WHO WE ARE
That Could Be Me Foundation was created to be a catalyst; a coalition of leaders and specialists bringing transformative impact to our communities through access to best practices in technology, behavioral health, and workforce development for the digital economy.
That Could Be Me Foundation was founded by Derrick S. Tarver, MBA, an award-winning serial founder & social entrepreneur whose life and career reflect the transformative power of equitable access. At the age of eight, Derrick received a scholarship to a college preparatory school — an experience that opened doors to academic rigor, mentorship, and a lifelong peer network. That early exposure helped shape his identity, resilience, and confidence, instilling a belief that opportunity can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. This belief is at the heart of That Could Be Me Foundation: expanding horizons so more young people can confidently say, “That Could Be Me.”
For more than 20 years, Derrick has been a committed champion of youth behavioral health. Through his personal real estate holdings, he has provided second-chance, permanent supportive housing for young adults transitioning from behavioral health crisis programs. These innovative independent living solutions have helped dozens of young people achieve stability, self-sufficiency, and improved quality of life.
His recognition that economic mobility and health equity are deeply interconnected is a cornerstone of the Foundation’s mission.
Derrick brings Fortune 50 expertise in business creation as a former Procter & Gamble Global Brand Manager, and in business transformation as a Director at Cincinnati Bell/Altafiber.
Derrick serves as Treasurer of the Board and Chair of the Finance Committee for Healthy Families & Communities of Southern NJ, serves on the Independence Blue Cross Health Equity Advocacy Council, and volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters. He holds an MBA from the Simon School of Business, University of Rochester and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, and is nationally certified in Mental Health First Aid and social & behavioral research.
Through That Could Be Me Foundation, Derrick continues his lifelong commitment to helping young people access opportunity, build resilience, and imagine what is possible.
Derrick S. Tarver
Founder, President & CEO
Our team is a passionate group dedicated to empowering those furthest from opportunity, beginning with our home base of Philadelphia. We are comprised of experienced educators, creative technology experts, inquisitive associates, subject matter experts and corporate partners who are leading-edge innovators in a multitude of industries and disciplines. United by a shared vision of inclusivity and opportunity, we work tirelessly to provide underserved youth with the tools and support they need to unlock their potential and shape their futures.
OUR TEAM
Board Treasurer
Eric Ruffin, MFA, is a tenured professor at Howard University and serves on the Board of Directors of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Co.
An accomplished theatrical director and commissioned artist for Studio Theatre, Eric has helmed productions at The U.S. Supreme Court, The Kennedy Center, The French Embassy, Imagination Stage, Luna Stage, George Street Playhouse, Mann Center, African Continuum, Theatre Alliance, Studio, Crossroads, Young Playwright’s and Mosaic.
Eric is a former Drama League Fellow, Folger Shakespeare Fellow, Princess Grace Awardee for Dance, and NYTW Usual Suspect. His direction of Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity was recognized with 3 Helen Hayes Awards including Best Musical.
Eric is an arts visionary who keeps our eyes focused on a better tomorrow.
Board Secretary
Pamela Ramsey is Managing Partner of VEA Consultants and a seasoned executive assistant with 30+ years of experience empowering the successful outcomes of C-Level leaders across multiple industries. Pamela’s areas of expertise span project & client relationship management, event coordination and office administration.
A true community advocate, Pamela was named Volunteer of the Year by Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA), where she served as the Outreach Coordinator. In that role, she established and facilitated a youth coding program, which resulted in a national championship-winning team.
Pam is the glue that nurtures the Foundation's key relationships and keeps our operations running smoothly.
OUR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS
All of our experts and partners inspire & challenge us to “think big” as many volunteer to roll up their sleeves to help us “do good”.
We are truly grateful for their support and we invite you to join us on our journey!
Brooke Lipscomb, MSW, is an award-winning social worker with decades of experience spanning case management, social-emotional learning, and cognitive behavioral theory. Brooke is a cutting-edge thinker and strategist and served as the first-ever liaison to a groundbreaking Felony Mental Health Court Diversion Program. Her dedication and trailblazing work with the community earned her the honor of being named Social Worker of the Year.
Brooke is an active listener who keeps us grounded in what matters and guides the thoughtful development and evidence-based oversight of our programs and tools.
Meg Niman is a product design consultant, speaker, and workshop facilitator with 20 years of experience leading design-thinking workshops, product strategy sessions, and qualitative user research for Microsoft XBox, Fitbit, Leapfrog, NIO & IndeVets.
Meg is passionate about teaching people to design their own alter egos and has led her engaging workshops at SXSW, PhillyCHI, and Seismic.
Philadelphia is her home base for business. She lives in rural Lancaster County where she can watch the corn grow from her kitchen window.
Dr. Yang Wang, PhD, is an award-winning educator and researcher who earned his Ph.D.in Computer Science from Georgia State University. He is currently an Associate Professor and the Director of Graduate Programs in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computer Information Science at La Salle University. He has previous corporate experience as a Development Manager, Network Research Engineer, QA Engineer, and Cloud Engineer. His research interests and passions include a/synchronous online learning, gamification, networking, optimization, information security, and most importantly, he has a passion for teaching the next generation.
Dr. Stephen DiDonato, PhD, LPC, is an Associate Professor and the Senior Director for Strategic Engagements & Innovation at Thomas Jefferson University College of Nursing, and a co-founder of the renowned Philadelphia Trauma Training Conference. He is a psychologist and a licensed professional counselor who infused trauma-informed education across the curriculum in his previous role as Director of the Community & Trauma Counseling Program. Clinically, Dr. DiDonato’s focus has been on children and families who have experienced the intersection and complexity of exposure to trauma and social injustice, resulting in a trauma-informed curriculum to certify foster care parents.
OUR DESIGN ASSOCIATES
Our design associates are bright young minds who keep us on the cutting edge of technology and focused on the needs of the youth we serve.
Sierra Sims is a UX/UI Designer who empowers users and improves their digital experiences by centering humans in her design process … digging deep into their thoughts and feelings to create compelling and intuitive designs.
Previously, Sierra supported the UX team at Benten Technologies and the design team at Fin-tech startup, Enigma.
“Working with TCBMe Foundation is a full circle moment, empowering me to merge my love for the arts and tech.”
Paige Harari, a seasoned UX & Product Designer with a background in the film industry, is a passionate advocate for crafting products that bring joy and meaning to people's lives.
Paige’s career journey includes a commitment to socially conscious design and prioritizing themes such as sustainability and inclusivity for individuals who don't identify on a binary spectrum.
“Grateful for the opportunity to be part of the TCBMe Foundation team, I’ve found a perfect intersection of my expertise and passions.”
OUR RESEARCH ASSOCIATES
Our research associates are talented students with an inquisitive spirit who keep us connected to the Voice of the Community.
Elizabeth Wayne is a Doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at La Salle University (class of 2028) bringing experience as a researcher and mental health service provider. Most recently she served as a Health Coach through the Children's Hospital of Colorado. Elizabeth is a multi-passionate professional interested in youth well-being, youth sports, and non-profit program evaluation.
"Working with TCBMe allows me to advance my skillset as a future clinician through an increased understanding of the role technology plays in mental health"
Kevin Beideman is a student in Computer Science at La Salle University (class of 2026) with a passion for game design & development, teaching STEM subjects & youth cybersecurity awareness, and harnessing the power of generative artificial intelligence for good. Kevin develops AI Bots in his spare time.
“It feels great to know that my passion for online learning & gamification can help TCBMe shape the way youth understand and engage in topics that are often attached to stigma”
MEDIA
PRESS
Building a New Model of Health Equity in Action
Access isn’t just about showing up — it’s about being seen, having tools that meet you where you are, and being invited into the process of shaping your own learning. (Inner Strength Education)
From Grand Prize Winner to Impact Generator
A vision and a bold concept: to empower underserved youth through a combination of wellness education, digital creativity, and leadership training. (Economy League of Greater Philadelphia)
Grand Prize Winner Announced
Local entrepreneurs honored for initiatives designed to improve the mind and heart health of Philadelphians. (Independence Blue Cross)
Academic Research Partnership
That Could Be Me Foundation is conducting research under the oversight of the Institutional Review Board of La Salle University. (La Salle University)
City of Wellness
Six Philadelphia heart and mind health startups competed for $50,000 in the Economy League’s Well City Challenge. (Technical.ly)
Working to Change the Narrative
The Foundation’s flagship program is a social self-care platform that empowers underserved youth. (Economy League of Greater Philadelphia)
Let’s Work Together
We believe in the power of synergy and tackle challenges using an inter-disciplinary approach incorporating the best practices of non-profits, private industry, the arts, academia, local government, etc.
IF OUR MISSION MOVES YOU …