Lara Zawacki, MPA, serves as Board President of Roanoke Valley Points of Diversity (RVPOD), bringing a professional background rooted in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, disability advocacy, and public service.

A U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Lara has spent much of her career working alongside individuals and families to improve access to services, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for people who have historically faced barriers to participation. Her experience spans healthcare, special education, disability services, workforce development, nonprofit fundraising, and grant development.

Lara holds a Master of Public Administration from Regent University and currently works in nonprofit grant management and disability services. Her work includes developing community partnerships, securing philanthropic support, advancing workforce and educational opportunities, and helping organizations translate community needs into sustainable programs.

As President of RVPOD, Lara is committed to the organization’s mission of bringing people together across differences and creating spaces where difficult conversations can happen with respect, curiosity, and understanding. She believes meaningful change begins when people have opportunities to listen to one another, examine assumptions and bias, and build relationships across racial, cultural, socioeconomic, and other differences.

Her leadership with RVPOD focuses on strengthening community dialogue, expanding partnerships, engaging the next generation of community leaders, and ensuring that RVPOD continues to be a trusted convener for conversations that help build a more inclusive Roanoke Valley.

Katie is a retired as a prevention professional. As founder and current President of Points of Diversity, Katie’s Peace Corp Service and years of work with schools, parents, governments and community organizations provides on-going connections that are building a more Inclusive Roanoke Valley.

Board member– April 2025 - Present 

Laurie Gunn is a retired health care executive and human resources leader with more than 30 years of experience.  Since relocating to Virginia, Laurie has actively volunteered in areas where she can share her talent and expertise with her community, including Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Near Southwest Medical Reserve Corps of Virginia, Meals on Wheels and hospice.  

During her professional career Laurie’s passion was to partner with key stakeholders to develop operational and cultural transformation strategies to allow employees, patients and families to feel understood, respected, valued, and a sense of belonging.   

She holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations through the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

Facilitator– 2020

Board member– 2020 - Present 

Decca Knight is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Professional School Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Practitioner. Currently Decca works as the Coordinator of Trauma-Informed Care and Elementary Counseling for Roanoke City Schools while managing her two consulting firms, Blue Ridge Parenting and Connected Child Consulting. Decca volunteers on numerous Boards, is the founder of Standing for Equity in the Roanoke Valley (SERV) and works as a medical and legislative cancer advocate. Decca has been married for 20 years, has a teenage son, and loves her life living in the mountains outside of Roanoke. 

Board member– 2023 - Present 

Tim Andriano retired in 2018 and moved to Roanoke after living in Chicago for 42 years. Tim received his M.S. in Special Education from Syracuse University and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in Disability Planning and Policy. He has worked at the administrative and executive levels in State government, non-profit agencies, and higher education. Tim is a member of his church’s Pride Welcoming Committee.

Since moving to Roanoke, Tim has collected more than 60 pieces of local art which he exhibits in his home gallery.  Horsemanship has been his major, life-long hobby.  One of Tim’s greatest pleasures is to go on trial rides on his horse, Destiny. Tim also enjoys cooking, entertaining, antiquing and gardening. 

Board member– April 2025 - Present 

AVP- Community Development Oficer for the Bank of Botetourt.

40+ years in banking 

Founding Member and Board President for FEDUP(Families Expecting Deliverance Using Prayer)

Resident of the City of Roanoke

Also serve on the Board of VA Cares 

Member of Kiwanis of the Roanoke Valley

Current Board January 2023-current 

I was raised in Northwest Roanoke for most of my life. My grandmother, Robbie Board, was one of the first leaders in Roanoke who fought for equal rights for the African American Community. My grandfather, John Marsh, was lynched by the KKK in the early 20s in Texas. So, talking about equality and diversity has been a huge part of my life.  I am a member of a multi-racial, multi-religious, and multi-ethnic family. I am a PH graduate and attended Pasadena College studying history. I worked as a Housing Consultant for Income-based Housing and specialized in Veteran Housing. I currently work as an Administrative Assistant at Grandin Court Elementary School. I was married to Carlton Bell, who was the principal for Hurt Park Elementary and Fleming High Scool, before his passing in 2020. I am the proud parent of Jordan, Ryan, and Kiana Bell and many grandchildren. 

Karen is an almost lifelong Roanoker and a proud graduate of Roanoke City Public Schools. She earned a double major in American Government and Psychology from the University of Virginia and later received her Master’s Degree in Counseling Education from Radford University.

Karen married her high school sweetheart, Lewis, and together they have three daughters. After beginning her career in retail, Karen found her calling in human services, where she has spent the past 17 years serving children, families, and the community.

Today, Karen is the Executive Director of West End Center, where she spends her days surrounded by some of the most amazing kids in Roanoke. She is passionate about building healthy, thriving communities where young people have the support, resources, and opportunities they need to create bright and happy futures.

Juan Carlos Mejia joins Points of Diversity as our new administrative assistant .  He comes to us with vast experience in human rights, public policy, community engagement and more.  We are so very pleased that Juan has accepted this position!

Juan is recognized for expertise in demographic analysis, equity initiatives.community based strategic planning and grant management.

Juan will be your connection for getting information, creating fliers, idea sharing and general board communication.  We find Juan eager to assist POD in fulfilling our mutual mission of Full Inclusion of all Roanoke’s Diversity. We (the hiring team) found his experience and enthusiasm for community work outstanding.

You can reach Juan at adminrvpod@gmail.com