Espyre Leadership
Becky Chapman
Founder, President & Executive Director
I am the Founder and Executive Director of Espyre and a former foster youth who lived in multiple foster homes throughout Texas. My experiences taught me firsthand what it feels like to step into adulthood without always having the same support systems or foundation that many others take for granted. They also showed me that our past does not determine our future.
For more than 20 years, I have worked with and supported youth through schools, churches, camps, clubs, and mentorship opportunities while building experience in education, leadership, business operations, and service to others.
I created Espyre because I want foster youth to know they are capable of more than what statistics, labels, or circumstances may suggest. I believe in helping young people grow beyond expectations, lead with confidence, and ultimately thrive while knowing they are seen, supported, and never alone.
My hope is that every young person who becomes part of Espyre believes in themselves and knows their future can be greater than they ever imagined.
Grow. Lead. Thrive.
Board of Directors
Lillie Ralph
Vice President, Secretary & Treasurer
I am honored to serve Espyre because I believe young people need intentional support, guidance, and encouragement as they prepare for adulthood. Espyre provides me with an opportunity to help foster youth develop the tools, confidence, and life skills needed to build a strong foundation for their future. Helping young people start life on a firm footing and realize their potential is a mission that is very close to my heart.
I unfortunately lost an adult son to substance use and two other adult daughters unexpectedly. My heart aches missing their hugs, smiles, and late-night talks. Through both joy and loss, I have learned how important it is for young people to have caring adults who support, encourage, and help guide them through life's challenges.
Born and raised in Louisiana, Texas has been my home for more than twenty years after relocating following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Over that time, I found a new family and community. While raising my own five very unique children, I also had the privilege of caring for and encouraging many other young people along the way. I can truly say we were blessed with a large and loving Texas family.
My experiences in nursing, teaching, and parenting have allowed me to encourage, mentor, and support young people as they build confidence, overcome challenges, and prepare for adulthood. I look forward to sharing those experiences and helping young men and women build the confidence and life skills needed to enter adulthood successfully.
I am proud to be part of Espyre and help youth grow, lead, and thrive.
Grow. Lead. Thrive.
Eraldo Perez
Board Member
I joined Espyre because I believe every young person deserves someone in their corner who sees their potential before they can see it themselves. Foster youth are often asked to step into adulthood without the mentorship and steady support that so many others take for granted, and Espyre’s mission to change that resonates deeply with the work I have devoted my career to.
For more than fifteen years, I have taught and mentored adolescents as a Spanish teacher and former Department Chair at West Mesquite High School. I have walked alongside students preparing for rigorous Advanced Placement coursework and students navigating difficult life circumstances. What I have learned is that relationships are everything. Skills and knowledge take root when a young person feels genuinely seen, supported, and held to high expectations by someone who refuses to give up on them.
I hold a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. I also volunteer as an interpreter and medical assistant at a Dallas clinic serving patients with limited access to healthcare.
It is a privilege to serve on the Espyre board and support young people as they grow, lead, and thrive.
Grow. Lead. Thrive.
Dorothy Lipscomb
Board Member
I am honored to serve on the Board of Espyre because I believe foster youth deserve support, encouragement, and people who will walk alongside them as they enter adulthood. Through my family's experience in foster care, I witnessed firsthand the challenges many youth face as they transition into independence and the importance of having a strong support system. Espyre's mission to equip young people with practical life skills, confidence, and guidance is one I am proud to support.
As a former foster parent, my husband and I spent seven years opening our home to more than twenty children, providing love, guidance, and encouragement during important seasons of their lives. Our journey through foster care also became deeply personal when we adopted a baby boy born to one of our foster daughters.
I live in Paris, Texas, and have always had a heart for supporting children and families. During our years in foster care, we saw the profound need for programs that empower older youth as they transition from the foster care system into adulthood. These young adults deserve opportunities, resources, and a supportive network as they begin building their futures.
In addition to my experience as a foster parent, I owned and operated my own tax preparation business for fourteen years, serving individuals and families while building experience in business, organization, and helping others navigate important financial matters.
I am excited to be part of Espyre and look forward to helping young people grow, lead, and thrive.
Grow. Lead. Thrive.