MEET THE TEAM

DORESA BROOKS

CEO

Doresa Brooks is the Founder and CEO of Every Child Should Smile. A passionate advocate for youth and families, she leads initiatives in mentorship, education, hospitality training, workforce development, reentry support, and community outreach. Her mission is to ensure every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to build a brighter future.

GORTRIA BANKS

TREASURER

Mother and best friend, family to be transparently overseeing the foundation of ECSS in hopes to help all children feel like they have a place in this world.

TONIA WASTON

SECRETARY

Tonia Waston is a devoted mother with more than 20 years of hospitality industry experience, including service as a hotel manager. Her dedication to helping families and the community strengthens her work as Secretary of Every Child Should Smile.

MY STORY

Empowering Every Child's Smile

Hello! I’m a proud native Memphian and a mother of eight, dedicated to making a difference in my community. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality leadership, I’ve faced the challenge of balancing motherhood, a demanding career, and my return to college as an adult. In 2022, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Resort Management from the University of Memphis, with a minor in Culinary Arts, graduating cum laude and gaining honors like Eta Sigma Delta, Tri-Alpha, and Black Scholars Unlimited. I furthered my education by earning my MBA and Graduate Certificate in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership in December 2025, and I am currently an MPA candidate focusing on nonprofit leadership. In 2020, I founded Every Child Should Smile to ensure that children in underserved Memphis communities feel seen and supported. Through ECSS, we provide mentorship, education, hospitality training, workforce development, food assistance, and more, creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.