The Brave House team consists primarily of advisors and volunteers, who we proudly highlight below, as well as a full-time staff of 5 who lead the day-to-day legal and holistic service provision and programming.
We appreciate the time and energy of all our team members who leverage their unique professional and educational experiences and diverse perspectives to strengthen our mission every day. We are proud of our collaborative, community-based approach to making an impact.
Read our DEI Statement here.
Support our mission here.
We appreciate the time and energy of all our team members who leverage their unique professional and educational experiences and diverse perspectives to strengthen our mission every day. We are proud of our collaborative, community-based approach to making an impact.
Read our DEI Statement here.
Support our mission here.
Meet Our Team
Board of Directors
Brave House Team Culture Manifesto
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. |
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.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Portugal and Ireland |
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. |
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.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Peru |
Leora Sammett
Leadership Advocate.
Home. Boston, MA Pronouns. she/her/hers What “Brave” means to you. Brave means returning to internal sources of power and resiliency, despite all that may try to diminish such sources. It means the ability to overcome. |
Biography.
Leora studied Sociology and Spanish, with a focus in Latin American Studies, at Franklin & Marshall College. She is passionate about trying new food, spending time by the ocean, dancing, and chatting, chatting, chatting. Leora has experience supporting and advocating for immigrant communities in both Boston and Lancaster, PA, and is thrilled to be working with such vibrant communities in NYC!
Leora 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. Leora 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.
Leora studied Sociology and Spanish, with a focus in Latin American Studies, at Franklin & Marshall College. She is passionate about trying new food, spending time by the ocean, dancing, and chatting, chatting, chatting. Leora has experience supporting and advocating for immigrant communities in both Boston and Lancaster, PA, and is thrilled to be working with such vibrant communities in NYC!
Leora 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. Leora 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.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Guatemala |
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. |
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.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Mabel SmithDirector of Development & Operations.
Home. Brooklyn, NY Pronouns. she/her What “Brave” means to you. Being curious about and embracing the outside of your comfort zone. |
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’s Initiative for a Just Society. She plays the trombone, bikes, and makes art in her free time.
Mabel manages day-to-day operations at the Brave House, including working with volunteers, board members, and interns, strategizing outreach and marketing, office management, and sourcing and engaging community partnerships. She facilitates development, including completing grant applications and reports, communicating with donors and sponsors, budgeting, conducting strategic planning, and data integration and analysis in Salesforce.
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’s Initiative for a Just Society. She plays the trombone, bikes, and makes art in her free time.
Mabel manages day-to-day operations at the Brave House, including working with volunteers, board members, and interns, strategizing outreach and marketing, office management, and sourcing and engaging community partnerships. She facilitates development, including completing grant applications and reports, communicating with donors and sponsors, budgeting, conducting strategic planning, and data integration and analysis in Salesforce.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Greece & Sweden |
Shiyulli SuriyakumarMentorship Coordinator.
Job. Strategy and Operations at Microsoft Home. Brooklyn, NY What “Brave” means to you. Speaking up for yourself and others (especially when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular); not letting trauma or obstacles define you; bringing kindness, humility, and tenacity to everything you do. |
Biography.
Shiyulli currently works in Strategy and Operations at Microsoft and volunteers with the Brave House Mentorship Program. Previously, she worked at Taproot Foundation, a nonprofit that builds the capacity of other social change organizations, where she worked with multinational companies to design and scale high-impact skill-based volunteering programs. Shiyulli also sits on the Junior Board of Hour Children, a New York-based nonprofit providing wraparound services for women re-entering society and reuniting with their families after incarceration. When she’s not at work, you can find her rock climbing with friends in the Shawgunks, tinkering in her kitchen, or buried in a great book.
Shiyulli currently works in Strategy and Operations at Microsoft and volunteers with the Brave House Mentorship Program. Previously, she worked at Taproot Foundation, a nonprofit that builds the capacity of other social change organizations, where she worked with multinational companies to design and scale high-impact skill-based volunteering programs. Shiyulli also sits on the Junior Board of Hour Children, a New York-based nonprofit providing wraparound services for women re-entering society and reuniting with their families after incarceration. When she’s not at work, you can find her rock climbing with friends in the Shawgunks, tinkering in her kitchen, or buried in a great book.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Sri Lanka |
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. |
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.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
El Salvador <3 |
Jurnie AugusteOutreach Volunteer.
Home. Albany, GA 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. |
Biography.
Jurnie is currently a rising Senior pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Global Public Health and Anthropology at New York University. She is passionate about women’s health, food insecurity, and health disparities amongst marginalized communities. You can often find Jurnie at a concert, the movie theatre, or reading a book. Jurnie will also take any free time to travel and is always open to new recommendations!
Jurnie is currently a rising Senior pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Global Public Health and Anthropology at New York University. She is passionate about women’s health, food insecurity, and health disparities amongst marginalized communities. You can often find Jurnie at a concert, the movie theatre, or reading a book. Jurnie will also take any free time to travel and is always open to new recommendations!
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Port-au-Prince, Haiti |
Dana MolinaParalegal Advocate.
Home. Sarasota, Florida Pronouns. she/her What "Brave" means to you. To be Brave is to face what is most difficult, and through this, embrace our fears. |
Biography.
Dana is a student at Barnard College who aspires to study law. She loves to read, exercise, and spend time with family and friends. She is excited to be part of The Brave House and create life-long connections.
Dana is a student at Barnard College who aspires to study law. She loves to read, exercise, and spend time with family and friends. She is excited to be part of The Brave House and create life-long connections.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
My family immigrated from Argentina! |
Danney SalvatierraPro Bono Attorney.
Home. New York, NY Pronouns. she/her/hers What "Brave" means to you. Being brave means having the courage to follow your heart. To be human is to be brave. |
Biography.
Danney Salvatierra was born in Peru and immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of 13. Danney completed her undergraduate studies in Political Science and Global Media Communication at Florida International University. Specialized fields of study include: political repression and human rights, international relations, Latin American foreign policy, and global economic and social affairs. Danney also utilized her communications degree to explore the field of public relations and marketing. She worked as a public relations specialist for an art company located in Wynwood, Miami. After spending a year working with artists and curators, she found a true passion for visual arts, film, photography, poetry, and storytelling. These art forms remain her favorite hobbies.
Prior to law school, she traveled as a volunteer to rural areas in Latin America to work on sanitation and education projects for underdeveloped communities. She received her law degree from New York Law School. During her law school career, Danney was actively involved with the Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA) and the Immigration Law Students Association (ILSA). She worked as a legal intern for human rights organizations such as Church World Service and Human Rights First. In that capacity, she has advocated for immigrant children, families, and refugee communities. She also participated in New York Law School’s asylum clinic, where she helped a couple obtain asylum in the United States after facing years of persecution in their home country due to their sexuality. Since graduating law school, Danney has provided legal representation to vulnerable communities during her time working as a staff attorney at African Services Committee and Make The Road NY in the areas of affirmative and defensive immigration matters, landlord/tenant, family, public benefits, and advanced directives.
Today, Danney is a probono immigration attorney for The Brave House. She is also working on employment-based immigrant visas for U.S.-based companies, specifically restaurants (freelance).
Spanish is Danney’s first language. She loves to learn new languages. She is currently trying to learn French and Dutch!
Danney Salvatierra was born in Peru and immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of 13. Danney completed her undergraduate studies in Political Science and Global Media Communication at Florida International University. Specialized fields of study include: political repression and human rights, international relations, Latin American foreign policy, and global economic and social affairs. Danney also utilized her communications degree to explore the field of public relations and marketing. She worked as a public relations specialist for an art company located in Wynwood, Miami. After spending a year working with artists and curators, she found a true passion for visual arts, film, photography, poetry, and storytelling. These art forms remain her favorite hobbies.
Prior to law school, she traveled as a volunteer to rural areas in Latin America to work on sanitation and education projects for underdeveloped communities. She received her law degree from New York Law School. During her law school career, Danney was actively involved with the Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA) and the Immigration Law Students Association (ILSA). She worked as a legal intern for human rights organizations such as Church World Service and Human Rights First. In that capacity, she has advocated for immigrant children, families, and refugee communities. She also participated in New York Law School’s asylum clinic, where she helped a couple obtain asylum in the United States after facing years of persecution in their home country due to their sexuality. Since graduating law school, Danney has provided legal representation to vulnerable communities during her time working as a staff attorney at African Services Committee and Make The Road NY in the areas of affirmative and defensive immigration matters, landlord/tenant, family, public benefits, and advanced directives.
Today, Danney is a probono immigration attorney for The Brave House. She is also working on employment-based immigrant visas for U.S.-based companies, specifically restaurants (freelance).
Spanish is Danney’s first language. She loves to learn new languages. She is currently trying to learn French and Dutch!
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Peru |
Hannah MitchellPart-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. |
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.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Germany, Scotland |
Priya RamanathanHome. Brooklyn, NY
Job. Head of Growth at FutureFit AI 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. |
Biography.
Priya is the Head of Growth at FutureFit AI. 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 also previously worked 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 Head of Growth at FutureFit AI. 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 also previously worked 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.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
India |
Celine NehmeHome. Brooklyn, NY and Los Angeles, CA
Job. Development Director, Anti-Recidivism Coalition 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. |
Biography.
Celine Nehme is 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 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.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
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. |
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.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Italy and Ireland. |
Emily Rose
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.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Italy & Scotland |
Mikelina BelainehMember of the Board of Directors.
Job. Community Builder & Consultant at Campaign Zero Home. Brooklyn, NY. What “Brave” means to you. To be your most authentic self when the world tells you to be something or someone else. |
Biography.
Mikelina has spent their career exploring how to facilitate community regeneration and empowerment in marginalized communities. Their work has focused on examining the disparate impact of the criminal legal system on black and brown communities and working with various stakeholders (impacted community, advocates, government decision makers, and experts) to explore innovative solutions. Currently, they do nonprofit consulting at Transformation Collective. Mikelina was formerly the Director of Criminal Law and Policy at the Last Prisoner Project, a Program Associate at the Vera Institute, and an Adjunct Professor at Hofstra University teaching on race, gender, and mass incarceration. They were also the Chief Program Officer for the non-profit InnerCity Weightlifting, a street violence reduction program serving street and gang-involved young adults by connecting them with new resources, networks, and opportunities.
Mikelina became interested in social justice issues in college, where they spent their four years organizing around LGBTQ+ issues in rural parts of Texas. In law school, they narrowed their focus to issues around criminal justice, recognizing it as a system that has implications for all areas of social justice, and therefore, an opportunity to facilitate great impact. Mikelina holds a JD from Harvard Law School, where they served as co-president on the board of Lambda and co-founded the Queer and Trans People of Color student organization. Mikelina also has a BA with honors from Texas A&M University. Mikelina was born and raised in Arlington, TX, where their family and community settled after immigrating from Ethiopia.
Mikelina has spent their career exploring how to facilitate community regeneration and empowerment in marginalized communities. Their work has focused on examining the disparate impact of the criminal legal system on black and brown communities and working with various stakeholders (impacted community, advocates, government decision makers, and experts) to explore innovative solutions. Currently, they do nonprofit consulting at Transformation Collective. Mikelina was formerly the Director of Criminal Law and Policy at the Last Prisoner Project, a Program Associate at the Vera Institute, and an Adjunct Professor at Hofstra University teaching on race, gender, and mass incarceration. They were also the Chief Program Officer for the non-profit InnerCity Weightlifting, a street violence reduction program serving street and gang-involved young adults by connecting them with new resources, networks, and opportunities.
Mikelina became interested in social justice issues in college, where they spent their four years organizing around LGBTQ+ issues in rural parts of Texas. In law school, they narrowed their focus to issues around criminal justice, recognizing it as a system that has implications for all areas of social justice, and therefore, an opportunity to facilitate great impact. Mikelina holds a JD from Harvard Law School, where they served as co-president on the board of Lambda and co-founded the Queer and Trans People of Color student organization. Mikelina also has a BA with honors from Texas A&M University. Mikelina was born and raised in Arlington, TX, where their family and community settled after immigrating from Ethiopia.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Ethiopia and Eritrea |
Loretta Lopez Carstensen
Member of the Board of Directors.
Job. Clinical Social Worker/Psychotherapist at Department of Veteran Affairs Home. Brooklyn, NY What “Brave” means to you. Listening to the voices of the unheard and recognizing that they have stories to tell. |
Biography.
Loretta was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico. She immigrated to NY at 18 to study Creative Writing at Bard College. Since then, she has lived in Texas, Vietnam, Queens, NY, and Brooklyn, NY, her current home. She is a writer, aspiring illustrator, and a non-profit professional focused on bettering the lives of refugees and survivors of gender based violence. She received her MSW from Columbia's School of Social Work and is a clinical social worker and psychotherapist in the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs in Brooklyn, providing direct treatment services to clients.
Loretta was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico. She immigrated to NY at 18 to study Creative Writing at Bard College. Since then, she has lived in Texas, Vietnam, Queens, NY, and Brooklyn, NY, her current home. She is a writer, aspiring illustrator, and a non-profit professional focused on bettering the lives of refugees and survivors of gender based violence. She received her MSW from Columbia's School of Social Work and is a clinical social worker and psychotherapist in the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs in Brooklyn, providing direct treatment services to clients.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Mexico |
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. |
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.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Colombia, Russia |
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.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Italy, Chile, & Ireland |
Karelle Gordon
Member of the Board of Directors.
Job. Director of Strategy and Operations at Fortune Media Home. Brooklyn, NY Pronouns. she/her/hers What "Brave" means to you. Even in the unknown, doing it anyway. |
Biography.
Karelle Gordon is a Marketing Director at Fortune Media. She is responsible for growth and partnerships of Fortune Education, a newly launched business.
Prior to joining Fortune Media, she worked in strategic partnerships, marketing, and event production at several companies within the FinTech and Tech space.
Karelle’s greatest strengths are her creativity, drive and leadership. She thrives in the startup space, particularly in areas of business that help expand the company’s visibility and reach. Her most recent project involves a partnership that focuses on lead generation, data-driven marketing, and growth marketing.
As a seasoned marketing professional, with over 10 years of experience, Karelle is known for innovation, implementation, and driving brand growth.
Originally from Miami, by way of Kingston, Jamaica, she is now based in New York City.
Karelle Gordon is a Marketing Director at Fortune Media. She is responsible for growth and partnerships of Fortune Education, a newly launched business.
Prior to joining Fortune Media, she worked in strategic partnerships, marketing, and event production at several companies within the FinTech and Tech space.
Karelle’s greatest strengths are her creativity, drive and leadership. She thrives in the startup space, particularly in areas of business that help expand the company’s visibility and reach. Her most recent project involves a partnership that focuses on lead generation, data-driven marketing, and growth marketing.
As a seasoned marketing professional, with over 10 years of experience, Karelle is known for innovation, implementation, and driving brand growth.
Originally from Miami, by way of Kingston, Jamaica, she is now based in New York City.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Kingston, Jamaica |
Sumita Saini
Member of the Board of Directors.
Job. Chief Financial Officer at Blu Dot Home. Warren, NJ Pronouns. she/her What "Brave" means to you. Moving forward, even when afraid. Not losing to fear – but standing defiantly against all odds, staying resilient and strong, while protecting those weaker.. |
Biography.
Sumita is Senior Vice President at Finance at Bed Bath & Beyond. Prior to this, Sumita was SVP and Chief Financial Officer at Party City leading the Retail division. Her career spans several prominent national retailers where she helped lead transformation/change across the organization. She has been recognized as a trusted strategic business partner and as a female leader and mentor.
She completed her Executive Education in Strategic Finance from Harvard University in Boston, MA and received an MBA in Finance from the University of Akron in Akron, OH. She holds a BA in Spanish and Business from JNU, India and is a certified Six Sigma green belt. Her speaking engagements include keynote speaker in Financial Planning & Analysis/Pricing, and she has participated as a panelist on several finance groups with other senior finance leaders sharing her expertise.
Sumita has always been passionate about helping women advance in their careers. She served on the Northeast Ohio Stem Alliance Board (2006-2015), a non-profit originally founded to encourage middle school girls in STEM and driven by demand expanded to include all through high school. She strongly believes that education and exposure to career pathways is key to success, and this enhanced knowledge gives women courage and confidence to increase their chances at winning in the workplace.
Sumita is Senior Vice President at Finance at Bed Bath & Beyond. Prior to this, Sumita was SVP and Chief Financial Officer at Party City leading the Retail division. Her career spans several prominent national retailers where she helped lead transformation/change across the organization. She has been recognized as a trusted strategic business partner and as a female leader and mentor.
She completed her Executive Education in Strategic Finance from Harvard University in Boston, MA and received an MBA in Finance from the University of Akron in Akron, OH. She holds a BA in Spanish and Business from JNU, India and is a certified Six Sigma green belt. Her speaking engagements include keynote speaker in Financial Planning & Analysis/Pricing, and she has participated as a panelist on several finance groups with other senior finance leaders sharing her expertise.
Sumita has always been passionate about helping women advance in their careers. She served on the Northeast Ohio Stem Alliance Board (2006-2015), a non-profit originally founded to encourage middle school girls in STEM and driven by demand expanded to include all through high school. She strongly believes that education and exposure to career pathways is key to success, and this enhanced knowledge gives women courage and confidence to increase their chances at winning in the workplace.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
India |
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. |
Biography.
Ana Maria is a Product Strategy and Marketing Lead at Meta where she focused on productizing solutions for all Meta users under 18. Ana Maria joined Meta 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 Meta where she focused on productizing solutions for all Meta users under 18. Ana Maria joined Meta 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.
What song is energizing you today?
|
|
Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Colombia |