Board of Directors

We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community  Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.  – Cesar Chavez

Sydnee Shorten

Sydnee Shorten

President

Sydnee Shorten stands at the intersection of meaningful advocacy and transformative leadership in her roles both as the Founder and CEO of ADA Program Solutions, PC, and as the dedicated President of the Board of Directors for Skills and Faith Athletes (S&F). With an indelible commitment to fostering inclusive environments and equal opportunities, her work across both platforms harmonizes with a singular purpose: to ensure that no individual, child or adult, should have to suffer due to a lack of resources.

At ADA Program Solutions, Sydnee leads with an unwavering mission to build bridges to equal opportunities within organizations, championing comprehensive and innovative solutions that empower individuals with disabilities to thrive in the workplace. Her initiative reflects a profound understanding gained from over 16 years of expertise in group insurance, with a specialization in life, disability, and absence management, and seven influential years in HR. This professional foundation underpins ADA Program Solutions’ commitment to dismantling barriers, advocating for accessibility, and facilitating a future where every individual has the chance to reach their full potential in an equitable society. Parallel to her endeavors in ADA Program Solutions, Sydnee’s leadership at Skills and Faith Athletes (S&F) aligns with a visionary commitment to community development and personal growth. S&F’s mission mirrors the ethos of creating accessible, inclusive and resource-rich environments where limitations are recognized and addressed with empathy and action.

Under her guidance, both ADA Program Solutions and S&F are not just organizations but movements, driven by the belief that building character in our children creates successful citizens and stronger communities, and that creating accessible workplaces ensures every adult’s right to contribution and fulfillment. Sydnee’s personal and professional journey is a testament to the power of bridging divides between the world as it is and as it should be—inclusive, equitable, and rich with opportunity for all. Through her leadership, she embodies the philosophy that true change is achieved when we dedicate ourselves to eradicating barriers and expanding resources for every individual, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to succeed.

Sydnee Shorten’s visionary leadership primarily fuels the mission of Skills and Faith Athletes, leveraging her vast experience from ADA Program Solutions to reinforce S&F’s commitment to empowerment, inclusion, access, and community. With Sydnee at the helm, S&F is not just an organization, but a beacon of hope and transformation, steadfast in its mission to create a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive, unimpeded by barriers, and supported by a community that believes in their boundless potential.

Bernadette Sneed

Bernadette Sneed

Vice President

Bernadette Sneed move from North Caroline to Fort Worth in 1981 and has been in Texas for 35 years. She is a mother of 2 children and 2 grand-kids and also, has 4 honorary children and 9 honorary grand-kids. She has years of experience in customer service and has a big heart in giving back to help our youth, and community. She has done volunteering work since the 4th grade and love it. Through out the years, she has volunteered for high school basketball, pee wee football, high school volleyball, USA track and field. Debbie Allen Dance Academy (Fort Worth), and Big Brother Big Sisters just to name a few. Volunteering for S and F Athletes has filled a void in my life since the passing of my son. I enjoy watching some of the teens grow and work on their communication skill. Knowing the organization has projects that Help our youth’s, gives me the passion to continue volunteering.

Lisa Fields

Lisa Fields

Secretary

Lisa Fields ​I am a mother and grandmother. I have over 30 years of Customer Service in the airline industry. For many years, I was a single parent and learned how to overcome adversity. As I took on the role of both mother and father and the challenges that entails, I continuously reminded myself I am blessed with whatever I have. Even in the darkest moments, I felt I had a responsibility to help those who weren’t as fortunate. I’ve always had a passion for helping those in need whether it be financially, lending an ear or volunteering my time. I’ve volunteered at school events, packed boxes for the troops, provided bags of necessities and food for the homeless, participated in fundraisers and volunteered my time with S and F. I feel strongly about the assistance they’ve provided children, families and the community. It is my pleasure to continue to work with this important organization and impact lives in a positive manner.

Blessing Ogiata

Blessing Ogiata

Treasurer

Blessing Ogiata is a graduate of Bowie State University class of 1999. While at Bowie she was a part of the NASA program where she served as a Satellite Command Controller. `Gathers data collected from the Sun and submit the information to NASA for further testing. After graduating with a Computer Science degree Ms. Ogiata has worked as a Web and SharePoint Designer/Developer for 20 years providing website services to the Federal Government and Private sector. She has successfully provided strategic solutions in web design and implantation of web application for the US Army & Army Reserve, Veterans Affairs, Department of Transportation, DTC Technology and Women of Freedom Foundation just to name a few. In 2011 Ms. Ogiata lived in Doha, Qatar for two years to serve as a Web Specialist for the CENTCOM Joint Theater Support Contracting Command (C-JTSCC) supporting the region of Qatar, Afghanistan and Iraq. Instrumental in providing critical and time sensitive web support that ensure beneficial mission support to combat troops.  Her support to the Command earned her a Commanders Coin from the C-JTSCC two Star Commanding General for outstanding performance. Ms. Ogiata has volunteered her time with the Epilepsy Foundation Metropolitan Washington in assistant with awareness and outreach within the Washington DC area. She is also very active in her community by volunteering her time to the local District Office, and in getting individuals to come out and vote. Ms. Ogiata joined the Skill and Faith Athletes family in October 2018 when she relocated to Dallas Texas from the Washington DC area. She is humble to be a part of the Board and help impact the lives of our youth to be a contributing member in their community.

Brian Moralez

Brian Moralez

Board Member

Brian Moralez has been working for the Irving Police Department for the past 20 years. He has served in the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigation Division, Personnel Division, and is currently assigned to the Community Service Division. In his current position he supervises the school resource officers. He enjoys building relationships with the community especially the children and young adults. For the past two years he has helped coordinate the outreach summer programs provided by the police department, which specifically focuses on the student during their summer break. He has been married for 12 years to his wonderful wife and they have three children.

Chris Rider

Chris Rider

Board Member

Chris Rider is a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and graduated from Broken Arrow High School in 2001. He attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where he earned a scholarship to play football for four years. In December 2005, Chris graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Chris was hired by the Irving Police Department in July 2006 and completed the North Central Texas Council of Governments Police Academy in December 2006. After 12 years as a patrol officer, he joined the department’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program at its inception in 2018. Chris became a TCOLE Basic Instructor and is currently FAA Part 107 certified. In 2020, he and a fellow Irving officer hosted a basic UAS Operator School for the Texas Tactical Police Officer Association (TTPOA). To date, Irving’s UAS program has assisted several other local agencies in establishing their own drone programs.

Chris was promoted to Sergeant in 2021 and served as a patrol Sergeant for approximately one year. He now serves in the Community Services Division as a School Resource Officer supervisor and is also the supervisor over the UAS program. Chris also served on the Irving Police Association board from 2013-2021, holding the roles of Secretary and Vice-President. During his tenure, he chaired the organization’s annual golf tournament benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out ow to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” – Michael Jordan

Izaiah Shorten

Izaiah Shorten

Board Member

Izaiah Shorten, with an entrepreneurial mindset and a heart dedicated to community service, joins Skills and Faith Athletes as a board member. Izaiah’s journey in business began at the tender age of 8 when he co-founded Lil’ Helpers Lawncare Services alongside his brother and neighboring friends. His early exposure to entrepreneurship laid a solid foundation for his unstoppable drive and innovative spirit. Throughout his life, Izaiah has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to helping others. Volunteering to support the homeless and serving as a greeter on the “Welcoming Team” at his church from his elementary school days instilled in him the values of compassion and service. His high school years further solidified his dedication as he actively participated in Skills and Faith activities and events, embodying the spirit of leadership and community involvement. Izaiah’s unwavering passion to make a difference and his genuine desire to positively impact lives make him an exceptional addition to the Skills and Faith Athletes board. With his entrepreneurial experience and heartfelt commitment, Izaiah is poised to contribute significantly to the organization’s mission and vision.