Honoring Excellence: MOMA Welcomes Two New Board Members Committed to Justice & Community
- Collette Portis
- Sep 6
- 3 min read
At Mothers of Murdered Angels (MOMA), we believe that leadership matters—especially when it comes to creating real change for families and communities impacted by gun violence. That’s why we are thrilled to welcome two exceptional leaders to our Board of Directors: the Honorable Judge Mary Ellen Hicks and Pastor John Reed.
These two individuals bring a wealth of experience, compassion, and deep community roots to the MOMA mission. Their work in law, ministry, public health, and advocacy aligns beautifully with our values of justice, empowerment, and healing. As MOMA continues to grow its impact across Fort Worth and beyond, Judge Hicks and Pastor Reed will be instrumental in shaping our path forward.
Honorable Judge Mary Ellen Hicks Board Member: A Trailblazer in Texas Law
We are deeply honored to welcome the legendary Judge Mary Ellen Hicks to the MOMA board. A woman of firsts, Judge Hicks has shattered ceilings and paved paths throughout her career in law.
She holds degrees from:
Texas Woman’s University
Texas Tech School of Law
Golden Gate School of Law
University of Colorado
Harvard Law School
Her legacy includes being:
The first Black municipal court judge and chief
The first Black female district court judge in Tarrant County
The first Black female Court of Appeals justice in the region
Judge Hicks is a life member of the NAACP and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she continues to inspire a legacy of sisterhood, scholarship, and service.
Her lived experience, legal expertise, and commitment to equity and justice make her an extraordinary addition to the MOMA Board of Directors. She will help ensure that MOMA’s programs and advocacy efforts are grounded in legal strength and social justice.
Pastor John Reed Board Member: A Voice for Faith, Family, and Community
MOMA also proudly welcomes Pastor John Reed, a passionate advocate and seasoned community leader, to the board. Pastor Reed currently serves as a Community Engagement Outreach Specialist at the North Texas Area Community Health Center, where he builds strong partnerships and connects families to health and support services.
His career includes over two decades of advocacy for individuals living with HIV/AIDS through organizations like AOC and AHF. Pastor Reed has also been pastoring for the last eight years, pouring wisdom and encouragement into his congregation.
A dedicated husband of sixteen years and a proud father of four, Pastor Reed has lived in Fort Worth most of his life and is deeply connected to the city’s needs, challenges, and potential.
He also serves as a board member for FWMLK (Fort Worth Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Committee), where he honors the legacy of Dr. King through community service and empowerment.
His heart for healing, leadership through faith, and commitment to equity make him a perfect fit for MOMA's board.
Why These Appointments Matter
Judge Hicks and Pastor Reed bring more than just impressive resumes—they bring heart, strategy, and alignment with MOMA’s mission to turn pain into purpose. Their leadership will strengthen MOMA’s community programming, legal advocacy, and spiritual support for survivors.
As board members, they will:
Help guide MOMA’s strategic direction
Support the expansion of survivor services
Promote partnerships across legal, healthcare, faith, and civic sectors
Champion justice and healing for families affected by gun violence
Their presence on the board reflects MOMA’s commitment to inclusive leadership, generational wisdom, and community-rooted solutions.
What’s Next for MOMA
With this expanded leadership team, MOMA is preparing to launch several initiatives, including:
A Legal Advocacy Program to help survivors navigate the justice system
Expanded grief support and trauma-informed care for families
Community town halls and educational forums on violence prevention
Partnerships with schools, churches, and local organizations
With Judge Hicks and Pastor Reed at the table, MOMA is more equipped than ever to walk with families in their darkest moments and advocate for systemic change.
Join Us in Welcoming Them
We are beyond grateful to have Judge Mary Ellen Hicks and Pastor John Reed join us in this mission. Please help us celebrate their appointment by sharing this blog post and following MOMA’s journey online.
Want to learn more, volunteer, or donate to support our work? Visit www.momangels.org
Together, we are building a world where every life is valued, every story is heard, and no one has to grieve alone.
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