Meet our DOKF Board Members

As a young child, I was once part of the foster and adoption system. Jumping from home to home is no easy feat and took a toll on me emotionally, mentally, and physically, which caused me to experience an emotional disconnect at home, school, and in my personal life.

Experiencing bullying at a young age from lack of hair care and knowledge at home caused me to want to create change for children that have experienced similar situations.

 I then founded the Dream of Kalamazoo Foundation to help aid in the change by rendering free hair care services to children in the foster and adoption system, and also by educating their guardians and their wards on how to do their hair.

Since founding the Dream of Kalamazoo Foundation, I seek to partner with organizations and service locations that are also very passionate about our mission in serving and educating the families that need it the most. 

We are thankful for all of our partners, service locations and everyone that has contributed to the continuation, growth, and sustainability of the Dream of Kalamazoo Foundation.

Rubbie Thigpen née Hodge grew up on Chicago's south and west sides, where she attended Chicago Public Schools in grades K 12. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Northeastern Illinois University (Speech and Drama major) and Roosevelt University (Educational Supervision and Administration major).

Rubbie loves performing arts. She lived for it as a young student. She auditioned and performed in a myriad of high school and college performances. These experiences sparked a long and fulfilling teaching career in Illinois, Michigan, and California, where she received recognition and awards for her creative student drama performances. She was twice nominated Teacher of the Year for Keppel Union School District in Littlerock, California. 

Rubbie is lucky enough to be related to Lalonie and knows her God-given gifts and natural talents all too well. It is because she witnessed Lalonie’s love and care for young people whose lives have been impacted by unfortunate circumstances that caused Rubbie to become a member of the Dream Of Kalamazoo Foundation. Her life has been enriched by witnessing this group’s love of community as they give of their time and talent to a most deserving group of young people.

 Born & raised in Southwest Michigan, I have been cutting hair for six years and found my niche in servicing folks who don't feel comfortable in a traditional barbershop setting.

 I'm excited to be a part of the Dream of Kalamazoo Foundation because education and community are integral to my character.

 Cosmetology is always evolving, just like my LGBTQ+ Community. I'm hoping to bring my perspective, as a member of that community, to the Foundation so that we can provide for all types of families. 

 My mission in life is to be a light for others and those in need. 

 I have had the honor of working in community service for the last 30 years.  My efforts have found me volunteering for the Salvation Army during the holidays, feeding people experiencing homelessness and mentoring young women for ten years in the D.Y.M.O.N. program in Nashville, TN.

Being a part of the Dream of Kalamazoo Foundation is an honor. Providing mentorship and assistance to young men and women is a necessary and important role. I am excited to stand in and fulfill the gap by helping children in need.

I am a partner in Samson’s Haircare and Samson’s Barbershop in Kalamazoo.

 My business partner, Jake, and I are both foster dads and have a huge passion for that community.

 My wife, Sarah, and I currently have 2 children and our wonderful dog, Moxxee. 

I am from Lansing, Michigan. I moved to Kalamazoo to go to school and graduated from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. I am currently working with the Salvation Army to pursue full-time ministry. The Salvation Army focuses on sharing the gospel of Jesus by addressing the most critical human needs, "The Three S's"—soup, soap, and salvation. After meeting a person's immediate physical needs (soup) and restoring their dignity (soap), the Salvation Army effectively shares the message of Christ. I love Lalonie's strides to meet the gaps in the haircare industry by restoring dignity and pride to our fostered and adopted youth. I love being a part of organizations striving to meet community gaps.