The Daniel D. Garza Foundation was established by Niesia Garza in memory of her son, Daniel, who died from a rare blood disorder in 2009. As the Founder and Executive Director, Niesia holds both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Registered Play Therapist (RPT), and a certified Compassionate Bereavement Care provider.

Her personal journey through grief inspired her to create the foundation, which provides resources, scholarships, and grief support programs for those navigating traumatic loss. The foundation aims to foster a compassionate community where no family faces such challenges alone, while also raising awareness about traumatic grief, educating the public, and supporting research efforts to advance the understanding and treatment of rare disorders like HLH.

​With her clinical expertise, Niesia leads the Daniel D. Garza Foundation in its mission to empower those grieving and inspire hope through education, advocacy, and a commitment to supporting individuals and families.

Rob Garza is the President of the Daniel D. Garza Foundation and the father of Daniel, in whose memory the foundation was established. He retired from the United States Air Force as a Master Sergeant (E-7) in 2019 after 22 years of active duty, during which he supported special forces in Afghanistan and the Arabian Peninsula. Currently, he serves as a Wage Grade 10 HVAC Technician for the Department of Defense. He holds AAS degrees in Drafting and Design as well as Electronic Systems Technology.

As President, Rob guides the foundation's strategic vision and growth, drawing from his military leadership experience to build strong community partnerships and support programs. His personal experience as a bereaved parent drives his commitment to creating lasting positive change in the lives of others.

​A devoted husband and father of three, Rob is passionate about helping others succeed and living a life of contribution.

Dr. Berry Pierre is a dedicated physician, public health advocate, and financial steward committed to ensuring the sustainability and impact of the Daniel D. Garza Foundation. As Treasurer, he plays a crucial role in managing the foundation’s financial health, overseeing donations, sponsorships, and scholarship funding to support families navigating grief.

With a background in medicine, public health, and community outreach, Dr. Pierre brings a unique perspective to the foundation’s mission of providing resources, scholarships, and programs for those experiencing loss. His leadership helps drive the foundation’s growth, ensuring that financial contributions are maximized to support critical initiatives such as the Daniel D. Garza Memorial Scholarship and grief support programs.

​Beyond his role at the foundation, Dr. Pierre is a board-certified internist, a well-recognized health educator, and a digital content creator passionate about making medical knowledge accessible to the public. His dedication to service and advocacy continues to make a lasting impact in both healthcare and community-driven initiatives.