BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tyler Powell is the Founder and Executive Director of The Tyler & Tyco Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to vision, dental, hearing, and educational opportunities for children. A children’s book author, nonprofit leader, and passionate community advocate, Tyler founded the organization with a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves the opportunity to see, hear, smile, and learn with confidence. As someone who is legally blind, Tyler has experienced firsthand both the challenges that come with vision loss and the life-changing impact of access to quality care, education, and community support. Rather than allowing adversity to define his future, he transformed his personal journey into a mission of service, creating programs that empower children and families while inspiring hope through action.

Before launching The Tyler & Tyco Project, Tyler built a successful career as a Senior Computer Consultant and Business Process Engineer, helping organizations improve efficiency through technology, innovation, and strategic problem-solving. Today, he applies that same analytical mindset and leadership experience to building sustainable programs, fostering meaningful partnerships, and expanding the organization’s impact both locally and internationally.

Tyler is also the creator of the SMILE initiative—Supporting Minds, Inclusion, Learning & Empowerment—which serves as the organization’s flagship program. Through initiatives such as vision care, dental health, hearing support, educational enrichment, and the SMILE Global Classroom Exchange Program, he is committed to creating opportunities that help children thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Inspired daily by his service dog and companion, Tyco, Tyler believes that resilience, compassion, and collaboration have the power to transform lives. His leadership is guided by the conviction that meaningful change begins with meeting children where they are and providing the resources, encouragement, and opportunities they need to reach their fullest potential.