As CEO of TGR Foundation, Cyndi Court has executive responsibility for the Foundation’s programs and outreach, leading the nonprofit organization as it carries out its mission to empower students to pursue their passions through education.

Court is a seasoned nonprofit professional with more than 25 years of experience in education, youth development, marketing and fundraising with individuals, foundations and corporations. She has significant experience leading national nonprofits focused on serving young people from under-resourced communities. Prior to joining TGR Foundation, Court was the chief development officer at Berry College where she oversaw all development, philanthropic communications, alumni engagement and a comprehensive capital campaign, which included the renovation and construction of new academic facilities. She also created and endowed a scholarship program for students experiencing challenging circumstances including significant financial need and created opportunities for diverse students in STEM with corporate partners. Her experience also includes roles as the chief marketing and development officer of Special Olympics International and executive vice-president, resource development and marketing at Boys & Girls Clubs of America. During her time with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, she worked with Major League Baseball and Henry and Billye Aaron to endow the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation program for youth.

A Canadian by birth, Court holds a bachelor’s degree in English and history as well as a Bachelor of Education from York University in Toronto Canada. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her husband, Doug, and their three children.

Christina Friend is a consummate professional renowned for her exceptional contributions to the nonprofit sector and philanthropic ventures. With a remarkable career spanning prominent organizations and a dedication to driving change through strategic partnerships, Christina is a dynamic leader shaping the landscape of charitable development.  Christina’s journey through the world of nonprofit development and philanthropy has been marked by transformative   achievements. She held the position of Senior Vice President of Development for Susan G. Komen, where her visionary leadership resulted in the creation of the groundbreaking More Than Pink Walk. Her expertise in orchestrating corporate cause campaigns, brand partnerships, event strategy, major giving, and mission-based fundraising is nothing short of extraordinary.

Prior to her role at Susan G. Komen, Christina played pivotal roles at iconic organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America and National 4-H Council, where she consistently led revenue generation initiatives.  Known for her innate ability to breathe new life into brands through strategic partnerships with charitable causes, Christina has brought the missions of organizations to the forefront. Her work in corporate brand partnerships, brand activation, and brand sponsorship has left an indelible mark on the nonprofit sector, elevating the impact of these organizations and the brands they partner with.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Christina is a passionate advocate for the empowerment of women and women-owned businesses. As the co-founder of the LeadHERship Global podcast, she has fostered a thriving community that empowers and supports women across sectors and industries. Her commitment to creating inclusive environments and promoting diversity is evident in all her endeavors.

Christina’s commitment to continuous growth and learning is evident in her academic achievements. She holds a Master’s degree in Corporate Communication from Baylor University and is the proud recipient of a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University. Christina Friend is not only a dedicated professional but a devoted family person. She resides in Plano, Texas, with her family and shares her life with her beloved dogs, Buster and Harley. Her ability to strike a harmonious balance between work and personal life is a testament to her well-rounded approach.

As the President of TGR Learning Labs and National Programs for TGR Foundation, Hrag Hamalian oversees all education programming for the nonprofit organization nationwide. He leads an experienced team of programs staff and instructors who deliver high-quality educational programming to students from under-resourced communities.

Hamalian is a dynamic leader in education, with more than 20 years of experience in K-12 and higher education along with development and program expansion. Prior to joining TGR Foundation, Hamalian previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Bright Star Schools. In this role he strategically grew Bright Star Schools from four to nine schools and created a community-based schools model that provides a transitional kindergarten to 12th grade education, plus 6 years of higher education support, for over 3,500 students across Los Angeles.
Prior to his time at Bright Star, Hamalian founded Valor Academy Middle School, a high performing 5th through 8th grade charter public school in Los Angeles. In 2013, Hrag helped lead the strategic merger of Valor and Bright Star, the first merger between two successful charter organizations in Los Angeles.

In 2011, Hamalian was the recipient of Boston College’s prestigious Gold Award, honoring him as alumnus of the decade. He holds a double-major bachelor’s degree from Boston College in biology and honors English, a master’s degree in secondary education from Loyola Marymount University, and a master’s in business administration from UCLA.
Hamalian is a Broad Academy Fellow, Aspen Institute Fellow, an Achievement First Accelerator Fellow, a Building Excellent Schools Fellow, and a Teach for America Corps Member. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for ExEd and Building Excellent Schools.