After years of steadfast service on the Safe Shores Board of Directors, John Gilmore, Deb Jospin, Walter Kim, Maegan Scott, and Poet Taylor have reached the end of their terms. We would like to thank them for their visionary leadership, graciousness, and commitment to Safe Shores – The DC Children’s Advocacy Center.
John, Deb, Walter, Maegan, and Poet, thank you for investing your time, talent, and support and continually showing up for child victims of abuse, Safe Shores’ staff, and your board colleagues!
John Gilmore,
The Prince of Presence
John attended nearly every organizational event, sleeves rolled up and ready to serve, always with a smile, understanding that showing up is leadership.
“Serving on the Safe Shores Board has been both an honor and a deeply personal privilege. Inspired by my mother’s 35 years of serving students in DC Public Schools, I have always felt a strong connection to the children and families of our city, making this mission especially meaningful. While protecting children has always been at the heart of Safe Shores’ work, I have also been proud to support the extraordinary staff who carry the weight and responsibility of the work every day—helping create opportunities for them to feel valued, appreciated, and recharged so they can continue showing up with the compassion, strength, and resilience that children and families deserve. Working alongside such dedicated professionals and fellow board members has been one of the greatest privileges of my service, and I remain hopeful that one day we will live in a world where every child is safe, every family has the support they need, and organizations like Safe Shores are no longer necessary.”
Thank you, John!
Deb Jospin,
Board Recruitment Royalty
A charismatic catalyst for the mission and a people-picker with a persuasive pitch, Deb had a knack for purposefully matching skills with needs.
“As my service on the Safe Shores Board comes to a close, I am filled with such big feelings: so much love for the organization and its mission, great admiration for Michele and the dedicated Safe Shores staff, so much respect for the children and their caregivers, and so much gratitude for my fellow board members, many of whom are now lifelong friends. My life is forever changed because of my service on behalf of Safe Shores. For me, it will always be ‘For the Children.'”
Thank you, Deb!
Walter Kim,
The Ever-Gracious Graphics Guru
A long-time supporter of Safe Shores, Walter drafted our first official logo (the orange Starfish!) and brochure back in 2004, helping Safe Shores design and define our visual identity from day one.
“Walking alongside Safe Shores for nine years has broken my heart open to the realities of childhood trauma, but more importantly, it has filled me with hope knowing Safe Shores helps children and families reclaim their joy and heal.”
Thank you, Walter!
Maegan Scott,
The Grand Dame of Diplomacy, Governance & Facilitation
Guiding governance with grace, Maegan kept every gathering on track and ensured every voice was heard with the mission at the center.
“Serving as Board Chair of Safe Shores has been one of the great privileges of my life. Watching this team show up for children and families with such skill and heart, year after year, has reminded me what real community impact looks like. I’m proud of what we’ve built together, and I’m confident the organization’s best days are still ahead.”
Thank you, Maegan!
Poet Taylor,
The Media & Mission Maven
Champion of Safe Shores’ mission on the air(waves) and everywhere, Poet ensured Safe Shores’ story was always told well.
“The greatest gift we can give a child is the chance to simply be a child. Serving on the Safe Shores Board reminded me that protecting that gift is never one big moment—it’s the daily choice to care, reflected in every conversation, every decision, and every action. Thank you for allowing me to serve alongside such passionate and dedicated people. I’ll always be cheering Safe Shores on and carrying this mission with me wherever I go.”
Thank you, Poet!
Swipe through to see some of our favorite moments with John, Deb, Walter, Maegan, and Poet!
