We are proud to honor Lelia Scheu and Amirali Shakoorian of Urbanworks, dedicated supporters of United Friends since 2018. Amirali, Founder and President of Urbanworks, holds a PhD in Construction Management and an MBA from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and has led more than two million square feet of development valued at over $1.5 billion.

Lelia, Head of Operations, holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University and a Juris Doctor from UC Hastings College of the Law and is a licensed architect and attorney who brings an integrated design, legal, and operational perspective to the firm’s work. Lelia and Amirali recently brought their talents and resources to help with the renovation of a community space at our housing site, creating an environment where foster youth can feel supported.

Their generosity continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of the foster youth we serve.

We are proud to honor Marion E. Brooks, an accomplished executive, leadership coach, author, speaker, and community advocate with 30 years turning leadership into impact in the life sciences industry. Rising to Vice President and U.S. Country Head at one of the world’s leading healthcare companies, Marion built and led award-winning teams across sales, marketing, training, and human resources, including an organization responsible for more than $1 billion in annual sales.

As Chairman of Sunshine’s Open Door Foundation, Marion champions programs helping foster youth transition to independence, guided by his belief in using his access for good. He is also a co-creator of Beacon of Hope, a $50 million Novartis initiative partnering with Historically Black Medical Schools and 26 HBCUs to expand opportunities for future healthcare leaders.

His guiding belief that access creates opportunity, and opportunity creates impact, continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of the foster youth we serve.

Sheroum Kim is an accomplished film producer and studio executive, known for her leadership in overseeing major projects like American Sniper, Hustlers, and The Edge of Seventeen. In 2016, she was recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as one of its Next Gen execs, spotlighting rising stars in the entertainment industry under 35. In 2019, Sheroum joined Netflix and has since curated a slate of highly successful films, particularly in young adult, romantic comedy, and comedy genres. Her projects include the popular To All the Boys franchise, Love Hard, Holidate, Work It, and You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.

Beyond her career in entertainment, Sheroum is deeply passionate about supporting foster youth. As a foster-to-adopt parent herself, she actively collaborates with philanthropic organizations to mentor and uplift children and families in the foster care system.

Her dedication to making a difference in their lives is a testament to her commitment to creating positive change both on and off the screen.