Angela Adams ~ I’m a writer, doula, and an herbalist‐in‐training. I live on a small farm in rural Illinois with my husband, two basenjis, two cats, five goats, and 30+ chickens. I’m addicted to education – both formal and informal – on topics from nutrition and herbal remedies, to theology and gender studies, from community development and social work, to fiber crafts like weaving, crochet, and knitting. My passions are encouraging others through the written word, reconciliation, and natural wellness. I believe any assistance we provide to developing nations must be sustainable and asset‐based – solutions that will stand the test of time long after “the Americans go back home.” I work as the Online Training Coordinator for a Texas risk management company that helps non‐profit organizations – like schools, churches, and social service agencies – reduce the risk that a child or vulnerable adult will be sexually abused while in their care.

Melissa Flick ~ I’m a feisty hippie chick. I work full time as an ER nurse in a rowdy county trauma center. I’m a Clinical Nurse Aromatherapist and I own an organic soap company, Body Balms. Body Balms holds the Guinness World Record for making the Largest Bar of Handmade Soap (it weighed in at 8.5 tons). I am a roller girl and currently rough it up with the Dallas Derby Devils as “Cupcake Crusher.” I love to volunteer with Operation Smile on medical missions, where I work as a post‐op nurse. My Operation Smile missions have taken me to India, Africa, Haiti (post‐earthquake for disaster relief), and Jordan. I feel passionate about empowering and educating women, and I’ve seen firsthand what a little small business education and lots of hard work can do for developing areas.

Heather Porterfield ~ I have been a nurse for 17+ years and I have an extensive history of medical care in county hospitals. I currently work at a Level One trauma hospital... but my true love is farming. I come from a long line of farmers and I am proud to contribute to the family farm. I love the feeling of giving to Mother Earth – and in return she gives produce, nutrition for livestock, shelter from weather, and crops to provide clothing. My goal in life is to empower women to think beyond the limits. Just because certain jobs/careers have been labeled ‘for men only’ does not mean that a female is not able to take the task. Women need to challenge themselves each and every day. I like to keep my life simple and am always searching for peace.

Joni Martin ~ I was born and raised in East Texas, and lived in Washington State and North Carolina before settling into my current location, a crunchy little suburb of Fort Worth, Texas, called North Richland Hills. I reside here, 2 blocks from the Community Garden, with my three extraordinary children, my superhero better half, Mark, and a dog that I tolerate (sometimes). Although I work full‐time as Director of Human Resources for one of the top ten employers in Fort Worth, my passions truly lie in the non‐profit sector, volunteering and leading organizations. I currently sit on the board of the Eleanor League, and volunteer for Sidelines International. I am a mother, a friend, a lover, a writer, a doula, and a manager, but I am, foundationally, just a Girl who is an eternal optimist, full of hope, and a curious student of the world around me.