advisory Board

Advisory Board Member

Jacob moved to Gainesville in 1994 to attend UF and earned a degree in Business. He discovered a passion for community engagement through diverse, collaborative efforts. For over 20 years, he has served as a community pastor, championing equity and connection. Since 2015, he has owned The BULL, a downtown pub designed as a true “public house.” Jacob also serves on boards including Sustainable Alachua County and The Awesome Foundation. He and his wife are raising two daughters who love exploring their growing hometown.

Advisory Board Member

Philip Marcel Photography is a visual storytelling brand rooted in photography, film, and marketing production, specializing in portraits, brand marketing and events. Each project is approached with a cinematic eye and a strategic mindset—where artistry, storytelling, and purpose align.

With a foundation in both visual craft and marketing, Philip creates imagery that not only captures moments, but communicates them with clarity and impact. From still frames to cinematic sequences, the work is immersive, refined, and designed to resonate.

Advisory Board Member

Dr. Scott is an experienced higher education leader and a PEAK Literacy board member. She has served as Executive Director at Tennessee State University and CEO of The Education Equalizer Foundation. Dr. Scott advocates for diverse students and educational access. An accomplished author, she’s led initiatives to improve enrollment and student outcomes. She’s also a devoted wife, mother, and active in several community organizations. Dr. Scott is committed to empowering students through education.

Advisory Board Member

Aidan Sakata is the Founder and CEO of AKIO AI, where he leverages his background in Computer Science from the University of Florida to develop AI-driven language practice tools. Driven by his younger brother’s journey, Aidan combines technical expertise in machine learning with a passion for child development. He is dedicated to creating accessible, conversation-focused technology that empowers children to overcome speech and language barriers, directly supporting PEAK Literacy's mission of fostering communication and educational growth.

Advisory Board Member

Dr. Jessica Forbes is a speech-language pathologist and program manager with expertise in disability advocacy, healthcare systems, and community education. She holds a PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders and has more than 15 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities across clinical, educational, and research settings.

Dr. Forbes is the founder of The Advocacy Table, an initiative dedicated to helping families understand and navigate complex systems such as the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process so they can confidently secure the support their children need. Through community programs like the Parent Pathways Program, she works to improve access to information and advocacy skills for families, particularly those facing economic and systemic barriers.

Her work focuses on bridging gaps between families, schools, healthcare providers, and policymakers to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive equitable services and meaningful opportunities to thrive.