Beth spent 10 years as a jewelry designer and BraveWorks is a perfect convergence of her experiences. Beth most recently was the National Charity Director at BeautyKind, and also has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector and currently sits on several boards. She graduated from Vanderbilt University and is is married to her college sweetheart, Doug, and they have two incredible sons, Doug and Freeman.

Lori serves as the Operations Director for BraveWorks, overseeing all operational aspects of our mission.  Lori brings an extensive background in retail encompassing operations and staff management coupled with personal and commercial styling.  At BraveWorks, Lori is excited to fulfill her dream of joining an organization that strives to have an impact on those they serve.  She considers herself fortunate to be part of BraveWorks' empowering mission!

Gloria recently joined the BraveWorks team as our Program Director after a 30+ year career in human services and social work, including program development, implementation and assessment. Gloria has her MSW and is committed to developing programs that assist women in recognizing their power and strength to move beyond life challenges. She is the proud mother of two adult sons, Devon and Sean and blessed with a wonderful daughter-in-law.

Patti recently joined BraveWorks after a successful career in healthcare administration and nonprofit accounting.  She was called back to the nonprofit world and found her dream job at BraveWorks.  Patti is passionate about women’s empowerment and giving back to the community.  A Boston native, she and her husband Chris recently relocated to Charlotte from Portland Oregon where their 2 amazing children still live.

Rachel comes from a background of serving women through personal training, and most recently, Office Management. She was on the search for a career with a deeper purpose, and when she came across BraveWorks, she knew that the stars had aligned. Her passion for serving women, along with her love of local shops, makes BraveWorks the perfect place for her to thrive.

Lauren joined Braveworks after serving in the mental and behavioral health field for 10 years. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist she brings a special skill set to the program and the women we serve. Lauren desires to come alongside the artisans to further empower, strengthen, and help transform them from the inside out, and we are thrilled to have her on our team!

It was a passion for fashion and experience in textile and apparel design that led Mary Liz to NYC and the world of fine jewelry. After her time spent there, she discovered her passion for colored stones. Mary Liz met her husband, Raj, in California at the Gemological Institute of America. Mary Liz loves meeting new people, traveling, and hanging with family, especially their daughters, Isabel and Mary Alice.

Jakobi recently joined the BraveWorks team, bringing a background in serving children through teaching and most recently working in the logistics and the supply chain field. She pays attention to the little things and enjoys managing multiple tasks at a time. She was in search of a career that would deepen her purpose in community and allow her to be involved in something greater. She is passionate about helping others, diversity and inclusion, and has a long-lasting appreciation for handcrafted goods, and ethical and sustainable fashion. Jakobi enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, Taivion, and her black golden doodle puppy, Nova. We are thrilled to have Jakobi on the team!

Molly joins Braveworks after serving as a care provider for vulnerable adults and adults with disabilities in California for over 10 years. Her love of art and jewelry making led her to teaching jewelry making to her clients and the community at large. Molly is thrilled to have found Braveworks after leaving California and is honored to be a part of the team fulfilling the Braveworks mission.

Joyce is new to the Charlotte area and has recently joined the Braveworks team! Joyce has a B.A. in Sociology from Seton Hall University and has years’ experience working with the refugee and immigrant communities. Joyce is eager to work, empower, and spiritually strengthen the women in our Artisan Program.  She is passionate about cultures and traveling- having lived in 9 different cities, in 5 different countries!

For the past decade Michele has owned her own business as an Interior Decorator Consultant, and she brings her passion for design and love for people to the BraveWorks team.  Michele is excited to be a part of BraveWorks’ mission to empower women and their families and is a joy to have around. In her spare time, Michele enjoys yoga and spending time with family and friends.

Hala has worked in retail for about 3 years and has 4 year experience in social media marketing, branding and management. Hala has been looking for purposeful work and found BraveWorks -  which also aligns with her interest in learning more about our neighboring countries through art. Hala has a background in graphic design and has branding experience and has launched brands nationwide through freelance opportunities.

Mary comes from Burma and as a loving mother of three. She’s a self-described woman of few words, but the words she speaks bring power and hope to so many, including our staff and artisans at BraveWorks! When she’s not at BraveWorks, she’s busy working in her garden, cooking, chasing her youngest son, Henry, and loving on her church community.

Kidist is originally from Ethiopia and embodies a Proverbs 31 woman in every way. Her optimism, diligence, and incredible work ethic make her an amazing leader. When she’s not busy guiding our artisans through our programming, Kidist enjoys sewing, taking her beautiful family on walks, and hosting family nights complete with delicious food and movie watching.