Meet Our Staff
LAUREN
Founder & Executive Director |
JOY
Mental Health Advocate |
YANIEL
Leadership Advocate |
JURNIE
Community Advocate |
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MABEL
Growth Coordinator |
KATI
Intake Coordinator |
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Meet Our Board of Directors
CELINE
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VICTORIA
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PRIYA
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ANA MARIA
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RACHEL
GINGER
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SHAKERA
PETER
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EMILY
KIM
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ALLISON
ALICIA
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Meet Our Youth Leadership BoardOur Youth Leadership Board consists of 14 members who meet monthly to provide feedback & design future programming.
Youth Leaders participate in and facilitate monthly leadership trainings on topics like public speaking, self-care, how to have difficult conversations, time management, and more. Youth Leaders receive a stipend for their time and energy. |
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AMERICA
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NEDJY
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ARIANA
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DARLA
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LESLIE
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YASMIN
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LESLY
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ALANNYS
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JODY-ANN
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SOMAIYA
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REBEKA
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Meet Our Advisory BoardOur advisory board consists of professionals across different industries, backgrounds, and experiences who help strengthen, develop, and improve the Brave House's programs and activities. |
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ELISA
Student of Social Worker Program |
ELISA
Director of People, AngelList |
SAM
Public Art Manager & Artist |
EDITH
Staff Attorney at Make the Road NY |
SALINA
Immigrant Youth Advocate, The Door |
KIM
Student at Harvard Business School |
HELEN
Therapist, Sanctuary for Families |
DEIRDRE
Attorney, Murtha Cullina LLP |
STEPHANIE
Senior Associate, The Raben Group |
CANDI
Teacher Assistant & Ph.D student |
MORGAN
Program Coordinator at the Council on Foreign Relations |
HANNAH B
Lead Clinician, Abbott House |
SHIYULLI
Strategy & Operations at Microsoft |
EMMA
Director of the Food & Agriculture Clinic and Associate Professor, Vermont Law School |
HANNAH M
Talent Development Consultant and Career & Wellness Coach, Hannah McGowan Coaching |
DANNEY
Immigration & Human Rights Attorney |
ERIKA
Strategy and Program Management Associate at PwC |
YESSENIA
Immigrant Support Specialist |
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Brave House Team Culture Manifesto
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Read our Brave House Team Culture Manifesto! Every year, our team collaboratively creates a document that outlines the core values, beliefs, and principles that guide our day-to-day interactions, culture, and work. Our Team Culture Manifesto is a foundational document that encompasses our team's unique culture and identity. Our intention is for our team members to use this document as a reference point as they navigate their roles and responsibilities. |
Lauren BlodgettFounder & Executive Director.
Job. Immigration Attorney and Executive Director at The Brave House Home. Brooklyn, NY Pronouns. she/her/hers What “Brave” means to you. Having hope, finding joy, and spreading love, despite the fear, pain and obstacles that you encounter. |
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Biography.
Lauren Blodgett is an immigration attorney and the Founder and Executive Director of the Brave House. Lauren was honored on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Law and Policy for her innovative approach to protecting human rights in a holistic and joyful way. She has been featured in the New York Times, Glamour Magazine, and NASDAQ on issues concerning women’s rights and immigration. Lauren graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School, where she served on the board of the Harvard Immigration Project and worked in non-profits in Morocco, Thailand, Jordan, Tanzania and Cambodia. Before law school, Lauren was a Fulbright scholar in Austria and worked at a refugee center in South Africa. Originally from Boston, Lauren graduated summa cum laude from Boston College with a double major in Political Science and German. Lauren's hobbies include roller-disco, running, dancing, reading, and meditation.
As the Executive Director, Lauren leads, creates, and implements the programs and development of the non-profit. Lauren not only spends her time working with the Board of Directors to develop strategic plans and manage financial resources, but she also supervises staff members in their day-to-day direct service work and is active in member event facilitation. Lauren also oversees our grant-writing, outreach, and marketing efforts. As an immigration attorney, Lauren oversees the legal department at the Brave House, which includes supervising attorneys and paralegals and taking on cases of her own as well.
Lauren Blodgett is an immigration attorney and the Founder and Executive Director of the Brave House. Lauren was honored on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Law and Policy for her innovative approach to protecting human rights in a holistic and joyful way. She has been featured in the New York Times, Glamour Magazine, and NASDAQ on issues concerning women’s rights and immigration. Lauren graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School, where she served on the board of the Harvard Immigration Project and worked in non-profits in Morocco, Thailand, Jordan, Tanzania and Cambodia. Before law school, Lauren was a Fulbright scholar in Austria and worked at a refugee center in South Africa. Originally from Boston, Lauren graduated summa cum laude from Boston College with a double major in Political Science and German. Lauren's hobbies include roller-disco, running, dancing, reading, and meditation.
As the Executive Director, Lauren leads, creates, and implements the programs and development of the non-profit. Lauren not only spends her time working with the Board of Directors to develop strategic plans and manage financial resources, but she also supervises staff members in their day-to-day direct service work and is active in member event facilitation. Lauren also oversees our grant-writing, outreach, and marketing efforts. As an immigration attorney, Lauren oversees the legal department at the Brave House, which includes supervising attorneys and paralegals and taking on cases of her own as well.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Portugal and Ireland |
Yaniel WynterLeadership Advocate.
Home. Bronx, NY Pronouns. she/her/hers What “Brave” means to you. Being Brave is embracing your authentic self without apology and facing discomfort with courage. |
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Originally from Jamaica, Yaniel migrated to the U.S.A with aspirations of becoming a medical professional. However, through her lived experiences, she found a new passion and shifted her focus to supporting young survivors of gender-based violence dedicating her work to creating positive change through advocacy and youth empowerment. Yaniel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a Minor in Social Welfare. She was the Co-chair for a NYC citywide oversight committee, Youth Advisory Council, where she worked to ensure that youth voices were included in mental health policy discussions. Yaniel was also a key member of a NYC Community Advisory Board, helping to redesign the Rapid Rehousing Housing Project, advocating for tailored services that ensure young survivors of gender-based violence can access and maintain permanent housing.
In her previous roles, Yaniel worked at Day One, providing support to young survivors of dating abuse, and at Planned Parenthood, where she advocated for sexual and health reproductive care and resources. She also interned at the International Planned Parenthood Federation, gaining valuable experience in global health and social services.
As an alum of the Brave House, Yaniel now advocates on behalf of Brave House members to help them cultivate their leadership and relationship-building skills, empowering them on a path toward achieving the goals they’ve designed for themselves. She organizes, conducts outreach for, and facilitates Brave House community events at local colleges and other partners to help members gain professional development and networking skills. Yaniel also facilitates the Brave House Youth Leadership Board, which is a growing paid program that creates community and builds relationships between members through leadership development.
In her previous roles, Yaniel worked at Day One, providing support to young survivors of dating abuse, and at Planned Parenthood, where she advocated for sexual and health reproductive care and resources. She also interned at the International Planned Parenthood Federation, gaining valuable experience in global health and social services.
As an alum of the Brave House, Yaniel now advocates on behalf of Brave House members to help them cultivate their leadership and relationship-building skills, empowering them on a path toward achieving the goals they’ve designed for themselves. She organizes, conducts outreach for, and facilitates Brave House community events at local colleges and other partners to help members gain professional development and networking skills. Yaniel also facilitates the Brave House Youth Leadership Board, which is a growing paid program that creates community and builds relationships between members through leadership development.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Jamaica |
Kati Rabanal
Community Advocate.
Home. Outer Banks, NC Pronouns. she/her/hers What “Brave” means to you. Willing to face the unexpected, reflect, and have hope, all while taking a step forward and recognizing when to take a step back. |
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Biography.
Kati graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science, with a focus on psychology and social networks. During her time at Columbia, she led the Columbia Synapse group, an organization that provided resources and services for individuals with traumatic brain injuries, and was a part of the Manly-Brickman lab at the Columbia Medical Center. Both of these experiences highlighted how community building programming is key for positive change. In her free time, she loves to go on long walks, do hot yoga, and completes the NYT Sudoku every night at 10pm.
Kati provides 1-on-1 advocacy to Brave House members in different areas such as health insurance, mental health, housing, and conducts intakes with new members. Kati leads our Member Lounge, our in-house third place (outside of work, school, and home) where members can work and connect with other members. She also enjoys organizing and facilitating community events that give opportunities for Brave House members to grow and explore NYC.
Kati graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science, with a focus on psychology and social networks. During her time at Columbia, she led the Columbia Synapse group, an organization that provided resources and services for individuals with traumatic brain injuries, and was a part of the Manly-Brickman lab at the Columbia Medical Center. Both of these experiences highlighted how community building programming is key for positive change. In her free time, she loves to go on long walks, do hot yoga, and completes the NYT Sudoku every night at 10pm.
Kati provides 1-on-1 advocacy to Brave House members in different areas such as health insurance, mental health, housing, and conducts intakes with new members. Kati leads our Member Lounge, our in-house third place (outside of work, school, and home) where members can work and connect with other members. She also enjoys organizing and facilitating community events that give opportunities for Brave House members to grow and explore NYC.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Peru |
Joy DumasMental Health Advocate.
Home. Yakima, Washington Pronouns. she/her/hers What “Brave” means to you. Daring to follow your gut with the willingness to make mistakes. |
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Biography.
Joy graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Hispanic Studies and Human Rights from Columbia University. Before working at the Brave House, Joy spent her school years on campus in New York City, and she spent her summers working in her home of Yakima, Washington. In March of 2020, Joy and other young locals developed a mutual aid network called Yakima Community Aid. YCA continues to provide food, hygiene supplies, and other requests to folks on the streets of Yakima. Joy loves her neighborhood of Hamilton Heights and enjoys spending time in the public parks of Harlem and making jewelry at her craft station. Joy has never traveled to a Spanish-speaking country but dreams of visiting Mexico City.
Joy is the Mental Health Coordinator at the Brave House. Programs include 1-1 in-house therapy, monthly group therapy, maintenance of the Healing Room, and coordination of our biannual Wellness Wonderland festival. Joy supports members by offering 1-1 advocacy, referrals, and goods, including diapers and wipes for our 40+ Brave Moms. Additionally, Joy is the Brave House App Manager; in this role, she maintains and updates our curated listings of 450+ resources, uploads and maintains our Brave House Events Calendar, and advocates for upgrades based on member feedback. She also coordinates internal Human Resources, with a focus on promoting team well-being and sustainability.
Joy graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Hispanic Studies and Human Rights from Columbia University. Before working at the Brave House, Joy spent her school years on campus in New York City, and she spent her summers working in her home of Yakima, Washington. In March of 2020, Joy and other young locals developed a mutual aid network called Yakima Community Aid. YCA continues to provide food, hygiene supplies, and other requests to folks on the streets of Yakima. Joy loves her neighborhood of Hamilton Heights and enjoys spending time in the public parks of Harlem and making jewelry at her craft station. Joy has never traveled to a Spanish-speaking country but dreams of visiting Mexico City.
Joy is the Mental Health Coordinator at the Brave House. Programs include 1-1 in-house therapy, monthly group therapy, maintenance of the Healing Room, and coordination of our biannual Wellness Wonderland festival. Joy supports members by offering 1-1 advocacy, referrals, and goods, including diapers and wipes for our 40+ Brave Moms. Additionally, Joy is the Brave House App Manager; in this role, she maintains and updates our curated listings of 450+ resources, uploads and maintains our Brave House Events Calendar, and advocates for upgrades based on member feedback. She also coordinates internal Human Resources, with a focus on promoting team well-being and sustainability.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Mabel SmithGrowth Coordinator.
Home. Brooklyn, NY Pronouns. she/her What “Brave” means to you. Being curious about and embracing the outside of your comfort zone. |
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Biography.
Mabel's work in the non-profit sector, construction, academia, and the service industry has allowed her to explore curiosities about workers' rights, arts, abolition, immigration, and human rights. Mabel has worked in research and teaching in Columbia’s Labor Economics Department, interned for the Venture & Fellowship Sector at Ashoka Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, interned for Educación para Compartir, and worked as a Research Assistant for Art Resistance Through Education (ARTE) in partnership with Columbia Law’s Initiative for a Just Society. She plays the trombone, bikes, and makes art in her free time.
Mabel leads growth and development, including completing grant applications and reports, communicating with donors and sponsors, budgeting, bookkeeping, conducting strategic planning, and data integration and analysis in Salesforce. She also manages day-to-day operations at the Brave House, working with board members, volunteers, and interns, strategizing outreach and marketing, office management, and sourcing and engaging community partnerships.
Mabel's work in the non-profit sector, construction, academia, and the service industry has allowed her to explore curiosities about workers' rights, arts, abolition, immigration, and human rights. Mabel has worked in research and teaching in Columbia’s Labor Economics Department, interned for the Venture & Fellowship Sector at Ashoka Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, interned for Educación para Compartir, and worked as a Research Assistant for Art Resistance Through Education (ARTE) in partnership with Columbia Law’s Initiative for a Just Society. She plays the trombone, bikes, and makes art in her free time.
Mabel leads growth and development, including completing grant applications and reports, communicating with donors and sponsors, budgeting, bookkeeping, conducting strategic planning, and data integration and analysis in Salesforce. She also manages day-to-day operations at the Brave House, working with board members, volunteers, and interns, strategizing outreach and marketing, office management, and sourcing and engaging community partnerships.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Greece & Sweden |
Laura RomeroParalegal Advocate.
Home. Los Angeles, CA Pronouns. she/her/hers What "Brave" means to you. To be brave means to allow yourself the opportunity to experience challenges. You are your first and most important advocate, and you are capable of advocating for a life that will encourage growth, empowerment, and fulfillment. |
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Biography.
Laura was born in Boston, but moved to Los Angeles when she was two years old. She is a student at Columbia University studying political science and human rights. She's always been passionate about women's rights, representation, menstrual equity, educational equity, and immigration. Laura identifies as first generation and is proud of how this identity has helped shape her passions. She hopes to study immigration law after college. Laura also loves to sing, read, and run. Laura hopes, through her work as a student and individual, that she can encourage others who look like her to take over spaces they rightfully deserve.
Laura was born in Boston, but moved to Los Angeles when she was two years old. She is a student at Columbia University studying political science and human rights. She's always been passionate about women's rights, representation, menstrual equity, educational equity, and immigration. Laura identifies as first generation and is proud of how this identity has helped shape her passions. She hopes to study immigration law after college. Laura also loves to sing, read, and run. Laura hopes, through her work as a student and individual, that she can encourage others who look like her to take over spaces they rightfully deserve.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
El Salvador <3 |
Jurnie AugusteCommunity Advocate.
Home. Brooklyn, NY Pronouns. she/her/hers What "Brave" means to you. To push through and achieve your goals despite any anxiety you may face along the way. |
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Biography.
Jurnie recently graduated from New York University with a BA in Global Public Health and Anthropology. She is passionate about women’s health, food insecurity, and health disparities amongst marginalized communities, and her future goals include attending law school and receiving her JD in the next year! You can often find Jurnie in the kitchen trying a new recipe, the movie theatre, or reading a book. Jurnie will also take any free time to travel and is always open to new recommendations!
Jurnie recently graduated from New York University with a BA in Global Public Health and Anthropology. She is passionate about women’s health, food insecurity, and health disparities amongst marginalized communities, and her future goals include attending law school and receiving her JD in the next year! You can often find Jurnie in the kitchen trying a new recipe, the movie theatre, or reading a book. Jurnie will also take any free time to travel and is always open to new recommendations!
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Port-au-Prince, Haiti |
Hannah BilliniPart-Time In-House Therapist.
Home. Bronx, NY Pronouns. she/her What "Brave" means to you. Staying positive even in difficult times, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, and relentlessly advocating for others and standing up for what you believe in. |
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Biography.
Hannah is a bilingual licensed social worker working in private practice. Hannah graduated with her MSW in May 2017 from Columbia University School of Social Work where she concentrated in advanced generalist practice and programming, focusing on international social welfare and providing services to immigrants and refugees. Prior to moving to New York, Hannah graduated from James Madison University in her home state of Virginia with a double major in Social Work and Spanish and a minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Hannah has previously worked with immigrant youth in immigration proceedings in New York and has worked with children of migrant farmworkers in Virginia. After graduating from Columbia, Hannah worked as a therapist for 1 year in Brooklyn where she served immigrant survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Hannah is the part-time in-house therapist at the Brave House, providing individual and group therapy to members.
Hannah is a bilingual licensed social worker working in private practice. Hannah graduated with her MSW in May 2017 from Columbia University School of Social Work where she concentrated in advanced generalist practice and programming, focusing on international social welfare and providing services to immigrants and refugees. Prior to moving to New York, Hannah graduated from James Madison University in her home state of Virginia with a double major in Social Work and Spanish and a minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Hannah has previously worked with immigrant youth in immigration proceedings in New York and has worked with children of migrant farmworkers in Virginia. After graduating from Columbia, Hannah worked as a therapist for 1 year in Brooklyn where she served immigrant survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Hannah is the part-time in-house therapist at the Brave House, providing individual and group therapy to members.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Germany, Scotland |
Priya RamanathanHome. Brooklyn, NY
Job. SVP, Government Relations & Contracts at Per Scholas Pronouns. she/her/hers What “Brave” means to you. Being brave means not letting things scare you from achieving your dreams or supporting the dreams of others. |
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Biography.
Priya is the SVP, Government Relations & Contracts at Per Scholas. She previously served as the Vice President of Government & Workforce Partnerships at General Assembly, a global pioneer in digital skills education that is committed to building accessible pathways meaningful careers in technology. She currently works at Per Scholas, a national tech training non-profit that provides no-cost training to adults from diverse communities that are often underserved, connecting them to meaningful careers in technology. In her many years working in both the public and private sector, she believes nontraditional educational options that are focused on skills of the future will remove barriers to economic prosperity for diverse talent that still remains grossly underrepresented in so many companies across the world.
She received her BA at George Washington University in Washington, DC and her MS in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. Priya and her family immigrated to the US from India when she was five years old.
Priya is the SVP, Government Relations & Contracts at Per Scholas. She previously served as the Vice President of Government & Workforce Partnerships at General Assembly, a global pioneer in digital skills education that is committed to building accessible pathways meaningful careers in technology. She currently works at Per Scholas, a national tech training non-profit that provides no-cost training to adults from diverse communities that are often underserved, connecting them to meaningful careers in technology. In her many years working in both the public and private sector, she believes nontraditional educational options that are focused on skills of the future will remove barriers to economic prosperity for diverse talent that still remains grossly underrepresented in so many companies across the world.
She received her BA at George Washington University in Washington, DC and her MS in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. Priya and her family immigrated to the US from India when she was five years old.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
India |
Celine NehmeHome. Brooklyn, NY and Los Angeles, CA
Job. Director of Individual Giving at Public Rights Project Pronouns. she/her/hers What “Brave” means to you. To live life in alignment with your dreams - no matter how outlandish they are and to do so in a way that makes all versions of you proud. |
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Biography.
Celine Nehme is the currently the Director of Individual Giving at Public Rights Project, but previously worked as the Development Director of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), a leading justice reform nonprofit in California. She is a seasoned fundraiser, with close to a decade of professional development experience. In addition to her work at ARC, she serves as the Lead Development Consultant for the Initiative for Medicines, Access, and Knowledge and the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism. Prior to these roles, she worked in the Development Department at the Vera Institute of Justice. She has exclusively worked for social justice organizations and businesses, has been involved with efforts to reform our justice system for close to a decade, and has a demonstrated commitment towards diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of her life, both professional and personal. She received both her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s in Public Administration from Binghamton University. She is very proudly from Brooklyn, fluent in French, and is currently living in Los Angeles.
Celine Nehme is the currently the Director of Individual Giving at Public Rights Project, but previously worked as the Development Director of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), a leading justice reform nonprofit in California. She is a seasoned fundraiser, with close to a decade of professional development experience. In addition to her work at ARC, she serves as the Lead Development Consultant for the Initiative for Medicines, Access, and Knowledge and the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism. Prior to these roles, she worked in the Development Department at the Vera Institute of Justice. She has exclusively worked for social justice organizations and businesses, has been involved with efforts to reform our justice system for close to a decade, and has a demonstrated commitment towards diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of her life, both professional and personal. She received both her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s in Public Administration from Binghamton University. She is very proudly from Brooklyn, fluent in French, and is currently living in Los Angeles.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
France and Lebanon |
Victoria J. RyanMember of the Board of Directors.
Home. Brooklyn, NY Job. Partner at Kirkland & Ellis, LLP Pronouns. she/her What "Brave" means to you. Conviction in the face of adversity. |
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Biography.
Victoria is a litigation partner in the New York office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Her legal practice includes a robust pro bono docket, which is in part what drew her to The Brave House's excellent work. Most recently, Victoria has partnered with Protect Democracy to tackle voting rights issues through impact litigation. She has also represented pro bono immigration clients before the Court of the Appeals for the Third Circuit and in removal and asylum proceedings, and has recently taken on a special immigrant juvenile status case in partnership with The Brave House. Before becoming a lawyer, Victoria taught high school for several years in Colorado and her home state, New Jersey. Through that experience, Victoria learned the importance of community and empowerment for young adults trying to make their way in the world and has since worked to create opportunities for both community and empowerment for those around her. Victoria completed her undergraduate and masters degrees in History from Boston College and later earned a J.D. from Northwestern University Law School. She is mom to two-year-old Leo Mark and puppy Primo and calls Brooklyn Heights home.
Victoria is a litigation partner in the New York office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Her legal practice includes a robust pro bono docket, which is in part what drew her to The Brave House's excellent work. Most recently, Victoria has partnered with Protect Democracy to tackle voting rights issues through impact litigation. She has also represented pro bono immigration clients before the Court of the Appeals for the Third Circuit and in removal and asylum proceedings, and has recently taken on a special immigrant juvenile status case in partnership with The Brave House. Before becoming a lawyer, Victoria taught high school for several years in Colorado and her home state, New Jersey. Through that experience, Victoria learned the importance of community and empowerment for young adults trying to make their way in the world and has since worked to create opportunities for both community and empowerment for those around her. Victoria completed her undergraduate and masters degrees in History from Boston College and later earned a J.D. from Northwestern University Law School. She is mom to two-year-old Leo Mark and puppy Primo and calls Brooklyn Heights home.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Italy and Ireland |
Emily RoseMember of the Board of Directors.
Home. Brooklyn, NY. Job. Global Partnerships Lead at Apple. Pronouns. she/her What “Brave” means to you. "Brave" means forging your own path, even if it's uncertain. |
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Biography.
Emily currently leads Global Partnerships on the Ad Platforms team at Apple. Prior to Apple, she worked across several roles at Meta and Google.
Emily graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism, and is a longtime New Yorker. She is passionate about communications and public speaking - her speaking engagements include international advertising conferences, and has served as a panelist at numerous advertising events.
Emily is passionate about travel, having visited 40+ countries, and is actively involved in local small business & startup ecosystem as an investor. She currently lives in Brooklyn with her husband and beloved dog, Nando.
Emily currently leads Global Partnerships on the Ad Platforms team at Apple. Prior to Apple, she worked across several roles at Meta and Google.
Emily graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism, and is a longtime New Yorker. She is passionate about communications and public speaking - her speaking engagements include international advertising conferences, and has served as a panelist at numerous advertising events.
Emily is passionate about travel, having visited 40+ countries, and is actively involved in local small business & startup ecosystem as an investor. She currently lives in Brooklyn with her husband and beloved dog, Nando.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Italy & Scotland |
Shakera Adenwala
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Member of the Board of Directors.
Job. Director at PwC Advisory Home. Manhattan, NY What “Brave” means to you. Having the resilience to face challenges head -on and the courage to embrace failures as a step towards growth |
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Biography.
Shakera is a management consultant leader at PwC with a focus on helping healthcare organizations across the country optimize operations to drive financial improvements and strategic growth. Shakera brings a blend of deep industry experience, technical expertise, and business insight to support clients through complex transformative initiatives. Her journey began with a degree in Computer Science, followed by an MBA from Emory University, which has shaped her approach to solving complex problems at the intersection of operations, technology and strategy. Having grown up in India and now living in NYC, she values diverse perspectives and thrives in dynamic, collaborative environments. Outside of work, she is a passionate sports fan and lifelong soccer enthusiast. She enjoys traveling with friends and family, experiencing new cultures - especially through their food.
Shakera is a management consultant leader at PwC with a focus on helping healthcare organizations across the country optimize operations to drive financial improvements and strategic growth. Shakera brings a blend of deep industry experience, technical expertise, and business insight to support clients through complex transformative initiatives. Her journey began with a degree in Computer Science, followed by an MBA from Emory University, which has shaped her approach to solving complex problems at the intersection of operations, technology and strategy. Having grown up in India and now living in NYC, she values diverse perspectives and thrives in dynamic, collaborative environments. Outside of work, she is a passionate sports fan and lifelong soccer enthusiast. She enjoys traveling with friends and family, experiencing new cultures - especially through their food.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
India |
Ginger ChoyMember of the Board of Directors.
Job. Assistant Vice President at CCS Fundraising Home. Queens, NY What “Brave” means to you. It means turning fear into confidence! |
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Biography.
Ginger Choy brings over two decades of experience in nonprofit organizations and fundraising, with 18 years as an in-house development professional and 4 years as a consultant. Her expertise includes individual and major gift philanthropy and corporate and foundation relations. Ginger has contributed to organizations in Minneapolis, MN, and New York City, such as Books For Africa, Twin Cities PBS, New York Hall of Science, and The New York Botanical Garden.
A senior consultant, Ginger has successfully guided nonprofits across sectors including higher education, healthcare, public libraries, public parks, arts, and social services. She has developed comprehensive campaign planning strategies and implemented successful fundraising initiatives, securing six- and seven-figure gifts to help nonprofits achieve their financial goals.
Ginger holds a B.S. in Business Marketing and Management from St. Catherine University, served as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Zambia, and is a U.S.-Japan Foundation Leadership Fellow.
Ginger Choy brings over two decades of experience in nonprofit organizations and fundraising, with 18 years as an in-house development professional and 4 years as a consultant. Her expertise includes individual and major gift philanthropy and corporate and foundation relations. Ginger has contributed to organizations in Minneapolis, MN, and New York City, such as Books For Africa, Twin Cities PBS, New York Hall of Science, and The New York Botanical Garden.
A senior consultant, Ginger has successfully guided nonprofits across sectors including higher education, healthcare, public libraries, public parks, arts, and social services. She has developed comprehensive campaign planning strategies and implemented successful fundraising initiatives, securing six- and seven-figure gifts to help nonprofits achieve their financial goals.
Ginger holds a B.S. in Business Marketing and Management from St. Catherine University, served as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Zambia, and is a U.S.-Japan Foundation Leadership Fellow.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Norway, Poland, and Germany |
Rachel Becker MolloyMember of the Board of Directors.
Job. Account Director at LinkedIn Home. New York, NY Pronouns. she/her/hers What "Brave" means to you. Brave means going outside of your comfort zone and establishing a new path. It means pushing the boundaries. |
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Biography.
Rachel is an Account Director at LinkedIn and consults with clients, advising them on talent strategy. She received her MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business in 2018 and her BA in International Relations from Vanderbilt University in 2011. Rachel grew up in Westchester, New York and is the daughter of a Colombian immigrant mother. Rachel is inspired by her mother's story of bravery in establishing her life in the United States and paving the way for her younger sister, nieces and nephews.
Rachel is an Account Director at LinkedIn and consults with clients, advising them on talent strategy. She received her MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business in 2018 and her BA in International Relations from Vanderbilt University in 2011. Rachel grew up in Westchester, New York and is the daughter of a Colombian immigrant mother. Rachel is inspired by her mother's story of bravery in establishing her life in the United States and paving the way for her younger sister, nieces and nephews.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Colombia, Russia |
Alicia SimanHome. Lives in Brooklyn, NY, and was born in Miami, FL
Job. Product Manager at United States Digital Service Pronouns. she/her What “Brave” means to you. Being brave is carrying fear and worry in your bones, yet trusting yourself to take the next step forward. |
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Biography.
Alicia is a Brooklyn-based product manager who focuses on bringing teams together to build from the ground up. Her experience spans digital consulting, startups, and, most recently, the White House’s U.S. Digital Service, where she worked on initiatives to improve access to public benefits and healthcare. She holds an MA from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA from American University.
Born in Miami just three minutes before her identical twin, Alicia comes from a big, lively Salvadoran-Palestinian family. She loves adventure and connecting people. In her free time, you’ll find her hosting BBQs, scuba diving, and exploring new places. Last year, she ran her first marathon for Brave House—where she may have spent as much time hugging people as running.
Alicia is a Brooklyn-based product manager who focuses on bringing teams together to build from the ground up. Her experience spans digital consulting, startups, and, most recently, the White House’s U.S. Digital Service, where she worked on initiatives to improve access to public benefits and healthcare. She holds an MA from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA from American University.
Born in Miami just three minutes before her identical twin, Alicia comes from a big, lively Salvadoran-Palestinian family. She loves adventure and connecting people. In her free time, you’ll find her hosting BBQs, scuba diving, and exploring new places. Last year, she ran her first marathon for Brave House—where she may have spent as much time hugging people as running.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
El Salvador |
Allison QuigneyHome. Brooklyn, NY
Job. Principal at Public Works Partners Pronouns. she/her/hers What “Brave” means to you. Being hopeful. Asking for help when you need it. Trusting yourself, even when you’re not sure what’s next. |
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Biography.
Allison has dedicated her career to helping mission-driven organizations have a greater impact in their communities, and she is excited to bring that perspective to The Brave House. After growing up in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Allison moved to New York where she received a BA in Metropolitan Studies from New York University and an MPA from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. She is a Principal at Public Works Partners, a management consulting firm, where she leads program design, performance improvement, and strategic and business planning projects for a wide array of nonprofit and government clients. Prior to this, she worked for NYC government, supporting workforce development and affordable housing initiatives. Through these experiences, she has come to believe that building community can help people from all backgrounds and experiences to thrive, no matter how big or confusing or unknown their surroundings are.
Allison has dedicated her career to helping mission-driven organizations have a greater impact in their communities, and she is excited to bring that perspective to The Brave House. After growing up in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Allison moved to New York where she received a BA in Metropolitan Studies from New York University and an MPA from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. She is a Principal at Public Works Partners, a management consulting firm, where she leads program design, performance improvement, and strategic and business planning projects for a wide array of nonprofit and government clients. Prior to this, she worked for NYC government, supporting workforce development and affordable housing initiatives. Through these experiences, she has come to believe that building community can help people from all backgrounds and experiences to thrive, no matter how big or confusing or unknown their surroundings are.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Italy, Chile, & Ireland |
Peter GoldwasserMember of the Board of Directors.
Job. Executive Director at Together for Safer Roads Home. Brooklyn, NY Pronouns. he/him What "Brave" means to you. Jumping when you aren't quite ready. |
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Biography.
Peter Goldwasser, Esq., has two decades of experience working across the public and private sectors, advising companies, non-profits and individuals on how to make a positive impact on the toughest issues. He is known for a leadership style that clients and colleagues characterize as authentic, creative, and empowering. From providing counsel to executives on social, political and business affairs, to working on the ground with community stakeholders, his focus is always on finding the central space where progress happens—building coalitions that transform challenging, diverse and often conflicting ideas into concrete strategy and actions.
Peter lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife, daughter and dog, Ollie.
Peter Goldwasser, Esq., has two decades of experience working across the public and private sectors, advising companies, non-profits and individuals on how to make a positive impact on the toughest issues. He is known for a leadership style that clients and colleagues characterize as authentic, creative, and empowering. From providing counsel to executives on social, political and business affairs, to working on the ground with community stakeholders, his focus is always on finding the central space where progress happens—building coalitions that transform challenging, diverse and often conflicting ideas into concrete strategy and actions.
Peter lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife, daughter and dog, Ollie.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Germany |
Ana Maria ChamorroMember of the Board of Directors.
Job. Strategic Partner Manager at Google Home. NYC, NY Pronouns. she/her What "Brave" means to you. Taking that step forward you've been thinking about. Knowing you have the certainty of what you've learned in the past, with your vision clear to where you're headed, an open heart and mind, and knowing that anything is possible. Even in the uncertain, there is certainty. |
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Biography.
Ana Maria is a Product Strategy and Marketing Lead at Google. Previous, Ana Maria worked at Meta starting in 2022 after spending 4+ years at Google working on product strategy and product policy. Prior to that, she received her MBA from University of Virginia Darden School of Business in 2018 and a BA in International Relations and Diplomacy from Seton Hall University in 2012. Ana Maria grew up primarily in Colombia, but has spent time in Ecuador, Venezuela, and Sweden. She is a yoga, meditation, and breathwork teacher and an aspiring creative writer.
Ana Maria is a Product Strategy and Marketing Lead at Google. Previous, Ana Maria worked at Meta starting in 2022 after spending 4+ years at Google working on product strategy and product policy. Prior to that, she received her MBA from University of Virginia Darden School of Business in 2018 and a BA in International Relations and Diplomacy from Seton Hall University in 2012. Ana Maria grew up primarily in Colombia, but has spent time in Ecuador, Venezuela, and Sweden. She is a yoga, meditation, and breathwork teacher and an aspiring creative writer.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Colombia |
