MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND BRLF

The Branton Ramsey Legacy Foundation is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors and supported by an Advisory Board made up of community leaders and professionals who share our commitment to creating opportunities for young people through MAGIC - Music, Art, Gaming, IT, and Career Development.

Our Board of Directors

The Branton Ramsey Legacy Foundation Board of Directors provides strategic leadership and governance for our 501(c)(3) nonprofit. In this role, the board guides initiatives that make a meaningful difference for youth and yound adults in the River Valley. With a strong commitment to empowering the next generation, board members support programs that offer scholarships, mentorship, and digital skills training. As a result, these programs help young people grow academically, creatively, and professionally. Additionally, through thoughtful oversight and community engagement, the board ensures each initiative reflects Branton's passions. In turn, these efforts inspire and equip local youth and young adults to reach their full potential.

Donna Niedergeses Davis, Founder/Director

After the loss of their son Branton in 2021, Donna and her husband James established the Branton "Buddy" Ramsey Memorial Scholarship at Carl Albert State College in 2022. From there, this effort led to the founding of the Branton Ramsey Legacy Foundation in 2025. Together, these initiatives honor his life and passions. Inspired by Branton's love for music, art, esports, and technology, Donna now leads the foundation. Through this work, she helps create programs that empower youth and young adults in the River Valley.

Under her guidance, the foundation funds scholarships and hosts the annual Brantstock music festival. Notably, Donna and James launched this event in 2022. In addition, the foundation supports initiatives like Teens Teach Tech. Through this program, teens teach digital skills to adults. As a result, participants gain valuable mentorship and leadership experience.

Beyond the foundation, Donna brings extensive experience in youth development and community service. For example, she served nearly a decade in various roles with the Boy Scouts of America at local and district levels. Additionally, she has volunteered for nearly two decades at Immaculate Conception Church in Fort Smith. There, she served as a confirmation catechist, parish council member, and grief support volunteer.

Her dedication to mentorship, technology training, and creative youth programs drives the Foundation's mission. As a result, the organization continues to inspire and equip the next generation. In turn, these efforts create lasting community impact in the River Valley.

Jason Ybarra, President

Chris Wiles, Vice President

Katlin Taylor, Secretary

Gracie Gilbreth, Treasurer

My name is Gracie, and I am the Treasurer of the Branton Ramsey Legacy Foundation Board of Directors. I have been married to my husband for 10 years this March, I have two little boys who keep me very busy, and I work full-time as a psychotherapist.

I grew up in the River Valley, and programs investing in youth in our area are very important to me. When Branton's mom asked me to participate on this board, it was an easy yes. I've known Branton and his mom since high school, and I was excited that by investing in his interests, we could support the future of youth and, ultimately, our community.

Over the next 5 years, I envision this foundation helping youth by building connections and friendships through music, art, gaming, information technology, and career development.

Help Shape What's Possible

Join the Branton Ramsey Legacy Foundation Advisory Board

The Branton Ramsey Legacy Foundation is growing, and we’re looking for community leaders, professionals, and subject-matter experts who want to help create greater opportunities for young people in the River Valley.

Our Advisory Board brings together people with different skills, experiences, professional networks, and perspectives to help guide the foundation as we expand our work in Music, Art, Gaming, IT, and Career Development (MAGIC).

Advisory Board Opportunities

We are currently seeking individuals with experience or connections in:

Fundraising & Development
Strategic Planning
Business Development
Marketing & Communications

Community Partnerships

Program & Subject-Matter Expertise
Grant Writing
Finance & Accounting

Who We’re Looking For

You don’t have to be a nonprofit professional to serve. We’re looking for people who bring experience, relationships, expertise, or a willingness to help, and who believe that every young person should have the opportunity to pursue what inspires them.

What Does an Advisory Board Member Do?

Advisory Board members provide expertise, ideas, connections, and perspective that can help BRLF grow its impact. Depending on your area of expertise and availability, you may:

Provide insight and recommendations within your area of expertise
Help expand awareness of BRLF and connect the foundation with new opportunities through your professional and community networks
Help identify potential partners, sponsors, donors, and community resources
Provide guidance that helps strengthen existing initiatives and shape future opportunities
Support fundraising efforts and annual events such as Brantstock
Assist with sponsorships, community partnerships, and special projects
Participate in periodic meetings, planning discussions, and strategic conversations

You don’t have to do it all, and you don’t have to do it alone. We value the expertise and connections each person brings, and we want Advisory Board service to be meaningful, flexible, and sustainable.

A Flexible Opportunity to Make a Difference

Advisory Board members serve a two-year, flexible term, with opportunities for continued involvement. Participation is designed to work around your professional and personal commitments while allowing you to contribute where your experience can have the greatest impact.

We’re building something meaningful from the ground up, and we’re looking for people who want to use their experience, influence, and passion to help open doors for the next generation.

Your voice could help connect a student to a scholarship.
Your expertise could help strengthen an initiative.
Your network could introduce BRLF to a partner who makes a new opportunity possible.

Together, we can help ensure that a young person’s financial circumstances or access to resources doesn’t stand between them and what they’re capable of becoming.

Interested in Serving?

If you have expertise, connections, or a passion for helping young people pursue opportunities in MAGIC - Music, Art, Gaming, IT, or Career Development, we’d love to hear from you.

Interested in joining the BRLF Advisory Board? Contact us to learn more about available opportunities and how you can get involved.

I'm Interested in Serving

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