SIA Brain Awareness Foundation, Inc.
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Dr. Sylvan Dore'
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Sylvan Dore’ is an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Neurology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience and Director of Research Programs in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Florida. He is also a member of the Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease at the McKnight Brain Institute. Dr. Dore’ trained at the University of Montreal and McGill University and served on the faculty at Johns Hopkins University for eleven years.
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As an Advisory Board Member of the Sia Yorker Brain Awareness Scholarship Foundation, Dr. Dore’ provides guidance to ensure that the Foundation shares accurate, up-to-date information about brain health and neurodegenerative conditions, helping advance its mission of raising awareness and supporting students pursuing medical science degrees.
Valerie Olude is a devoted wife, mother, and covenant member active in her church and community. She serves as Human Resources Director for UPS and has been involved with the Sia Yorker Brain Awareness Scholarship Foundation since its early days, including service on the Advisory Board, the 5K Brain Walk, and the Medical Science Scholarship Banquet.
Known as a true team player and “go-getter,” Valerie lives by the philosophy of giving 100% or nothing at all. Her heart has always remained with the Foundation, and now that life has calmed down, she is excited to fully reengage. Valerie brings energy, dedication, and a passion for Sia’s mission, helping to continue raising awareness of brain health and supporting students pursuing medical science degrees.
Valerie Olude
Executive Assistant
Tiffanie Trent is a dedicated mother and single parent who manages site operations and customer service for three high-end fashion brands. Despite her busy schedule, she remains committed to giving back to her family and community.
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Sia Yorker, Tiffanie’s cousin, sister, and best friend, inspired her through a life full of purpose, joy, and faith. Tiffanie honors Sia’s memory by serving on the Sia Yorker Brain Awareness Scholarship Foundation Board, sharing her story, and helping raise awareness of serious brain conditions to continue touching lives and making a difference.
Tiffanie Trent
Executive Secretary
Lesly Yarde is a wife, mother, grandmother, and Greenhouse Specialist who has served faithfully on the Sia Yorker Brain Awareness Scholarship Foundation Board since its inception. She believes God used the sudden loss of Sia to inspire the Foundation through her parents’ faith and dedication.
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Sia’s parents, dear friends of the Yarde family, continue to serve as pastors, offering many the chance to witness God’s strength in action. Lesly’s involvement in the Foundation helps raise awareness of adverse brain conditions and encourages others to face life’s challenges with courage and faith.
Lesly Flynn Yarde
Event Manager
Shawn Riggins is a certified state and national animal control officer, social worker, and emergency responder who serves his community in multiple capacities.
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Shawn grew up with Sia since elementary school, and they were like brother and sister, sharing a close bond that has deeply inspired his commitment to her legacy. As an Ambassador for the Sia Yorker Brain Awareness Scholarship Foundation, he helps raise awareness of acute brain hemorrhages and other serious brain conditions, while encouraging graduating high school seniors pursuing medical science degrees to apply for the Sia Yorker Medical Science Scholarship.
Shawn Riggins
Mission Ambassador