Our Vision

Party In-Kindness envisions a world where every woman has access to essential hygiene with dignity, and every child experiences the joy, and healthy development that comes from having their basic play needs met.

Our vision is to make giving easy, fun, and deeply impactful. We want to turn every gathering into an opportunity to give, making generosity the heart of every celebration. No matter the size of the gathering, we help bring people together in the spirit of giving and kindness for others.

About the Cofounders

It all started when the thought that sometimes our small, everyday actions can make the biggest impact on another human being without even knowing it. Melissa experienced this firsthand when her daughter was undergoing surgery at only six days old. Someone she did not know knit a lavender hat for her daughter and she wore that beautiful hat throughout her recovery. The warmth of knowing a person could have that kind of selfless generosity touched Melissa’s heart forever and she knew one day she would pay it forward somehow.

That day came when two friends unsuspectingly got together for a normal play date; and while their children played, a seed was planted. Shani was inspired by Melissa’s passion for charity. She always knew that she wanted to be a part of something that could not only have a large impact on her and her children’s life, but the lives of many in need. Thus began their partnership, and as their ideas blossomed, Party In-Kindness was created.

Melissa Smith

Cofounder

I was raised in Rhode Island, attended Boston University, and started a successful sales career in New York City; that was the path that lead me to where I am today. My parents always instilled in my siblings and me a sense of adventure, encouraging us to explore the world outside of our small town, while still appreciating where we’ve been and where we came from. It was with this gumption that I traveled the East Coast, and eventually moved to California with my husband, who was born and raised here in Alamo, and where we have lived since 2008. An East Coast girl at heart, I was struck by the amount of warmth with which this community welcomed me. Through this journey, I have come to feel very fortunate for many reasons, but I haven’t reached my destination yet. I want to enrich the lives of others who are less fortunate; to show my children how to help others; and to give back to the community that has given us all so much.

Shani Hall

Cofounder

So many elements of my family background have made me the person I am today. My mother came to America from Korea at the age of 15, and my father was raised by his mother from Arkansas on very modest means in Chicago. As a single father, my dad raised me to focus on education and always believe I could achieve whatever I set my mind to. Even so, I never forgot how past generations have helped me reach where I am today. At the University of Michigan, I studied Organizational Psychology and Behavior to pursue a career in Human Resources. It was in college that I met and married my husband. Soon after, I decided to continue my education and graduated from The Ohio State University with a Masters in Labor and Human Resources.  After living and working throughout the Midwest, we settled in Alamo, with our two sons.  We immediately felt connected to the area as we planted our roots and now consider California home. I know how truly blessed I am and look forward to connecting and sharing with the local community and giving back in new, exciting ways.

Jennifer Lucchese

Board Member

I was born and raised in Belmont, California, in a Catholic household where giving back to the community was a core value. I attended UCLA and was a proud member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, where I actively participated in philanthropy and service work.

After college, I joined Sephora’s corporate office, where I’ve built my career over the past 22 years. I currently serve as the Senior Vice President of Merchandising for the hair category, a role that allows me to lead with both creativity and strategy in a space I’m passionate about.

My husband, John, and I live in Walnut Creek with our three wonderful kids—Sofia, Luke, and Leo. I’ve loved being involved in our community through the Alamo Elementary PTA and other local initiatives. Now, as my children grow more independent, I’m excited to expand my commitment to service through Party In Kindness and continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Shanelle Reese

Board Member

Born and raised in Oakland, I come from a family deeply rooted in service and community. My maternal grandfather served as a bishop, and my maternal grandmother was a first lady, instilling in me the values of leadership and compassion from an early age. My paternal grandmother's journey from El Salvador to the United States in the 1940s as a domestic servant is a testament to resilience and determination, qualities that have profoundly shaped my own path.

I currently reside in Concord with my husband and our two children, a son and a daughter. My academic journey led me to earn a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Master's degree in Human Resources. These educational experiences have equipped me with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in the professional world.

I have had the privilege of serving as Chief People Officer at two mission-driven EdTech companies, where I championed initiatives that align with my family's legacy of service. Service and serving others is a gift not only passed down from generation to generation, but it is embedded into who we are and the professional roles we take on.

As the current Head of Operations for a nonprofit organization, I am dedicated to giving back to my community and making a difference in the lives of those in need. My commitment to service is not just a professional endeavor; it is a personal mission to uplift and support those around me.

Tara Gilad

Board Member

Being a Bay Area native my whole life, I’m now proud to be raising my son and daughter with my husband here in Alamo, CA.  Volunteering has always been a natural part of my personality and strive to always help others whenever I can.  Party In-Kindness aligns perfectly with my philosophy on giving back and I couldn’t be more proud to be serving on their Board. I’m proud to teach my children about giving back and having them involved in the incredible events Party In-Kindness throws.  I love working within my community and learning about other communities and organizations in the Bay Area. With a successful career over the last 25 years, I’ve been an entrepreneur focused on starting, operating, and selling businesses.  I have been President and Secretary of the Board of Directors for Vitality Bowls Enterprises since inception in 2011. Last year I sold, Utopia Tanning & Spa, which I founded and operated for over 11 years.  Prior to Utopia I owned an accounting and finance recruiting agency for almost 4 years in Santa Clara, which I sold back in 2010. I have a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communications with a Health Science Minor from Chico State.

Teyonna Bowman

Board Member

As a child my parents always taught my siblings and I the importance of loving others and giving back to the community that provided for us.  By the time I was a pre-teen I developed a passion for volunteering at our local homeless shelter because it was a chance to get lost in crafting while also being humbled by the love and joy of the children that I spent time with. After graduating from the University of Michigan, I continued to pursue my interest in education and closing the achievement gap regardless of background by becoming a youth mentor.  This proved to be a rewarding experience and when the opportunity to serve as a member of the board of Party In-kindness presented itself I enthusiastically accepted it.  I am a Sales manager by trade but understand the importance of networking and connecting with people of all walks of life regardless of where we are in our lives.  The work that Party In-Kindness has done and the awareness that it is spreading within the community it serves not only reflects this value but is an example of everyday altruism.  I look forward to contributing to the thought leadership that the founders of Party In-Kindness bring and plan to participate in events that expose my children and others to the depth and diversity of our culture.