Our Captains
Our Captains, also known as Our Board of Directors, is comprised of dedicated individuals who bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion to Sister Seekers. Guided by a shared commitment to philanthropy and community service, our board members play a pivotal role in shaping the direction and impact of our organization. With diverse backgrounds spanning various industries and sectors, they provide invaluable insight, strategic guidance, and unwavering support to ensure Sister Seekers remains a beacon of hope and empowerment for emerging nonprofits.
Meet the visionary leaders driving our mission forward!
Julia A. Reisman | Founder & President
Julia has dedicated herself to the nonprofit sector, demonstrating a deep-seated commitment to supporting organizations in need. Julia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies, specializing in Media & Society, from The American University, conferred in 2020. Complementing her major, she also pursued a minor in Business & Leadership through the Kogod School of Business. Since completing her studies, she actively contributes to the community as a board member of The Naples Lion’s Club and plays a significant role in the SWFL JDRF chapter, and continues her passion for serving the Help A Diabetic Child mission. She currently serves as the President and Founder of Sister Seekers, Inc.
Jayda P. Reisman | Co-Founder
Jayda Co-Founder of Sister Seekers, Inc. and Naples native, discovered her passion for yoga early in life along the Gulf Coast. Her journey led her to explore various styles and teachings globally, culminating in her completion of the Yoga Alliance accredited 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Nosara, Costa Rica, with IIa Yoga in 2021. A Suma Cum Laude graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder, Jayda began her real estate career immediately after college. Jayda is a health and wellness practitioner and yoga instructor outside of real estate. A lover of history, global travel, ocean sailing, and nature. Jayda brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her endeavors. She is dedicated to sharing her expertise and unique insights with her local community in Naples, Florida, and beyond, leveraging her diverse educational background and international experience’s.
John P. Reisman | Board of Directors
John Reisman earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from American University's Kogod Business School. He furthered his education at New York University, where he attained a Master of Science Degree in Real Estate Development & Investment, graduating at the top of his class in 1991 and receiving the Award of Highest Scholastic Achievement. A licensed General Contractor in the State of Florida, John has navigated a successful career path despite managing Type 1 diabetes since the age of 14. Committed to community involvement, he actively participates in the JDRF Southwest Florida Chapter and Help A Diabetic Child initiatives.
Jacqueline R. Sargent | Board of Directors
Jacqueline Rochonchou Sargent is a philanthropist, medical spa owner, proud wife and mother who has embedded herself in the Naples community and is thrilled to make a bigger impact. From organizing meal drop-offs during Covid, having college seniors from The Boys and Girls Club sent to college with dorm room essentials, creating backpacks for human trafficking victims, organizing Christmas toy drives, and getting clothes and supplies to hurricane victims and more, she has been doing philanthropic work in Naples since her move to the area in 2018. She is proud to sit on the board of Sister Seekers and looks forward to being part of the change that will drive our community forward.
Alessandra M. Gastaldello | Board of Directors
Alessandra is a mother, branding and marketing mentor, and holistic wellness entrepreneur who grew up in Naples and has known Julia and Jayda since childhood. She brings extensive experience collaborating with non-profits through her wellness events—amplifying their voices and expanding their reach into niche health and wellness markets. Now, as a board member of Sister Seekers, she’s excited to help empower emerging organizations by guiding their growth, increasing their visibility, and creating lasting positive impact. She will be providing branding, website, and marketing support to Our Scouts.
Megan E. Schmitt | Board of Directors
Megan is a social visionary focused on driving cultural change through business innovations. As a key player and board member of iLearn Life, INC., a 501(c)(3) organization, she curates nonprofit and for-profit ventures aligned with the 7 pillars of society. One of these nonprofits is The Art of Living Home, a sober living community redefining addiction recovery. She also has since co-founded Dome Wellness, which in its infancy, aims to create affordable, high-impact wellness facilities. Her passion is driven by a vision that fosters meaningful change in communities through innovative solutions and impactful ventures.
Brett Grey | Board of Directors
Brett Grey, born and raised in Chicago, IL, brings a fresh perspective and enthusiastic energy to the Sister Seekers board. Though new to the nonprofit sector, Brett is deeply inspired by Sister Seekers' mission and is eager to contribute his skills and insights to further its impact.
After relocating to Naples, FL, Brett felt a strong desire to engage with his new community in meaningful ways. Joining the Sister Seekers board aligns perfectly with his passion for supporting initiatives that uplift and empower individuals.
Professionally, Brett is an Insurance Agent with The Olde Naples Insurance Company, where he specializes in providing tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of his clients. His professional background equips him with a strategic mindset and an understanding of risk management, which he hopes to apply to his role on the board.
Brett is excited to collaborate with fellow board members and supporters of Sister Seekers to drive the organization’s vision forward and make a lasting difference in the lives of those it serves.
Kerry Refkin | Treasurer
Kerry Refkin is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in nonprofit accounting and financial management. She has a strong track record of implementing financial strategies, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and optimizing operational efficiencies in nonprofit organizations. Kerry also currently serves as Vice President for the Jack Parker Corporation, where she honed her skills in executive leadership, overseeing fiscal operations and guiding the organization's financial health. Her expertise in both corporate and nonprofit sectors equips her with a unique ability to navigate complex financial landscapes while driving mission-driven success. Kerry is passionate about fostering financial sustainability and transparency in the nonprofit sector.
Our Deckhands
Our esteemed advisory board comprises seasoned experts and community leaders who provide invaluable guidance and strategic insight to Sister Seekers. With diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for philanthropy, our advisors lend their expertise in various fields to steer our organization towards greater success. Their wisdom, experience, and dedication bolster our efforts as we continue our mission of empowering emerging nonprofits and fostering positive change.
Olivia Goldsworthy
Olivia is a consulting professional in the Fundraising and Development field and currently operates Young Olive Consulting, which helps small and mid-size nonprofits achieve their strategic and fundraising goals. As a Colorado Mountain College graduate, Olivia has experience in various sustainability-focused research and planning positions, and her interests emphasize community development, social equity, and trust-based philanthropy. Olivia resides in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and has embraced Steamboat’s outdoor lifestyle. Outside of work, she can be found rowing her boat on the Yampa River or enjoying a walk with her husband Sam and dog Gracie.