(702) 500-4155
Meet The Team
Committed to the Cause
#MakePeopleMatter #JETlife
Jeffery Eugene Thompkins Jr
Founder & Executive Director
Jeffery Eugene Thompkins Jr is the Founder & Executive Director of JET Foundation, Inc. Since 2018, the organization has led outreach support and advocacy in Nevada contributing to a dramatic decrease in the divide of what services people need and the barriers that exist in receiving them. Having gone through personal trials since birth, and not having the needed resources to help in my time of need he knows what a tough time is; being a single father and dealing with a multitude of health issues for several years, has spearheaded his passion and purpose in life.
Mr Thompkins serves as a President of the Nevada Chapter of the National Nonprofit Minority Association created in 2018, Las Vegas Chapter President of Black in Nonprofit and co-creator and partner of The Aspiration Center (1st and only comprehensive Sickle Cell Community Resource Center in Nevada) which boasts a staggering 26 programs and services that benefits all ranges of community members. He sits on the board of Boy Scouts of America- Las Vegas Chapter in addition to being the Vice Chair for the Diversity & Inclusion Committee of BSA as well. With his son Savion being born on his 18th birthday and not having any support from family or friends; he has always been determined to succeed at all costs. At 19 getting unbelievably sick he thought he would not be around to see him grow into the amazing young man that he is today.
Mr Thompkins can remember countless nights of laying in MANY hospital beds after being diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and only having a 6% chance of survival, Chrons disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Gerd, acid reflux Disease, gastritis, having a hernia on his esophagus, congestive heart failure (CHF), sleep apnea, Asthma and high blood pressure he got TREMENDOUS comfort from planning to help those around him in our community. He can remember back to crying and staring in the face of my sleeping son, while being displaced and staying in a shelter after losing his job and home; not knowing where to go, or what to do; That there had to be a better way! After gathering his own thoughts, he put pen to paper and hatched a plan, because there is a lack of resources in the community, and even less for those with any sort of income.
Trista Miller
Board Secretary
Trista is an experienced child welfare and non-profit development consultant in Las Vegas, NV. She pursued her undergraduate degree from Texas State University where she received a Bachelor’s in Applied Science in Criminal Justice while simultaneously working with youth who were involved in the foster care system.
As a former foster youth herself, Trista has over 20 years of experience advocating for those who cannot do so themselves at a local, state and national level and knows first-hand the struggles that young people face when they do not have adequate support systems and resources, She is passionate about addressing the root causes of instability faced by vulnerable populations while identifying and executing effective, long-term solutions.
Jalen Williams
President
Experienced, trustworthy, fun. These are just a few of the ways coworkers describe this invaluable member of our team. Jalen is truly a joy to be around and makes it a pleasure to come to work every single day.
​Tamika Marshall
Patient Advocacy Director
Tamika joined JET Foundation, Inc. with the vision and drive to improve upon our Non-Profit Organization, and focused on developing the organization with experience and integrity.
​
Tamika Marshall is a One Stop Professional. Born and raised in Pasadena, California she has four children and one grandchild. For the past 11 years, she has called Las Vegas, Nevada her "Home Away From Home."
With 16 years in the medical field, she retired and ventured out to become Versatile Woman. Certified Event Management Planner, Personal Assistant, CPR Instructor and so much more. Her life, as many, came with hardships but nothing stops her from leaving a legacy for her family.
Tamika is a Lupus Warrior and one of the Founder's of Gamma Pi Rho Lupus Sorority, Inc. A Sorority dedicated to bringing awareness, education and advocacy to not only Las Vegas, but the world. Through her survival of cervical cancer, heart attack and two strokes, she lives by the motto: "Each Morning we rise to start a new. What we do today matters."
Bruce Eddins
Health & Wellness Director
I was born and raised in Los Angeles California and moved to Las Vegas in 2008. I have served the community for more than 30 years, supporting the rich heritage of diversity while instilling the idea that we have choices and can create pathways to successful futures.
I am the owner and operator of Horizon Ridge Clinic, LLC for-profit established in 2013 and Horizon Ridge Wellness Clinic, Inc. non-profit established in 2016. My goal is to empower others to help themselves and to pass the torch to those who are waiting to lead.
I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to embrace all that I have learned, experienced and been challenged with in creating a well-rounded, full-service agency – serving the Las Vegas community – providing essential support services and access to improved wellness and self-sufficiency for those in need.
Educational Background:
B.A. Psychology and MA in Behavioral Science-Conflict Management and Negotiations from CSU, Dominguez Hills
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor-Intern (LADCI)
Ph.D. in Public Health in Progress
Adrian Hunt
Law Enforcement Liaison
We are proud to announce and welcome Mr Adrian Hunt with LVMPD onboard as our Law Enforcement Liaison! Adrian joined JET Foundation, Inc. with the vision and drive to improve upon our Non-Profit Organization, and focused on developing the organization with experience and integrity. He comes us with a wealth of knowledge and we look forward to fostering and building our community, through his experiences.
-15 years of continued service on the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Worked a variety of sections throughout the department.
-Currently assigned to Patrol Summerlin Area Command (SET) Summerlin Enforcement Team.
-Vice President of the Nevada Black Police Association.
-Received LVMPD Officer of the year Community Service Award in 2015/2016.
-PBS initiate Spring 1999
-Currently SBC Advisor/ Nevada State Director
-Life Member #3269
Adrian has assisted JET Foundation in various capacities in the past and we are stoked that he has joined in an official advisory position. He will assist in our mission by ensuring that not only our events, but also our patrons are safe and healthy in the community. We Salute you for your service, and are thankful that you have accepted the #JETlife mission and will push to continue to #makepeoplematter
Veronica "Ronni" Murphy
Homeless Outreach Director
Veronica Murphy formally known as Veronica Royal. Many know me as Ronni Royal. I was born in Los Angeles, Ca. and was raised in Riverside, Ca. Better known as the Inland Empire. I moved to Las Vegas May of 2005. I’ve lived in Las Vegas 16 years, I can now say this is home for me. I’m a mother of 3 lovely children.
I am a graduate with Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice administration with Management. Also obtained Master’s degree in Business administration with Marketing, Branding and Entrepreneurship. My true passion is helping people.
​
Recently walked away from corporate America and decided to start my own business. I’m also the owner of Royal Kurve, where I offer beauty, and health & wellness services. My main focus is Enhancing Beauty, Body, Health & Confidence.
In addition to my passion, I have a really big heart and community service is everything to me. At the age of 16 years old, I was a part of a community service group call Diplomats. With several years experience of co-chair for Wyndham vacations resorts charity organization. I’ve also held an annual event called #HashtagLunchbag here in Las Vegas. Where my focus was feeding our homeless and having the community involved with lunch-bag needs for our less fortunate.
Mrs. Jennifer Leifer
Director of Educational Affairs
Whether it be at the school cafeteria, in the gymnasium, or at the volleyball courts, Jennifer is the truest cheerleader to push children forward to excel in their endeavors and achieve success in life.
​
With more than 15 years of experience with children, their social and emotional needs, and transparent and honest communication and coordination with their parents, Jen has spent incalculable hours uplifting those in most need through in school & after school programs, as well as fortifying partnerships with the community and partners.
​
Currently an Assistant Principal at the S.T.E.M. Academy of Jim Bridger, a middle school in North Las Vegas, Jennifer has spent 8 years in management of school activities from Family Nights to student clubs to family multi-cultural experiences through student led hula dancing, Bachata, Mariachi, Gospel, African Drum performances and other community involving events. Her current major project is the management of a diverse team of school counselors, safety professionals and a Communities in Schools liaison to create an infrastructure to qualify, evaluate, and monitor progress of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) / Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) tiers 1-3 at-risk students that have specific high social and emotional needs.
​
Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in dual concentrations of K-8 Teaching Education and International Studies – Latin America from Gonzaga University and dual Masters in Curriculum Instruction TESOL (Test of English as Second Language) and School Administration from Touro University. She also has a professional working fluency in Spanish.