DT Cares Advisory Board
We are proud to announce our inaugural Advisory Board, a distinguished group of leaders committed to advancing our mission of youth empowerment through mentorship and wellness.
Guiding Our Mission Forward
Our Advisory Board brings together accomplished professionals from diverse industries including sports media, technology, healthcare, and business. Their expertise, networks, and commitment to community development will help DT Cares expand its impact across Hartford County and beyond.
Each advisor shares our belief that mentorship is infrastructure, and that investing in young people today creates exponential returns for generations to come.
Meet Our Advisors
Leaders dedicated to empowering the next generation
Maria Soares
Senior Vice President of Production Support and Enhancement, ESPN
Maria Soares is Senior Vice President of Production Support & Enhancement at ESPN, where she has built her career since joining the company in 1992. Her team works across digital, studio, and event production, overseeing enhanced editing, the Universal Coverage Group, Talent Producers, and Research and Editorial Graphics Production. Over more than three decades at ESPN, Maria has held a wide range of leadership roles, including 25 years with ESPN International and ESPN Deportes, where she helped launch more than 10 networks and supported over 12 global ESPN.com editions. Her portfolio has included SportsCenter, global soccer, NCAA Volleyball, and NCAA Gymnastics, along with coverage of four Olympic Games, four Pan American Games, multiple Super Bowls, and major international championships. A native of the Azores Islands, she speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish, and graduated cum laude from Emerson College with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.
Andrew Fischer
Chief Executive Officer at QuAIL Technologies
Andrew Fischer is the Chief Executive Officer of QuAIL Technologies, where he leads the development of advanced solutions powered by artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Previously, he served as an Investment Strategist at BlackRock, focusing on systematic equity and cross-asset strategies using machine learning, working alongside industry leaders and policy advisors to deliver insights through large-scale data analysis. Prior to BlackRock, Andrew was a Quantitative Trader at Bank of America, managing investments across emerging markets, commodities, foreign exchange, rates, and equities. He is an active investor in early-stage companies and is deeply committed to advancing equity in education, business, and wealth creation. Andrew is a graduate of Harvard University and has completed advanced studies at Harvard Business School and MIT. He also earned a Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence from Colorado State University.
Melissa Ross
Pediatric Hospitalist at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara
Dr. Melissa Ross is a Pediatric Hospitalist at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Clara, California, where she specializes in caring for children who are ill and need to be hospitalized. Her work centers on providing compassionate, expert medical care to young patients while supporting their families through some of their most vulnerable moments. Beyond her clinical practice, Melissa is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation through education and mentorship. She is an active parent volunteer with The Greene Scholars Program, a STEM initiative that fosters confidence and competence in children of African descent, helping them build a strong foundation for success in science, technology, engineering, and math. Originally from Bloomfield, Connecticut, Melissa brings warmth, advocacy, and a passion for youth empowerment to every role she holds. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hot yoga, traveling, and baking.
Jordan Conover
Chief Executive Officer at Hartford Fence Company and Award-Winning Designer
Jordan Conover is an artist, designer, and entrepreneur, and the Chief Executive Officer of Hartford Fence Company. Since founding the company in 2012, he has grown it into one of the leading fence companies in Connecticut, building a reputation for craftsmanship, reliability, and innovative design. Jordan's creative vision extends well beyond fencing into the broader worlds of architecture and design. His project, shadowHOUSE, received six HOBI Awards in 2025, including the prestigious Best Custom Home honor, recognizing his commitment to design excellence and original thinking. A self-made entrepreneur, Jordan blends artistry with business acumen, demonstrating how creativity and hard work can shape industries and inspire others. He is deeply passionate about empowering youth through creativity, connection, and real-world experience, believing that exposure to design, entrepreneurship, and authentic mentorship can change the trajectory of young people's lives.
Treavor Scales
Studio Host and Commentator at ESPN
Treavor Scales is a television host and digital personality serving as an anchor for ESPN's SportsCenter. He began his career with ESPN in 2013, holding a variety of on-air and digital roles, including hosting SportsCenter on Snapchat and co-hosting The Wrap Up and The College Football Show. After departing ESPN in 2021, Treavor served as a host with Bally Sports and FanDuel Sports Network, leading coverage for the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks. He also contributed as a reporter and sideline analyst for college football broadcasts on CW Sports, expanding his range across major sports and storytelling formats. Treavor has since returned to ESPN to anchor SportsCenter, bringing a dynamic and authentic approach to sports storytelling across platforms. He is a graduate of Harvard University, where he played football and studied economics, and uses his platform to engage and inspire audiences nationwide.