Our Team
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Board Members
Paris Y. Belk
Executive Director
Paris Y. Belk, Founder of Ruby’s Ray of Hope Foundation, Inc., is deeply committed to supporting families impacted by domestic abuse. As a certified Senior Change Manager with over 28 years of corporate leadership experience, Paris brings a unique perspective and skill set to her advocacy work. Drawing from her expertise in driving organizational transformation and fostering positive change, Paris approaches the mission of Ruby’s Ray of Hope Foundation Inc. with strategic vision and determination. Inspired by personal experiences and driven by a profound empathy for survivors, Paris leverages her professional knowledge to implement impactful initiatives that empower families to rebuild their lives after trauma. With unwavering dedication and a compassionate heart, Paris works tirelessly to ensure that every individual impacted by domestic abuse receives the care, support, and opportunities they need to heal and thrive. Through Ruby’s Ray of Hope Foundation, Inc., Paris honors the memory of her mother, Ruby, by offering families hope, healing, and the chance to break free from the cycle of abuse.
Melanie Fisher
Treasurer
Melanie Fisher brings a wealth of expertise from her extensive career in Finance, specializing in Credit and Collections. With a proven track record in financial analysis and customer services, she has held key leadership roles managing teams to mitigate financial risks for global corporations. A passionate advocate for domestic violence survivors, Melanie draws inspiration from her personal journey. Having witnessed a loved one experience domestic abuse and personally navigating the challenges of teen motherhood herself, she is deeply committed to empowering young women to overcome societal stigmas, positively support their families, and pursue their dreams of success. Melanie has a long-standing dedication to community service. As a volunteer mentor with Mary Grove, an organization that helps children, teens, and young adults transcend an abusive past and overcome other life challenges, she provided guidance and mentorship to pregnant teens. Additionally, she extended her passion for self-care by using her beauty consulting business to offer pampering sessions to women in shelters. Melanie holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and is certified as a Credit Business Associate through the National Association of Credit Management (NACM). Her unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience continues to fuel her mission to create positive change for families impacted by domestic violence. In her free time, Melanie cherishes moments spent with her children and grandchildren, creating lasting memories with friends or simply enjoying quality family time. Her love for connection and community is a constant source of joy and inspiration in her life.
Marva Robinson
Board Member
Dr. Marva Robinson, PhD is a licensed Clinical Psychologist practicing in St. Louis, Missouri. She completed her master’s and doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology at Nova Southeastern University where she graduated with a specialization in Forensics and a focus in Child, Adolescent and Family Psychology. Dr. Marva Robinson currently serves as the Past President of the St. Louis Chapter of The Association of Black Psychologist, an organization focused on addressing the mental health needs of people of the African Diaspora. She also works with the respected Better Family Life organization as a clinician in their gun violence de-escalation program. Dr. Robinson started her private practice Preston & Associates Psychology Firm, LLC in 2013 so she could have the freedom to reach families where they are. She has worked with her colleagues in St. Louis Association of Black Psychologists to address the acute crisis needs of the Ferguson and greater St. Louis community. Her recent work to help address the pain of her community led her to become a respected clinician in her field. Dr. Robinson has conducted workshops in an effort to help prepare her colleagues for addressing community trauma. Her recent trainings have been held for the Missouri Psychiatric Association, Washington University Clinical Psychology Graduate School, and the St. Louis Veteran’s Affairs. A repeat guest on MSNBC and NPR, Dr. Robinson shares her insight on the role of a clinician during community turmoil. She is currently working in St. Louis, Missouri full –time with veterans in addition to recently joining the adjunct professor staff at Webster University.
Roxanne Tobias
Secretary
RoxAnne Tobias is a seasoned unemployment hearing representative with nearly 30 years of experience in unemployment insurance claims and hearings. Representing numerous employers in thousands of hearings, she consistently secures favorable decisions and helps maintain low tax rates for her clients. Driven by quality over quantity, RoxAnne has volunteered with various companies, groups and organizations including, Ready Readers, youth ministries, Girl Scouts and homeless shelters. Each volunteer experience brings her joy and fulfillment, reinforcing the importance of showing love, genuine care and support within our homes, communities and the world. With an associate degree in business management, RoxAnne focuses on the growth and success of others. Her passion lies in making a positive impact in the lives of those seeking help, support, and advice, aiming to enrich their lives and foster a sense of connection and support.