing to contribute their time, talents, expertise, networks, and resources to help H.E.A.R.T.S. continue making a lasting impact in our community.

Interested in serving? Submit your Board of Directors application today. Once received, our Board Recruitment Committee will review your application and contact you during our recruitment season.

Questions? Contact us at board@heartsnc.org.

Bring your expertise. Bring your passion. Bring your heart. Help us strengthen H.E.A.R.T.S.

Our Team

Sarian Turner

Sarian Turner is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and more than 30 years of experience in the Information Technology industry. Her expertise includes business and systems analysis, application support, programming, and process improvement.

A dedicated community leader, Sarian is passionate about service, strengthening families, and empowering communities. As Chair of H.E.A.R.T.S. NC, she provides strategic leadership, fosters collaboration, and supports the organization’s mission of helping young families access the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Sarian believes true leadership is rooted in service, integrity, and compassion and is committed to creating lasting impact in the lives of others.

Board Chair

Nina Wright-Richie

Nina Wright-Richie is an accomplished executive with more than 26 years of leadership experience in the multifamily housing industry. She is recognized for transforming communities, developing leaders, and achieving results through collaboration and servant leadership.

As the daughter of teen parents, Nina’s connection to H.E.A.R.T.S. is deeply personal. Her journey reflects the power of perseverance, opportunity, and having people who believe in your potential. Now serving as Co-Chair of the H.E.A.R.T.S. Board of Directors, she is committed to empowering young parents, strengthening families, and creating opportunities for future generations.

Nina believes every child deserves the opportunity to dream beyond their circumstances and is honored to help H.E.A.R.T.S. create pathways for families to thrive.

Co Chair

Member

Candice Davenport

Candice Davenport was born and raised in Durham, NC, and a proud NCCU grad, I’m the owner of C. Davenport Realty & Co., serving the Triangle with a passion for people and community. Being a Durham/Wake local isn’t just a label, it’s a commitment to knowing this area inside and out and giving back to the community that raised me. I also own Davenport Customs, so entrepreneurship is in my DNA. Outside of work, I’m traveling and making memories with family, because life is about balance.

Dr. Pia Duncan

Dr. Pia Duncan is an accomplished educator, administrator, entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to advancing education, empowering others, and serving her community. With more than a decade of experience in higher education, she serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Director of Distance Education for Criminal Justice at North Carolina Central University. In this role, she leads initiatives that enhance online learning, support faculty development, and prepare students for successful careers in criminal justice.

Beyond academia, Dr. Duncan is a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker and the owner of Pia’s Production: Event and Travel Planning, where she creates memorable events and travel experiences. She is also the founder and owner of Faith Harbor Family Services, an organization committed to providing compassionate, person-centered services that support individuals and families, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or the community, Dr. Duncan is driven by a passion for creating opportunities that positively impact the lives of others. She believes that education, service, and collaboration are powerful tools for transformation.

Member

Tiffany Hemphill

Tiffany Hemphill brings more than 20 years of experience in talent acquisition and workforce strategy, leading recruiting initiatives across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, clinical research, and government sectors. She partners with executive leaders to build high-performing teams and align talent with organizational goals.

Beyond her career, Tiffany is passionate about community service and has supported numerous nonprofit organizations. She also serves as Co-Lead of the Women’s Empowerment Business Resource Group at Thermo Fisher Scientific and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

In 2026, Tiffany joined the H.E.A.R.T.S. Board of Directors, where she contributes her leadership and expertise to advancing the organization’s mission of empowering young parents and strengthening families.

Member

Member

Elizabeth Pritchard

Elizabeth Pritchard is a provisionally licensed social worker who specializes in Mental Health and Substance use as well as a licensed Clinical Addiction specialist, with over twenty years of experience working with children, family and adults in North Carolina. She has expertise in education, onboarding and training, coordination and development of training materials and presenters, case management and compliance. She currently serves as a Manager of Regulatory and Compliance for a healthcare technology company. She has also been a part-time Social Work professor for over six years at Guilford Technical Community College, University of North Carolina at Greensboro and currently NC State University.

She currently serves as a board member for H.E.A.R.T.S. (Helping Each Adolescent Reach Their Spark), volunteers with the Diaper Bank of NC and volunteers at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC. She enjoys participating in the N.A.M.I walks for mental health and Susan G. Komen Cancer walks in support of others.