Our Board
Vita's Light is led by an all-volunteer board of directors, a compassionate and dedicated group of individuals committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer. Together, we strive to bring comfort and positive change to those navigating the challenges of cancer.
The door to our non-profit organization is wide open to all who share our eagerness and commitment to help.
Tanya Zelikov
Founder and President
IT Analyst, International Paper
My battle with breast cancer began in October of 2013. I was lucky to have my daughter Vita as my best friend and supporter, my inspiration, and my patient advocate. When she was diagnosed with the breast cancer too, we became a team of warriors. She was my life and my light, which gave me energy and purpose to keep fighting.
Though breast cancer took Vita from this world in January of 2023, her light continues to shine brightly in my heart. I want to extend that light out to anyone who is going though b
reast cancer treatments and could benefit from our knowledge.
That’s why I started Vita’s Light - a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful personal care packages to breast cancer patients.
Iris Solarski
Secretary and Treasurer
Co-Owner, Vintage Recordings Business
There are some people in this world whose light is so bright that you know you are in the presence of someone special. When I met Vita, I instantly knew this to be true. Vita spent her whole life helping others in her work and in her personal life.
I am honored to be part of this organization and I will work hard at spreading the light to those in need. At Vita’s Light, our goal is to give away comforting personal care packages to underserved breast cancer fighters in the greater Memphis area. I can’t think of a better way to honor Vita.
Elizabeth Amodeo
Board Member
Account Executive, Cox Media Group
Realtor, Adaro Realty
Vita Zelikov was a walking angel that earth was able to have for a short 38 years. The people that were able to know her and spend time with her will tell you that every conversation you had with her - she was on a mission. Her mission was to serve others and make people feel loved. Her over abundant love of life filled every aspect of her life. Vita’s Light was created from her internal light that we can still see and feel in our hearts. She battled cancer for a hard 10 years but no one even knew the battle she was fighting internally. Her light still shined bright for others and serving others.
It is our mission now to have this light shine throughout Memphis and help those who are now fighting for their life.
Vita’s Light will be a collection of comfort items for oncology patients. These items will help them with the uncomfortable side aspects of chemotherapy and additional items that the patients will need without knowing quite yet. We want to prep them for the future of the unknown and what they will face.
Sophia Cole
Board Member
Owner, SoCo Solutions
We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer, and for me, it was my mother, a close friend, several of my co-workers, and my cousins Tanya and Vita Zelikov. My commitment to the fight against breast cancer began with my participation in the local Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in October 1997, even before my mother’s diagnosis.
Witnessing that sea of pink, women uniting, and the pink cards attached to their shirts bearing names of survivors and those we lost inspired me to be part of this impactful movement, and I have been actively involved ever since. I had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors for Memphis Mid-South Mississippi Affiliate of Susan G. Komen July 2016 through its dissolution in November 2021.
When Tanya shared her idea to establish a non-profit in Vita’s memory, I knew that I had to be a part of it. Vita’s Light truly personifies Vita’s spirit and the way she lived her life. Serving on this board is not just an honor but a personal mission—a commitment to continuing to shine her light and supporting women in their darkest times.
My other non-profit passion is youth education. I hold positions on the Board of Directors for the Germantown Education Foundation and the STEM Boosters Board for Houston High School in Germantown, TN.
Scott Davis
Board Member
Senior Vice President/Director
Permanent Placement Services, Robert Half
I remember the first day I met Vita. I instantly knew she was someone special and knew that we were going to be good friends. Vita had an energy that was almost indescribable. She literally lit up a room when she entered and never met a stranger.
She taught me so much in the time that I was fortunate enough to call her my friend. Vita was so full of life and wanted everyone around her to live their best lives! Throughout her battle with cancer she never lost hope and always put her best foot forward.