TRUE Board Members
Tom and Shelly Richards, Co Founders of TRUE
Tom and Shelly have two grown children. Their youngest child at 20 years old started their transition from male to female in 2022. With the help of the TRUE board members, they were able to provide love and support to their daughter and resources to their extended family to help them understand what it means to be transgender. Providing accurate information to society about the LGBTQ+ community is pivotal in ensuring they are treated equally.
Tom is an executive for an information services company. He is also active within his community. Tom is the creator of TRUE. Tom’s pronouns are he/him.
Shelly is a retired public school educator with 28 years of experience working with children and their families. She has a doctorate in Education and Human Services. She has made it her mission to be a strong ally for the LGBTQ+ community. Shelly has been a guest speaker at her local PRIDE event. She also works with various community service groups. Shelly’s pronouns are she/her.
Sarah Richards, President, is a Commercial Pilot and University Graduate. She is a loud community advocate for transgender and LGBTQ+ people, experienced volunteer at multiple Pride events, former organizer and officer of Ostem (Out in Stem) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a proud transgender woman. Her pronouns are she/Her
Madison Richards is a marketing and audience development professional, who has a passion for uplifting the stories and voices of underrepresented groups. Madison aspires to be an unwavering ally for the LGBTQIA+ community. Madison’s pronouns are she/her.
Danielle Giannascoli, Second Vice President, is a retired teacher after 33 years. She is the proud mom to 5 children; 2 of whom identify as gay and one son who is transgender. Her son came out in 2015 as a trans male and through him, she has gained great insight on how to find resources, be proactive in his medical, legal, and mental well-being, and most importantly - how to be an ally.
Danielle has worked with numerous families with similar stories, who were searching for an empathetic connection and resources. Danielle is not a licensed professional in this area, just a Mama Bear who always wants the best resources and opportunities for her son. She wants to pay it forward in this regard. Danielle's pronouns are she/her.
Lil Graham, 1st Vice President, is a cisgendered female who has children who identify as queer and non-binary. She strives to create a safe and inclusive space for all members of the community. Lil has a strong desire to foster understanding, compassion, and education about the LGBTQIA+ community. She thrives on snark, sarcasm, and being outside.
Caleb “CZ” Zekter has been an LGBTQ activist for over 20 years. They led the LGBTQ group at Brandeis University in college and feel extremely lucky they were able to witness the first legal same-sex marriage licenses issued in the United States on the steps of the Cambridge courthouse in 2004.
CZ majored in philosophy, minored in women's studies, and works in finance, a mix that gives them a unique view on the emotional, political, and practical implications of the need for equality for everyone in this country, and the specific issues faced by people under the trans umbrella.
In their spare time, they enjoy fitness, whittling, and testing out new and shiny technology. They live in North Jersey with their child. CZ identifies as non-binary transmasculine and uses they/them pronouns.
Marvin and Lee Zektzer
Marvin and Lee are the parents of Caleb “CZ” Zektzer and the grandparents to CZ’s child. They also have a son and daughter-in-law who live in N.Y. As concerned parents and citizens, LGBTQ+ rights are a priority.
Marvin is retired from a 41 year career in finance, he has and continues to be active in several community organizations. Marvin’s pronouns are he/him.
Lee is a retired High School History teacher. Throughout her life, including her years as an educator, Lee has been an advocate for fairness and social justice. Lee’s pronouns are she/her.
The TRUE board members are not licensed LGBTQ+ professionals. We are people wanting to share our experiences and support others the way people have supported us.
