Our Mission

The Gabby Petito Foundation is an IRS registered 501(c)(3) organization effective from October 22, 2021.

The mission of the foundation is to address the needs of organizations that support locating missing persons and to provide aid to organizations that assist victims of domestic violence situations, through education, awareness, and prevention strategies.

Gabby went missing while on a cross-country road trip that included visits to many of our national parks. After an intensive search it was discovered that Gabby’s life was tragically cut short. We wish to turn our personal tragedy into a positive. It is our hope that Gabby’s foundation will bring these important issues into the forefront of the public eye to the benefit of all our communities.

About Us

In September 2021, tragedy struck our family and friends. Our daughter Gabby was missing, and we would soon find out that she was murdered by her boyfriend while on a cross country road trip. 

Gabby’s story spread like wildfire across the globe, we knew immediately we had to turn this tragedy into meaningful purpose.  In the wake of Gabby’s murder, Gabby Petito Foundation was born. Our Foundation is rooted in the belief that we all have an inherent responsibility to make a meaningful difference in our communities.  We are honored to be assisting organizations that provide immediate tangible help to survivors of domestic violence, and we are proud to work with organizations that assist with locating missing persons. With a variety of big ideas and goals, it is our hope to be at the forefront of positive and pro-active change with awareness, prevention strategies, and education.

We are proud of our efforts and could not have done this work without ongoing support we have received from around the world which is appreciated more than people could ever understand. Together, we can make a difference, save lives, bring missing loved ones home, and hopefully prevent tragedies like Gabby’s from happening to anyone else.  

Our Board

Turning our tragedy into purpose, we formed the board of the Gabby Petito Foundation, four parents and a family friend who recognized the urgent need for advocacy, awareness, and prevention. Together, we are committed to supporting missing persons, assisting survivors, and working toward a future free from domestic violence.

President

  • People always ask, "how do you do it?"  My answer is always the same, "knowing our daughters legacy has left an impact that can save many lives, that's what drives me." 

    I'm a mom of four amazing children, though Gabby is not physically here with us, she continues to show us her presence through unmistakable signs.  My husband Jim has been my rock that helps me keep it together!  I'm an artist with a degree in Graphic Design, loved my time as an EMT,  and have learned so much through working with kids with disabilities in public school as a teaching assistant. Going to the beach is like medicine for me, traveling makes me happy and I find joy in the little things. 

    Since my beautiful daughter Gabby was murdered, here I am, an advocate for change in the world of domestic violence and missing persons.  This path, one I never would have wished for or imagined, is what keeps me going when I see that "little ol' me" can help make difference in the world. 

    My mission, my hope,  is to be a voice for victims, survivors, and their families to create meaningful change that can save lives, and help find the missing, in Gabby's memory.  

    Be a good human, love more, do more, and give more.  

Vice President

  • My name is Joseph Petito.  I am the father of three beautiful children.  I have worked in the corporate world for over 20 years and have learned to become a good leader by never asking anyone to do something I am not willing to do myself.  After the tragic death of my daughter, Gabby, I am now the Vice President of the Gabby Petito Foundation.  Although new to advocacy I have seen the gaps that need to be filled when it comes to the missing and domestic violence.  I am determined and it is my goal to make Gabby proud of the work this foundation will do.

Treasurer

  • Hello, my name is Tara Petito.  I am a mom of 3.  I have two beautiful boys and one gorgeous daughter.  Gabby is my gorgeous stepdaughter, even though I never considered myself as just the“stepmom.”  She was my only daughter, she acted just like me and even looked like me, something we always laughed about.  After her tragic murder she made me realize life is short, spending time with loved ones and making memories is the key to a happy life.  She also taught me taking pictures help keep those precious memories alive.  

    I was born and raised in Suffolk County, New York and graduated from Commack High School.  My educational background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration from Hofstra University located in Hempstead, New York.  I worked in Finance for 15 years before deciding to move my family to Florida. I am an animal lover and love spending time with my family.  The beach is my happy place!

Secretary

  • My name is Jim Schmidt, and I am the father of four beautiful children and married to the most amazing woman. My wife, Nichole has been an inspiration to me, with her strength and determination through so much adversity.

    I have worked in emergency services for over 20+ years as fire officer, instructor, and emergency medical technician. I am currently completing my bachelors degree in Occupational Safety and Health with a minor in Fire Science Technology. My career has helped prepare me for many challenges in life, but nothing could prepare me for the tragic loss of our beloved daughter, Gabby. We faced many obstacles and experienced great frustration trying to locate her and bring her home. We are forever grateful for the help and support of so many people during the most difficult time in our lives. Though she is no longer physically with us, her spirit drives us to advocate for domestic violence victims and survivors, and missing persons. We hope through education and strong partnerships with other organizations, we can help make positive change.

Founding Board Member

Richard Stafford

Missing Persons Advocate

  • Shayna Richard founded Light The Way Missing Persons Advocacy Project with a passion for making a meaningful impact in the missing persons community. What began as a personal mission has grown into a victim-centered volunteer organization dedicated to reuniting missing persons with their loved ones, fostering positive relationships between families and law enforcement and advocating tirelessly for victims of unresolved cases, missing individuals and their families.

    Under Shayna’s leadership, the Light The Way team of dedicated volunteers works selflessly to investigate and locate missing persons while providing unwavering advocacy for both missing individuals and victims of unresolved cases. Beyond this critical work, Shayna also spearheaded "My Reason," a campaign focused on advocating for children failed by the Washington State foster care system.

Board Member

  • Veteran journalist Susan Hendricks is a regular contributor to Crime Stories with

    Nancy Grace and spent nearly two decades anchoring several shows on CNN and HLN,
    including Weekend Express with Susan Hendricks. She was also a familiar face on CNN's AC360 with Anderson Cooper, delivering news updates.


    Throughout her career, Susan has interviewed a wide range of newsmakers and
    celebrities, from KISS frontman Gene Simmons to actor and musician Steven Van
    Zandt, and Oscar-winning actor and director Ben Affleck.


    She’s covered high-profile trials like Casey Anthony and Jodi Arias, as well as
    major cases such as the Delphi, Indiana double murders and the Gabby Petito investigation.

    Susan is a bestselling author of Down the Hill: My Descent into the Double
    Murder in Delphi     and has hosted panels at CrimeCon with the families of Abby
    and Libby, Gabby Petito’s family, and BTK’s daughter, Kerri Rawson. Over the
    years, Susan has become a trusted advocate for families.

Training Coordinator

  • Tanya Lee is a trainer for the Denise Amber Lee Foundation teaching her own personal story of domestic violence to 911 professionals in the hopes that it can help make a difference in how DV calls are handled and responded to in the public safety profession. She has over 20 years working in the medical field and has been working in the public safety industry for twelve years.   Recently she became a certified health and wellness coach to further her ability to train the public safety world in stress management and all things related to health and wellness. She resides in Florida with her husband, Nathan Lee. Tanya and Nathan have seven children. 

Fundraising Coordinator

  • Mary Wickman, grandmother of Gabby Petito, is a passionate advocate for change in the fight against domestic violence. Following the tragic loss of her beloved granddaughter, Mary has channeled her grief into purpose, working tirelessly to raise awareness, promote prevention, and support the Gabby Petito Foundation’s mission through impactful advocacy and strategic fundraising efforts. Her strength and dedication help ensure that Gabby’s legacy continues to drive meaningful change.

Click Here to Meet Our Volunteers