Katina is first and foremost a mom, not just to the four children she birthed, but to anyone who could benefit from an extra dose of a mother’s love. She is a writer, artist, resister, humanitarian, and a fierce defender of her family and friends. Born, raised and having returned to Pensacola, Florida ; her 35 years of volunteer work has always been marked with sunshine and a southern drawl. Since childhood, she has had a heart for those in the fringes, the misrepresented and the misunderstood. In any of the many towns, cities or counties she’s resided, you can find her in in the soup kitchen, the women’s shelter, organizing a children’s story hour or tending to the community garden. Her first career was as the Executive Director of Domestic Affairs and culinary artist for her growing family in addition to principal and teacher at her kitchen table academy in Hosten, Germany; She’s very fortunate that her second career in business administration and most recently in her scaled down role as administrative support for a local home health & hospice company, has landed her in the middle of historic downtown Pensacola where she can spend her lunch hours and early evenings on the park benches conversing with her favorite local residents and doing what she can to make sure their bellies and hearts are full.

Katina brings to Woven Heart vocational experience as an Administrative Assistant,Paralegal, Office Manger and Business Manager. She brings volunteer experience in crisis intervention, addiction recovery, domestic abuse recovery and mutual aid.

Her intense sense of justice, unwavering defense of human rights, and her abundant love for people make her an ideal advocate for the individuals and families we serve.

With Katina at the helm as Executive Director, you can be confident that the voices, needs and desires of those we serve will always be the center of everything we do.

Justine is dedicated and devoted midwestern mother of one amazing son. Currently residing in West Des Moines, Iowa, she works in Human Resources at one of largest health care systems in the U.S. Along with her prior experience in accounting and business, Justine brings years of customer based care and sacrificial service.  People are truly her passion. As an avid outdoor explorer, victim of wanderlust, yoga instructor, artist and musician, she has a keen interest in the cultures, ethos and unique customs of the many people she encounters in her adventures. The completion of her yoga instructor certification in 2018 is what ultimately lead to her dedication to social justice and advocacy. Through a teacher training course on trauma based yoga and education on the U.S. prison system, she gained a new perspective on the injustices and obstacles many face on a daily basis. She felt compelled to make fitness, wellness and mental well being accessible to those who have not had the opportunity to care for them themselves in this way and who could benefit the most. Since that time she has continued on her path of recognizing and using her privilege to stand up for the rights of the oppressed.

The families and individuals we serve are so fortunate to have Justine in their corner fighting for a better more equitable world for everyone.

Doreen Morris is a dedicated child welfare advocate with over 14 years of experience working to improve the lives of vulnerable children and families. She has been at the forefront of numerous initiatives aimed at promoting child safety, well-being, and permanency. Doreen is a versatile and adaptable leader with extensive experience coordinating and directing large projects across mission-focused organizations, collaborating with stakeholders at all levels to devise and deliver winning solutions, and advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives. Doreen is committed to advocating for systemic changes that address the root causes of child maltreatment and improve the overall child welfare system. Her unwavering dedication and compassionate approach have made a significant impact on countless lives, and they continue to be a powerful voice for children and families in need.

Morgan is a passionate educator, historian, and artist dedicated to fostering joy and holistic advocacy within her community. She fulfills her mission by creating spaces, programs, guest lectures, and arts initiatives that celebrate and critically examine the impact of marginalized populations—connecting their profound histories with their infinite imagined futures.

A versatile and dynamic leader, Morgan believes deeply in the power of meaningful partnerships to drive collective success. She inspires others to approach their work with empathy and compassion, always considering the broader community. Her expertise has earned her numerous fellowships and accolades across museum, arts, educational, and historical fields, recognizing her innovative and transformative contributions.

From her early efforts as a teenager creating resources for Southeast Asian immigrant communities to documenting the experiences of asylum-seeking children from South America, and now, as an accomplished young professional, developing educational programs that amplify local Black and American Indigenous histories in national institutions and galleries, Morgan has consistently championed the diverse global majority. Her work continues to inspire and make a profound impact on countless lives.

Evana is a dedicated mother of four children, residing in South Jersey, with a strong commitment to serving her community. She currently works as an assistant midwife, labor and postpartum Doula, childbirth educator, and monitrice through her business EvanaBirths; serving families during the journey of labor and postpartum. In addition, Evana holds the position of Doula Liaison Coordinator with all three Virtua Hospitals. She also has a background in community organizing and youth leadership through her role as a lead community organizer at GCLEA. Evana has worked as a youth organizer for Young Muslims Organization, coordinating activities for the masjid youth group, summer camps, Sisters and children events and programming and Ramadan And Eid coordination and planning.

Having lived in the Middle East and Africa from the age of 14 until 23 and frequently before and after that period, Evana has a deep understanding of the culture, customs, and speaks Arabic fluently. In her role at GCLEA, Evana has been actively involved in supporting refugee families, particularly Syrian and Afghani families, providing essential support and assistance. She brings a wealth of experience in community leadership and advocacy for diversity and inclusion.

As a new board member of our nonprofit organization, Evana's passion for empowering families aligns perfectly with our mission to support families around the world seeking escape from genocide, wars, and famine. Her dedication to serving marginalized communities and her commitment to creating sustainable programs make her a valuable addition to our team.