About the foundation

The mission is deeply personal.

Our leadership is composed of men and women whose own lives were transformed by many of the very programs we now seek to provide for the next generation.

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In tribute — our founders

The people who built this

Founder

Deveron Gibbons, MPA, MBA, JD

Founder & Visionary — The Gibbons Family Foundation

Deveron M. Gibbons is an executive with more than 25 years of leadership across business, government, and education. A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, he holds a Juris Doctor from the Florida A&M University College of Law, a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Public Administration, and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Florida. He is a graduate of Harvard's Senior Executive Program for State and Local Government and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

In 2025, Deveron was unanimously elected Chair of the FAMU Board of Trustees, the culmination of governor-appointed service on the boards of Florida A&M University, Bethune-Cookman University, and St. Petersburg College. He also serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of Baltasar Holdings, directing real estate investment and operations across the Southeastern United States.

Previously he was CEO and Executive Director of the Revenue Based Finance Coalition, where he turned a $350,000 annual deficit into $1.5 million in profit and grew membership by 70 percent. He spent 16 years as Senior Vice President of Business Development and Public Affairs at Amscot Financial, served as Director of Legislative Affairs for the Florida Department of Community Affairs, and advised Fortune 500 companies as a Senior Advisor at Holland & Knight.

A former candidate for Mayor of St. Petersburg and a longtime supporter of Take Stock in Children and the Sanderlin Community Center, Deveron has spent his career opening doors for the next generation — the same doors mentors once opened for him.

Chair, FAMU Board of TrusteesPresident & COO, Baltasar HoldingsTrustee, St. Petersburg CollegeBethune-Cookman University TrusteeHarvard Senior Executive ProgramMPA · MBA · JD

Co-Founder

Sherwood Cobarras

Co-Founder — Facilities, Operations & Community Spaces

Sherwood Cobarras brings more than 30 years of expertise in property management, residential renovation, and operational leadership. For the foundation, that translates into the physical places our work happens — safe, well-kept classrooms, clubhouses, and community centers where children are met with dignity from the moment they walk in.

His leadership at DDS Property Management Group and as founder of Wood Do It Painting built a deep command of vendor relations, compliance, and asset stewardship. He applies that same discipline to the foundation's facilities, partnerships, and hands-on service projects, and mentors young people exploring skilled trades as a real, well-paying pathway.

Facilities & Operations30+ Years in Property ManagementSkilled Trades MentorshipCommunity Partnerships

Co-Founder

Douglas Cobarras, MBA

Co-Founder — Strategy, Growth & Workforce Pathways

Douglas Cobarras brings nearly 30 years of experience in strategic operations, sales leadership, and market development. He helps shape the foundation's growth strategy — building high-performing teams, sharpening programs, and making sure every initiative is measured against real outcomes for children and families.

With a background spanning managed care, reimbursement, and marketing, and a history of leading national initiatives and training programs, Douglas anchors our career and workforce development pillar: employer partnerships, internships, and professional skills training that turn preparation into opportunity. He holds a B.S. from The Citadel and an MBA.

Strategy & GrowthWorkforce DevelopmentEmployer PartnershipsThe Citadel · MBA

Living evidence

Someone invested in us before we fully understood our own potential.

Through mentors, educators, leadership organizations, academic enrichment, athletics, arts, and civic engagement, we were introduced to possibilities that changed the trajectory of our lives.

Today, our Board reflects a broad spectrum of accomplishment — business, public service, education, professional athletics, entertainment, philanthropy. Different paths, one common beginning.

“We are not simply investing in children — we are investing in the adults they will become.”

The full journey

From age three to the adults they become.

Early learning, school-age confidence, exposure and travel, college campuses and acceptances, internships and careers — one continuous pathway of opportunity.

Early learners

Preschool tables where the first spark of curiosity gets its name.

Our mission

Expand opportunity. Reduce educational, workforce, and health disparities. Build a comprehensive cradle-to-career pathway.

Our vision

A generation of confident, compassionate, educated, and empowered leaders who strengthen families, enrich communities, and transform the world.

Our commitment

Our Six E's for Empowerment.

These six principles are the philosophical foundation of the Foundation — the WHY behind every program. From them came our Six Pillars.

A confident professional representing excellence

Educate

Build knowledge, understanding, and skills for today and tomorrow.

A mentor extending a handshake representing integrity

Expose

Broaden horizons through meaningful experiences, environments, people, and possibilities.

A volunteer helping a child with a backpack representing service

Empower

Build confidence, strengthen voice, and unlock potential.

A young engineer holding a robotic prototype representing innovation

Equip

Provide the tools, preparation, resources, and relationships necessary for success.

Two colleagues collaborating over a tablet representing collaboration

Elevate

Inspire growth, recognize progress, and celebrate achievement.

A graduate celebrating with a diploma representing measurable impact

Engage

Connect people, encourage service, and strengthen families and communities.