President and Founder
Billie Gonzales
Billie Gonzales, Bella’s Mother, has lived in Texas for over 19 years. Residing in the same house since 2005 where she and her husband, Jesse, raised their three children. She earned her MBA from Texas Woman’s University and has an entrepreneurial background, owning and operating several successful businesses including a competitive cheer gym that is now owned and operated by Champion Cheer Allstars out of Southlake, TX. With over 25 years of experience managing and operating various businesses, Billie brings expertise in strategic planning, budget administration, streamlining business processes, building successful relationships and developing an effective workplace culture. Along with owning and operating a successful music entertainment business with her husband and launching the Shine Bright Like Bella Foundation to honor their daughter, Billie currently works as an Operations Manager for a multi-venture company where she has managed multiple businesses for the past ten years.
Billie and Bella shared the same passions: gymnastics, cheerleading, family, and Jesus. Now, as Bella’s advocate and voice, Billie is determined to save as many lives as possible for God’s Kingdom through Bella’s testimony.
Parliamentarian
Lizette Day
Lizette Day is a Family Nurse Practitioner in San Antonio Texas with over 16 years of nursing experience. She graduated with honors with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Texas Christian University and later pursued her Masters at UT Health Science Center – San Antonio. Lizette has invaluable expertise ranging from primary care for the whole family, to critical care of adult and pediatric patients. She has a strong passion to treat patients with the utmost care and expertise, with a natural approach.
Lizette is an active board member serving the San Antonio Nurse Practitioners Association in San Antonio, Texas. She is happily married and has one son in high school, Ethan. Her family also includes 3 dogs (Roux, Quynn and Harlow). Lizette’s interests and hobbies include spending time with family, supporting local charities and philanthropic endeavors with her son and cheering him on at all his football games. She enjoys outdoor activities and relaxing under her favorite oak tree at home.
Board Member
Elora Gonzales
Elora is a passionate advocate for mental health and currently serves as a board member as well as the Marketing and Social Media Director for Shine Bright Like Bella. With a strong background in customer service and leadership roles, Elora brings valuable expertise in community outreach, fundraising, and financial acumen to the organization.
In her professional career, Elora is a Store Manager at Starbucks Coffee Company, where they focus on delivering a quality product and experience, business reflection and scheduling excellence. She has five years of customer service experience.
Elora has a deep commitment to supporting Shine Bright Like Bella and is involved in the Community Champion organization through Starbucks. She is particularly passionate about raising awareness and increasing education to prevent dating / domestic abuse and believes in the power of preventing dating and domestic violence, encouraging victims to pursue assistance, and eliminating suicide as the only option. Elora is excited to contribute to the growth and success of Shine Bright Like Bella and looks forward to advancing its mission in the years to come.
Board Member
Marcie Russell
Marcie was born and raised on a dairy farm in Decatur, Texas. After high school she attended several colleges before deciding to pursue a career in funeral service. She graduated from Dallas Institute of Funeral Service with an Associate Degree in Funeral Service in Applied Sciences and earned her funeral director and embalmers license. In 1994 she moved to Seattle Washington to begin her career in funeral service. After 18 years in Seattle, she made several moves to Texas and California before finally settling in Fort Worth Texas in 2016. She is very passionate about her career and has a strong desire to serve families in their time of need. She was called to help walk the Gonzales family through the process of Bella’s earthly farewell. During this time, she shared the love and grief the family had for Bella and from that moment a common bond was established.
Marcie is very active in the Keller/Fort Worth community serving as 4th Vice President of Evening Meetings on the Greater Keller Women’s Club Board, is the past president of Sertoma of Watauga and actively involved with community events. In her free time, she enjoys playing golf with her husband, quilting, crafting and spending time with family and friends.
Board Member