Thomas L. “Tom” Jones, Sr. is a seasoned leader with more than two decades of experience in community service, leadership, and organizational development. He serves as the General Manager and Pre-need Counselor at Aikens Funeral Home in Tampa, Florida, where he has provided compassionate guidance and support to families through life’s most meaningful moments since 2016. His work is grounded in dignity, respect, and a deep commitment to service.

Tom’s professional expertise extends beyond funeral service into strategic planning, outreach, and community engagement, where he continually builds relationships rooted in trust and care. He combines business leadership with heart-centered communication to nurture environments of support and healing.

As Founder and President of The Hicks Preserve Foundation, Inc., Tom has led the successful effort to redeem and protect family land once held as heirs property and to establish a model of heritage preservation that honors Black land legacy, faith traditions, and intergenerational stewardship. Under his leadership, the Foundation is restoring the historic Jordan Stream Missionary Baptist Church, preserving the cemetery and family history, and developing programming, education, and community spaces that serve families, elders, and future generations.

Tom’s vision for The Hicks Preserve includes not only land restoration and historical preservation, but also helping other families navigate heirs property challenges, protect ancestral land, and honor sacred community spaces such as African-American cemeteries.

His leadership reflects a rare blend of professional acumen, strategic foresight, and deep humanity — making him a trusted partner, mentor, and steward of legacy-building work that spans communities, generations, and cultural heritage.

Laurell Jones served with distinction in the United States Air Force and retired in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During her 23-year career she held multiple roles in financial management and financial analysis with increasing levels of leadership responsibility in international and U.S. based locations. She has led multi-national teams, completed two tours of duty at the Pentagon, commanded two squadrons, and served as the principal financial advisor managing a $1.3 billion budget.

In Laurell’s post-military career she was a Senior Managing Consultant with IBM for 14 years, directing teams that supported multiple Federal government agencies in the areas of project management, business process improvement, and training.

Laurell has been a volunteer with Dress for Success Tampa Bay since 2018 and is the Immediate Past President of the Board of Directors. She is passionate about empowering women to achieve economic independence. Laurell is the current President of the Ivy Enrichment Foundation of Tampa Bay, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and other citizens in the Tampa Bay community through innovative programs that expand opportunity and development.

Laurell is a graduate of Syracuse University and also holds an MBA and MPA. In 2020, she was featured in the published book Transitioned Veteran Success Beyond Service. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

She resides in Tampa with her husband Thomas. In her free time, Laurell enjoys mentoring youth, gardening, traveling, and exploring Tampa.

LaCheryl Aikens-Guzman is the Owner and Licensed Funeral Director in Charge at Aikens Funeral Home, where she works alongside family members and staff to provide compassionate, professional services to families throughout the Tampa Bay community.

She is a graduate of Tampa Catholic High School, where she excelled in Track and Field and Basketball and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. LaCheryl is also a graduate of the University of Florida, where she lettered as a member of the Gators Track and Field Team, and Saint Petersburg College Mortuary School.

LaCheryl is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and a former member of Jack and Jill of America. She is the proud mother of two sons and one fur baby, Rex.

She is the former Chairman of the Florida Morticians Association Education Department, where she gained extensive knowledge of emerging products, services, and industry developments that she introduced into professional funeral service practice.

Coming from a family of business leaders and professionals, LaCheryl also brings extensive cemetery experience and operational knowledge. Her expertise will be instrumental in the restoration, preservation, and long-term stewardship of the historic cemetery at The Hicks Preserve.

LaCheryl believes every life deserves a beautiful tribute — whether through funeral services, memorial ceremonies, or feasts of remembrance — and she is deeply committed to serving as a resource to the community.

LaShawna Andrews is a Registered Nurse whose professional life reflects a deep commitment to care, accountability, and service. Known for her sharp attention to detail and calm leadership presence, LaShawna brings clinical knowledge, organizational discipline, and people-centered insight to her role on the Board of Directors of The Hicks Preserve Foundation.

With a background in healthcare, LaShawna is experienced in documentation, compliance, patient advocacy, and team coordination — strengths that translate directly into strong board governance, accurate recordkeeping, and mission alignment. Her ability to manage complex information, maintain confidentiality, and ensure procedural excellence makes her an invaluable steward of the Foundation’s records and operations.

As Secretary, LaShawna supports the Board by maintaining official documentation, meeting records, compliance files, and organizational continuity. She approaches her service with professionalism, integrity, and a genuine desire to see the Foundation grow with structure, transparency, and accountability.

LaShawna is deeply committed to preserving family heritage, supporting community wellness, and contributing her skills to an organization whose mission protects sacred land and honors generational legacy.

Darlen V. Miller, born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a product of a two-parent home with three (3) siblings. Although her parents and her brother have gone home to glory, Darlen remains family oriented with embedded values and morality.

A graduate of Syracuse University, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and a Minor in Psychology, Darlen knew early on that her career path would entail a focus on Criminal Justice. With intentionality and a plan orchestrated by a higher vision, Darlen attended The American University in Washington, D.C., where she earned a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 1984. She later attended the PJA Legal School where she received her Paralegal Certification.

Darlen gained experience in customer service, administration, and communication through different jobs in her career. The culmination of her educational and work experience resulted in Darlen making history by becoming the first female ever, who also happened to be African American, to hold the position of Chief of the Philadelphia County Adult Probation & Parole Department (APPD). Darlen began her career at APPD in May 1993, and during that time, she held various titles from Probation & Parole Officer; Presentence Investigator; Supervisor; Director; Deputy Chief to finally Chief. After 28 years of service, Darlen retired as Chief of APPD in January 2021.

Immediately upon retiring, Darlen was appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to the position of Deputy Court Administrator, Criminal Trial Division, First Judicial District, Court of Common Pleas. History was made again as Darlen was the first African American Female to hold this position in Philadelphia. Darlen worked three years and nine months in this position.

Darlen is an active member of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church under the Pastoral Leadership of Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller since 1999. Darlen is a member of the Usher Ministry and Seasoned Saints Ministry.

Darlen remains active in the following organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Omega Mu Omega Chapter; Deborah Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, Incorporated, Prince Hall Adopted, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Fannie J. Coppin Chapter No. 37, Past Worthy Matron; Daughter of Isis, Pyramid Court No. 17, Honorary Past Imperial Commandress; St. Barbara’s Roman Catholic Church, Flexible Friends, Treasurer.

Jasmin A. Jones is a Life Strategist, Growth Mindset Coach, and Organizational Leader with extensive experience advancing individual, team, and organizational success across education, nonprofit, and community-centered environments. She brings a strong background in strategic planning, leadership development, youth and adult coaching and engagement, program design, and organizational effectiveness.

Throughout her career, Jasmin has worked at the intersection of people, purpose, and performance, supporting students, professionals, and leaders in navigating change, building confidence, and achieving sustainable outcomes. Her work emphasizes equity, empowerment, communication, and human-centered leadership.

Jasmin has led and contributed to initiatives focused on student success and retention, workforce and career development, coaching and mentoring, team building, and community collaboration. She is known for her ability to translate vision into action, foster meaningful connections, and strengthen organizational culture through intentional strategy and relationship-building.

As a board member, Jasmin offers strengths in governance support, strategic insight, program evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and mission alignment. She approaches board service with a solutions-oriented mindset, a commitment to accountability, and a deep belief in the power of education and leadership to transform lives and communities.

Jasmin holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Family Child Studies with a focus in Public Policy and Child Advocacy and continues to expand her professional development in human development, leadership, coaching, and organizational strategy.

Why She Serves: Jasmin is deeply interested in serving on the Board of Directors of The Hicks Preserve Foundation because of the organization’s commitment to preserving natural spaces while fostering education, community engagement, and long-term stewardship. She is drawn to the Preserve’s potential to serve as both a preserved natural resource and a living classroom and community anchor for youth, families, and underserved communities.

As a board member, she brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented perspective, strong commitment to governance and mission alignment, and a passion for ensuring the Preserve remains accessible, relevant, and impactful for generations to come.

Margo Miller is a retired general contractor whose life’s work reflects a deep commitment to craftsmanship, restoration, and community stewardship. Originally from Council Bluffs, Iowa, Margo brings decades of hands-on experience in construction, renovation, and land development — with particular expertise in restoring older homes and historic structures.

Margo played a direct role in the restoration and development of Suite Retreat at 1555, applying her practical knowledge and attention to detail to transform the property into a welcoming and functional space. Her skill set spans residential and light commercial construction, structural repair, interior and exterior renovation, and land improvement projects.

A devoted Catholic, Margo approaches her work with care, integrity, and a respect for sacred and historic spaces. She was invited to join the initial Board of Directors of The Hicks Preserve Foundation because of her invaluable knowledge and leadership in restoration planning, church preservation, cemetery rehabilitation, and future development of the Celebration of Life Center and surrounding land.

Margo’s presence on the Board ensures that the Foundation’s vision is supported by practical expertise — helping transform plans into sustainable, enduring structures that honor heritage and serve future generations.