Board of Directors

Robert Edwards

Board President

email: [email protected]

Mr. Edwards is currently the Regional Director of Operations for VIP Hospitality Group and manages capital projects, revenue management, and hotel sales. Prior to his current position Mr. Edwards worked for Sage Hospitality as a Director of Revenue Management. Mr. Edwards currently holds the position of Board President. As board president he has aimed to surround the director, board members and staff with the best available training and support in addition to focus on the financial health of the organization.

Desiree Lepsey

Survivor Leader

email: [email protected]

Desirée Lepsey is the founder of iSee You Foundation. She believes through education and awareness the barrier of judgment can be broken down concerning some of the root-causes that exploit those who are most vulnerable to the life of domestic sex trafficking.

Desirée is a present-day survivor, speaker, trainer, and consultant in the cause of the anti-sex-trafficking movement. She currently serves on the Clark County Human Trafficking Task Force in Vancouver, WA and partners with like organizations in the community that are making a difference for our kids who are at risk. It is her mission to be a voice for those who have yet to find their own and help represent those who are most often overlooked.

Deborah Eckel

Board Member

Email: [email protected]

Deborah Eckel joined the AV41 Board of Directors from NWEA, a private foundation with a mission to positively impact student learning. Deborah worked for the past 13 years as an executive assistant to the executive leadership team of NWEA. While at NWEA, Deborah was a co-chair for their Behind School Walls program with Big Brothers and Big Sisters for ten years, as well as a big sister herself. Deborah implemented and headed up a Community Involvement Team to give support to local schools/organizations.

Deborah feels as an adult, it is her responsibility to speak out for the future generations and ask what kind of society we are going to tolerate. She is passionate about proper governmental control over Internet content, and fighting against online advertising for illegal commercial sex in the United States.

Sumandhi Fox

Board Member

email: [email protected]

Sumandhi Fox is a dedicated and accomplished Property Manager at the World Trade Center Portland, where she has excelled since joining in September 2018. With a diverse background spanning educational consulting, affordable housing, and commercial real estate, Sumandhi brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to community- focused leadership. Known for her empathy and exceptional relational skills, she excels in fostering collaborative environments and building lasting relationships with tenants, owners, contractors, and stakeholders. As the Board Chair of the Women’s Business Resource Group for three years, she has championed initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

Sumandhi manages over 25 commercial and retail tenants, handling all aspects of leasing, budget management, and capital improvements. She is recognized for her transparent approach, operating with an open-door policy that encourages open communication and problem-solving. Her passion for leadership, organizational enhancement, and team cohesion drives her success in creating harmonious and productive environments. In her career, Sumandhi has consistently empowered marginalized communities, leveraging her extensive experience in asset management, finance, conflict resolution, and strategic partnership development. Her commitment to continuous improvement and team success makes her a highly dynamic and respected leader in her field.