"Planting Seeds of Kindness"

Marissa Miles
President

Marissa Miles grew up in South Florida and attended the University of Central Florida where she earned a BA degree and a MA degree in Educational Leadership. She began her career at Florida Atlantic University, then moved on to Florida International University as the College of Medicine Director of Financial Assistance and Senior Director of Enrollment Management while obtaining a certification as an Accredited Financial Counselor. Marissa is currently taking on a new challenge as the Founding Director of FInancial Aid at the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Marissa’s service to the community began at a young age as a girl scout and continued throughout her life, even meeting her husband, Lenny, while volunteering for Surfrider Foundation. She found her passion in philanthropic efforts through scholarship experiences in her career and when joining the Rotary Club of Miami where their motto really resonated with her, “Service Above Self.”

LJ had an immense impact on Marissa’s life. One look at his face, a bat of his eyelashes, his hand holding hers, and she was in love. Alongside her husband, she founded LJ’s Impact Foundation to begin giving back to those charities who supported LJ and his family and helping those families in need of support now.

Leonard Miles III
Vice-President

Leonard “Lenny” Miles III was born and raised in South Florida and attended Fort Pierce Central H.S. Shortly after, he completed trade school to become an electrician and with his then wife, was expecting a baby. Lenny was soon blessed with L.J. Miles IV, a beautiful baby boy born with disabilities. LJ was the best thing that had ever happened to Lenny, showing him an unimaginable love. Although life had posed many struggles, Lenny never stopped fighting to be a father. LJ’s strong & powerful drive for life gave him strength and Lenny went on to complete his apprenticeship, joined the IBEW local union 728 in 2006 and since 2017 has served on the E-board.

Since the loss of his son LJ, Lenny and wife Marissa have discussed trying to help others in similar situations. In 2021, she surprised him with what he considers to be the best gift ever... establishing LJ’s Impact Foundation. Together, it has given the Miles’ a chance to become a beacon of light, to help others in their time of need and to support the facilities & charities that had helped them when it was needed most.

LJ’s strong & powerful drive for life gave him strength and Lenny went on to complete his apprenticeship, joined the IBEW local union 728 in 2006 and served on the E-board from 2017 to 2023.

Elizabeth Daniels
Secretary

Elizabeth Daniels was born and raised in Hamilton Square, NJ. She moved to South Florida in 1983. She and her husband of more than 37 years raised two successful children, Marissa and Christopher. Elizabeth has voluntereed with numerous organizations, including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Little League, March of Dimes and Surfrider Foundation. She retired from Indian River State College in 2013 after 17 years of service where she worked as a Systems Programmer and moved to her current home in Saint Augustine Beach, FL.

Along with her husband, Jamie, a retired firefighter, they have spent the last several years traveling in a RV across the country visiting national parks from Florida to Alaska. During their well-deserved retirement, they have also enjoyed fishing, hiking and playing pickleball.

Elizabeth had the opportunity to meet LJ on many occasions when he stayed with his father and Marissa. She was touched by the experience and was left with a lasting impression. She is looking forward to serving on the LJ’s Impact Foundation board with her daughter and son in law.

Alberto Diaz, Jr.
Director

Born and raised in South Florida, Alberto Diaz Jr. is a father to a vibrant young girl. He is an active member of the South Florida community through his philanthropic work with the Rotary Club of Miami. Alberto plays an active role in the youth services within the organization as one of the founding advisors for the FIU Rotaract Club. Rotaract is a youth organization focused on giving back in service to the greater South Florida community.

Alberto graduated from Florida International University, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Currently, Alberto is pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education from his alma mater. His professional background includes banking, retail, and higher education.

Currently, Alberto serves as the Assistant Director of Financial Assistance for FIU College of Medicine. Here he met the Miles family and their heartfelt story to give back to families who experienced similar obstacles as they did while caring for LJ. Alberto believes this foundation’s mission is rooted in compassion and love to help those families that need it most.

Shannon Wells
Director

A South Florida native, Shannon Wells is the mother of two amazing girls. She graduated from Indian River State College with an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science in Interior Design. After years in the design field, she went on to work for a successful social media and consulting firm. Here, Shannon began her career as a copywriter, creating and managing major social media accounts, writing press releases, newsletters and blogs for nationwide companies and contributing to a culinary magazine.

Shannon has gained experience and knowledge working with nonprofit organizations. She served as a Vice President on the volunteer board of the Lindsay School of the Arts and taught complimentray art courses to children in her community. Shannon was also a member of the Surfrider Foundation.

Shannon had the privilege of meeting LJ during visits with his family in Florida. It was these remarkable encounters and love for his family that has drawn her to LJ’s Impact Foundation. Shannon is not only honored to be a part of LJIF but finds true joy in helping other children and families.

Victoria Kausmeyer
Director

Victoria attended Queens University of Charlotte on an academic and volleyball scholarship. While earning her BA, she served as captain of her volleyball team and later became assistant coach.

Victoria began her career in higher education at Florida Atlantic University, where she met and worked alongside LJIF founder, Marissa Miles. Victoria then earned her Master’s in Education from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN.

While attending Vanderbilt, Victoria worked on a federally funded research project that focused on learning intervention for at-risk elementary students. She tutored second grade students in the Nashville metro area for two years and was inspired by the students and gratified with the program’s impactful results.

Victoria continued her higher education work, both domestically and abroad, and now resides on the East Coast with her husband and young son. She is thrilled to bring her education and experience to support the mission and families of the LJIF and looks forward to making an impact on and contributing to LJIF’s success!